Is it difficult to study law in India?

Asked by: Lenore Jaskolski  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (6 votes)

Yes, studying law in India is generally considered demanding and rigorous, requiring significant dedication due to the vast amount of reading, complex conceptual understanding, and the need to balance academics with practical activities like moot courts and internships, but it's manageable with discipline, strong reading habits, and stress management. The difficulty stems from the extensive syllabus and the shift from undergraduate learning, requiring consistent effort rather than last-minute cramming.

Is law difficult to study in India?

Lengthy and rigorous education: In India, students must complete either a three-year LLB program or a five-year integrated legal curriculum, which can be demanding and time-consuming. Limited practical training: It might be difficult for students to get practical experience before entering the workforce.

How do 98% of graduates fail to get into India's top law firms?

Internships and mock trials are helpful, but many graduates lack enough true exposure to the daily working of a top firm. Understanding firm culture, managing client expectations, and handling high-pressure situations – these are things one learns by doing, not just by reading.

How many years does it take to study law in India?

In India, there are primarily two types of undergraduate law courses that are offered by various law colleges and universities - the 5-year integrated law degree and the 3-year traditional law degree. The 5-year integrated law program is a popular choice for students who have completed their 10+2 education.

Are lawyers highly paid in India?

The average salary of a lawyer in India ranges from Rs. 3 Lakh to Rs. 30 Lakh per year, depending on the experience.

Law as a CAREER | Myth vs Reality

42 related questions found

Who earns more, CA or lawyer in India?

Heard the starting salary at T-1 law firms start at about 10 to 14 lakhs per annum which does not match the average starting salary of a Chartered Accountant which is 7-8 lakh per annum. CA exams are also tough, requires dedication and a 3 yr articleship as compared to a 3 year LLB.

Is law going to be replaced by AI?

No, AI won't fully take over law but will fundamentally transform it by automating routine tasks, increasing efficiency, and augmenting lawyers, making tech-savvy lawyers more valuable, while lawyers who don't adapt risk being left behind; AI handles data analysis, contract review, and research, but human judgment, contextual understanding, and complex argumentation remain essential for client counsel and strategic decision-making, shifting the focus to higher-value work and potentially changing billing models. 

Can I study law at 40 in India?

There is no upper age limit for pursuing LLB, but the prerequisite for applying to a three-year undergraduate program in law is a graduation degree from a recognised Indian university or its international equivalent.

Is law school harder than medical school?

Medical school is generally considered harder due to its intense, fact-heavy curriculum requiring massive memorization and dealing with life-or-death stakes, while law school focuses more on reading, critical thinking, and analysis, though both are rigorous and demand significant commitment. Med school involves vast scientific knowledge and clinical rotations, whereas law school builds analytical "thinking like a lawyer" through heavy reading, writing, and case application, culminating in high-stakes final exams.
 

Is it better to study law in India or abroad?

The choice between pursuing an LLM in India or abroad depends on individual preferences, career goals, and specific program offerings. Studying abroad may provide exposure to diverse legal systems, networking opportunities, and access to renowned faculty.

Who is the top 1 lawyer in India?

  1. Fali Sam Nariman. One of the most prominent and well-known lawyers in India is Fali Sam Nariman. ...
  2. Harish Salve. Lawyer and human rights advocate Harish Salve was India's Solicitor General from November 1, 1999, until November 3, 2002. ...
  3. Gopal Subramanium. ...
  4. K. ...
  5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi. ...
  6. K. K. ...
  7. Palaniappan Chidambaram. ...
  8. Mukul Rohatgi.

What percentage of lawyers make $500,000?

A small percentage of lawyers earn over $500k; while the median salary for lawyers is around $150k-$170k, the top 10% earn over $239k, but reaching $500k+ usually requires being a top partner in a "Big Law" firm, specializing in high-value areas like corporate or IP law, or having a very successful practice, notes the BLS and Legal Brand Marketing.
 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
 

Which is the toughest subject in law?

1. Legal Reasoning – The Most Challenging Subject

  • It requires a deep understanding of legal principles and their application to various situations.
  • The passages are lengthy, requiring careful reading and comprehension.
  • The questions often involve complex legal scenarios, requiring logical thinking and critical analysis.

Can I work while in law school?

In the past, the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar restricted full-time students from working more than 20 hours per week. In 2014, however, the ABA eliminated that limit. Instead, individual law schools may maintain employment policies for their students.

What kind of person excels in law school?

The personal qualities that law schools value include maturity or life experience, emotional intelligence, an ability to get along with different kinds of people and communication skills, she says.

What pays more, law or medicine?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives median salaries for both doctors and lawyers, so it's clear that the doctors' number is higher. But median salaries are the midpoint in a list of salaries for one occupation, meaning that half of the list makes more and half makes less.

What's the hardest part of law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Is law school harder than nursing?

A law degree will take longer overall, including the required bachelors degree, which many might consider more difficult.

What is the age limit for lawyer in India?

Eligibility criteria to become a lawyer

Minimum marks: Generally, a minimum of 45–50% marks in qualifying exams is required. Some universities may have higher cut-offs. Age limit: No upper age limit as per the latest Bar Council guidelines, though individual colleges may specify otherwise.

Is law school worth it after 40?

Yes, going to law school at 40 can be very worth it, offering advantages like valuable life experience that enhances studies and career fulfillment, but it requires careful consideration of career goals, financial investment, and time commitment, as older students often find rewarding second careers, leveraging past skills for a new path in law. While you're in the minority, older applicants are common, and their diverse backgrounds enrich the legal field. 

Is an LLB worth the cost?

Earn More Money Over Your Lifetime

Regardless if you become a practicing lawyer or use your law degree to further your career, you'll likely earn more in exchange for the wealth of knowledge and potential contacts you bring to a corporation and position.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Which Jobs Are Safest from AI and Automation?

  • Health Care: Nurses, doctors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Education: Teachers, instructors, and school administrators.
  • Creative: Musicians, artists, writers, and journalists.
  • Personal Services: Hairdressers, cosmetologists, personal trainers, and coaches.

Is it worth it to be a lawyer in 2025?

Pursing a Career in the Legal Field

For those considering their future in the legal profession, a juris doctor degree remains a valuable and worthwhile investment in 2025. While it requires commitment and careful planning, the opportunities that come from earning a JD extend far beyond the traditional role of attorney.