Law is a respected career choice in India. Many students who want to become lawyers or legal experts often choose to do either LLB or LLM degrees. Both of these law degrees have their benefits. The right choice for you will depend on what you want to achieve in your career. This article will explain the difference between LLB and LLM law degrees, what kind of career opportunities you can get, how much the fees are, and what you need to be eligible for these courses. What Are LLB and LLM Law Degrees? LLB, which means Bachelor of Legislative Law, is a law degree that you can get after you finish your studies. You can do LLB in two ways: you can do it as a 3-year course after you graduate from college. You can do it as a 5-year integrated course after you finish Class 12. LLM, which means Master of Laws is a law degree that you can get after you finish your postgraduate studies. To do LLM you need to have completed your LLB degree. The LLM course usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete. Eligibility Criteria For LLB and LLM For LLB the eligibility criteria are as follows:For the 5-year LLB course you need to have passed Class 12th with the required marks. For the 3-year LLB course you need to have graduated from college in any stream. There are also entrance tests like CLAT, AILET, DU LLB and MH CET Law that can help you get admission to these courses. For LLM the eligibility criteria are as follows: You need to have completed your 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a recognised university. There are also entrance exams like CLAT PG AILET PG and CUET LLM that are commonly taken for admission to LLM courses. Course Fees For LLB and LLM In India The fees for LLB and LLM courses can vary a lot depending on the type of college you choose to study in. In government law colleges the fees for the 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB courses are around ₹8,000 to ₹50,000 per year. The fees for the LLM course are around ₹12,000 to ₹50,000 per year. In National Law Universities the fees are higher. For example the BA LLB course at NLSIU Bengaluru costs around ₹4.55 lakh per year and the LLM course also costs around ₹4.55 lakh per year. In colleges the fees can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh per year or more depending on the reputation and infrastructure of the college. Note that these fees are only approximate and can change every year. Also there may be scholarships for students who deserve them. Career Opportunities After Completing LLB After you complete your LLB degree you will have career opportunities. You can practice law. Become an advocate in courts at the district, high court and Supreme Court levels. You can work as a law officer or legal advisor in firms and government departments. You can also become a judge by taking the state exams. You can work as a researcher or consultant with think-tanks and NGOs. Many government institutions, such as the Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi and the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University offer law programmes for Indian students. Career Benefits Of LLM The LLM degree can help you specialise in areas like law, constitutional law, international law and intellectual property rights. It can be useful if you want to get roles in corporate legal teams. It can be useful if you want to pursue careers and research. It can also give you chances of getting jobs in specialised legal fields. People who have completed their LLM degree may earn more than those who have only completed their LLB degree in big law firms and multinational companies. Which Law Degree Is Better? It really depends on what your goal's If you want to start practising law and become a lawyer then you should choose the LLB degree. If you want to get knowledge, higher positions, teaching or research roles then you should choose the LLM degree. Both LLB and LLM degrees have their value. The LLB degree is the step towards becoming a lawyer. The LLM degree adds depth. Can improve your career growth if you do it from a reputed college. LLB degree is necessary to enter the profession. The LLM degree gives you specialisation and better opportunities in fields. You should think about your interests and career plan before choosing which degree to pursue. With the degree and effort you can have a rewarding and respected career in law, in India.
