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LLM Admission and Selection Process 2025 - Eligibility Criteria University-Wise

Sonika Jan 27, 2025 1K Reads

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Taking admission is quite a task these days. As the competition is rising day by day, people are inclined more towards getting a seat in a reputed law school/university/college. Master of Law is one of the most widely pursued programs that allows legal professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the specific domain. Most of the universities offer admission to those students who have scored good marks in their entrance exams. Let’s explore more about the LLM admissions in this blog.

Overview of LLM

LLM is a master’s program that allows students to learn about Indian law which is important to run everything smoothly. There are various specializations from which every student must select one for their degree to pursue. This program allows you to enhance the skills that are required in the legal field. LLM opens a wide range of opportunities to choose their career. Additionally, this program will allow students to have independent study in any particular domain. Students will get real-time exposure by working with their mentors and other legal professors. Students can also work side-by-side to practice under any good lawyer.

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Admission process for LLM program

  • Step 1: Find the College/University that you wish to get admission to.
  • Step 2: Visit to the official university page. Find the chosen University’s Requirements and eligibility criteria. And check if you are eligible to get admission and fulfill their requirements completely.
  • Step 3: Apply for the entrance exam required for admission and try to get good marks.
  • Step 4: After the results are out, find your rank on the merit list issued by the university you applied for. 
  • Step 5: Visit the university on the date of counseling based on your merit list presented by the University.
  • Step 6: Submit your course fee and you are now enrolled in an LLM program at your desired university.

What Are the Selection Criteria for an LLM Programme?

There are generally three steps to follow for the selection process, let’s explore these steps by taking the example of Jindal Global Law School:

  • Step 1: Submit the application form through their official website.
  • Step 2: Selection by the online entrance examinations (JSAT-LAW) or other eligible tests. After getting a valid score, shortlisting is done based on a test, resume, SoP, and telephonic interview.
  • Step 3: Shortlisted candidates are selected to get their LLM course.

Types of LLM program

  • LLM regular program

In an LLM Regular Program, students have to visit the campus and attend the classes. And this is a 2-year program. Here, you need to choose one specialization that you wish to study throughout your master’s program.

  • LLM Distance Learning program

LLM distance learning program is such a program in which students can learn and attend class on the weekends and the rest of the things are the same as in a regular LLM program.

  • LLM 1-year course program

As the name suggests, it is a One year program that allows students to complete the syllabus in one year. It comes with a great advantage that you can practice in the court of law while pursuing this degree. Also, this only consumes a little of your time.

  • LLM Part-time program

LLM part-time programs are offered to such students who wish to pursue their Master’s degree in the law field with any particular specialization and are practicing legal processes. In this program, students need not attend classes on weekdays or have to attend on the weekends either online or by going to the university campus itself.

  • LLM for working professionals program

LLM for working professionals is another trending course among working professionals who are looking to get a deeper understanding of any particular specification. In this program, students or working professionals get the opportunity to study in their free time that is on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, they get education in both online mode and offline on the weekends.

Key Highlights of the LLM program

Eligibility criteria for admission

Candidates who are willing to apply for an LLM program must look at the eligibility criteria before applying for their desired university/college. Below are a few of the eligibility criteria for universities/colleges that are offering LLM programs.

University

Eligibility Criteria

Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program)

  • Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Law which must be LLB, a 3.5-year graduate, or may they be final year students.
  • Candidates must have qualified for the entrance exams like LSAT, CLAT PG, or DU LLM examination within the 1-year time duration at the time of submission shall be exempted from the online entrance test (JSAT).
  • Additionally, candidates must have a valid LAST international score within 5 years at the time of submission and shall be exempted from the online entrance test (JSAT).

UPES

  • A minimum of 50% marks in higher and senior secondary level
  • Also, 50% marks must be in the student’s graduation with an LLB degree or equivalent

NLU, Kolkata

  • Eligibility is as same as of a CLAT exam.

Lovely Professional University

  • Students must have completed their LLB with a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
  • An additional 5% relaxation is provided to the North-East states and Sikkim candidates or Defence Personnel and their Dependents or Wards of Kashmiri Migrants

Symbiosis Law School International, Pune

  • Students must have completed a 3- or 5-year llb program with a minimum mark of 50% from any recognized university.
  • Reserved categories have a relaxation of 5% marks, thus, they must have a minimum of 45% marks.

National Law University, Delhi

  • Candidate must have completed their graduation or post-graduation degree with at least 50% marks
  • Candidates having an experience of a minimum of 3 years can apply for this program.

General Syllabus for LLM

Generally, an LLM is a master’s degree that allows students to gain knowledge about a particular field or specialization. Here are various specializations that any student can choose from. Each of the specializations has its own specific subjects to teach and allows students to get a deeper understanding of that particular specialization. Let’s see what subjects are taught in an LLM course that is similar in each specialization.

Syllabus for LLM

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Jurisprudence
  • Contracts and Commercial Law
  • Legal Writing and Advocacy
  • Elective 1 (Specialization)
  • Elective 2 (Specialization)
  • Constitutional Law
  • International Law
  • Family Law
  • Moot Court and Legal Clinics
  • Elective 3 (Specialization)
  • Elective 4 (Specialization)

Semester 3

Semester 4

  • Administrative Law
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Elective 5 (Specialization)
  • Elective 6 (Specialization)
  • Dissertation/ Thesis
  • Environmental Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Internship and Practical Training
  • Elective 7 (Specialization)
  • Elective 8 (Specialization)

*Elective courses depend on the specialization chosen by the LLM students.

Recommended Books for LLM

Numerous books are there for law students to read, but the most preferred books by teachers and law professionals are:

  • Landmarks in the Law by Lord Denning
  • Public International Law by K. Jain
  • Bleak House by Charles Dickens
  • Contract Law by Avtar Singh or R.K. Bangia
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Winning Arguments by Jay Heinrichs
  • Learning the Law by Glanville Williams
  • Family and Property Law by Poonam Pradhan

List of LLM specializations

LLM is a master’s program and must be done with some specialization. A master’s degree helps you to get a deeper understanding of a particular niche or domain. These specializations allow you to enhance your knowledge and skills in research, legal drafting, communication, time management, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and more skills. Let’s find out how many specializations are there offered in India.

List of LLM specializations

Criminal and Security Law

Intellectual Property Rights Law

Constitutional and Administrative Law

Corporate and Commercial Law

Environmental Law

Legal Pedagogy and Research

International and Comparative Law

Healthcare Law

Human Rights 

Business Law

Statutory Law

Family and Social Security Law

Company Law

Banking Law

Labour Law

Real Estate and Infrastructure Law

Jurisprudence

Taxation Law

Environment Law

Education Law

International Law

Cyber Law

Energy Law

International Business Law

Top Universities offering LLM with their specializations

Multiple universities are offering LLM programs in various specializations but not every university is offering all the specializations. Let’s look at the top 5 universities offering LLM with their specializations.

Top colleges offering 2-Year LLM program

Universities/Colleges

Specializations

Lucknow University

  • Constitutional Law
  • Business Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Labour Law
  • Family Law

Banaras Hindu University

  • Constitutional Law
  • Family Law
  • Law of Torts
  • Criminal Law
  • International Law
  • Contract and Insurance
  • Administrative Law
  • Business Administration
  • Labour Management Relations
  • Taxation
  • Regulated Economy
  • Administration of Justice
  • Human Rights 
  • Environmental Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Law, Science, and Technology 
  • Jurisprudence
  • New Economic Law: WTO in Context 
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution System

Chandigarh University

  • Civil Law
  • Patent Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Labour Law
  • International Law
  • Administrative Law

Shoolini University

  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Business Law

National Law School of India University (NLSUI)

  • Research Methodology
  • Comparative Public Law and Governance
  • A Clean Bill of Health: A Medico-Legal History
  • Appellate Litigation - Defending Criminal and Capital Cases
  • Copyright and the Limits and Exceptions Relating to Education
  • Critical Reflections on INternaltional Politics
  • Cyber Crimes and Cyber Law of India
  • Data and Criminal Justice
  • Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
  • Foundations of Equity Fundraise
  • Gender, Human Rights & Law
  • International and Comparative Law of Parents
  • Judicial Supervision of Arbitration in India
  • Land and Real Estate Laws
  • Law and Society

NLSUI generally offers 71 specializations under the  LLM program and above listed 15 are its top courses.

Specialization offered by different universities/colleges under 1-year LLM program

Top colleges offering 1-Year LLM program

Universities/Colleges

Specializations

Jindal Global Law School (Blended Learning Program)

  • Corporate & Financial Law
  • AI and Emerging Technologies
  • Intellectual Property & Technology Law
  • Dispute Resolution

NLU, Kolkata

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • International Law & Comparative Law
  • Criminal and Security Law 
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Law and Technology

BHU

  • Criminal Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Business Law
  • Environment Law
  • Cyber Law

Lovely Professional University

  • Business Law 
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Law

Symbiosis Law School International, Pune

  • Business and Corporate Law 
  • Constitutional Law and Administrative Law 
  • Innovation, Technology, and Intellectual Property Law
  • Criminal Law and Security Law 
  • Human Rights Law
  • Law, Policy, and Good Governance
  • Family Law
  • EU Law and International Law
  • Telecommunication, Media, and Technology Law 
  • Climate Change Law and Policy* (Approval in process) 

National Law University, Delhi

  • Criminal Law
  • Banking and Finance Studies
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Environmental Law and Justice
  • Consumer Law
  • Health Law and Policy
  • Taxation Law

UPES

  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Environmental and Energy Law
  • Cyber Security and Digital Law

Conclusion

Taking admission to a reputed university is a difficult task these days as competition among the students is increasing. The seats are limited for the courses and the number of appearing students is much more than the number of seats available for the admissions. However, there are certain criteria and requirements that universities ask before giving you admission. You need to check the eligibility criteria and fulfill them completely before taking admission to any LLM program. Additionally, you should pursue this master’s program in the law field only when you feel confident about doing the course. Choosing the specialization is another difficult task for legal professionals as finding only one specialization that you will deep dive in and live with throughout their lives.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

LLM comes with both one-year and two-year programs. It depends on the student or the legal professional as to what they choose for themselves. Most Working professionals choose the LLM 1-year program as this program allows them to get the master’s degree in just one year and also, to get a deeper understanding of their particular discipline.

Well, Jindal Global Law School offers 1-year LLM program in 4 specializations which are Corporate & Financial Law, AI and Emerging Technologies, Intellectual Property & Technology Law, and Dispute Resolution. The course fee for the LLM program at JGLS is INR 3,50,000.

Yes, many universities are offering LLM programs without any entrance exam. You just need to fulfill certain criteria like you must have a minimum mark of 50% in your LLB program. Based on these graduation percentages, the university prepares a merit list and provides a cut-off. If you are on their merit list after the cut-off, then you can be able to get admission to that university.

Multiple universities offer LLM programs without any entrance exam and these universities are Kanpur University, Punjab University, Guru Nanak Dev University, UPES Dehradun, Manipal University, Gujarat University, and Karnataka State Law University.

No, there is no age bar or limit. You can pursue an LLM program whenever you want to and feel like doing an LLM program.

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By Sonika

3 Years of experience/ academic writer/ freelance writer

An academic writing expert and a freelancer with an experience of 3 years.

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