Business Law Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Sep 4, 2024 01:35 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Business Law, also known as Commercial law, regulates business and commerce. It is commonly considered a part of civil law that deals with concerns of both public and private law. Business Law comprises laws governing the formation, operation, and regulation of the business. It also includes laws that regulate the commercial transactions entered into business with other entities. It works to keep businesses, brands, and corporations in order, protecting the rights of a business entity. Business Law is also known for establishing a set standard for how things should run in an organisation.

Business Law Syllabus: Important Facts

  • Business Law is taught at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. However, at an undergraduate level, Business Law is integrated with other law subjects. 
  • To study as a specialisation in Business Law, students can pursue a Master of Business Law (MBL), Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Law, and Master of Laws (LLM) in Business Law. 
  • An average total fee for a course in Business Law ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 11 lakhs, depending upon the choice of college and course offered.

Scope of Business Law

The scope of Business Law is immense. Lots of gates open for you once you complete your degree in Business Law. You can get job placements in multinational companies, law firms, insurance companies, banks, etc. If you are interested in teaching, you can also become a lecturer at a college or university once you complete your masters in Business Law. 

MBA/LLM/MBL in Business Law: The MBA, LLM, and MBL in Business Law is a two-year postgraduate degree course divided into four semesters.
MBA/LLM/MA in Business Law Colleges / Universities: The admission process for a course in Business Law depends upon the college/university. Many colleges/universities conduct entrance exams, whereas some colleges/universities offer admission on a merit-based basis. University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, conducts its entrance exam named ULSAT LLM, whereas the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru offers admission based on merit.

General examination pattern for MBA/LLM/MA in Business Law:
The general examination pattern for these programs is similar to any other educational programme. The course curriculum often includes mid and end-semester exams, vivas and assignments alongside group discussions.

The Law syllabus mentioned here can also be referred to prepare for AIBE exam, which is mandatory to qualify in order to practice in a court of law in India.

List of Subjects in Business Law

LLM in Business Law is a popular course that discusses the legal aspects of starting and running businesses.

Typical core subjects in LLM in Business Law

Some of the core subjects taught in Business Law course include:

Subject Title

Course detail

Indian Constitutional Law: The New Challenges

This subject provides an overview of the Constitution of India, its legal system, and its processes. It also highlights the upcoming challenges faced by the Constitution.

The key topics covered here include:

  • Federalism
  • Fundamental Rights and Duties
  • Directive Principles of State Policy 
  • Democratic Process
  • Rights of minorities

Law of Industrial And Intellectual Property

This subject encompasses the protection of industrial and intellectual property rights in India and their impact on the economic front. It also introduces laws relating to unfair and restrictive trade practices and infringement of intellectual property rights.

The key topics covered here are: 

  • IPR and international perspectives
  • Patent search, examination, and records
  • Biotechnology patents
  • Intellectual property and human rights
  • Trademarks and consumer protection

Judicial Process

This subject provides a broader perspective of the judicial processes followed in the court. It also familiarises students with alternate ways of seeking justice. 

The key concepts discussed here are:

  • Nature of the judicial process
  • The special dimensions of the Judicial Process
  • Judicial Process in India
  • Concept of Justice
  • Relation between law and justice

Banking Law

This subject provides an outline of the development of the banking system in India. It focuses on the laws relating to banking, banking structure, policies, and practices.

Some common topics covered in this subject are:

  • History of banking in India and the Central Bank
    Law Relating to Banking Companies in India
  • Negotiable Instruments
  • Recent Trends of Banking System in India
  • Lending by banks

Corporate Finance

This subject provides an understanding of the legal and economic dimensions of corporate financing. It also acquaints students with various statutory rules and regulations relating to corporate finance. 

It covers the following topics:

  • Importance and scope of corporate finance
  • Equity and debt finance
  • Corporate fundraising
  • Regulation on corporate finance
  • Protection of creditors

Law and social transformation in India

This subject explains the role of law in contemporary Indian society. It also creates awareness about the law as an instrument of social change.

The key topics covered in this subject include:

  • Law and social change
  • Laws relating to religion, language, and community
  • Laws relating to women and children
  • Alternative approaches to law

Elective subjects in LLM in Business Law

Students may note that there are no elective subjects in any semester of LLM in Business Law. All subjects are core subjects that are compulsory for students.

Detailed syllabus for LLM in Business Law

The LLM Business Law syllabus provides in-depth knowledge of the legal and economic affairs of a business. Given below is a detailed overview of the subjects taught in the programme:

Core/Elective

Subject Details

Sem I - 

Legal Regulation of Economic Enterprises

This subject encompasses to make the students familiar with the economic-legal perspectives and consequences of such developments. It also covers the adoption of the global economy concept and liberalisation. The key topics covered in this subject include: 

  • Regulation and development of industries
  • Winding up and sick undertakings
  • Government regulation
  • Issues related to Capital

Sem II - 

Law of Export-Import Regulation

This subject covers rules and regulations that govern the export and import of goods and services. It also focuses on the agreements, restrictions, and rules specified by the World Trade Organisation to regulate international trade. 

The key topics covered in this subject include:

  • The need for export and import
  • Laws on the Control of import and export
  • International Regimes
  • Regulation on capital investment

Sem III - 

Insurance Law

This subject covers the rules and principles which govern the contracts of insurance. It also introduces various types of insurance like life, health, property, and marine to the students.

The key topics covered in this subject include: 

  • Introduction to insurance
  • General principles of Insurance
  • Types of insurance
  • Law of contract and law of torts

Sem IV - 

Doctrinal and Non-Doctrinal Research 

This subject involves legal research. Every student is required to select a topic of his/her interest. For the doctrinal research, the students have to depend upon textual material like books and reports, whereas, for the non-doctrinal research, the students are required to collect actual data. Based on the data, the students are required to prepare a doctrinal and non-doctrinal research project.

Courses with Business Law Specialisation

If you want, you can pursue different specialisations in Business Law across postgraduate, diploma and undergraduate levels. Some common specialisations in Business Law are:

Course with Specialisations

Subject

Details

MBA in Business Law

  • Law of Contract 
  • International Business Law
  • Consumer Protection
  • Companies Act Intellectual 
  • Property Laws 
  • Insurance Law

MBA in Business Law is a two-year postgraduate programme that covers commercial laws related to business. Its goal is to familiarise students with the numerous aspects of commercial laws that a business deals with daily.

The course is divided into four semesters and follows the basic norms of a management course, as well as an understanding of commercial law and necessary business skills. 

Masters of Business Law (MBL)

  • Contract Law
  • Corporate Laws 
  • Industrial Relations Laws
  • Environment Laws
    Investment Laws
  • Intellectual Property Laws

The Master of Business Law (MBL) is a two-year postgraduate course that provides in-depth knowledge of business and commercial laws.

The course is designed for graduates and business professionals who seek advanced legal understanding but do not wish to practise law. 

Masters of Law (LLM) in Business Law

  • The Indian
  • Constitution Banking Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Corporate Finance
    Judicial process

The LLM in Business Law is a two-year postgraduate programme that equips students with an advanced academic understanding of commercial law.

This course is for students looking to learn more about the legal processes and laws that govern business and trade.

It focuses on the actual challenges businesses have to face in completing legal duties and adhering to the regulatory frameworks.

Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Corporate Law

  • Law of Contract
  • Laws relating to Banking
  • Dispute Resolution Law
  • Corporate Finance Law
  • Corporate Restructuring

The PGDBCL curriculum covers many aspects of business and corporate law and is a well-balanced blend of the two. It familiarises students with both national and international laws on business and trade.

Keeping the demands of the open economy in mind, this course covers topics such as insurance and banking laws, foreign direct investment, alternative dispute resolution processes, and so on.

Books for LLM in Business Law

There are various books that you can refer to while preparing for an LLM in Business Law. Here’s a list of some famous books covering key aspects of the subject:

Subject and Book Title

Authors

Description of books

Law and Social Transformation in India 

Book - Outlines of Indian Legal History

M.P. Jain

The book is structured in a narrative style and provides readers with an explanation of the critical stages in the evolution of India's legal systems. It also includes chapters on the modern judicial system, the development of constitutional law, criminal law, and civil law, with references to case law and extensive commentary. This book is extremely useful to all law students, advocates, or anyone preparing for competitive examinations.

Judicial Process

Book - The Nature of the Judicial Process

Benjamin Nathan Cardozo

In his well-known book, Cardozo discusses the unconscious and conscious process followed by a judge in deciding a case. The book also clarifies the risks present in judicial lawmaking and highlights factors to limit judicial discretion. The book is regarded as a classic in legal education.

Banking law

Book - Banking Law & Practice In India

Tannan

For decades, this book has been a classic legal textbook and the most extensive, genuine, recognised, and recommended masterwork on Indian Banking Law and Practice. The book has also been quoted and cited by the Supreme Court, High courts, and tribunals in various decisions. The revised edition contains up-to-date laws, case studies, masters, and directions by RBI.

Insurance Law

Book- Law of Insurance

B.N. Banerjee & S K Sarvaria

This book provides a comprehensive description of different types of insurance laws. All the recent developments in insurance have been incorporated in the latest edition. An attractive feature of this book is that there is no overlapping of provisions of insurance. 

Corporate Finance

Book - Company Law and Corporate Finance

Eilis Ferran

This book outlines the legal regulations that govern corporate finance. It deals with financing decisions and their implications on the company. It also covers the basics of company law, such as the formation and financing of business. This book is also UGC prescribed for LLB (Hons.) and LLM for the subject of Corporate Finance. It is a ready reckoner for Business Lawyers, professionals, and students preparing for their exams.

Entrance exams for Master’s in Business Law

Candidates must pass an entrance exam to get admission to top colleges or universities for master’s in Business Law. Some colleges or universities, however, provide direct admission based on a bachelor’s degree and personal interview.

Further, there can be some additional conditions, which a candidate might have to fulfil to successfully get an admission, which may differ from college to college.

Some top entrance exams for master's in Business Law are

However, some entrance exams like ULSAT LLM and CLAT LLM allow candidates who have cleared their LLB with a minimum of 50% marks, to appear in the exam, whereas, for entrance exams like LSAT India and TS LAWCET, a candidate must hold a degree in LLB.

Distance Master’s in Business Law Syllabus

Education has become more affordable and accessible with the emergence of distance learning. Distance education has grown significantly over the last decade, offering an opportunity for people to learn new skills without additional expenses. Many universities and colleges offer masters in Business Law via the distance mode. The programme syllabus, however, is the same as the ordinary one, just the teaching method is different.

Some colleges/universities that provide master's in Business Law are-

  • National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
  • Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

Top Colleges for Master’s in Business Law

Choosing the right college might be a tedious task. However, we have simplified that for you. Here is a list of top colleges for pursuing a master's in Business Law-

S. No.

Name of College / University

Syllabus PDFs

1.

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

To be uploaded soon

2.

Symbiosis Law School, Noida

Download Here

3.

Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar

To be uploaded soon

4.

National Law School of India University, Bengaluru

To be uploaded soon

5.

Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University, Chennai 

To be uploaded soon

6.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune

To be uploaded soon

7.

Amity Law School, Noida

To be uploaded soon

8.

The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata

To be uploaded soon

9.

Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad

To be uploaded soon

10.

National University of Study and Research in Law

To be uploaded soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is LLM in Business Law?

A. Master of Laws (LLM) in Business Law is a two-year postgraduate degree that focuses on improving your academic legal understanding in the areas of business and commercial law.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for a master's in Business Law?

A. Students are admitted for a degree in a master’s in Business Law programme either based on their merit in the undergraduate programme and personal interview or based on their performance in an entrance exam conducted by the college or university.

Q. Is Master of Business Law (MBL) equivalent to LLM in Business Law?

A. In terms of degree, MBL is equivalent to any other Master's degree. However, LLM is a better option in terms of academics, as it provides more comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the legal aspects.

Q. What is a Master's in Business Law?

A. Master's in Business Law is a 2-year postgraduate degree for specialisation in Business Laws.

Q. Is Business Law a good career?

A. For people willing to work in the legal system but who do not want to be a judge or an advocate, Business Law can be a good career. Focused on the continuously-evolving legal framework in India, a Business Law degree can open doors to a wonderful career.

Q. Can I pursue Business Law without maths?

A. Yes, you can pursue Business Law without maths as there are no particular requirements for having maths as a subject in class 12th or graduation.

Q. What are the subjects of Business Law?

A. Specialisation in Business Law is available through a variety of courses. Some common subjects covered here include:
  • The Indian Constitution
  • Banking Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Corporate Finance
  • Judicial Process

Q. Is there any diploma course in Business Law?

A. Yes. Post Graduate Diploma in Business Law (PGDBL), is a one-year diploma course that aims to provide students with an in-depth grasp of Business Laws, as well as practical and academic components.

Q. Can I do distance learning in Business Law?

A. Distance learning has proved to be a boon for candidates who cannot pursue a regular degree from their desired college. The colleges/universities offering distance learning in Business Law are:
  • National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
  • Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

Q. What is the duration of an MBL, MBA, and LLM in Business Law?

A. MBL, MBA, and LLM in Business Law are two-year postgraduate courses, which are divided into four semesters.

Q. Can I get admission without an entrance exam for a master’s degree in Business Law?

A. Yes, you can get admission for a master’s degree in Business Law without an entrance exam as some colleges or universities offer direct admission based on the percentage of marks in the undergraduate programme and personal interview.

Q. What are the top books to refer to for LLM in Business Law?

A. Some of the top books for LLM in Business Law are:
  • Outlines of Indian Legal History, M.P. Jain
  • Banking Law & Practice In India, Tannan
  • Law of Insurance, B.N. Banerjee & S K Sarvaria
  • Company Law and Corporate Finance, Eilis Ferran

Q. What is the average fee for pursuing Business Law?

A. The average total fee for a course in Business Law ranges between INR 5,000 and INR 11 lakh, depending upon the choice of college and course offered.

Q. Which colleges or universities are best to pursue LLM in Business Law?

A. Some top colleges offering students an LLM in Business Law:
  • University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
  • Symbiosis Law School, Noida
  • Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
  • National Law School of India University, Bengaluru

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Business Law. Students interested in pursuing a career on Business Law, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

28 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 Answer Key Date

22 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 exam date 2024

To Be Notified:

CLAT Second Allotment List 2025

To Be Notified:

CLAT Second Allotment List 2025 Fee Payment

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

27 Dec ' 24 - 27 Jan ' 25

MH CET Law 2025 Application (for 3-year LLB)

To Be Notified:

MH CET Law 2025 Application (for 5-year LLB)

Popular Business Law Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Business Law Colleges in India. Learn more about these Business Law colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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#3 NIRF

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#8 NIRF

3.2 L
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#13 NIRF

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#60 India Today

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4.2 L
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#23 The Week

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1.25 L

#25 Outlook

Popular Business Law UG Courses

Following are the most popular Business Law UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Business Law PG Courses

Following are the most popular Business Law PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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