What Is the LLB Degree? Your Law Degree Guide

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or Bachelor of Legislative Law is an undergraduate degree studying the Indian constitution of law and government policies.  

An LLB degree is the first step to becoming a practising lawyer, judge, legal advisor, law reporter, notary, magistrate, prosecutor, or legal professional. Upon completion of the LLB, a graduate can apply for a Master of Laws (LLM) or begin work in a legal profession after completing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). Continue reading to explore more about the LLB degree, what it entails, and areas you might specialise in following graduation.

What does 'LLB' stand for?

'LLB' is short for Legum Baccalaureus, Latin for 'Bachelor of Laws.' 

What is an LLB?

An LLB is an undergraduate programme common in India, ideal for learners just beginning their law education. You can choose between several LLB degree programmes to find one that fits your needs and aligns with your goals.

Types of LLB degree programmes

The two primary types of LLB programmes are the three-year LLB and the integrated law degree. The most common options are as follows:

Three-year LLB: 

This degree programme is standard in many countries and is a three-year course that follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree in a separate area, such as an arts, science, or commerce subject.

Integrated law degree: 

An integrated law degree is a five-year programme that combines a bachelor’s degree in a separate field with an LLB programme. During the first three years of this programme, you usually focus on your undergraduate stream, focusing more on law studies during the last two years. A few integrated law programmes you might choose include:

• BA LLB: Bachelor of Arts and LLB

• BBA LLB: Bachelor of Business Administration and LLB

• BCom LLB: Bachelor of Commerce and LLB

• BSc LLB: Bachelor of Science and LLB

Admission requirements

The eligibility criteria for entering LLB programmes differ depending on whether you already hold a bachelor’s degree. For the standard three-year programme, you can hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with aggregate marks at a certain cut-off point (typically 45 percent). You may also be required to take an entrance examination, such as the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT-LLB) or the Common Law Admissions Test (CLAT).

For an integrated five-year LLB, you typically must pass 10+2 (some programmes require minimum marks of at least 45 to 50 percent). 

What skills will you develop while attending an LLB programme?

While attending an LLB programme, you will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the law, which can offer benefits even if you don't intend to pursue a legal career. Other skills include:

• Negotiation: Lawyers and other legal professionals must communicate verbally and in writing.

• Conflict resolution: Legal work requires good conflict resolution skills and understanding others' perspectives.

• Working under pressure: The legal field can be fast-paced with strict timelines and deadlines. 

• Research: As a lawyer or solicitor, you’ll be doing much research to find evidence, understand case law, or do anything you need to complete a task. 

• Problem-solving: Problem-solving is a significant component of the legal field. The skills you learn in your degree programme can also help you in other careers.

What are the law modules you are likely to study?

You will study a combination of compulsory and elective modules when you study for your LLB. If you are in an integrated programme, the first three years will be dedicated to your other undergraduate degree, while the last two years will centre around legal coursework. For traditional programmes, all three years will focus on law. Regardless of what you choose, you can expect a comprehensive law education covering topics such as:

• Contract law

• Property law

• Public law

• Criminal law

• International law

• Jurisprudence and legal theory

• Legal research and writing

• Law of Torts 

• Trusts

• Land law

• Constitutional or administrative law

Depending on your programme, you can also take electives in various areas, such as humanitarian law, private international law, criminology, business regulations, and intellectual property law.

Other components of an LLB degree

In addition to coursework, your programme might include an internship or other workplace placement opportunity. You can choose an internship in various areas, such as non-profits, market institutions, law firms, companies, local self-governments, and judiciaries. In some cases, you also have opportunities to attend seminars, conferences, moot court competitions, and other experiences that help you understand what it entails to be a lawyer or legal professional in the workplace.

In your final semester (or after), you can register for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), which you must pass before you can begin practising law in India.

Careers after an LLB

If you complete an integrated LLB programme, your career choice might differ depending on your combined degree option. For example, you might work as a law officer, banker, or accounts manager after a BCom LLB. If you complete a BSc LLB, you might work as a law reporter, notary, legal officer, or district court judge. BA LLB degree holders might be likelier to work as litigators, lecturers, law officers, or legal associates.

Regardless of the area you choose to work, you can expect attractive pay in most legal professions. According to Glassdoor, the average lawyer salary in India is ₹8,00,000, although salaries range from ₹3,00,000 Lakhs to ₹12,00,000 annually, generally increasing per year of experience [1].

Continue learning about law on Coursera

An LLB, whether an integrated five-year programme or a traditional three-year programme, is an important step to becoming a legal professional in India. To continue exploring law and what being a law student might entail, consider enrolling in law courses on Coursera, such as A Law Student’s Toolkit by Yale University or Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.