Can a person do LLM without LLB in India?

Asked by: Demetrius Prohaska  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

No, as per the eligibility criteria of an LLM degree (BCI regulations for legal education in India), candidates should hold either a five-year integrated LLB degree or a three-year LLB degree from a recognised law college or university.

Can you get an LLM without being a lawyer?

No. An LLM is typically (at least at my school) designed for people who were licensed attorneys in another country and want to practice law in the US It's a truncated degree designed to get those lawyers up to speed on the US law so they can take the US bar exam. In most states, you need a JD to sit for the bar.

Who is eligible for LLM in India?

Programme, a candidate should have passed the LL. B or an equivalent degree from a recognised University with not less than 50% marks in aggregate (45% in case of SC/ST/Persons with Disability category). Candidates appearing/awaiting results of the qualifying examination can also apply and appear in the Entrance Test.

Who is eligible for LLM in USA for Indian students?

Some US universities also offer it as a distance-learning program. To get admission to Masters in Law in USA, applicants need to have a bachelor's degree in law with at least 83-86%. The average tuition cost charged by the top LLM colleges in USA varies from 18,000 to 78,000 USD (15 to 65 lakhs INR).

Is LLM from USA valid in India?

Ans. Yes, LLM from the USA is valid in India only if you complete your LLB from India first. The LLM course has to be of 2 years duration and not 1 year.

Should you Do Online LLM without CLAT Exam❌LLM without LLB Valid?

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Can you do LLM without LLB in India?

The course curriculum of the master of law degree is structured in such a way that the law course is divided into 4 semesters. LLM eligibility criteria in India are that an aspirant is required to have a bachelor's degree in law such as LLB with at least 55 percent of marks in aggregate.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Have a look at some of the most popular LLM programs below!
  • Master of laws in Administrative Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in National Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Economic Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Jurisprudence.
  • Master of laws in Human Rights Law Studies.
  • Master of laws in Dispute Resolution Studies.

What is the salary of LLM in USA?

How much does a Llm make? As of Jan 21, 2025, the average annual pay for the Llm jobs category in the United States is $142,663 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $68.59 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,743/week or $11,888/month.

Can I get a job in USA after LLM from India?

Yes, Indian lawyers can practice in the USA, but they must meet specific requirements. This involves passing a state bar exam, with states like New York and California being more flexible for foreign-trained lawyers. Indian lawyers need to complete an LLM from an ABA-accredited law school to qualify.

Can Americans get an LLM?

If you're an American or Canadian student, to pursue an LLM, you'll need to already have a JD degree. International students who want to pursue an LLM are required to have earned a first professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice.

Can I do LLM outside India?

Every university can allow LLM students abroad to choose between a variety of specializations. Popular specializations in LLM abroad include: Masters of Law in Legal Studies Abroad. Masters of Law in Criminology Abroad.

What is the salary of an LLM in India?

On average, the entry level salary for LLM graduates starts from 8 lakh to 20 lakh. Salaries in the corporate sector can vary from 7 lakhs to 20 lakhs per annum. In the academic sector salary can range from 6 to 15 lakhs per annum.

Is 1 year LLM valid in India?

However, it is clarified that LL. M of one year duration as well as of two year duration will remain valid. PREAMBLE: 1.

Is an LLM higher than a JD?

An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.

Can you practice law with just LLM?

An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.

Are LLMs worth it?

In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.

Is Indian LLB valid in USA?

Indian Lawyers having in their possession a good certificate of practice at the Bar in India can appear in the US courts and practice as Attorneys in the US after passing The concerned Bar Exam of the State in which they attend to practice as attorneys.

Is LLM worth it in India?

In my opinion- Studying for an LLM helps students make important professional connections, which can help them find internships, jobs, and collaborations in different legal areas. Indian institution alumni networks often reach globally, offering chances for international connections, too.

Is distance LLM valid in India?

Ans: No, the Bar Council of India (BCI) does not approve of distance learning Master of Laws (LL. M.)

Is it worth doing LLM in USA?

A US based LLM degree can boost the career prospects of international students both inside and outside the country. Through an LLM program employers find value within a strict academic training and an international exposure which also give opportunities for growth through different sectors within the legal profession.

How much does LLB pay in America?

As of Jan 17, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Llb in the United States is $26.07 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $39.42 and as low as $13.22, the majority of Llb wages currently range between $15.38 (25th percentile) to $33.17 (75th percentile) across the United States.

How much does LLM Harvard pay?

Employees who graduate from Harvard Law School earn an average of ₹50.0lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹50.0lakhs per year to ₹50.0lakhs per year based on 1 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹50.0lakhs per year.

Which country is best for LLM?

Here's a list of some of the best LLM colleges in the world that are globally renowned for their legal education:
  • Harvard Law School (USA) ...
  • University of Oxford (UK) ...
  • University of Cambridge (UK) ...
  • Stanford Law School (USA) ...
  • New York University (NYU) School of Law (USA)

Which law is highest in demand?

Some of the most popular law specializations in India are – Civil Law, Criminal Law , Corporate Law , Cyber Law and Intellectual Property Law .