How to become a Lawyer: Career Guide, Courses, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Colleges, After 12th, Job, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Getting the opportunity to work as a Lawyer at the top governing body i.e. the Indian Judiciary is in fact a matter of pride and gratification. There are a few general Eligibility Criteria to Become a Lawyer such as completing law courses with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above followed by clearing the AIB  exams. Admissions to top law colleges such as National Law University Jodhpur, NALSAR University Hyderabad and The West Bengal National University of Juridical Science are done on the basis law entrance exams such as CLAT and AILET. Post completing the courses, students can start practising as per their specializations. In general, there are 10 different Types of Lawyers in India based on their area of specialization and practice. The average course fee for pursuing an undergraduate Law course ranges between INR 50,000 – 4.5 LPA. After successfully completing the degrees students get placed across top law firms with an average salary of INR 6.50 LPA – 8 LPA. 

How to Become a Lawyer: Quick Facts 

Industry Law, Legal Service
Eligibility 10+2 in any discipline and should qualify entrance exams
Average Starting Salary INR 4,00,000 - INR 6,00,000
Highest Salary INR 2.5 Crores & above
Job Opportunity Lawyers, Judge, Family Lawyers, Securities Lawyer, Tax Lawyers, Environmental Lawyers etc. 

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What does a Lawyer do?

Lawyers utilise their legal knowledge to assist clients in understanding and navigating legal issues. While their tasks and responsibilities differ based on their field of specialisation, most Lawyers are responsible for the following set of duties as discussed below,

  • Creating legal documents and submitting them to the proper courts and authorities
  • Attending client trials and hearings
  • Lawyers collaborate with policemen and detectives and help them prepare evidence of cases for trials and mediation
  • Reviewing a case and advising clients on trial choices
  • Conducting trail and arguments in favour of their clients before the judge

Check Out: All Law Courses

Types of Lawyers

The job of a Lawyer is not easy, there are various specializations that study the details and intricacies across various fields and sectors. Tabulated below are the types of Lawyers that one can become after pursuing law. 

Civil Lawyers

Definition As the name implies, the primary function of civil Lawyers is to protect the rights of all citizens. Civil Lawyers fight for fundamental rights which are the basic rights that every person enjoys from the moment they are born. Civil Lawyers are also known as Human Rights Lawyers
Average Annual  Salary INR 11 L – 12 L

Criminal Lawyers

Definition The profession of a criminal Lawyer is the most popular of all the categories of Lawyers. They meticulously examine and research the case in order to reach a conclusion, based on which they either demand the defendant's freedom if the defendant pleads innocent, or negotiate a plea or settlement if the defendant is found guilty
Average Annual Salary INR 17.33 L & above

Corporate Lawyer

Definition They offer legal advice to businesses, assisting them in developing growth strategies that are legal. Due to their specialisation in contract law, securities law, bankruptcy, tax law, accounting, intellectual property rights, licencing, zoning regulations, and other areas, Corporate Law professionals are in high demand.
Average Annual Salary INR 8 L – 11 L

Public Interest Lawyer

Definition Public Interest Lawyers oversee circumstances when persons who require legal assistance cannot afford to employ an attorney. In such circumstances, a Public Interest Lawyer accepts the case on a pro bono basis. Such Lawyers work for non-profit organisations and government agencies, providing specialised legal assistance to their clients. 
Average Annual Salary INR 3.6 L – 5 L

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Definition Patents, intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are all concerns that a legal expert works with. Intellectual property refers to a person's idea or creation of the mind, which can lead to a company's success or failure in modern times. Cases such as firms suing their competitors and filing patents for stealing or copying their idea or design are handled by intellectual property (IP) Lawyers. 
Average Annual Salary INR 17 L – 22.8 L

Cyber Lawyer

Definition The purpose of cyber law is to deal with situations of cybercrime. The term "cybercrime" refers to unlawful conduct carried out over the internet. A Cyber Lawyer's job is to prepare, examine, and argue a case for a client who has been charged with cybercrime. Cyber Law is a sub-discipline of law that is significantly broader than the legal field as a whole. It's also a crucial part of legal education and company management.
Average Annual Salary INR 6 L

Find Out: Types of Lawyers and their Salaries

Eligibility to Become a Lawyer 

There are various eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to be able to become a Lawyer. Some of the top criteria for becoming a Lawyer are mentioned below for your reference,

  1. Students must clear their Class 12th board exams with minimum 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA
  2. They must sit for various national-level or University level entrance exams such as CLAT and AILET.
  3. They must complete their 5 years Undergraduate course such as BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB
  4. Students who have LLM degrees can also become a Lawyer 
  5. The course-wise eligibility stratification for becoming a Lawyer is mentioned below,
  • Undergraduate Courses: The candidates must have cleared their 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 45% marks and passed the required entrance exam
  • Postgraduate Courses: Candidates who have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees in relevant Law Courses, are eligible to apply and sit for an entrance exam. To pursue a postgraduate law course like LLM, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in law from a recognized university or college.

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How to Become a Lawyer in India

In order to become a Lawyer in India, aspiring candidates must pursue Law Courses and also clear the AIBE (All India Bar Exam) for a fortifying career as a Lawyer.  Mentioned below are some of the most crucial steps that must be followed in order to become a Lawyer.

  • School Level Preparation: In order to become a Lawyer, there are no fixed or mandatory subjects or streams that must be pursued, however prior knowledge in Political Science, Sociology etc would help eventually in order to understand the subject better. Read More: Steps to Become a Lawyer

How to Become a Lawyer After 12th

In order to become a Lawyer after 12th, aspiring candidates must follow the steps discussed below,

  • Undergraduate Preparation: In order to become a Lawyer, students must pursue Undergraduate Law Courses such as LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB or BSc LLB. However, before enrolling for these courses they have to clear Law Entrance Exams such as CLAT, AILET, etc. Almost all 1st tier Law Colleges enrol students who score the highest marks in these Law Entrance Exams.
  • Postgraduate Preparation: Postgraduate Law Courses such as LLM, can be pursued by students who aspire to become Lawyers. Admissions to Postgraduate Law Courses are also done on the basis of Law Entrance Exams such as CLAT PG, etc. 

Entrance Exam for Lawyers

Getting through law courses is not an easy task, each of the students will have to appear for entrance exams. Here we have presented the entrance exam for admission to law courses to become a Lawyer. 

Find Out: BA LLB Syllabus

CLAT Exam 

The Common Law Admission Test is a national-level online exam held for Lawyers. 

Name of Exam CLAT  (Tentative Date)
Courses Offered BA LLB/BBA LLB/B.Sc LLB/LLM
CLAT Application Form opens July 15 – October 15, 2025
CLAT Exam Date December 1, 2025

AILET Exam

All India Law Entrance Test is an annual University entry level examination organised by National Law University, Delhi.

Name of Exam All India Law Entrance Test (Tentative Date)
Courses Offered 5 Year B.A.LL.B.(Hons.), LL.M and PhD. Program
AILET Application Form open August 1 – November 18, 2025
AILET Exam Date December 8, 2025

SLAT Exam 

Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SET) is a general term used for the entrance exams conducted by the Symbiosis Institute (Deemed University) for admission into bachelors’ programs into their various branches. 

Name of Exam Symbiosis Entrance Test (Tentative Date)
Courses Offered B.A LL.B, B.B.A LL.B, B.Des, BCA, BBA, BBA (IT), B.A. (Mass Comm.), B.A. (Liberal Arts), B.Sc (Economics), B.Sc (Liberal Arts), B.Sc (Culinary Arts) & B.Tech 
SLAT Application Deadlines Aug 15 - Nov 22, 2025
SLAT Exam Dec 13 & 15, 2025

Check: LLB Abroad 

List of Top Law Colleges

India is home to several top Law colleges with a total number adding up to 1721. There are more than twice as many private law colleges as compared to government law colleges. Madhya Pradesh has more than 68 government law colleges and Uttar Pradesh has 223 private law colleges. Similarly, there are several top colleges abroad offering law courses. Some of them are Harvard Law School, Columbia University and many more.

Some of the top law colleges in India as well as abroad are listed below for your reference, 

Name of the Colleges Location Average Course Fees (INR)
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi Delhi 5,100
Banaras Hindu University Varanasi 10,360
The National Law Institute University  Delhi 51,530
National Law School of India University Bangalore 84,000
NALSAR Hyderabad 57,000
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Delhi 27,000
National Law University Jodhpur 93,000
Symbiosis Law School Pune 1,53,000
Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi 10,400
Indian Law Institute Delhi 92,000

Top Recruiters for Lawyers 

There are numerous recruiters in India, but the most recognised recruiters of India are, 

Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co. AZB & Partners
Khaitan & CO J Sagar Associates
Luthra & Luthra Law Offices Trilegal
S&R Associates Economic Laws Practice
Desai & Diwanji Talwar Thakore & Associates

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Lawyer

Every job comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Tabulated below are a few of the top advantages and disadvantages of becoming a Lawyer

Pros Cons
Lawyers have high earning potential as they are among the highest-paid professionals in the country Lawyers may have to work under stress while meeting deadlines, client requirements, law changes, etc. 
Lawyers are held in high regard and have great power that ultimately leads to respect and success.  The competitive labour market in the field of law is another disadvantage in choosing a career as a Lawyer. 
Candidates can help others and work for equality in all aspects that respect the law.  The workload of Lawyers often leads to long hours. This can increase individual fatigue and health problems
There are several options in the field of law: family, corporate, financial, civil, criminal, etc.  -
Lawyers can earn extra income by working as advisors, attending law school professors, speakers, etc. -

Skills Required to Become a Lawyer 

There 6 most important skills which every Lawyer must have and here we have mentioned those skills, 

Communication Skills Ability to make Judgments Analytical Skills
Research Skills Perseverance Creativity Based Skills

Salary of a Lawyer 

Lawyers who practice in court are self-employed professionals. They do not get a salary but are paid on the basis of their service.  The average starting salary of a Lawyer ranges from INR 7000- 10,000. A senior Lawyer's average salary ranges from INR 5 LPA - 7 LPA. With gradual experience, knowledge and exposure the same amount can go up to as much as INR 28.1 LPA - 37 LPA.

Tabulated below is the average salary of a Lawyer according to various specializations,

Specializations Average Annual Salary (INR)
Civil Law 3.01 L
Criminal Law 4.20 L
Corporate Law 5.50 L
Human Rights Law 2.60 L
Cyber Law 4 L
Intellectual Property Law 5 L
Tax Law 6.30 L
International Law 3 L

How to Become a Lawyer: FAQs 

Ques: How many years does it take for the candidate to become a Lawyer?

Ans: After completing graduation the candidates go for an LLB for a period of 3 years to become a Lawyer. After completion of higher secondary the aspirants can go for an integrated LLB course for a period of 5 years to become a Lawyer.

Ques: Is being a Lawyer a very difficult process?

Ans: It is not very difficult to become a Lawyer. The candidate has to set their goal to achieve their dream as a Lawyer. The candidates need to make serious efforts and time and a lot of studies to become a Lawyer.

Ques: What is the salary of a Lawyer in India?

Ans: The average salary of a Lawyer in India ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000. Lawyers' salaries vary depending on specialization and experience. According to the survey, there are Lawyers who charge INR 5,00,000 to INR 1,00,00,000 crore for appearing in court.

Ques: Which year of LLB is difficult?

Ans: In fact, the whole LLB course is tough. They vary the difficulty level from one student to another depending on the subjects of likes and dislikes. So there is no specific year that is hard to say.

Ques: What are the LLB subjects?

Ans: The main topics of LLB are family law, constitutional law, banking and insurance law, human rights law, private international law, international economic law, environmental law, election law, etc. Some of the main subjects taught in LLB.

Ques: How to become a judge in India after completing graduation?

Ans: Candidates have to complete the degree in law from a recognized university or institution affiliated to any university recognized by the State Government or the Central Government. In case of the advertisement date of the examination, the candidate has to be listed as a Lawyer for the role of any State or Union Territory Bar Council in India.

Ques: Is there any age limit to becoming a Lawyer?

Ans: No, there is no age limit to becoming a Lawyer. But, there is an age limit to become a judge and the maximum age limit is 35 years on the date of the advertisement for the examination. The age limit varies from state to state.

Ques: Are there any disadvantages to becoming a Lawyer?

Ans: There are no disadvantages to becoming a Lawyer but the deadline, the client claims, may require Lawyers to work under pressure to change the law. Lawyers’ work stress often translates into longer work hours that can be associated with individual fatigue and health problems.

Ques: What books and study materials aspiring to become a Lawyer can follow?

Ans: Following are some of the best books and study materials for aspiring Lawyers :
  • The Politics of International Economic Relations, Routledge, London, 4th Edition, 1990 - Joan Edelman Spero
  • Constitutional Law of India, LexisNexis - D.D. Basu
  • Best For Aspiring Activist Attorneys: The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow
  • Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner
  • The Tools of Argument: How the Best Lawyers Think, Argue, and Win
  • Tomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future by Richard Susskind

Ques: Can MBA be done after LLB?

Ans: Yes, the candidate can do an MBA after the completion of LLB i.e. MBA-LLB. The candidates can do integrated MBA-LLM. The duration of this course is 3 years.

Ques: What exactly is a Lawyer?

Ans: A Lawyer is someone who helps people get relief from a certain case that they are unable to fight for in the presence of a Judiciary

Bachelor of Laws [L.L.B.] : 7 answered questions

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Ques. Is doing law from Allahabad University good?

● Top Answer By Alankrita Rajbhar on 27 Jul 22

Ans. If you want a career in litigation, then Allahabad University is a good option. You will get ample time and resources to build required skills. Allahabad High Court and lower courts will assist in clearing your basics and make you a professional. It is a good option for judicial services too. You will be able to manage your preparations, as attendance rules aren’t strict.  But for corporate sector jobs, Allahabad University isn’t a good option. Very few companies visit the campus placements.  Allahabad University law degrees are cost-effective compared to NLUs. The total tuition fee for LLB at the university is only INR 2.3 Lakhs. Also, Allahabad isn’t a costly city.Read more
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Ques. How do I study for LLB exams and get good marks Im in LLB 1st year since 2 years? How do I write papers from Pune University?

● Top Answer By Sakshi Gupta on 29 Sept 21

Ans. Exams are simple to pass, however gaining necessary information is a little tougher. It's the right technique to make your concepts obvious, mentioning sections and focusing on the bare act. Doing the following would be a lot easier method: Classroom lectures are always the most effective. Making running notes entails writing down what you believe is important. Choose a standard reading book (textbook/reference book) for each subject.  This is the only book you should read if you want to pass your examinations.  An author’s book, often known as a "Commentary," would be beneficial for conceptual clarity as well as legal expertise and terminology. Presentation is another useful tool. You could present the answer in your own distinct style. Make a clear format for how you'll write your answers. The following is an example of a possible response: A brief introduction (A line or two introducing the answer to the question) The case's/facts questions (if any) Provision of the law (Includes Section, Article, Clause if you know it) The inference made by you (the actual answer that is examined) Jurisprudence (if any) Conclusion If the issue is for lower marks, your structure can be simplified, but the Section, Article, Clause, and Case law should still be included. If recalling Sections and other details is tough, focus on the most important ones. When a topic is presented, the rest of the book can be read leisurely with consistent and pertinent references.Read more
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Ques. Can a SOL DU graduate student apply for L.L.B regular from a Delhi university?

● Top Answer By Saloni Kaushik on 29 Sept 21

Ans. SOL DU is recognized by UGC, so you will be eligible to apply for a regular LLB from Delhi University. The following are the requirements for admission to Delhi University's law school for the LLB degree program. You must have a Graduate/Post-Graduate Degree from the University of Delhi or its equivalent with at least 50% marks if you are from General and Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, the cut-off marks for OBC applicants in the Entrance Test will be up to 10% lower than the marks announced for general candidates. OBC category students are granted a 5% relaxation in the minimum eligibility requirements.  The widows/wards of defense personnel (CW) category are granted a 5% relaxation in the minimum eligibility requirements for general candidates.  Candidates belonging to the physically handicapped (PH) category are granted a relaxation of up to 5% in the minimum eligibility prescribed for general candidates. You will also need to give an entrance examination if you are applying for this course. I recommend that you contact the relevant university for more information. Read more
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Ques. How is Amity University, Noida for 3 year law?

● Top Answer By Nikita Sen on 17 Apr 21

Ans. As far as a review of doing a 3 year LLB from Amity Law College, Noida, a friend of mine who did the course was not too keen on the college. According to her, the overall reputation of the college is not very good. As far as the faculty is concerned, it is alright, nothing extraordinary. If you want to seriously pursue a law degree, a complete five-year law course is much better appreciated in the market. And if you are looking at placements, they are not that good. You will have to look for a job on your own if you are not from the top three national law schools. If not, do an LLM from abroad. That will probably help. However, if you intend to pursue law within the country itself, you should look at colleges in South India that could be better than Amity Noida. Try IFIM law school as a first. Definitely don’t go to Amity Law School Noida.  Read more
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Ques. How is the LL.B program in Amity Gwalior?

● Top Answer By Shikha Singh on 05 May 21

Ans. Amity University, Gwalior, provides two courses in Law. One is BA LLB and another one is B.COM LLB. Let’s know more about each course separately and what scope of both these programs: B.A LL.B-  B.A LL.B is an undergraduate program that is of five years duration. This is an integrated course with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law. Its syllabus includes Arts subjects including History, Political Science, Economics, Law, Legislature.  The curriculum of the course is designed in a way that will give you knowledge of the law along with general aptitude.  The scope of B.A LL.B is vast, it gives immense opportunity to students. After obtaining a license from the Bar Council, local, or state, law graduates may also work privately. After some experience, they further promoted to Attorney, Associate Attorney, Solicitor General, etc. After graduating from the University may also go to practice law in District, High, or Supreme Court of India. They can also go for higher studies. They may also make their career as a government lawyer in Defence, Tax and Labour, or as a Public Prosecutor. B.COM LL.B- B.COM LL.Bis an undergraduate program which is of five years duration, run by Amity University, Gwalior. This is an integrated course with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law. Its syllabus includes Cost Accounting, Principle of Auditing, Market study, Corporate Tax, Micro-Macro Economics, Principles of Auditing, Law, Legislature. The curriculum of the B.COM LL.B is designed in a way that it gives students knowledge of both practical and theory. Students go through moot court exercises and practices.  The scope of B.COM LL.B has immense opportunity for students. After obtaining a license from the Bar Council of India, State Council of India, law graduates may work privately, or practiceinDistrict, High, or Supreme Court of India. They can also go work higher studies or practice under law firms.  Law graduates can also work in government sectors, defense, Constitution and Labour department, consultancy, politics, or as a public prosecutor.  Therefore, doing a Law degree from Amity University, Gwalior, is a good option. If you are thinking to join the university then go ahead with it. Read more
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Ques. Can I take a year off after the 1 year of LLB in KSLU University?

● Top Answer By Vijay Mishra,  on 30 Oct 21

Ans. Once you enroll yourself for any law course with KSLU, you will have to complete the course within the prescribed time by the university.  For example, if you are in the 3 years course of LLB then you will be given +3 years to finish the course (i.e, 3+3). If you surpass the time you will have to enroll for the fresh batch. Otherwise, you can also keep the course going and be enrolled, take a year's break, and get back. But it is difficult to catch up with the academics considering a break since they take time to follow up.  Also, it is heard in rumors that KSLUs evaluation system is unfair and has left students in much agony.Read more
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Ques. I got into NMIMS Mumbai for BBA and Jindal Law School for BBA LLB. Where should I go?

● Top Answer By Asutose Ghose on 29 Apr 23

Ans. NMIMS Mumbai and Jindal Law School have vital academic programs and placements. Your hobbies, professional ambitions, and preferences choose which institute to attend. Comparing NMIMS Mumbai with Jindal Law School: NMIMS Mumbai Jindal Law School Fees 4 LPA 6.5 LPA Average Placements 4.5 LPA 7 LPA Both programs have pros and cons. NMIMS Mumbai's BBA program provides a solid management and business studies foundation, opening many career paths. Jindal Law School's BBA LLB program combines business and law for legal and corporate careers. Before choosing, evaluate your interests, professional goals, and preferences. Talk to current and former students at both schools to learn more about the programs.Read more
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