List of 20 top ranked, best Colleges in India to Pursue LLM

Synopsis: LLM, or Masters of Legislative Laws, is a recognized postgraduate degree in law that can be pursued only after completing an LLB degree.

Law, is one of the most promising professions. If you have interest in this area, you should either continue studying or complete your Masters in Laws (LL.M) after completing LLB. LLM is often sought by students who wish to become an specialist in a particular area of law so that these graduates can find jobs in either of the sectors that need legal experience and consulting. Typically speaking, this 2-year course is undertaken in different specializations such as International Law, Commercial Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, etc. by undertaking comprehensive study and research to obtain experience in this particular field.

Top 20 Colleges for LLM in India

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
2. Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
3. NALSAR University of Law (NALSAR), Hyderabad
4. Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhi Nagar
5. Indian Law Institute (ILI), New Delhi
6. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
7. Symbiosis Law School, Pune
8. Army Institute of Law, Mohali
9. Nirma University, Ahmedabad
10. School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore
11. Amity Law School, New Delhi
12. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, New Law College, Pune
13. School of Law, University of Petroleum And Energy Studies, Dehradun
14. KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar
15. ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
16. Manikchand Pahade Law College, Aurangabad
17. KLE Society’s Law College, Bangalore
18. Indore Institute of Law, Indore
19. DY Patil Law College, Pune
20. JSS Law College, Mysore.

What is the Eligibility for LLM?

LLM eligibility depends largely upon the college in which you are interested to take admission. The basic eligibility requirements for LLM admissions are set out below:

• Students should have completed their law degree and obtained their law degree from a recognised college, institution or university in either LLB / BA LLB / BCom LLB / BSc LLB.
• To qualify for an LLM course, a minimum of 50-55% is a must.
• Many colleges have set a minimum percentage threshold for entry to the LLM courses they offer.
• There is no age limit as of usually defined, meaning students can take this course after they have completed a Bachelor of Laws from a recognised college or institution during their career.

What is the LLM Admission Process?

Candidates interested in pursuing this course are expected to appear for a mandatory entrance examination, which offers LLM admission to the India’s best law schools offering this course.

The entrance exams are generally based on MCQ, but there might be one section or a few questions that could be subjective. The syllabus of this exams generally consists of legal and law-based questions testing the subject knowledge of the applicant.

LLM admissions are made on the basis of performance in law entrance examinations such as CLAT, LSAT, and other university-level examinations such as IPU CET, DUET, etc. that typically take place in the months of March to May.

Benefits of pursuing LLM

Whether you’re a practicing lawyer, or a professional who wants to learn more about your specific industry’s legal facets, you may wonder if obtaining an LLM is the best decision for you. Here are six reasons why a Master of Laws degree can help boost your career prospects:

• Specialise in an area of law

Choosing to earn your LLM gives you the opportunity to take a one-year course focused on a particular area of law. This will help you establish yourself as an authority in your chosen field, as well as opening up new career and employability options.

• Expand your legal knowledge

The legal landscape is rapidly changing, and rising pressures are imposed on lawyers today than ever before. Studying an LLM places you in the forefront of new trends in law and you can discuss with certainty about latest legal changes.

• Fine-tune your analysis competences

Going back to school requires hours of legal study – an invaluable ability that lawyers continue to review on an regular basis of court. In interpreting the statute, writing legal papers, and sharing your conclusions, you will have such ample experience.

• Make your network stronger

Studying for your LLM means you’ll meet professional like-minded people. In and out of your legal specialisation, you are being able to network with fellow graduates, tutors and business experts who will open many doors to attractive career opportunities.

• Attract more employers

You will acquire new perspectives on legal theory and specialist knowledge that can attract the world’s leading law firms. Moreover, attaining your LLM is a perfect way to supplement your CV with a new credential that will keep you well informed about the changing legal market.

• Gain global recognition

The Master of Laws degree is recognised all over the world, so you can be confident from having earned a qualification that will take you places, no matter where you choose to study. Plus, attaining your LLM online in Conflict Resolution or Intellectual Property will increase your competitive standing, as these law areas are highly sought after in the current employment environment.

Here are the Career Opportunities after LLM

1. Opportunities in Government service after LLM

One can become public defenders to represent people who cannot afford to pay lawyers. A person can be appointed as magistrate and sub-magistrate, and for these posts he must qualify the Law Service Commission or State Public Service Commission. While the former presides over criminal court, the latter is invoved in judgment related to civil cases. Their excellent performance can lead them to positions of district courts judge and session courts judge and further leading to high profile opportunities in High Courts and the Supreme Court.

2. Civil Lawyer after LLM

Civil lawyer helps solving matters related to individuals, wills, mortgages, acting as guardian, divorce and damage suits. They are not involved in criminal misconduct.

3. Tax Lawyers after LLM

They deal with all kind of taxes levied by the government whether income tax, stamp duties, property tax, franchises.

4. Criminal Lawyers after LLM

Crime is considered to be the most thrilling branch of law. Lawyers here deal with offenses against the individual or society; they are involved with lot of cross examining and interrogating apart from preparing case for their clients for defense.

5. Corporate Lawyers after LLM

Their job is to look after the legal work of corporate house, they deal with the formation and maintenance of businesses, various official contracts, acquisitions and mergers and various other privileges and ordinances.

6. International Lawyers after LLM

They deal with international treaties and customs between nations and advise government and private players on the pros and cons of various projects and agreements.

7. Labour and employment lawyers after LLM

These lawyers are concerned with the rights and duties of workers and their unions and associations. As and when require they help to fight for the working conditions of workers against the management.

8. Intellectual Property lawyers after LLM

They look after ownership rights and protect these rights through patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Top 20 Colleges for LLM in India

Among 500 colleges that offer this course through regular mode, Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), NALSAR University of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia, among others are some of the highly reputed and popular colleges for LLM courses.

The following lists Top 20 LLM Colleges in India:

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru

NLSIU Bangalore was established in the year 1986 through a series of efforts by the Bar Council of India, Bangalore University, Government of Karnataka, The Karnataka Bar Council and Judiciary and is known to develop a new era of legal education in India.

It is India’s Best Law School and is currently ranked as Number 1 Law School in India. NLSIU Bangalore students have excelled in every field, whether its National or International Moots, debates, or other co-curricular activities. NLSIU Bangalore offers a One-Year LL.M. Degree program in two specializations such as business law and human rights law. Candidates have a choice to join either. However, the CLAT ranking is the determining factor. Once admitted to a preferred branch, the admission is final and is not open to change. Approximate fees for the above mentioned courses is Rs. 2,18,875 per annum for general category and Rs. 2,15,300 for SC/ST. These fees are subject to revisions.

Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat

Established in the year 2009, Jindal Global Law School is one of the Top most law colleges in India. JGLS is one of the first global Law Colleges of India. It is affiliated to O.P Jindal Global University. It has recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and Bar Council of India (BCI). It has also affiliation to American Association of Law Libraries, and Law School Global Legal.

The campus of the college is grand. It has a world class Moot court hall, separate hostels for boys and girls, big classrooms, wi-fi facility, gym, library, various sports options, cafeteria, auditorium, medical facilities, etc. The college provides a LLM degree which is for a duration of 2 years. To get admission into this premier institution one can give LSAT and Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). It offers LLM in following areas:
A. Corporate & Financial Laws
B. International Trade and Investment Laws
C. Intellectual Property Rights & Technology Laws
D. Taxation Laws
E. Competition Law
F. General Legal Studies
G. Alternative Dispute Resolution

NALSAR University of Law (NALSAR), Hyderabad

The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) was established in 1998 by a Statute of the State of Andhra Pradesh. Since its inception, the University has been home to vital conversations on law and justice. These conversations have acknowledged that questions of justice arise in all legal pursuits whether in the world of courts, corporations, education or administration. Till 2012, Master of Laws program at NALSAR offered a range of specializations on strictly segregated basis. In 2013, the one year LLM was introduced. Specializations were offered in a range of streams, however in a departure from the earlier system, it was decided that students would reach and not opt for a specialization. Thus if a student opted for four or more papers in a particular stream, then the student would be awarded a LLM degree in that specialization. All the candidates should appear for admission test except those candidates who have qualified UGC NET / JRF, SLET / M.Phil. as per the Regulations.

The approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,85,000 per annum including all ancillary charges.

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhi Nagar

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) is the statutory university established by the Govt. of Gujarat under the Gujarat National Law University Act, 2003. The University is recognized by the  Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). For admission in one year LLM, the candidates are required to obtain a LL.B. degree/equivalent degree in law from a recognized University, with not less than 55% marks (50% in case of SC/ST students) and those appearing in the qualifying examination can appear provisionally, subject to the production of necessary qualification papers before or at the time of admission. For admissions into this reputed college, one can apply through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Approximate fees structure is Rs. 2,07,000 per annum including ancillary charges.

Indian Law Institute (ILI), New Delhi

The Institute is an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Indian Law Institute has the requisite independence and academic freedom to carry out its objectives. The membership of the Institute is now nearly three thousand representing the persons interested in the study and advancement of law. It, however, provides LLM program, the duration of is 1 year comprising of 2 semesters. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 92,000 per annum including ancillary charges.

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with the cooperation of great personalities like Dr. Annie Besant, who perceived it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was created under the Parliamentary Legislation – The B.H.U. Act 1915.

A candidate shall be eligible for appearing in the Post Graduate Entrance Test (PET) of BHU leading to admission to LL.M. (One Year) Degree Program, if he or she has passed the his/her LL.B. or equivalent degree securing a minimum or 50% marks in aggregate considering all the papers in Three Year: Five Year LL.B. Degree Course recognised by the Bar Council of India. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 60,000 per annum, excluding residence fees. Also, Rs. 30,000 for special course to be paid for a 2-year LLM course.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune

Having founded by Mr. S.B. Mujumdar, President and Founder Director in the year 1977, under the Symbiosis Society, Symbiosis Law School, Pune is one of the Top 20 Law Colleges of India. It is a private college and affiliated to SIU, Pune. It is also approved by Bar Council of India which also awarded it with Gold-Star Award in 2013.

A modernized campus is provided to the students with nearly all facilities like Library, Air conditioned classrooms, moot courts, hostel facilities, internet facility, canteen, sports area, labs, auditorium, etc. Also, the college has experienced and excellent faculty that educate their students in the best possible way. For admissions into this reputed college, one can apply through Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) and Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). The important feature of its LLM degree is that its duration is of 1 year. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,65,000 per annum.

Army Institute of Law, Mohali

Army Institute of Law, Mohali was established by the Indian Army in the year 1999 under the aegis of the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES). The college is affiliated to the Punjab University, Patiala. It is approved by NAAC and BCI. A student can apply to this college for LLM, the duration of which of 1 year, is either by AIL Entrance Exam or also through the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT). Fulfilling of minimum eligibility requirement is mandatory for getting admission. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,68,000 in total.

Nirma University, Ahmedabad

Having established in the year 2007, Institute of Law- Nirma University is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Being among the Top 20 Law Colleges in India it provides various integrated programs in the field of law. It is approved by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and UGC. They provide both 5-year LLB program along with a one year LLM program. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,30,000 in total.

School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore

School of Law – Christ University was established in the year 1969 as Christ College. It is located in Bangalore, Karnataka. It is approved by UGC and graded as A category college by NAAC. It is famous for providing holistic educations, innovative education and global practices. It provides a wide range of specialisation subjects in its 1 year LLM program. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,35,000 per annum, and deduction of Rs. 10,000 for Karnataka Students.

Amity Law School, New Delhi

Amity Law School was founded in the year 1999 under the aegis of Ritanand Balved Education Foundation. It is well known for providing top level education in the legal field. It is affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. It is approved by NAAC. The college possesses world class infrastructure. It has air conditioned Classrooms, Moot court facility, 24-hour internet, Video- conferencing facility, central library, boys and girls hostel, cafe, etc. The duration of its LLM degree is one year. It conducts Lok Adalats and visits to live courts on a regular basis. Admission to this college is based on the marks of IPU CET Law Entrance Examination. Students can also get Admission by CLAT. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,20,000 in total.

Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, New Law College, Pune

New Law College, Pune was established in the year 1978 and is affiliated to Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University. It is recognized by University Grants Commission and Bar Council of India. It is graded as A college by NAAC. For admissions aspirants can apply through AILET PG Entrance Exam and also by CLAT. It provides a 2 year LLM program. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 42,000 per annum.

School of Law, University of Petroleum And Energy Studies, Dehradun

Founded in the year 2007, School of Law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun was formulated under the UPES Act, 2003 of the State Legislature of Uttarakhand, India. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in law. It is approved by UGC and NAAC. It is also recognised by Bar Council of India. Students can apply through CLAT for getting admission to LLM program in this college. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 2,22,000 in total.

ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad

Established in the year 1956, ICFAI Law School is one of the Oldest Law institutes of India. It is affiliated to IHFE, Hyderabad. It is approved by BCI and UGC. It is known for providing quality legal education to its students. To be a part of this prime education institution for its LLM program, one can apply through ILSAT/CLAT Entrance Examination. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,30,000 in total.

KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar

KIIT School of Law was established in 2007 and is situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was one of the first colleges of its type which offers various specialised course options in subjects like Constitutional Law, Business Law, International Law, Criminology, Intellectual Property Law and Taxation Law.

The college has a global membership and is a member of The International Association of Law Schools, Washington, USA and Asia Pacific Association of Law Schools, Australia. The infrastructure of the college is well developed. The duration of its LLM degree is one year. For admissions into this prestigious college one can apply through KIITEE Entrance Exams or also through CLAT. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 2,39,000 in total.

KLE Society’s Law College, Bangalore

KLELC, Bangalore was established in the year 1975 and is governed under KLE Society. The college runs under the aegis of Karnataka Lingayat Education Society. It is approved by Bar Council of India. It provides high quality education to its students in the field of law through the various courses offered by it.

The college provides all the necessary facilities to its students like fully equipped classrooms and auditoriums, moot court halls, library, sports complex, hostels, medical facilities, etc. To get into this college for LLM degree, you can give CLAT and/or LSAT-India Entrance Examination. Approximate fees structure is Rs. 1,00,000.

Manikchand Pahade Law College, Aurangabad

Manikchand Pahade Law College was founded in the year 1956 and is affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad. It is famous for providing excellent education in law. It is recognised by Bar Council of India.

The campus of the college is huge and spread in 11 acres of greenery. The infrastructure includes all the basic and necessary requirements like a library, good classrooms, sports facility, medical facility, moot court halls, etc. For admissions in LLM program, a student can give CLAT Examinations or even through MH CET Law Entrance Test. Fees is Rs. 13,046 per year.

DY Patil Law College, Pune

DYPLC, Pune was established by Dr. D Y Patil Vidya Pratishthan Society and is one of the Top 20 Law Colleges of India. It is affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. It is approved by Bar Council of India. It offers various undergraduate courses to its students and imparts quality education to its students. It provides both 5-year integrated LLB degree and even the LLM course. The campus of the college provides facilities like Library, Hostels, internet, laboratory, medical, sports facilities, etc.

Indore Institute of Law, Indore

Indore Institute of Law is affiliated to Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore and was founded in the year 2003. It provides its students with excellent law education. The infrastructure of the college is properly designed and comprises of library, canteen, hostels, internet facility, moot court hall, etc. It offers LL.M degree, where the department has experienced faculty members and involved in imparting education with innovative programmes. Approximate fees is Rs. 44,000 per annum.

JSS Law College, Mysore

Being affiliated to Karnataka State Law University, JSS Law College was established in the year 1982. It is approved by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council and Bar Council of India. It is also approved by UGC. It is known for providing high quality knowledge to the law students and moulding them into talented law professionals. It has a state-of-art infrastructure and has all modern amenities for them. The courses offered by the college are LLB programs along with 2-year LLM program.

Hence, in an age where law plays an important role in every areas of our daily life, it has undoubtedly become an inseparable part of the society. The inclusion of legal actions in the working realms has made law a very difficult career option. A professional law degree in a world where rivalry has become a volcanic sea, is very important. LL.M degree is indeed a vital requirement to ensure a prosperous and promising future. Approximate fees is Rs. 54,450 per annum.