Law Degree in India: LLB, BA LLB & LLM Explained

There are three types of law courses in India: the three-year LLB for graduates, the five-year BA LLB for those who have passed Class 12, and the LLM for law graduates. The Bar Council of India (BCI) regulates these courses. Being enrolled as an advocate requires a degree approved by the BCI. The 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST) are necessary for taking up integrated courses, whereas LLB requires a graduate degree from anywhere.

What Are The Law Courses In India?

The Bar Council of India (BCI) recognises two entry ways into law: either a five-year integrated course after Class 12 or a three-year law degree after graduation, followed by postgraduate study, whichever may come first.

BA LLB Course

The BA LLB pairs arts subjects with law across ten semesters. It is the standard Law degree after 12th, and graduates become eligible to practise a year earlier than through graduation plus LLB.

LLB Course

This three-year course admits graduates from any field. As a post-graduation law degree, it is best suited for latecomers to the law profession. Practice requires taking the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) for a Certificate of Practice.

LLM Course

Master of Laws, commonly known as LLM, is a postgraduate law programme designed for students who have completed an LLB or an integrated law degree. In India, universities offer LLM courses with a duration of either one or two years, depending on their course structure and admission criteria. 

The Consortium of NLUs conducts admissions to one-year LLM programmes through CLAT PG at participating universities, while certain other institutions continue to offer two-year LLM courses.

Students Must Know:

• Top Law Colleges in Haryana
• Best Law Colleges in Delhi NCR

One-Year LLM vs Two-Year LLM: Major Differences

Quick Comparison — LLB vs BA LLB vs LLM at a Glance

Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria & Entrance Exams

In India, getting into a Law programme is through an entrance score or merit-based admission. Dates for the 2027-28 intake are shown here.

What Are Major Entrance Exams For Law Courses In India?

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Law Courses in India?

What Is The Admission Procedure For Law Courses In India?

• BA LLB: Register at consortiumofnlus.ac.in before 31 October 2026 (₹4,000; ₹3,500 for SC/ST/PwD/BPL), then give the CLAT UG exam on 6 December. Attend NLU counselling. To apply for NLU Delhi, apply before 10 November 2026 and give the AILET exam on 13 December: English, current affairs, and logical reasoning, with 0.25 negative marking. For Geeta Global Law School, register for admission with a CUET score, CLAT merit or Class 12 marks, then submit documents and make payment.
• LLB: Hold a bachelor’s degree with around 45%. Apply to the institute and appear for its entrance exam or LSAT India. In Maharashtra institutes, use MH CET Law for admission.
• LLM: Hold an LLB degree with 50% (45% for reserved category). Register on the same portal and appear for the CLAT PG exam on 6 December; for NLU Delhi, give AILET PG on 13 December. Geeta Global Law School admits students for LLM through LLB marks.

Documents required for Law courses in India: mark sheets, migration certificate, ID proof, Aadhaar, category certificate, three photographs.

What are the Career Options After A Degree In Law?

How Can Geeta Global Law School (Geeta University) Help?

Among the best Law Colleges in India, Geeta Global Law School (GGLS) offers BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), LLM and PhD from Geeta University, Panipat, Delhi NCR, Haryana. Established in 2022–23, it belongs to a UGC recognised university.

• Programs: BA LLB and BBA LLB (five years); LLM (one year).
• Practice: Moot court hall, legal aid clinics, and internship credits.
• Electives: Corporate, criminal, constitutional, IPR, and family law.
• Skills: Geeta Finishing School (GFS) for communication and interview preparation; Geeta Technical Hub (GTH) for tech certification.
• Placements: Geeta University claims a ₹1.40 Crore highest package, 550+ recruiters, 3,500+ job offers.
• Admission process: CUET, CLAT merit, or direct admission.
• Honorary Professor: former Supreme Court Judge Rajesh Bindal, and the curriculum follows NEP 2020.

Refer below for more details:

geetauniversity.edu.in/programs/geeta-global-law-school, geetauniversity.edu.in/fee-and-scholarship 

Conclusion

Deciding upon a legal stream depends on your present education level and your future career plans. Whether you want to join the field immediately after schooling or after graduate studies, professional law colleges such as Geeta Global Law School will provide all the guidance, infrastructure, and placement assistance for future success.