LLM
Master of Laws
Top Entrance Exams for LLM Admission (2026)
Admission to Master of Laws (LLM) programmes in India is primarily through entrance examinations. There are 4 major entrance exams for LLM admission - including 2 national-level exams and 1 state-level exam . Candidates should check the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates for each exam before applying. These exams are accepted by 42+ colleges offering LLM across India.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CLAT
Common Law Admission Test |
Consortium of National Law Universities | national | Details |
|
AILET
All India Law Entrance Test |
National Law University Delhi | university | Details |
|
LSAT India
Law School Admission Test India |
Pearson VUE (under license from LSAC) | national | Details |
|
MH-CET Law
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law |
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra | state | Details |
LLM Entrance Exams - Quick Overview
Explore each exam's details, eligibility, syllabus, and colleges accepting the score
All India Law Entrance Test
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) is conducted by National Law University Delhi for admission to its BA LLB, LLM, and PhD programmes. NLU Delhi is t...
Common Law Admission Test
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the national-level entrance examination for admission to undergraduate (BA LLB) and postgraduate (LLM) law program...
Law School Admission Test India
LSAT India is the Indian edition of the globally recognized LSAT exam, accepted by over 100 law colleges across India. It tests analytical reasoning,...
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law
MH-CET Law is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra CET Cell for admission to 3-year and 5-year integrated law programmes in Mahara...
LLM Entrance Exam Schedule 2026
Key dates for upcoming LLM entrance exams. Dates marked as tentative are based on previous year patterns and may change.
| Exam | Registration | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT | 01 Jul 2027 * | 05 Dec 2027 * |
| AILET | 10 Jan 2026 * | 10 May 2026 * |
| LSAT India | 15 Jan 2026 * | 17 May 2026 * |
| MH-CET Law (3-Year LLB) | 10 Mar 2026 * | 10 May 2026 * |
* Tentative - dates based on previous year trends and subject to official confirmation.
Tips for LLM Entrance Exam Preparation
- Start early - begin preparation at least 6-12 months before the exam date, focusing on fundamentals first.
- Practice previous years' papers - solve past exam papers to understand the pattern, difficulty level, and frequently tested topics.
- Apply for multiple exams - register for several relevant exams to maximize your chances of admission to a preferred college.
- Track deadlines - keep a calendar of registration dates, admit card releases, and exam dates so you never miss a window.
Frequently Asked Questions - LLM Entrance Exams
CLAT PG is the primary entrance exam for LLM at NLUs. Individual universities conduct their own entrance tests - DU has a separate LLM entrance, as do BHU and other state universities. Some private law schools accept LSAT India scores.
Candidates must hold an LLB or BA LLB (or equivalent 5-year law degree) from a recognised university. Most institutions require a minimum aggregate of 50-55%. Some institutions consider work experience as an additional criterion.
CLAT PG is competitive but less so than CLAT UG due to fewer applicants. The exam tests legal knowledge across Constitutional, Contract, Criminal, International, and Jurisprudence papers. Focused preparation on core legal subjects is essential.
Yes, LLM allows you to specialise in any area regardless of your LLB focus. This is one of the programme's key advantages - it lets you develop expertise in a new legal domain. The entrance exam covers general legal knowledge.
Most candidates appear for CLAT PG in their final year of LLB or shortly after. However, there is no restriction on appearing later - practising lawyers also pursue LLM for career advancement or academic aspirations.