How to Become a Lawyer After 12th: Career Guide, Courses, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Skills, Benefits, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

Content Writer | Updated 3+ months ago

To become a Lawyer after 12th candidates are required to have an LLB degree along with an LLB degree from a recognised university. Candidates can also opt for integrated LLB courses. After completing their education, they have to register with State Bar Council and qualify All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to start practising as a lawyer. The salary is highly impacted by the experience and expertise that Lawyers have. The average annual Lawyer Salary in India is INR 3.5 LPA with the highest salary being INR 21 LPA and above. The monthly salary of a lawyer in India is between INR 25,515 to INR 26,921. The top entrance exams for admissions into law courses include CLAT, AILET and LSAT. Civil, Criminal, Corporate, Public Interest, Intellectual Property, Cyber Security and Environment are some of the top domains in which graduating lawyers like to specialise. 

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How to Become a Lawyer after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility Class 12 in any discipline followed by clearing Law entrance exams
Qualifications LLB, Integrated LLB, LLM
Starting Salary (INR) INR 3.50 LPA
Average Salary (INR) 7.50 LPA & above
Highest Salary (INR) 40 LPA & above
Top Recruiters Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Law Firms

Eligibility to Become a Lawyer after 12th 

The candidates are required to meet the different eligibility criteria to become a Lawyer in India after class 12. The standard eligibility criteria are explained in the following points - 

  • Candidates should pass class 12 from a recognised board with a minimum of 60% marks
  • Candidates have to qualify for law entrance exams like CLATLSAT and AILET.
  • After qualifying for the law exam, they have to complete the LLB course. Candidates can also opt for integrated LLB courses.
  • Candidates must opt for an internship upon completion of the degree to get practical exposure and get a better understanding of the profession. 

Steps to Become a Lawyer after 12th 

Becoming a lawyer after class 12 in India is a multi-step process with each step having its own significance. The steps to becoming a lawyer are explained in the following points. 

  • Complete class 12 - The first step in becoming a lawyer is completing class 12 from a recognised board. Class 12 can be completed in any stream.
  • Complete LLB degree - After clearing entrance exams, candidates are required to complete the undergraduate LLB course. Candidates can also apply for integrated LLB courses.
  • Complete undergraduate degree - Candidates are required to have an undergraduate degree in order to be eligible for an LLB degree. The degree can be in any discipline. This step can be completely skipped by joining an integrated LLB course.
  • Apply for Law Entrance Exams - To get admission into law colleges, candidates are required to pass law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, SLAT and LSAT.
  • Join an Internship - Students are required to undergo an internship as a part of their LLB course to learn about court procedures and services in a practical way.
  • Register with State Bar Council - In order to receive the provisional certificate to practice, candidates are needed to enrol with State Bar Council. A certain amount and documents are needed to be submitted for getting the certificate. This also makes candidates eligible for the All India Bar Examination. 
  • Qualify for All India Bar Examination (AIBE) - Candidates aspiring to be Corporate Lawyers or practice before the court, have to clear AIBE. Candidates are granted the license to practice law once they clear the AIBE exam
  • Start practising and gain experience - Candidates can start practising law and apply for government sectors and law firms.

Law Courses after 12th 

LLB is the course that every aspirant looking to become a lawyer in India has to pursue. Other courses in law include integrated LLB degrees like BA LLB and BCom LLB, LLM and diploma courses. Integrated courses give students the ability to pursue a bachelor's degree and an LLB degree together. The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.

Degree LLB BA LLB BCom LLB
Eligibility Class 12 and Graduate in any stream with minimum 45% marks Class 12 with 50% Class 12 with 55%
Entrance Exams CLAT, SET, AP LAWCET, TS LAWCET AILET, SLAT, CLAT, LSAT, JMI BA LLB CLAT. TS LAWCET, AP LAWCET, SET, MHT CET
Top Colleges NLSUI, NLU, MIT-WPU, NALSAR NLSUI, NLU, NALSAR NLSUI, NLU, NALSAR
Course Fees INR 2.5 L - INR 4 L INR 1.5 L - INR 15 L INR 1.6 L - INR 2.50 L
Average Salary (INR) INR 4 LPA - INR 6 LPA INR 3 LPA - INR 6 LPA INR 2 LPA - INR 3 LPA
Top Recruiters Wipro, Bajaj Finance Ltd, ICICI Bank, Star India, Birla Global Finance, BHEL, SAIL Qusilex Legal Services, Aparajitha Corporate Services, Clutch Group, Integron ICICI Bank, Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co, Lexis Nexis, Jacobs Engineering

Entrance Exams

To qualify for LLB or integrated LLB courses, candidates are required to clear law entrance exams. There are many exams conducted for candidates to get admission to top law colleges. The details for some of the top law exams are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exam Application Deadlines (Tentative) Exam Dates (Tentative) Result Declaration (Tentative)
CLAT August 8 – November 18, 2025 December 18, 2025 December 23, 2025
LSAT

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AILET August 1 – November 13, 2025 December 10, 2025 December 13, 2025

Top Law Colleges

India has many colleges providing quality law education to students. NLSIU, NLU and MIT-WPU are some of the top law colleges. The details for top law colleges are mentioned n the table below.

Name of the Colleges Location Average Fees 
National Law School of India University Bangalore INR 1.5 L
National Law University Delhi INR 1.38 L
MIT World Peace University Pune INR 2.45 L
NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad INR 3.34 L
LPU Jalandhar Jalandhar INR 4.32 L
IIT Kharagpur Kharagpur INR 1.63 L
Parul University Vadodara INR 1.20 L
National Law University Jodhpur INR 1.99 L
Symbiosis Law School Pune INR 1.80 L

Skills Required to Become a Lawyer after 12th 

A combination of skills and personal qualities are required to become a successful lawyer. Some of the top skills that a lawyer should have are mentioned in the table below.

Analytical skills Research skills Communication skills
Critical Thinking Problem-solving skills Time management
Attention to detail Negotiation skills Advocacy skills

Benefits of Becoming a Lawyer after 12th 

Becoming a Lawyer can offer numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. Some benefits of pursuing law as a career are - 

  • Lawyer profession is considered a success and is highly respected in society.
  • Lawyer works for equality in different aspects giving a sense of satisfaction. 
  • Lawyer is one of the highest-paid professions in India with competitive salaries.
  • They can also work as professors, speakers and advisors to make extra income.
  • Lawyers have the option to choose from various fields to practice law. 

Salary of a Lawyer after 12th 

The average annual salary of a lawyer in India is INR 3.5 LPA. With experience and time, a gradual increase in salary is seen. The average starting salary of a lawyer is INR 1 LPA with the highest salary being INR 10 LPA. The salaries of layers according to different specialisations are mentioned in the table below. 

Designations Average Annual Salary (INR)
Civil Lawyer 3 L
Criminal Lawyer 3 L
Corporate Lawyer 5.8 L
Human Rights Lawyer 2.4 L
Cyber Lawyer 8 L
Intellectual Property Lawyer 5 L
Tax Lawyer 4.2 L
International Lawyer 3 L

How to Become a Lawyer after 12th: FAQs

Ques. What educational requirements are needed to become a lawyer?

Ans. To become a lawyer, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree followed by an LLB degree from a recognised university. Students can also opt for integrated LLB courses.

Ques. Is networking important for aspiring lawyers?

Ans. Networking is highly important for aspiring lawyers as it builds professional relationships and can provide valuable guidance, job opportunities and mentorship throughout the career. 

Ques. How can I gain practical experience while studying law?

Ans. Students can participate in internships and summer associate programs at law firms, government agencies or legal clinics. These opportunities allow students to apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings and build valuable connections. 

Ques. What skills are essential for success as a lawyer?

Ans. Strong analytical and research skills, effective communication abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, attention to detail and ethical awareness are crucial for success as a lawyer.

Ques. Can I specialise in a specific area of law?

Ans. Yes, after obtaining the license, you can specialise in a specific law area. Many lawyers choose to focus on areas like criminal law, corporate law, family law, intellectual property rights and environmental law.

Ques. What are the top-paying cities for lawyers in India?

Ans. New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata are some of the best cities for lawyers in India with good pay.

Ques. Which industries are paying the most to lawyers in India?

Ans. Financial services, Legal, Government, Analytics & KPO and Law Enforcement & Security are the top-paying industries for lawyers in India.

Ques. How much a lawyer is earning in a month in India?

Ans. The estimated monthly salary of a lawyer in India is between INR 25,515 to INR 26,921.

Ques. How much a lawyer is earning in New Delhi?

Ans. INR 5.4 LPA is the average yearly earning of a lawyer in New Delhi. 

Ques. Is there any age limit to becoming a lawyer?

Ans. There is no age limit to becoming a lawyer in India. 

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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