Law is one of the most sought-after professions in India. It offers a variety of career options in different sectors, such as the judiciary, corporate, government, and non-governmental organizations. But to become a lawyer in India, you need to have a degree in law, which is called an LLB.
LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws, which is a three-year undergraduate program that covers the basics of legal theory and practice.
However, if you want to start your law education right after 12th grade, you can opt for an integrated law course that combines a bachelor’s degree in any stream with an LLB. This way, you can save one year of study and gain knowledge in both law and another discipline. Integrated law courses are five-year programs that are offered by many reputed law colleges in India. But how do you choose the best LLB course for yourself? What are the factors that you should consider while selecting an integrated law course? What are the benefits and challenges of pursuing law as a career?
In this blog, we will give you an overview of the different integrated law courses, their eligibility criteria, admission process, curriculum, and career prospects.
What is LLB?
LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws, which is the basic degree required to practice law in India. It is a three-year undergraduate program that covers the fundamentals of legal theory and practice.
To be eligible for LLB, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university with at least 50% marks. You also need to clear an entrance exam such as CLAT, LSAT, MH CET Law, or AILET.
What are the integrated law courses?
If you want to pursue law right after 12th grade, you can opt for an integrated law course that combines a bachelor’s degree in any stream with an LLB. This way, you can save one year of study and gain expertise in both law and another discipline. Integrated law courses are 5-year programs that are offered by many reputed law colleges in India.
Some of the popular integrated law courses are:
- BA LLB course: This course integrates a bachelor’s degree in arts with an LLB. You will study subjects such as history, political science, economics, and sociology, along with law subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, etc. This course is suitable for students who have an interest in social sciences and humanities and want to pursue a career in human rights, public policy, international relations, etc.
- BCom LLB course: This course integrates a bachelor’s degree in commerce with an LLB. You will study subjects such as economics, statistics, and auditing, along with law subjects such as contract law, company law, intellectual property law, etc. This course is suitable for students who have an interest in commerce and finance and want to pursue a career in commercial law, trade law, securities law, etc.
- BBA LLB course: This course integrates a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an LLB. You will study subjects such as accounting, management, marketing, and finance, along with law subjects such as corporate law, business law, taxation law, etc. This course is suitable for students who have an interest in business and commerce and want to pursue a career in corporate law, banking law, arbitration law, etc.
- BSc. LLB course: This course integrates a bachelor’s degree in science with LLB. You will study subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, along with law subjects such as environmental law, cyber law, patent law, etc. This course is suitable for students who have an interest in science and technology and want to pursue a career in scientific research, biotechnology law, space law, etc.
How Do You Choose the Best LLB Course After 12th Grade?
Choosing the right LLB course after finishing high school depends on your interests, skills, and goals. Here are some things to think about when making your decision:
- Your school subjects: If you studied arts or humanities in high school, it might be easier for you to do a BA or LLB course. If you did commerce or science, a BCom LLB or a BSc LLB could be more suitable.
- Your career plans: If you already know what type of lawyer you want to be or the legal field you want to work in, pick a course that matches your goals. For example, if you want to work for a business or a big company, consider BBA LLB or BCom LLB. If human rights or NGOs interest you, go for the BA LLB course. If patents, biotechnology, or space exploration attract you, consider a BSc LLB.
- College choice: Different colleges offer varying educational quality and job opportunities. Research factors like the college’s reputation, faculty, facilities, fees, and admission process. It’s also helpful to read reviews from current students and alumni. If you’re in search of the best LLB college in Ghaziabad, conducting additional research will help you find the one that best suits your needs.
- Entrance exams: To join integrated law programs, you must pass an entrance exam like CLAT, LSAT, AILET, or MH CET Law. These tests evaluate your skills in reasoning, general knowledge, legal awareness, and English. Prepare well for these exams, practice with mock tests and previous papers, and understand the exam format, subjects, eligibility, and cutoff scores.
Conclusion
The law is a diverse and ever-evolving field that presents numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. Selecting the right LLB course after completing high school is a pivotal decision that can shape your future. Therefore, it’s essential to take into account the factors mentioned earlier and make an informed choice that aligns with your personality and aspirations. We trust that this blog has provided you with a better understanding of the various law courses available after high school.