26,Dec 2023
The educational experience and legal career of a person may by impacted by the decision they take for their Master of Laws. The discussion over whether to pursue an LLM from India or abroad is complex and may affects a number of variables such as quality of education, employment opportunities, networking, exposure to different cultures, etc. This study examines important variables to take into account while selecting between local and foreign LLM programs. Students need to determine, review, and balance the potential pros and cons of every alternative. Not only this, choosing to study a Master in Law from the best law college in India or abroad also requires a careful analysis of one's own interest, purpose, goal, and the different legal education provided in other countries.
Why Study LLM Abroad?
Gaining a Master of Laws (LLM) overseas may be a life-changing opportunity that offers several advantages. These are five justifications for thinking about pursuing an LLM overseas.
- Global Perspective and Comparative Law: Earning an LLM overseas exposes you to other legal systems and broadens your understanding of legal matters. Gaining knowledge of many legal customs and traditions helps enhance your comprehension of comparative law, a crucial skill in today's globalized society. Your ability to do research and approach legal problem-solving from a global perspective can be improved and expanded.
- Networking opportunities: Studying overseas offers special chances to connect with academics, attorneys, and students from throughout the globe. Developing global connections might be beneficial to your future professional life, providing access to chances across borders. Engaging with people who have different legal backgrounds can also provide you with access to a greater variety of legal viewpoints.
- Access to renowned faculty and resources: Renowned academics with in-depth knowledge of their respective disciplines are drawn to several of the world's best law schools. Studying overseas offers the chance to do in-depth legal study and pick the brains of these professionals. Your education can be substantially improved by having access to well-equipped libraries, research centers, and other educational resources.
- Language proficiency and cultural dynamics: Studying and living overseas exposes you to other languages, cultures, and thought processes. This diversity of cultures can help you grow personally and foster your capacity for adaptability and open-mindedness. Furthermore, learning in a non-English speaking nation might help you advance your language abilities, which is advantageous in the increasingly international legal field.
- More Employment Opportunities: Earning an LLM from a reputable foreign university will greatly improve your chances of landing a good job. Companies typically appreciate the variety of viewpoints and experiences that come from studying overseas. Your LLM program can provide you with access to possibilities in foreign jurisdictions, multinational enterprises, international organizations, and law firms. These connections and relationships can be made around the world.
Eligibility Requirements to Study LLM Overseas
Students willing to pursue LLM from abroad must know the eligibility and prerequisites for Indian students. However, each country will have its own set of laws and processes for international students.
Academic Requirements
Applying to the best law colleges should ideally require candidates to have a Bachelor of Law in order to pursue an LLM abroad.
1- Exam(s) Required to Study LLM Abroad
Applying to overseas law universities, students ideally require having a Bachelor of Law in order to pursue an LLM abroad.
- TOEFL iBT
- TOEFL PBT
- IELTS
Depending on the college that the students choose, the requirements for GPA and English proficiency may change. Therefore, before completing your online application, we advise you to verify that you meet all of the requirements on the program's official website.
2- Work Experience Requirements
International colleges give more weight to volunteer activity or employment experience in related fields. Two years of pertinent practical experience is ideal. Among these might be research initiatives. It is not necessary for this experience to be in the legal field. Nonetheless, certain institutions or universities could ask for previous research or employment experience.
3- LLM Abroad: Application Requirements
Since the application is for an LLM program being pursued overseas, the prerequisites may change based on the institution or university. We've included the standard prerequisites for your LLM abroad application procedure, however they're not exhaustive.
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
- English Proficiency Test
- IELTS or TOEFL (depending on the country)
- Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume (CV)
- Portfolio of past work experiences (optional)
Top Overseas University for LLM Programmes
The initial step towards a variety of career choices, such as becoming a judge, barrister, or solicitor, is earning a law degree. Sifting through the many law schools offering degrees throughout the globe can be challenging. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best colleges in the globe offering LLM programs.
| Rank 2024 | Rank 2023 | University | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Harvard University | United States |
| 2 | 1 | Stanford University | United States |
| 3 | 3 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 4 | 12 | Columbia University | United States |
| 4 | 2 | New York University | United States |
| 6 | 13 | University of California, Berkeley | United States |
| 7 | 4 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 8 | 7 | University of Melbourne | Australia |
| 9 | 10 | The University of Chicago | United States |
| 10 | 5 | Yale University | United States |
Benefits of Studying LLM in India
For recent law graduates and other legal professionals, pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in India offers a number of strong benefits. These benefits add to India's growing appeal as an LLM study abroad location. The following are the main benefits of pursuing an LLM in India:
1- Affordability
The affordability of earning an LLM in India is among its biggest benefits. In general, India's tuition costs for LLM programs are less than those of other nations, such as the US or the UK. A greater number of students who would not have the funds to study overseas can now enroll because to its affordability.
2- Diversity in LLM Programmes
India offers a wide range of LLM programs that are tailored to certain legal interests and expertise. You can probably find a curriculum that fits with your professional aspirations, regardless of your interests in corporate law, human rights, environmental law, or intellectual property. Students can investigate particular areas of law and acquire specialized knowledge thanks to this diversity.
3- Experienced Faculty
Faculty members at several Indian universities with LLM programs are highly skilled and experienced. These instructors may provide students insightful advice and helpful mentorship since they frequently have a great deal of real-world experience in their specialties. Their knowledge raises the standard of Indian legal education as a whole.
4- Relevance to the Indian Legal System
Indian LLM programs are made with the nation's legal practice and structure in mind. Students get practical knowledge and abilities that are directly applicable to the legal system in India because to this emphasis on regional legal norms and regulations. It guarantees that graduates are ready to handle the intricacies of practicing law in India.
5- Job Opportunities
The Indian public and commercial sectors are experiencing a surge in demand for LLM graduates. Qualified legal experts with specific knowledge are sought after by government agencies, law firms, business legal departments, and non-governmental organizations. For LLM graduates in India, this demand translates into a plethora of employment options and career potential.
6- Making Professional Connections and Networking
Students can develop important professional networks within India while pursuing an LLM. Having these contacts can help you find partnerships, internships, and jobs in a variety of legal sectors. Furthermore, Indian colleges' alumni networks frequently span the globe, offering chances for worldwide contacts as well.
LLM: Eligibility
In order to be eligible to pursue a Master of Legislative Laws, students must meet the requirements listed below:
- Depending on the chosen university, students have earned a qualifying LLB or Bachelor of Law with a minimum aggregate score.
LLM: Entrance Exams
In order to be admitted to LLM programs, students must pass the admission exam. The results of the entrance test and the interview phase, which are held by the individual universities, are used to determine admission to LLM programs.
One can select from a variety of LLM entrance exams, including AILET, BHU UET, IPU CET, and CLAT PG.
Some Popular LLM Specialization in India
LLM comes with a variety of specialization and some of them are listed below -
- LLM International Law
- LLM Corporate Law
- LLM Taxation Law
- LLM Human Rights
- LLM Constitutional Law
- LLM Environmental Law etc
Top Indian Universities to Pursue LLM
There are nearly 1247 law colleges in India including private and government colleges. More than 544 colleges are approved by UGC and 579 are approved by BCI. However, here are the top Indian universities best for LLM programmes.
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences - [NUJS], Kolkata
- National Law University - [NLU], New Delhi
- NALSAR University of Law - [NALSAR], Hyderabad
- National Law School of India University - [NLSIU], Bangalore
- National Law University - [NLU], Jodhpur
- Lloyd Law College – Greater Noida
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Faculty of Law Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
- Indian Law Institute -, New Delhi
Some Important Factors to Consider While Choosing an LLM Program in India
A number of criteria should be taken into account by prospective students while choosing an LLM program in India:
- Reputation of the Institution: To guarantee the caliber of education, pick a recognized and approved institution.
- Specialization: Choose a curriculum that fits your professional objectives and decide the field of law you wish to specialize in.
- Expertise of the Faculty: Find out about the credentials and background of the faculty to make sure they can deliver a top-notch education.
- Affordability: Take into account living expenses, tuition, and any available financial help or scholarships.
- Placement Opportunities: To get a job, check the alumni network and placement history of the school.
Conclusion
With the aid of the aforementioned data, we can see that there are a number of elements, each with unique benefits, that influence the choice of whether to pursue an LLM degree from the best law college in India or abroad. Choosing to pursue an LLM abroad offers a variety of benefits, including exposure to other legal systems, a global perspective, special networking possibilities, access to esteemed teachers and resources, cultural enrichment, improved language proficiency, and increased employment chances. The best colleges in the world, including Stanford, Harvard, and Cambridge, highlight how popular LLM programs are around the world.
However, pursuing an LLM in India has advantages such as exposure to a variety of legal systems, the incorporation of legal ideas into cultural settings, affordable educational options, chances for networking within the active legal community, and the ability to specialize in Indian law. The admission requirements and qualifying tests for LLM programs in India add to the diversity of the legal education scene. To make an informed choice that suits their tastes and desires, people must ultimately carefully assess their academic and career goals, taking into account elements including reputation, curriculum, and accessible resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better India or abroad for LLM?
The choice between pursuing an LLM in India or abroad depends on individual preferences, career goals, and specific program offerings. Studying abroad may provide exposure to diverse legal systems, networking opportunities, and access to renowned faculty. Few factors such as cost, cultural adaptation, and the relevance of the curriculum to one's career goals should also be considered.
What qualification required for LLM?
The prerequisite for admission to an LLM programme in India is a bachelor's degree in law, such as an LLB, with at least 55% of the possible points overall. Top universities offering LLM programs include NLSIU, NUJS, Symbiosis Law School, NLU Delhi, NALSAR, and so on.
What is the Eligibility for LLM in abroad?
LLB or bachelor of law degrees, need a minimum GPA of three out of four. an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an 80 on the TOEFL. In addition, a lot of universities want work or research experience.
What are the requirements for LLM in India?
LLM Students must get a 50–60% aggregate score to be eligible for either a 3-year LLB degree or a 5-year BA LLB, B.Sc LLB, or BBA LLB degree. Check with the selected institutions once before applying.
What subject should I choose for LLM?
One can study a variety of legal specialties with an LLM degree, including business law, administrative law, criminal law, environmental law, cyber law, and many more. An LLM degree provides a professional path that is in line with one's goals.
What is the maximum age limit for LLM?
There is no maximum age to apply for the CLAT PG test. If an applicant is older than the others but still receives the same rank and marks in the CLAT LLM, they will be granted precedence.
Is LLM compulsory for judiciary?
No, an LLM degree is not required in order to apply for the judicial test. The Junior Judge test Eligibility states that in order to apply for the judicial services test, you must be between the ages of 21 and 35. The other requirements vary per state.