How to Become a Lawyer in India: Step-by-step
Paths, eligibility, entrance tests (CLAT, AILET, others), fees, career options and salary expectations — all in one place.
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Quick path summary
Two main academic pathways lead to the legal profession:
3-year LLB (Graduate entry)
Complete a bachelor's degree (any discipline) → apply to 3-year LLB programs → complete 3 years of study → enroll with State Bar Council and complete enrollment formalities.
- Typical duration:3 years
- Eligibility: Bachelor's degree + university-specific cutoffs
5-year Integrated LLB (after 10+2)
Apply after 10+2 to integrated programs like BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB. These typically combine humanities/commerce with law subjects.
- Typical duration:5 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) and entrance test where applicable
LLM (Postgraduate)
After LLB, candidates can pursue LLM to specialize. Course duration at institutes may vary (see 'LLM duration' below).
Eligibility & Common requirements
3-Year LLB
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. Universities may have a minimum percentage (e.g., 45–50%) and conduct admissions via merit or entrance tests.
5-Year Integrated LLB
10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Many NLUs & private colleges admit through national/college-level entrance tests.
Major entrance exams (overview)
Popular tests used for admission to law programs in India:
CLAT (Consortium of NLUs)
Used by many National Law Universities for UG & PG admissions. Date and application window are released annually by the CLAT consortium.
Typical timing:December (annual window — check official site).
AILET (NLU Delhi)
National Law University, Delhi conducts AILET separately for admission to its UG & PG programs. Date and pattern are announced on NLUD's official site.
College-level & state exams
Many private law colleges have their own tests (e.g., SLAT, Symbiosis) or admit via merit/other national exams. Always verify the college website for dates.
| Exam | Typical exam window | Who conducts |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT (UG/PG) | Usually early December (varies by year) | Consortium of NLUs |
| AILET | Usually early December (NLU Delhi announces date) | National Law University, Delhi |
| SLAT / College tests | Varies (April–June / Aug–Oct often) | Individual universities (Symbiosis, etc.) |
Fee structure — examples & ranges
Fees vary widely: central NLUs, private universities and state colleges have different fee profiles. Below are representative figures (use as guide; confirm on college pages).
| Institute (example) | Course | Approx. annual fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU, Bengaluru (example) | BA LLB | ~₹2.5–4.5 Lakh p.a. (varies by year & student type) |
| NLU Delhi (example) | BA LLB | ~₹1.5–2.0 Lakh p.a. (plus hostel & services) |
| Symbiosis Law School (example) | BA LLB | ~₹4.0–4.5 Lakh p.a. (private university) |
| State universities (govt.) | LLB / BA LLB | Often much lower — ₹10k to ₹1.5 Lakh p.a. depending on college |
Notes: fees can includetuition,academic services,hostelandone-time deposits. Scholarships, fee waivers and student loans are common routes to manage costs.
Career options & salary expectations
Law graduates work as litigating advocates, law firm associates, in-house counsel, policy analysts, academic researchers, compliance officers, and in public sector roles. Salaries vary hugely by practice area, city, employer and experience.
Entry-level (0–2 years)
Fresh law graduates: salaries can range from modest stipends (in independent practice or small firms) to ₹3–6 LPA as associates in city firms or corporate roles depending on employer and college.
Mid / Senior level
Experienced advocates & corporate counsels: ₹8 LPA to ₹30+ LPA depending on specialization (corporate law, arbitration, IP, M&A) and reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions — How to Become a Lawyer in India
Common degrees:5-year integrated law degrees(BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB),3-year LLB(postgraduate entry), andLLM(postgraduate specialization).
To become an advocate, follow these steps:
- Meet Eligibility: 45% in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST/OBC) for 5-year integrated LLB, or a bachelor's degree for 3-year LLB.
- Clear Entrance Exam: E.g., CLAT for NLUs.
- Pursue LLB: 3–5 years at a BCI-recognized university.
- Internships: 20 weeks/year during LLB.
- Clear AIBE: National bar exam.
- Enroll with State Bar Council: Get Certificate of Practice (COP).
Timeline: 3–5 years for degree + 6–12 months for licensing. No upper age limit.
- Minimum 45% aggregate in Class 12 from a recognized board (40% for reserved categories).
- Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) qualifies.
- Indian citizenship preferred; proficiency in English and one Indian language.
For 3-year LLB: Bachelor's degree with 45% marks.
Applicants must hold an LLB degree from a recognized university. Many institutes require minimum marks (e.g., 50%+), and several conduct entrance tests or shortlisting for admission.
LLM programs in India may be offered as one-year intensive courses or two-year programs depending on the university and regulatory updates. Check the university program page for exact duration.
Key exams includeCLAT(for many NLUs),AILET(for NLU Delhi), and institute-level tests likeSLAT(Symbiosis). Private colleges may also have separate processes.
A 5-year integrated LLB (e.g., BA LLB, BBA LLB) combines a bachelor's (Arts/Business/Commerce) with LLB, allowing direct legal study post-Class 12. Regulated by BCI; includes 60% law + 40% discipline subjects, moot courts, and internships. Saves time vs. separate BA + LLB; qualifies for AIBE. Fees: ₹10,000–₹5 lakh/year. Ideal for holistic skills in corporate or public law.
Competitive exams include:
| Exam | Details | Deadline (2025–26) | Accepting Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT | 150 MCQs; legal reasoning, general knowledge. | Applications: Aug 1 – Oct 31, 2025 Exam: Dec 7, 2025 | 22 NLUs (e.g., NLSIU Bengaluru) |
| AILET | Aptitude-focused test; UG & PG streams. | Applications: Dec 2025 (TBD) Exam: Jan 2026 | National Law University, Delhi |
| SLAT | Includes psychometric section; UG law admission. | Applications: Nov 2025 Exam: Dec 2025 | Symbiosis Law School, Pune (and other Symbiosis campuses) |
| MH CET Law | State-level test for 3-yr & 5-yr LLB; offline/online mode. | Applications: Mar 2026 Exam: May 2026 | Government Law College (GLC) Mumbai & other Maharashtra institutes |
| Rank | University | Location | Rating (/10) | Fees (₹/Year) | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NLSIU | Bengaluru | 9.8 | ₹2–3 lakh | 120 |
| 2 | NLU Delhi | Delhi | 9.5 | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | 120 |
| 3 | NALSAR | Hyderabad | 9.3 | ₹2–2.8 lakh | 132 |
| 4 | WBNUJS | Kolkata | 9.0 | ₹1.8–2.5 lakh | 132 |
| 5 | GNLU | Gandhinagar | 8.8 | ₹1.8–2.6 lakh | 172 |
| 6 | JMI Faculty of Law | Delhi | 8.2 | ₹10k–20k | 240 |
| 7 | Symbiosis Law School | Pune | 8.0 | ₹3–4 lakh | 240 |
| 8 | SOA | Bhubaneswar | 7.8 | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | 180 |
| 9 | BBAU | Lucknow | 7.5 | ₹50k–1 lakh | 120 |
| 10 | Saveetha | Chennai | 7.3 | ₹2–3 lakh | 120 |
| Rank | University | Location | Rating (/10) | Fees (₹/Year) | Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NLSIU | Bengaluru | 9.8 | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | Business, Constitutional |
| 2 | NLU Delhi | Delhi | 9.5 | ₹1.4–2.2 lakh | Corporate, Criminal |
| 3 | NALSAR | Hyderabad | 9.3 | ₹1.25–2 lakh | Business, Criminal |
| 4 | WBNUJS | Kolkata | 9.0 | ₹1.2–2 lakh | Corporate, IP |
| 5 | GNLU | Gandhinagar | 8.8 | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | IP, Cyber |
| 6 | Symbiosis | Pune | 8.5 | ₹1.8–3 lakh | Constitutional, Criminal |
| 7 | DU Faculty of Law | Delhi | 8.2 | ₹15–20k | Criminal, IP |
| 8 | ILI | Delhi | 8.0 | ₹80k–1.2 lakh | Corporate, Human Rights |
| 9 | IIT Kharagpur (RGSoIPL) | Kharagpur | 7.8 | ₹1–2 lakh | IP, Tech Law |
| 10 | JGLS | Sonipat | 7.5 | ₹3–4.5 lakh | Corporate, International |
After passing qualifying exams and finishing the degree, candidates register with a State Bar Council. The processing time varies by state; check the respective Bar Council website for procedure & timeline.
All India Bar Examination (AIBE 20, 2025): Mandatory open-book MCQ test (100 questions, 3.5 hours) on core laws (Constitution, IPC/BNS, CPC). Eligibility: LLB. Passing: 45% (40% SC/ST). Notification: Oct 2025; exam likely Dec 21, 2025; fee ₹2,500–3,500. Prep: Books like Universal's Guide; lifetime validity.
- Post-AIBE: Apply to State Bar Council (e.g., Delhi) with LLB marksheets, AIBE certificate, ID proof, affidavit.
- Fees: ₹500–15,000; timeline: 3–6 months.
- Outcome: Enrollment on Roll + COP (Sanad); allows court appearances. Annual stamp duty: ₹750. Foreign lawyers restricted.
15 major types, with starting salaries (₹ LPA):
| Type | Focus | Starting Salary (₹ LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | IPC/BNS cases | 3–6 |
| Civil | Disputes, contracts | 3–5 |
| Corporate | Mergers & Acquisitions, compliance | 6–12 |
| Family | Divorce, inheritance | 3–5 |
| Tax | GST, Income Tax Act | 5–8 |
| IP (Intellectual Property) | Patents, trademarks | 6–10 |
| Labor | Workplace disputes, labor rights | 4–7 |
| Environmental | Pollution cases, EIA compliance | 4–6 |
| Constitutional | Fundamental rights, PILs | 5–8 |
| Human Rights | Civil liberties, humanitarian law | 3–5 |
| Immigration | Visas, citizenship, residency | 4–6 |
| Personal Injury | Accidents, medical negligence | 3–5 |
| Cyber | IT Act, data privacy, cyber crimes | 5–9 |
| Bankruptcy | IBC resolutions, insolvency law | 5–8 |
| M&A | Business deals, corporate restructuring | 7–12 |
- During LLB: Electives + internships (e.g., criminal: court observation).
- Post-LLB: LLM/diploma (e.g., Cyber: GNLU diploma, ₹5–10k).
- Experience: 1–2 years as junior in field (e.g., AZB for corporate).
- Skills: Research (Manupatra), networking (Bar Associations).
Boost: 20–50% salary premium.
Career paths: litigation, law firm associate, corporate counsel, compliance, policy, academia, arbitration, consultancy, government/public sector, legal journalism and NGOs. LLM helps specialization and research/academic roles.
~13,000 govt + 4,900 private (Naukri/LinkedIn). Examples:
| Sector | Role | Vacancies | Salary (₹ LPA) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Govt (Ladakh) | Legal Assistant | 20 | 4–6 | Sep 30 |
| Indian Army | JAG SSC (Judge Advocate General) | 10 | 6–10 | Oct 15 |
| ESIC | Panel Advocate | Multiple | 4–8 | Ongoing |
| Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Junior Associate | 50+ | 6–10 | Rolling |
| AZB & Partners | Legal Associate | 30+ | 5–8 | Ongoing |
Growth: 10–15% annually to 2030; 500k new jobs.
Paths: Litigation (₹3–6 LPA start)
corporate (₹6–12 LPA)
judiciary. Trends: AI/legal tech (40% efficiency boost)
cyber/ESG specializations (20% premium). Average: ₹6–8.4 LPA mid-career.
Honorific for excellence (no exam):
- 10+ years practice; age 45+.
- Apply to High/Supreme Court; judges designate based on merit (landmark cases).
- ~5,000 nationwide; perks: High fees (₹10–50 LPA+), complex arguments.
Alternative: AOR exam after 4 years for SC practice.
Via Judicial Services Exams (3-year practice mandatory per SC May 2025 ruling):
| Level | Eligibility | Process | Salary (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Judge (Junior Division) | LLB + 3 years practice; age 22–35 | Prelims → Mains → Interview (State PSC) | ₹27,000 – ₹44,000 |
| District Judge | 7 years practice; age ≤45 | Higher Judicial Services (HJS) Exam or promotion | ₹51,000 – ₹1.23 lakh |
| High Court Judge | 10 years HC practice | Collegium recommendation | ₹2.25 lakh (fixed) |
| Supreme Court Judge | 5 years as High Court Judge | Collegium & Presidential appointment | ₹2.50 lakh (fixed) |
Challenges: Competition (1.7M advocates), low initial pay (₹20–50k/month in litigation), burnout.
Tips:
- Intern early (Internshala).
- Network: LinkedIn, Bar Associations.
- Upskill: CLE programs, AI tools.
- Publish: Law journals for portfolio.
- For criminal law (your interest): Focus on BNS/BNSS during LLB.
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