The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2024 result is expected to be out soon. Close to 1.5 lakh candidates from across the country are estimated to have appeared for the exam, which was held on December 3, 2023. Recently, the examination authority had released the answer key, presently candidates are awaiting the release of CLAT 2024 results and scorecard.
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Every year, approximately 60,000-70,000 law graduates join the legal profession in India, suggest estimates from The Bar Council of India.
Another 2022 report reveals that our country has around 1.4 million enrolled advocates and, in that year only, about 60,000 candidates signed up for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) alone, the most popular entrance admission for law aspirants. However, the process of becoming a successful lawyer in India is far from simple. Each candidate has to qualify multiple exams including the entrance tests for admission to UG and PG courses and the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), a compulsory post-enrolment test for law graduates who wish to practise in India. As they prepare for the AIBE XVIII on 29th October, here is a step-by-step guide to join the legal profession in India.
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Qualifications of Lawyers
To embark on a career in the field of law, it is essential to successfully complete a law degree programme at an accredited university. There are various types of courses that you can choose from. However, you can sign up for the courses after qualifying the relevant law entrance exam.
Bachelor of Law (LLB): This is a 3-year undergraduate programme for students who want to pursue a career in law. They can apply for it after completing 12th Board exam or graduation in any discipline.
Integrated BA LLB: After successful completion of 12th, students can also choose a 5-year- integrated law course like BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB. This combines two Bachelor's degrees: 1 in law and another in any stream from arts, commerce or science.
Latin Legum Magister (LLM): This translates to Master of Law. LLM is a 2-year postgraduate course in the domain of law. This PG course focusses on a particular specialization. One can pursue this after the completion of a 3-year graduation course.
Step-by-step Guide
As already mentioned, law aspirants in India have to clear many exams to pursue a career in this field successfully. Here’s a bird’s eye view of them.
Step 1-Complete your HS Education: You need to successfully complete your higher secondary board exam (10+2) from a recognised board to be eligible for a Bachelor's degree in law. Law UG courses are open to students from any stream.
Step 2- Apply for a Bachelor or Integrated programme in law: You can choose a 3-year course or a 5-year integrated programme.
Step 3-Sign up for and clear law entrance test: Many colleges and universities admit students to their law programmes through entrance exams. However, there are a few institutes that allocate seats based on merit. Some of the popular entrance exams for admission to law colleges include CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), SLAT (Symbiosis Law Aptitude Test). There are other institute and state-specific entrance exams too.
Step 4-Enroll yourself in a law school: After qualifying a law entrance exam, start applying to law schools. Your choice should be based on the reputation of a particular institute and various other factors. You need to provide with official documents, law entrance exam results, letters of recommendation, and additional information with each application you submit.
Step 5-Complete your law degree: Whether it’s a 3-year degree course or a 5-year integrated programme, you need to study a wide range of subjects such as civil law, criminal law, family law and tax laws among others and clear all of them to become a law graduate.
Step 6-Pursue an internship: After getting admission to a college, do internships with advocates or law firms during the tenure of the course. This will play a significant role in strengthening your base as a future advocate while giving you a hands-on experience of the real world of law.
Step 7-Register with the Bar Council of India: After successful completion of your course, an aspiring legal expert needs to register with the Bar Council India (BCI) to appear for the AIBE exam.
Step 8-Qualify the AIBE exam: This is mandatory for anyone who wants to practise law in India. This 100-mark exam held annually by the BCI has a duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. Students have to answer 100 objective type questions during the stipulated time period. There will be no negative marking for wrong answers. Once you pass this examination and get the certificate, you are eligible to practise as an advocate throughout the country.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to complete an LLB in India?
The LLB program in India typically takes three years. However, if you opt for an integrated program like BA LLB, it's a five-year course.
2. Are there scholarships available for law students in India?
Yes, many law schools and organizations offer scholarships to deserving students. Be sure to research and apply for these opportunities.
3. What are the prospects of practicing law in India as a foreign-educated lawyer?
Foreign-educated lawyers can practice in India, but they need to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) and fulfil other eligibility criteria.
4. Is legal education in India expensive?
The cost of legal education can vary widely depending on the institution and the course. While some government institutions offer affordable options, private law schools may be more expensive.
5. What is the scope of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in India for law graduates?
ADR is a growing field in India, and law graduates with expertise in arbitration and mediation have promising career prospects in this area.
