Law
pg
Full Time
LLM
Master of Laws
2 Years
10 Colleges
LLM Syllabus 2026
The Master of Laws (LLM) syllabus covers a structured programme spanning 2 Years designed to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. The curriculum varies by specialisation, with 8 specialisations available including Constitutional Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Criminal Law. Below is the detailed semester-wise subject breakdown and programme structure.
LLM Semester-wise Subjects
LLM Specialisations & Subjects
LLM allows deep study in a chosen specialisation. Specialisations vary by NLU and university. Below are the most commonly offered LLM specialisations with their subject areas.
Common LLM Specialisations
| Specialisation | Key Subjects | Career Path |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional & Administrative Law | Constitutional interpretation, federalism, fundamental rights jurisprudence, judicial review, administrative tribunals | Academia, High Court/SC practice, policy research |
| Corporate & Commercial Law | M&A law, securities regulation, banking law, competition law, insolvency law, corporate governance | Law firms, in-house counsel, compliance |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Patent law, trademark law, copyright, trade secrets, design patents, IP litigation, WIPO framework | IP law firms, patent practice, tech companies |
| Criminal Law | Advanced criminal jurisprudence, penology, BNS/BNSS/BSA analysis, white-collar crime, cyber crime, forensic evidence | Criminal litigation, judiciary, prosecution |
| International Law | International humanitarian law, law of the sea, WTO, international arbitration, human rights, refugee law | International organisations, diplomacy, arbitration |
| Human Rights Law | International human rights framework, NHRC, gender justice, minority rights, refugee law, environmental justice | NGOs, international bodies, PIL practice |
| Environmental Law | Environmental governance, climate law, NGT practice, ESG compliance, biodiversity, sustainable development | Environmental practice, policy, NGOs |
| Tax Law | Direct tax jurisprudence, GST, transfer pricing, international taxation, tax treaties, ITAT practice | Tax litigation, Big 4 firms, corporate tax |
Research Component
All LLM programmes include a substantial research component:
- Dissertation (mandatory): A 15,000–30,000 word research paper on a topic within your specialisation. Supervised by a faculty guide.
- Research methodology: Training in legal research methods, empirical research, doctrinal analysis, and academic writing.
- Seminars & presentations: Regular seminar presentations on research progress and specialisation topics.
LLM Programme Structure & Credit Distribution
LLM Programme Structure
1-Year LLM at NLUs (2 Semesters)
| Semester | Components |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Research Methodology + 3–4 specialisation courses + dissertation topic selection and literature review |
| Semester 2 | 2–3 advanced specialisation courses + elective(s) + dissertation writing, defence, and submission |
2-Year LLM at Universities (4 Semesters)
| Year | Components |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (Sem 1–2) | Core specialisation courses (4–5 per semester) + Research Methodology + seminar presentations |
| Year 2 (Sem 3–4) | Advanced electives + interdisciplinary courses + dissertation research, writing, and viva voce |
Key Differences: 1-Year vs 2-Year LLM
| Aspect | 1-Year NLU LLM | 2-Year University LLM |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year (2 semesters) | 2 years (4 semesters) |
| Pace | Intensive — compressed coursework + dissertation | Spread out — more time for research and exploration |
| Entrance | CLAT PG | CUET PG / University exams |
| Research depth | Shorter dissertation, research-oriented | More extensive dissertation, wider coursework |
| Best for | Practitioners wanting quick specialisation and NLU credentials | Aspiring academics wanting deeper research training |
Skills Developed in LLM
Skills Developed During LLM
Advanced Legal Research
- Doctrinal research: Systematic analysis of statutes, case law, and legal principles within your specialisation area
- Empirical research: Survey design, data collection, and analysis for socio-legal research projects
- Comparative law: Comparing legal frameworks across jurisdictions to identify best practices and reform proposals
- Academic writing: Writing journal articles, research papers, and dissertations to publication standards
Specialisation Expertise
- Deep domain knowledge: Advanced understanding of your specialisation area — its principles, debates, developments, and emerging issues
- Critical analysis: Evaluating judicial decisions, legislative approaches, and policy choices within your specialisation
- Legal theory: Engaging with jurisprudential debates and theoretical frameworks that underpin your practice area
- Interdisciplinary thinking: Connecting law with economics, political science, technology, or other relevant disciplines
Professional & Teaching Skills
- Seminar presentation and academic discussion skills
- Mentoring and teaching preparation (for those targeting academia)
- Publishing and peer review engagement
- Conference participation and academic networking
LLM Specialisations
The syllabus and curriculum differ by specialisation. Explore all 8 available specialisations:
Constitutional Law
Corporate & Commercial Law
Criminal Law
Intellectual Property Law
International & Comparative Law
International Trade Law
Law & Technology
Public Law
View All Specialisations