Master of Law
Master of Law (LLM) is a postgraduate law programme open to candidates with a bachelor's degree in law (LLB), that builds advanced knowledge in a chosen area such as constitutional law, criminal law, corporate law or intellectual property. Under the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of LL.M. Degree) Regulations, 2012, LLM is structured as a one-year, full-time programme, though many universities continue to offer a two-year LLM instead. The curriculum combines advanced coursework, research methodology, a dissertation and often a moot court or internship component. Admission is usually through CLAT-PG, university-specific entrance tests, or in some cases CUET-PG. LLM suits law graduates aiming for academia, research, litigation specialisation, judiciary or corporate legal careers.
About Master of Law
Master of Law (LLM) is a postgraduate law programme open to candidates with a bachelor's degree in law (LLB), that builds advanced knowledge in a chosen area such as constitutional law, criminal law, corporate law or intellectual property. Under the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of LL.M. Degree) Regulations, 2012, LLM is structured as a one-year, full-time programme, though many universities continue to offer a two-year LLM instead. The curriculum combines advanced coursework, research methodology, a dissertation and often a moot court or internship component. Admission is usually through CLAT-PG, university-specific entrance tests, or in some cases CUET-PG. LLM suits law graduates aiming for academia, research, litigation specialisation, judiciary or corporate legal careers.
Why Choose LLM
Depth in a chosen specialisation
LLM allows a law graduate to study one area, such as constitutional law, corporate law or IP law, in much greater depth than LLB.
Useful for academia and research
An LLM, combined with UGC-NET/JRF or a PhD, opens a route into teaching and legal research.
Supports judiciary and competitive exam preparation
The advanced study and research skills built during LLM can support preparation for judicial services and other legal examinations.
Edge in corporate and litigation roles
A specialised LLM can add value for corporate legal, compliance and litigation roles that need deeper subject expertise.
Detailed Syllabus (2 semesters over 1 year (many universities also offer a 2-year, 4-semester LLM))
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | Bachelor's degree in law (LLB, three-year after graduation or five-year integrated) from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India; most universities ask for 50–55% aggregate marks, though institutions may ask for more. |
| Mandatory Subjects | LLB degree (3-year after graduation, or 5-year integrated) from a recognised university |
| Entrance Exams | CLAT-PG, AILET (for National Law University, Delhi), CUET-PG (at several central universities), University-level LLM entrance tests |
Admission Process
Complete an LLB degree
Complete a three-year LLB after graduation, or a five-year integrated law degree, from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India.
Appear for CLAT-PG or a university test
Register for and appear in CLAT-PG, AILET, CUET-PG or the specific university's own LLM entrance test, depending on where you apply.
Apply to universities
Fill the application form of the chosen university or counselling authority and submit the required documents.
Counselling and seat allotment
Participate in counselling based on the entrance score or LLB marks, and confirm seat allotment.
Admission confirmation
Complete document verification, pay the admission fee and complete enrolment formalities.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹40,000 – ₹1,25,000 per year (typical range across 30 colleges on CollegeChalo) |
| Private Institutions | ₹85,000 – ₹1,80,000 per year (typical range across 146 colleges on CollegeChalo) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹40,000 – ₹1,80,000 for a 1-year LLM (roughly double over a 2-year LLM at similar annual fees), depending on a government or private institution |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹3–4.5 LPA |
| Payback Period | 1–3 years |
Figures are indicative and vary enormously by specialisation, institution and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Regular full-time PG students above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year. | ₹12,000 per year (UG, first three years); ₹20,000 per year (PG, and years 4–5 of five-year courses) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST or OBC students within the applicable income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Top Recruiters
Typical Salary Packages
| Legal Associate (Law Firm) | Avg: ₹3.5 LPA | Range: ₹2.8–5 LPA |
| Legal Researcher | Avg: ₹3.2 LPA | Range: ₹2.5–4.5 LPA |
| Corporate Legal/Compliance Associate | Avg: ₹4 LPA | Range: ₹3–6 LPA |
| Assistant Professor (Law, after NET/PhD) | Avg: ₹4.5 LPA | Range: ₹3.6–6 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary enormously by employer, specialisation, institution and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically start as associates in a law firm or chamber, as legal researchers, or as junior counsel, often while also preparing for judiciary or teaching exams.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, or after qualifying UGC-NET/JRF or a judicial services exam, professionals move into senior associate, in-house counsel, teaching or junior judicial roles.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced professionals can become partners at a firm, head a company's legal function, or move up the academic ladder.
Advanced
10+ yearsAt a senior level, professionals may lead a law firm's practice area, head a large organisation's legal department, or serve in the judiciary after years of practice and qualifying exams.