Have you always wanted to be a lawyer? Did you know that becoming one is possible even if you don’t attend an Indian law school? The legal system in India can be confusing and foreign to anyone new to it, which means that if you’re trying to become a lawyer in India, it can be hard to figure out what you need to know to successfully make the transition from being an undergraduate student to becoming a practicing lawyer.
With that said, here’s what exactly you need to know about becoming a lawyer in India after 12th grade to build your career as soon as possible. This article explains how to become a lawyer in India after the 12th with this comprehensive guide, complete with links and resources to get you started!
Overview
A career in law is no longer limited to litigation, and law school in India today is entirely different from what it was a few years ago. With the plethora of programs and career paths available in law, it is only natural to look for a law degree after studying science in 12th grade.
While many would say that going to law school after 12th grade in the science branch is not the best choice, it is a little-known fact that the department does not matter when pursuing higher education in law. If you are curious to learn more and more about the Indian legal system, or someone who simply wants to gain insight into a range of legal disciplines, then law school is for you.
Yes, becoming a lawyer will go beyond the professional rewards and standing in society, but the biggest challenge you might face is studying law after 12th science. This article will guide you in choosing the correct primary and law school and which areas of law pay the best in the country.
A step-by-step guide to studying law after 12th grade.
Studying law after 12th is the same as studying humanities after 12th, so we have put together a step-by-step process to help you understand the way to proceed to become a lawyer in India.
Step 1: Apply for the law school entrance exam.
Although many law schools allow direct admission, it is best to take a national-level entrance exam recognized by the country’s top law schools. Some of these law entrance exams are the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) India, etc., and some institutions conduct separate entrance tests for law school admission. Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) is one of India’s most popular institute-level law entrance exams.
Note: To be eligible for these entrance exams, candidates should score at least 45% or equivalent in their 10+2 exam.
Step 2 – Choose the right law course after the 12th.
Deciding on the right course of study is the most important task you need to do next. In India, there are several law courses offered by different institutes. As you are looking for a period right after class 12, you will settle for five-year integrated systems like B.Sc.LL.B, B.A.LL.B, B.Tech.LL.B, etc. This is not a bad idea for law aspirants who want to study law in any field after graduation. Below is a detailed list of integrated degree programs in law.
Step 3 – Choose the right law school for your law degree.
The next step is to find the ideal law school. With the vast list of law colleges in India offering integrated 5-year degree programs, it becomes challenging to find the right one. Scroll down to find the best Indian law colleges that offer five-year integrated degree programs.
Step 4 – Continue your studies or enroll in the bar association.
After completing your undergraduate law degree, you can pursue an advanced degree (LL.M.) or enroll in the state bar. If you choose the latter, you must take the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) within two years of registering at the state bar. You will then be eligible to practice law.
How to choose the right law school after 12th science?
This is where you have to use your discretion. Someone who took a science course in 12th grade might choose the B.A.LL.B., and someone with the same academic background might choose the B.Tech. and LL.B. Both degree programs are equally well suited to edifice and pursuing a successful legal career. An integrated law degree allows students to complete two courses of study in one academic program. Below is a list of integrated law degree programs in India:
- Bachelor of Law + Bachelor of Legal Studies (B.L.S. LLB)
- Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Law (B.A.LL.B).
- Bachelor of Commerce + Bachelor of Law (B.Com LL.B)
- Bachelor of Business Administration + Bachelor of Law (B.B.A.LL.B)
- Bachelor of Engineering + Bachelor of Law (B.Tech.LL.B)
- Bachelor of Science + Bachelor of Law (B.Sc + LL.B)
The complete list of integrated law programs in India can be found here. Tuition fees can range from 1,50,000 rupees per year to 1,86,000 rupees per year.
The following are the best law colleges in India that offer five-year integrated degree programs in law:
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
- UPES Dehradun
- Aurora Legal Sciences Institute, Bhongir
- Amity University Manesar
- Biyani Group of Colleges, Jaipur
- Ansal University, Gurgaon
- National University, Jaipur
- National Law University, Delhi
- NALSAR University of Law (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi
- Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Noida
Choosing the right law degree
Law is a very versatile subject that can be combined with a wide range of courses. Students from all disciplines, arts, science, commerce, or humanities, can study law after grade 12. Many courses can be studied after grade 12, such as LLB, B.Com, LLB, etc., with LLB being the most popular and in the highest demand. All major national law universities offer LLB degrees as the program’s structure helps students understand law subjects through pre-law subjects. Students who do not opt for the LLB may also consider the Bachelor of Laws in Business.
Choosing the right university
There is no doubt that the first choice for aspiring law students is to study at a national law university. Still, some top-notch private colleges offer first-class facilities to students. Before choosing the university, there are many options to explore that will determine your future legal path. Evaluate the colleges based on basic parameters like placement results, practical experience, skill development, achievements, rankings, infrastructure, faculty, fee structure, and scholarships offered. Some of the best private colleges in India are Jindal Global Law School, Christ University, Lloyd’s Law College, ICFAI, NIRMA University, etc.
Curriculum to Cover in 5 years B.A.LL.B.
| General EnglishSociologyPolitical ScienceEconomicsHistoryLaw MediaLaw of ContractsIndian Legal & Constitutional HistoryLaw of CrimesFamily LawConstitutional LawJurisprudenceLabour & Industrial LawCompany Law | Interpretation of StatutesInsurance Law and Accident ClaimsCriminology and penologyProfessional EthicsLaw of EvidenceCode of Criminal ProcedureCPC & Limitation ActCPA & Competition ActInternational RelationsLaw of Torts & CPAIndian Government & PoliticsLaw of Human RightsPublic International LawEnvironmental LawsMuslim Law | Administrative LawTransfer of Property Act & Easement ActBanking Law & Negotiable Instrument ActADR LawsLaw of TaxationCyber LawsU.P.Z.A. & Land ReformsIndian Judicial System etc. |
Enrolling with the Bar Council
Upon completion of the undergraduate program, the candidate must register for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) with the State Bar Council within two years of enrollment.
How to enroll for the State Bar Council.
- Online registration
- Get the login details for the registered ID.
- Log in to access the registration form
- Fill out the registration (or enrollment) form
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the enrollment fee for the state bar council
- Submit the form
Pursue higher education
Those who do not want to enroll in the bar council immediately can pursue higher education and enroll in an LL.M. program at a prestigious and recognized national or international university. Some of the reputed universities for LLM degree programs are:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU).
- University of Mumbai – Department of Law
- Institute of Indian Law (ILI)
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
- Amity University – Amity Faculty of Law
- University of Delhi (DU) – Faculty of Law
- Symbiosis Law School
Conclusion
I hope that this guide has given you some insight into the Indian legal system and what it takes to become a lawyer. Becoming a lawyer is not easy, but with the right amount of work and dedication, you can learn how to become one. The key is being well-informed and educated about the process. Keep reading articles like this one so that you can get help from career consultants who can answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us. I’ll do my best to answer them!