Law aspirants often find themselves conflicted and in a dilemma when they aren’t able to score as much as they had expected in their graduation. This casts a shadow over their future studies and employment. This article seeks to provide guidance to such students so they can put their fears to rest and prepare well for the obstacles they might encounter on their road to success.

LLM (Master of Laws) is a degree earned at a postgraduate level and is taught in many countries apart from India. In India, it is offered in the form of both one and two-year programs. One of the advantages of this course is that it enables students and professionals to gain specialized legal knowledge.  Candidates holding an LLM degree acquire advanced education in the legal sphere which enables them to be hired by international law firms. Not only do they get the opportunity to practice law under the patronage of powerful firms but they are also eligible for various vocations such as notary, magistracy, public prosecution, legal advisory, soliciting etc.

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However, there is no hard and fast rule that lawyers must hold an LLM degree. An LLM degree does not certify the graduate’s ability to practice law. The qualifications for an LLM program differ from one university to another.  In many institutions the course of study is an amalgamation of research and regular classwork .correspondence courses are also available for students who can’t enroll in a full-time program.

Required qualifications for Master of Laws [L.L.M.]

LLM course can be taken up by candidates who have successfully finished their bachelor'sin eitherLLB ( 3-year degree)/5 Year LLB Degree course or any other equivalent from any UGC approvedUniversitysecuring at least 55% marks in aggregate. If one has earned marks less than 55 percent for the general category (and 50 percent for SC /ST candidates) they wouldn’t be granted admission to LLM. Students have to clear an entrance test to gain admittance to the university.  

Admission procedure

 Various entrance exams are organized by universities both government and private to determine admissions to the course. Post the entrance test, to resolve the deadlock of equal marks another round of testing is held to break the tie.  The contenders are screened on the basis of their merit in both rounds. Allotment to respective colleges takes place after a counseling of the selected applicants.

Entrance: 

The examination paper contains either objective (choice based) or subjective (descriptive) questions or both kinds. Wrong answers are awarded negative marks. But the system of marking and giving marks may vary from university to university. Students are required to brush up their understanding on the following topic:

• Constitutional law
• Legal know-how and awareness
• News and current affairs
• Jurisprudence
• English language communication skills

For more information on admission, students should refer to brochures, prospectus, and websites of the universities they wish to apply to.

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Do remember: Keep yourself updated!

Here is a list of a few LLM entrance tests:

• O. P. Jindal Global University - Jindal Global Law School LLM Entrance Examination
• Common law entrance test (CLAT)
• Indian Law Institute Common Admission Test
• Symbiosis International Educational Centre (SIEC) LLM Entrance Exam
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University LLM Entrance Exam
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Delhi University LLB   Entrance Test
• Amity University - Amity Law School  Entrance Exam
• Christ College of Law Entrance exam
• NLU - National Law University Entrance Exam
• University of Mumbai - The Government Law College LLM Entrance Test

Can one apply for LLM after scoring low marks in LLB?

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Since most of the weight for acceptance to the course of LLM relies upon entrances, students need not worry too much about scoring less. But they should keep in mind that scoring less than 50 percent aggregate in LLB or any other equivalent graduation course could be problematic.  Low scorers should keep backup options in mind. Students who are keen on legal research and further studies in law are ones who apply for LLM as one can become a lawyer even after doing bachelors of law (LLB)and passing the bar council exam.

For further queries and related information, you can approach the Professional Experts at CareerGuide. Hope this will help you!

Here’s wishing you good luck your future endeavors!