LLM Course Details: A Simple Guide to Master of Laws
Have you finished your LLB degree? Do you want to become an expert in a specific field of law? If yes, then the LLM course is the next big step for your career. An LLB makes you a lawyer, but an LLM makes you a specialist. Whether you want to become a judge, a law professor or a corporate legal expert, this degree gives you higher knowledge and a better salary. Here, we will explain LLM course details in very easy language. We will tell you about the fees, duration and the best college to join in 2026.
What is LLM? (Full Form & Meaning)
LLM stands for Master of Laws (in Latin: Legum Magister).
Level: Post-Graduate (PG) Degree.
Who is it for? Students who have already passed LLB (3-year or 5-year).
Goal: To teach you advanced legal topics and research skills.
LLM Course Duration: 1 Year or 2 Years?
Many students are confused about the time.
2-Year LLM: This is the standard duration in India now. It has 4 semesters. You study in deep detail and write a thesis (research paper).
1-Year LLM: Some universities used to offer this, but the Bar Council of India (BCI) now prefers the 2-year model for deeper learning.
Verdict: Most good colleges now offer the 2-year LLM course.
LLM Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
To join this masters course, you must meet simple rules:
Educational Qualification: You must have an LLB degree.
It can be a 3-year LLB (after graduation).
OR a 5-year integrated LLB (like BA LLB, BBA LLB).
Minimum Marks: You usually need at least 50% to 55% marks in your LLB degree.
Age Limit: There is no age limit. You can study LLM at any age.
LLM Specializations (Pick Your Field)
In LLB, you study all laws. In LLM, you pick ONE area to become an expert. Popular specializations include:
Corporate Law: For working in big business companies.
Criminal Law: For becoming a top criminal lawyer or judge.
Constitutional Law: For teaching and government jobs.
International Law: For working with global organizations (like UN).
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): For patents and copyrights.
LLM Course Syllabus: What Will You Study?
The syllabus focuses on research and advanced laws.
Core Subjects: Legal Research Methodology, Judicial Process, Law and Social Transformation.
Elective Subjects: Depends on your specialization (e.g., Company Law for Corporate students).
Dissertation: A long research project that you write in the final semester.
LLM Course Fees
The fees depend on the college type.
Government Colleges: Very low (approx. Rs 10,000 - Rs 50,000 per year).
Private Colleges: A little higher (approx. Rs 60,000 - Rs 2 Lakhs per year).
Career Options & Salary After LLM
An LLM degree opens high-level doors for you.
1. Judge (Judiciary Exams)
LLM helps you in the interview and mains exam for judicial services.
Salary: Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.2 Lakhs per month.
2. Law Professor (Academician)
If you want to teach in a law college, LLM is compulsory. You can also clear the UGC NET exam after LLM.
Salary: Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 per month.
3. Corporate Lawyer
Big companies hire LLM experts for higher positions.
Salary: Rs 6 Lakhs to Rs 12 Lakhs per year.
4. Legal Researcher
You can work for think tanks or the government to draft new laws.