Law Entrance Exams

About Law Exams

Law entrance exams are conducted to assess a candidate’s aptitude, analytical skills, language proficiency, and legal reasoning for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in India. These exams open pathways to pursue legal education at top law universities, National Law Universities (NLUs), and reputed private colleges offering LLB, BA-LLB, BBA-LLB, and LLM programs.

Who Can Appear for Law Exams?

The eligibility criteria for law entrance exams vary depending on the course level:

• For Undergraduate law programs (BA LLB/BBA LLB), candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 45%–50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. Reserved category students may get a relaxation.
• For 3-year LLB programs, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 45% aggregate marks.
• For Postgraduate law programs (LLM), candidates should have completed a 3-year or 5-year LLB from a recognized university.
• There are no strict age limits for most law exams, though some universities may have specific criteria.

Major Law Exams in India

Several national, state, and university-level exams are conducted annually for law admissions. Some of the most prominent exams include:

• CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) – Conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in National Law Universities (NLUs).
• AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) – Conducted by NLU Delhi for admission to BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and Ph.D. programs.
• LSAT India (Law School Admission Test) – Conducted by LSAC for admission to private law colleges across India.
• SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test) – Conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its law programs.
• MH CET Law – A state-level entrance exam for admission to law colleges in Maharashtra for both 3-year and 5-year LLB programs.
• DU LLB Entrance – Conducted by Delhi University for admission to its 3-year LLB program.
• BHU UET/PET – Conducted by Banaras Hindu University for law admissions.
• Other state-level exams like AP LAWCET, TS LAWCET, Kerala Law Entrance, etc.

Career Opportunities After Law Exams

Qualifying a law entrance exam leads to diverse career paths in legal practice, corporate law, government services, judiciary, and academia. Common career options include:

• Practicing as an Advocate in courts after enrolling with the Bar Council
• Corporate Legal Counsel in companies and law firms
• Judiciary (through Judicial Services Exams)
• Legal roles in NGOs, public sector units, and regulatory bodies
• Academia and legal research
• Arbitration, mediation, and legal consultancy

Where Can You Get Placement?

Top law colleges and NLUs offer strong placement opportunities through campus recruitment and internships. Students can get placed in:

• National Law Universities (NLUs)
• Top private law schools like Symbiosis, Jindal Global Law School, Amity, Christ, etc.
• Law firms, corporate legal departments, consultancy firms, and media houses
• Judicial clerkships, government law offices, and research organizations

Expected Salary

The salary in the legal field varies depending on the specialization, employer, and experience:

• Top law firms recruit graduates from NLUs with starting packages of ₹10–18 lakh per annum.
• Corporate legal roles offer salaries between ₹6–12 lakh per annum initially.
• Independent practice income depends on the client base and experience, starting lower but increasing with years of practice.
• Judicial services and government roles offer stable salaries as per government pay scales with other benefits.

When Are Law Exams Conducted?

Law entrance exams are usually conducted annually between December and June, depending on the exam:

• CLAT – Conducted once a year, usually in December.
• AILET – Conducted in December or January.
• LSAT India – Conducted multiple times a year.
• SLAT & MH CET Law – Conducted in April–June.
• University-specific exams follow their respective academic calendars.

Qualifying Procedure

The admission process for law programs typically involves:

• Entrance Exam – Candidates must qualify the respective law entrance test.
• Merit List / Counseling – Based on exam scores, merit lists are prepared, and candidates are invited for counseling.
• Seat Allotment – Seats are allotted as per rank, preference, and availability.
• Admission & Verification – Final admission after document verification and fee payment.