LLB is a bachelor's degree that covers the legal system and concepts, while LLM is an advanced degree that centers on a specific area of law. The articles compare LLB vs LLM on eligibility, colleges, and more.
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LLB vs LLM: Which one to Choose? LLB vs LLM comparison shows that LLB is a 3-5 year bachelor's program that provides a general introduction to law, while LLM is a 2-year postgraduate degree that enables students to focus on particular areas of law.
After completing an LLB or a degree in a similar area, students are only then qualified to pursue an LLM which is the major comparison factor of LLM vs LLB.
LLB vs LLM: Comparison
Both are law degrees, but the main comparison of LLB vs LLM is that LLB is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate degree program, while LLM is a 2-year postgraduate degree. The differences between LLM vs LLB are outlined in the table below for simple understanding.
Factors | LLB | LLM |
Full Form | Bachelor of Laws | Master of Laws |
Degree Type | Bachelor's Degree | Master's Degree |
Duration | 3-5 years | 2 years |
Eligibility | 12th Score with 45% + Entrance score | Must have a LLB or an equivalent law degree |
Curriculum | Covers a broad range of legal topics. | It focuses on a specific study of law. |
Course Fees | INR 35k to 1.8 lakhs | INR 3 to 4 lakhs |
Salary | INR 3 lakhs | INR 5 lakhs |
LLB vs LLM: Overview
LLB Overview
- LLB is a professional degree required for law jobs and allied fields like legal studies, law enforcement, and legal study.
- The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) can be earned in three years, or it can be earned in a five-year integrated curriculum.
- Students pursuing an LLB degree gain a basic grasp of the various types of law, including those pertaining to corporations, legislatures, and businesses.
- Legal Advisors, Lawyers, Public prosecutors, and others are available jobs in this area.
LLM Overview
- The LLM is an advanced law degree first offered as a 2-year curriculum by the UGC.
- LLM program provides advanced legal education and licensure in a particular area of law, such as taxes law, business law, etc.
- LLM program graduates can find work in various fields, from public interest to foreign law to taxes to the business world.
LLB vs LLM: Eligibility
Students can pursue a postgraduate LLM degree only after completing LLB or a similar law degree. Although both are considered legal degrees, LLM vs LLB is comparable in its eligibility requirements. Given below are the general eligibility requirements for LLB vs LLM degrees in India.
LLB Eligibility
The following are the basic eligibility criteria for LLB programs.
- Accredited 12th-grade certification is required of LLB candidates.
- A minimum of 50% in 12th grade is required for admission to LLB programs. Public schools allow SC/ST students to have lower overall scores than private universities.
- LLB colleges also require students to qualify for specific entrance exams.
- In India, there is currently no upper age limit for LLB.
Also Read: LLB Admission
LLM Eligibility
Here are some of the standard requirements for LLM programs.
- Aspirants must meet UGC and Indian Bar Council criteria for LLM entrance. Students must earn at least 50% in their undergraduate from an accredited institution.
- Additionally, top universities also require good results in entrance exams.
- Students must be at least 21 years old to enroll in the program.
Also Read: List of all Law Courses in India
LLB vs LLM: Entrance Exams
LLB entrance exams evaluate a candidate's ability for legal studies, while LLM entrance exams evaluate their legal expertise, research, and critical skills. Students may evaluate LLM vs LLB entrance examinations below.
LLB Entrance Exams
Popular LLB entrance exams are:
Read More: LLB Entrance Exam
LLM Entrance Exams
LLM courses have the following entrance exams
LLB vs LLM: Subjects
LLB vs LLM core subjects are also comparable as LLB programs teach students the fundamentals of the legal system, while LLM programs allow students to specialize in areas like international law, tax law, or intellectual property law.
LLB Subjects
The LLB program includes the following core subjects.
- Legal Research Writing
- Labor Law
- Law of Evidence
- Jurisprudence
- Civil Procedure Code
- Criminal Law
- Property Law
- Public Law Skills
Read More: LLB Subjects and Syllabus
LLM Subjects
LLM covers the following core subjects listed below.
- Law and Social Transformation
- Jurisprudence
- Constitutional Law
- Law Relating to Labour Welfare
Read More: LLM Subjects and Syllabus
LLB vs LLM: Top Colleges
When comparing LLB vs LLM for selecting a college, it is important to consider aspects such as the curriculum, faculty, accreditation, location, and fees. The following list includes the best institutions in India that offer LLB and LLM programs.
Top LLB Colleges in India
Top colleges offering 3 and 5-year LLB courses are:
Colleges offering 3 Year LLB | Colleges offering 5 year LLB |
NLSIU | NLU Delhi |
Delhi University | Symbiosis Law School |
Panjab University | Jamia Millia Islamia |
Symbiosis Law School Pune | Jindal Global Law School |
University Institute of Legal Studies, Punjab University | Christ University |
Bharati Vidyapeeth's New Law College | Army Institute of Law |
LPU | NLIU Bhopal |
- | UPES |
- | KIIT University |
Read More: Top LLB Colleges in India
Top LLM Colleges in India
Popular colleges for LLM courses in India are:
- NLSIU Bangalore
- Nalsar University of Law Hyderabad
- NLU Jodhpur
- Symbiosis Law School Pune
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University
- NLU Kolkata (NUJS)
- KIIT University
- Panjab University
- Indian Law Institute
- BHU Varanasi
Read More: Top LLM Colleges in India
LLM vs LLB: Career Scope
LLM vs LLB degrees are compared because they have different job options and levels. LLM degrees prepare graduates for advanced legal roles like law teachers, business lawyers, and foreign lawyers, while LLB degrees prepare graduates for typical legal roles like lawyers. Popular career options for LLB vs LLM and average salary are listed below.
LLM Career Scope
Following are some popular career paths for LLM graduates:
Job Role | Average Salary |
Corporate Lawyer | INR 10 lakhs |
Legal Acquisitions | INR 8 lakhs |
Taxation Lawyer | INR 8.8 lakhs |
Court Magistrate | INR 13.5 lakhs |
Contracts Negotiation Lawyer | INR 11 lakhs |
Read More: LLM Career Scope
LLB Career Scope
The following are typical job roles for LLB graduates:
Job Role | Average Salary |
Legal Manager INR 60k | INR 60k |
Legal Journalist INR 57K | INR 57K |
Corporate Lawyer INR 40k | INR 40k |
Legal Analyst INR 55K | INR 55K |
Legal Journalist INR 57K | INR 57K |
Read More: LLB Career Scope
LLB vs LLM: Required Skills
LLM vs LLB are contrasted on a wide range of factors, but few skill set similarities exist. Below is a list of the prominent skills required for LLM and LLB programs.
- Interpersonal Skills
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Research Skills
- Decision-Making Skills
- Negotiation Aptitudes
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Case Investigation Abilities
- Leadership Skills
- Empathy and Compassion
- Client Management Skills
- Truthfulness and Reliability
How to Choose Between LLB vs LLM?
It is difficult to say which is superior when analyzing LLB vs LLM in India because they have unique benefits and career possibilities. The choice between LLB and LLM is determined by the applicant's interests, career goals, and educational history. However, it should be noted that LLM is a postgraduate degree that can only be pursued by those who have already earned an LLB or an equivalent degree.
The LLB degree is the best choice if one wants to become a lawyer. With an LLM, one can focus their studies on a particular subfield of law, such as foreign or business law.
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