Law is one of the most well-defined professional careers in Arts — trains you to interpret, apply and argue the law, whether in court, in a corporate legal team, or in policy work. There are two real routes: a 5-year integrated degree straight after Class 12 via CLAT, or a 3-year LLB after finishing any other bachelor's degree first. This guide covers both, honestly, along with what actually happens after you graduate.
LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law) is India's standard law degree, regulated by the Bar Council of India. There are two routes: a 5-year integrated degree — BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB or similar — taken directly after Class 12, combining a general bachelor's degree with legal training; and a 3-year LLB taken after completing any bachelor's degree first. Both lead to the same professional qualification and eligibility to practise after clearing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
The 5-year integrated route is offered at the National Law Universities (NLUs) — like NLSIU Bengaluru, NALSAR Hyderabad and NLU Delhi — along with hundreds of other law colleges nationwide, admitted primarily through CLAT. The 3-year route is offered widely at university law faculties, including Delhi University's Faculty of Law and many state universities.
No compulsory prior subject for either route.
CLAT for the 5-year integrated programme, or complete any bachelor's first.
Core law subjects, moot courts, internships and legal drafting.
Required to formally practise as an advocate in India.
Choose your specific direction based on interest and internship experience.
Fees vary substantially by institute. National Law Universities typically charge ₹2-3.5 lakh per year, while Delhi University's Faculty of Law and many state university law departments are far more affordable, often ₹10,000-40,000 per year. Private law colleges can range widely, from moderate to over ₹2 lakh per year. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available at most NLUs and state institutions. Always confirm current fees directly on the official institute website.
Law has one of the widest pay ranges of any Arts career, depending heavily on your college, specialisation and chosen path — these are broad, commonly reported ranges, not guarantees.
Common starting range while building an independent practice or working under a senior advocate.
Reported for graduates of top NLUs joining large corporate law firms, varying significantly by firm tier.
For legal counsel and compliance roles at corporates, rising with experience and seniority.
An LLM (Master of Laws) — at NLUs, Delhi University or abroad — lets graduates specialise in areas like corporate law, intellectual property, constitutional law or international law, and is often preferred for academic or highly specialised corporate roles. Some graduates instead prepare for Judicial Services exams to become a judge, while others pursue further certifications in arbitration, taxation or compliance to strengthen a specific practice area.
| Factor | 5-Year Integrated (after 12th) | 3-Year LLB (after a degree) |
|---|---|---|
| When you start | Directly after Class 12 | After completing any bachelor's degree |
| Entrance exam | CLAT / AILET / LSAT-India | University-specific entrance or merit |
| Total time to LLB | 5 years | 3 years, but only after a 3-4 year degree first |
| Best for | Students sure about law right after school | Students who decide on law later, or want another degree first |
Both lead to the same professional qualification once you clear the All India Bar Examination. The integrated route is faster and dominates top NLU placements; the 3-year route suits students who want a different first degree, like Political Science or Commerce, before specialising in law.
Myth: Only Arts students can study law.
Fact: Law is open to students from any Class 12 stream — Commerce and Science-background students are common at top NLUs, and a Commerce background can even help with corporate law electives.
Myth: Every lawyer earns a very high salary.
Fact: Income varies enormously — top-tier corporate law firm hires earn strongly, but many litigators build income gradually over years, especially early in independent practice.
Myth: A law degree only leads to court practice.
Fact: Graduates also work in corporate law, in-house legal teams, compliance, judicial services, policy drafting and academia — litigation is one visible path among several.
*Fee and salary figures are indicative, based on publicly available information as of 2026, and vary significantly by institution and career path — always verify current figures on the official institute website.
Official source: Bar Council of India (barcouncilofindia.org)