What is Arbitration Law: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Arbitration law is an area of law that deals or relates with the determination of cases outside the common courts. In arbitration, the two or more people will allow another person to determine the solution to a problem that they had despite agreeing that such a person has the power to determine the outcome of that matter. Arbitration is normally preferred to litigation because it takes less time for the case to be solved and is cheaper.

Below are possible reasons why you might consider pursuing an Arbitration Law course:

• Demand for ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is increasingly popular, and arbitration is a key form of ADR. 
• Specialised Skills: It helps in developing specialised skills in arbitration procedure, advocacy, and international law, valuable for legal practice and beyond.
• Diverse Careers: Pursue careers as arbitration lawyers, arbitrators, corporate counsel, or work with arbitration institutions.
• Global Exposure: It also helps in gaining an understanding of international arbitration practices, opening doors to international work opportunities.

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the institution and the specific course LLM programs generally require candidates to have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification, while Diploma or certificate courses may have different eligibility criteria, such as relevant work experience.

Students doing LLB,  LLM,  BCom,  MCom,  MBA,  CA, CS, Lawyers, etc. can apply for certificate courses. However,  for UG degree candidates must be 10+2 passed. For a PG degree, candidates must have an LLB degree.

Yes,  some Arbitration Law Courses offer specialisation options or elective courses that allow students to focus on specific areas of arbitration, such as construction arbitration or international trade arbitration.

Yes, there are electives in Arbitration Law, especially at LLM levels within specialised courses including:

• International Commercial Arbitration
• Investment Arbitration (Investor-State Dispute Settlement - ISDS)
• Construction Arbitration
• Maritime Arbitration
• Intellectual Property Arbitration
• Energy Arbitration
• Banking and Finance Arbitration

Now, choosing which one is right for you depends on your career goals:

If you are aiming to career as arbitrator, then focus on procedural aspects, arbitrator ethics, and different types of arbitration (commercial, investment).

If you want to become an arbitration counsel (representing parties), then you should prioritise courses on drafting, advocacy, evidence, and enforcement.

Or, if you want to work in-house for a multinational corporation, then you should choose courses like international commercial arbitration and dispute avoidance. 

Since 2018, the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru has maintained its position as the top-ranked law college in India according to the NIRF rankings, securing 1st position. 

Refer to the table below for your question:

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Judges are answerable to only the court and law. However, an arbitrator is only answerable to the parties they are dealing with. Some of the more comparison points are mentioned below:

Graduates of Arbitration Law Courses can pursue various career paths, including arbitration lawyers, arbitrators, corporate counsel specializing in dispute resolution, or roles within arbitration institutions.

According to legal resources in India, the maximum amount payable to an arbitral tribunal (which can consist of one or more arbitrators) is capped at INR 30 lakhs  (approximately $37,200 USD) as per the Fourth Schedule of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. However, it's important to remember this is a ceiling, not a standard fee.

Students enrolled in Arbitration Law Courses may explore emerging trends in arbitration, such as online dispute resolution, investor-state arbitration, and the use of technology in arbitration proceedings.

Arbitration Law Courses equip students with specialised knowledge and skills in alternative dispute resolution, addressing the growing demand for professionals in this field and contributing to the development of the legal profession in India.