LLM
Master of Laws
LLM Highlights
| Full Name | Master of Laws |
| Degree Level | PG |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Course Type | Full Time |
| Stream | Law |
| Average Fees | ₹50,000 - ₹1,500,000 |
| Average Salary | ₹4.0 - ₹20.0 LPA |
| Specializations | 8 specializations available |
| Colleges Offering | 10 colleges |
| Top Entrance Exams | AILET, CLAT, LSAT India, MH-CET Law |
| Top Recruiters | Nishith Desai Associates, AZB & Partners, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices & more |
Table of Contents
About LLM
Why Choose LLM?
The Master of Laws (LLM) degree opens doors to a thriving legal profession in India, where the demand for specialized legal expertise continues to surge across corporate, government, and judicial sectors. With India's rapidly growing economy, digital transformation, and increasing cross-border business activities, law firms and corporations actively seek LLM graduates equipped with advanced knowledge in niche areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, international trade, and regulatory compliance.
An LLM degree enhances your earning potential significantly, with graduates commanding salaries ranging from ₹4 LPA in entry-level positions to ₹20 LPA or more in senior corporate roles. Beyond financial rewards, this postgraduate qualification provides deep expertise in specialized fields, making you competitive for leadership roles in legal practice, government administration, and academia. The program also develops critical research and analytical skills essential for senior legal positions.
India's robust judicial framework, combined with the emergence of tech-law and policy research sectors, ensures diverse career pathways for LLM graduates—whether as practicing lawyers, in-house counsels, policy advisors, or judges. The degree is internationally recognized, enabling further opportunities in global law firms and international organizations.
LLM Specialisations
LLM is offered in 8 specialisations. Choose a specialisation based on your interest, career goals, and industry demand.
LLM Eligibility Criteria
Top LLM Entrance Exams 2026
Admission to LLM colleges in India is primarily through entrance examinations. Here are the major exams accepted for LLM admission:
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
|
AILET
All India Law Entrance Test |
University | National Law University Delhi |
|
CLAT
Common Law Admission Test |
National | Consortium of National Law Universities |
|
LSAT India
Law School Admission Test India |
National | Pearson VUE (under license from LSAC) |
|
MH-CET Law
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law |
State | State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
Top LLM Colleges in India (2026)
Here are the most popular colleges offering LLM based on student interest.
| # | College | Type | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
NMIMS University Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Private | ₹225,000 |
| 2 |
University of Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi |
Government | ₹12,040 |
| 3 |
Symbiosis International University Pune
Pune, Maharashtra |
Private | ₹260,000 |
| 4 |
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Government | ₹15,000 |
| 5 |
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Kharagpur, West Bengal |
Government | ₹200,000 |
| 6 |
National Law University Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi |
Government | ₹261,000 |
| 7 |
National Law School of India University Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka |
Government | ₹556,600 |
| 8 |
West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
Kolkata, West Bengal |
Government | ₹260,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Indian universities require a bachelor's degree in law (BA LLB or BBA LLB) from a recognized institution with a minimum aggregate score (typically 45–50%). Some universities conduct entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, or their own merit-based tests. A few institutions offer direct admission based on merit.
Common specializations include Corporate Law, Intellectual Property & Patent Law, Constitutional Law, International Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Labor Law, and Criminal Law. Some universities also offer specialized tracks in Admiralty Law, Sports Law, and Family Law depending on faculty expertise.
No, an LLM is not mandatory to practice law in India. However, it significantly enhances career prospects, especially for corporate roles, government positions, and academia. Many practicing advocates and judges pursue LLM later in their careers for specialization and promotion.
Starting salaries typically range from ₹4–6 LPA in smaller law firms or government positions, while corporate law firms and multinational companies offer ₹10–15 LPA. With 3–5 years of experience, graduates can earn ₹15–25 LPA, and senior practitioners exceed ₹25 LPA depending on expertise and location.
Most LLM programs in India are 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time). Full-time programs are preferred as they allow students to complete internships, work on research, and focus on placements. Part-time programs are ideal for working professionals.
Yes, an LLM from a reputable Indian university is internationally recognized and opens opportunities in global law firms, particularly in common law jurisdictions. Many LLM graduates from top Indian colleges work in UK, US, and Singapore offices of multinational law firms, though additional qualifications or bar admissions may be required in some countries.