Civil Law :Fees, Admission 2024, Subjects/Syllabus, Top Colleges, Top Exam, Salary, Scholarship, Cutoff

Updated on Sep 4, 2024 12:16 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Civil Law is typically studied as a core subject within undergraduate (LLB) programs and postgraduate specializations (LLM), with some diploma/certificate programs focusing on specific areas. Some LLM programs offer specializations in specific areas of Civil Law, such as Contract Law, Property Law, or Family Law. Additionally, students may explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration, the Civil Procedure Code governing civil lawsuits, and emerging areas addressing issues from new technologies like e-commerce and social media.

Civil Law course provides a thorough understanding of legal principles governing private matters, including Contract Law, which covers the formation, enforcement, and remedies for breaches of contracts; Property Law, focusing on rights and obligations related to the ownership, possession, and transfer of property; Tort Law, which addresses civil wrongs and remedies for harm caused by negligence or intentional wrongdoing; Family Law, dealing with marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and maintenance; and Consumer Protection Law, which safeguards consumer rights and resolves disputes between consumers and businesses.

To pursue a Civil Law course, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university. Some universities also offer specialized diploma or certificate programs in specific areas of Civil Law with varying eligibility criteria. Top colleges offering Civil Law courses include National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, Indian Law Institute (ILI) in Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSPOIL) at IIT Kharagpur, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Aligarh, and Symbiosis Law School in Pune.

Civil Law forms the basis for many legal disputes in India and provides diverse career opportunities, including litigation, legal consultancy, corporate law departments, and judicial services. Admission to most top universities offering Civil Law programs is based on national law entrance exams like the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) or LSAT-India (Law School Admission Test - India).

Civil Law Course Details: Highlights

Candidates can refer to this table for an idea about the various highlights of this Civil Law course such as top colleges, course fees, top job profiles, average salary offered etc after completing this course as well as the top recruiters for Civil Law graduates. 

Civil Law Course Highlights
Civil Law Course Level UG, PG
Civil Law Mode of Study

Offline, online

Full-time, part-time

Civil Law Course Type Degree, diploma, certificate
Civil Law Course Duration

UG: 3-5 years

LLM: 1-2 years

Civil Law Eligibility

UG: Class 12 or Graduation

PG: Graduation

Civil Law Admission process

Entrance-based, Merit-based 

Civil Law Course Fees

1- 3 lakhs

Civil Law Top Colleges K R Mangalam University, Kalinga University, SAGE University
Civil Law Average Salary 3-7 LPA
Civil Law Top Recruiters

Colleges, Universities, Law Firms, Public Sector Undertakings

Civil Law Entrance Exam LSAT India, KALSEE, TSLAWCET
Civil Law Job Positions

Lawyer, Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer,  Assistant Professor

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

Civil Law Relevant Information :

Q:   What is a Civil Law course?

A:

Hi,

There isn't a dedicated undergraduate degree solely focused on civil law in India. Instead, civil law forms a core subject integrated into various law programs, such as:

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Master of Laws (LLM) with specialisation in specific civil law areas (e.g., Family Law,  Property Law)

Hope this helps !

What is Civil Law?

Civil Law is one of the most important branches of law for every member of the country. It helps in resolving different non-criminal disputes with the defined procedures, set of rules, regulations and judicial precedents. The dispute can vary from personal, family to organisational. Civil law regulates private matters between individuals by providing compensation or any adequate form of redressal for the violation of their private or civil rights.  

Course Snap- 

  • Foundation of Legal System: Civil Law forms the bedrock, governing disputes between individuals and organizations.
  • Course Content: Explores core areas like Contract Law, Property Law, Tort Law, Family Law, and Consumer Protection Law.
  • Interesting Facts:
    • Rooted in Roman law, Civil Law principles have evolved over time.
    • Strong foundation for diverse legal careers and overall legal understanding.
    • Develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Additional Points:
    • Course Levels: LLB (undergraduate), LLM specialization (postgraduate).
    • Specialization Options: Contract Law, Property Law, Family Law (within LLM).

Relevant Information For CLAT 2024:

How to clear CLAT 2025 in first attempt?

What is the scope of Civil Law in India?

Civil Law forms the bedrock of India's legal system, governing the vast landscape of non-criminal disputes between individuals and organizations. Here's a glimpse into its extensive scope, peppered with some interesting facts and statistics:

Core Areas of Civil Law:

  • Contract Law (49% of all civil cases in India): This governs legally binding agreements, ensuring their formation, interpretation, and enforcement. Nearly half of all civil cases in India pertain to contract disputes, highlighting its significance in daily life.
  • Property Law (22% of all civil cases): This deals with ownership rights, land laws, easements (rights to use another's property), and real estate transactions. With India's growing real estate sector, expertise in property law is increasingly valuable.
  • Tort Law (17% of all civil cases): This area focuses on how civil wrongs are redressed, including cases of negligence (like medical malpractice), product liability (faulty products causing harm), and defamation (damaging someone's reputation).
  • Family Law: This delves into issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and domestic violence. Family law plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals within families.

Beyond the Core:

  • Consumer Protection Law: This empowers consumers to seek legal recourse for product defects, misleading advertisements, or deficient services. With the rise of e-commerce and consumer awareness, this area is gaining increasing importance.
  • Law of Torts and Consumer Protection: This combined area recognizes consumer rights and provides legal remedies for product or service-related issues.

Facts and Stats Highlighting the Scope:

  • Over 80% of all court cases in India fall under Civil Law. This underlines the vastness and pervasiveness of civil law in everyday life.
  • Civil Law disputes can range from minor property disagreements to complex corporate contract breaches. The scope encompasses a wide spectrum of conflicts.

Civil Law Relevant Information: Top 10 Private Law Colleges in India

Scope of Civil Law in India and Abroad

Civil law and common law are the two dominant legal systems in the world. They differ in their sources of law, how they are interpreted, and the role of judges. Here's a table outlining the scope of civil law in India and abroad, compared to common law:

Feature Civil Law Common Law
Source of Law Codes and statutes enacted by legislatures. Judge-made law plays a lesser role.
Judicial precedent (court decisions) are a primary source of law, alongside statutes.
Interpretation of Law Judges interpret the code based on its wording and legislative intent.
Judges interpret previous court decisions (stare decisis) to create new legal principles.
Role of Judges More passive role, applying the code to the facts of the case.
More active role, shaping the law through their interpretations.
Procedure Inquisitorial system: judges play a more active role in questioning witnesses and gathering evidence.
Adversarial system: lawyers for each party present their case to the judge, who is more passive.
Scope of Civil Law Covers a broad range of private law matters, including contracts, property, torts (civil wrongs), family law, and inheritance.
Similar scope, but may have developed differently based on judicial precedent.
Examples of Civil Law Countries France, Germany, Japan, India, most of continental Europe and Latin America.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, many former British colonies.

Important Link For CLAT 2025- Get All CLAT 2024 Latest News and Updates here

Q:   What is the difference between Civil Law and Criminal Law?

A:

Hi,

Civil Law course deals with issues between individuals or organisations and it's goal is to provide remedies for violations of private rights. Criminal Law consists of prosecution of individuals by the state for acts that are considered offenses against society. The primary focus of civil law is compensation, whereas Criminal Law focuses on punishment.

Hope this clears your doubt !

Civil Law Eligibility Criteria (UG/PG)

To make a career in the field, aspirants can opt for five-year integrated LLB courses Civil Law degree like BA LLBBBA LLBBSc LLB or BCom LLB at the Undergraduate level. Candidates can also opt for a three-year LLB course or degree after graduation.

Meanwhile, candidates willing to go for higher level studies can choose Civil Law degree such as LLM and doctoral degree (PhD) in law i.e. LLD. Candidates can also pursue one-year diploma course in civil law after graduation.

There are majorly three types of degree courses in Civil Law- Integrated LLB, LLB, and LLM. Candidates willing to apply for the courses should meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by a university/college in which they are seeking admission. Given below is the basic eligibility prescribed by a majority of law schools in India:

Law Courses

Duration

Eligibility

Integrated LLB

5 years

Candidates should pass Class 12 in any stream with minimum 45-50% marks.

UG Level- LLB 

3 years

Candidates should have a graduation degree in any discipline with 55% minimum marks.

PG Level- LLM

2 years

Candidates should have a graduation degree in law.

A minimum of 24 months of experience is also demanded by some institutes and Universities.

Civil Law Relevant Information :

What are National Law Universities (NLUs)? Difference between NLUs and Private Law Colleges

All About NLUs: Courses, Fees, Placements

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Civil Law course?

A:

A general eligibility criteria for Civil Law courses in India is given below:

Undergraduate Programs (LLB): Completion of Class 12 (10+2) with qualifying scores and entrance exams like LSAT-India or CLAT.

Postgraduate Programs (LLM): A recognised LLB degree from a reputable university.

Best of Luck !

Q:   Can I pursue Civil Law after class 12th?

A:

Hi,

No, you cannot straight a way pursue Civil Law after 12th in India. Here are the reasons why so:

  • No Standalone Degree: Civil Law is not offered as a distinguish UG course in India.

  • Integrated Law Degrees: However, you can carry on with common law degree such as Bachelor of Laws (LLB) after 12th. These LLB courses will include Civil Law as a core subject along with other legal areas.

  • Specializations: Some LLB courses or postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) programs may offer specialisations or electives focusing on specific areas of Civil Law, like family law or property law.

Hope this answer cleared your doubt !

Civil Law Entrance Exam 2025

There are multiple entrance exams for admission in Civil Law. In order to become a civil lawyer, aspirants are first required to enroll themselves in an undergraduate degree course followed by an LLM programme. A number of institutes and universities offer admission to candidates on the basis of entrance examination.

Given below are the popular undergraduate civil lawyer course entrance examinations.

Law Exam 2025

Law Exam Dates

Law Exam Schedule

SLS AIAT

May ‘25 (Tentative)

SLS AIAT Schedule

CLAT 2025

1 Dec '24

CLAT 2024 Schedule

LSAT India 2025

January Exam- Jan '25 (Tentative)

May Exam-  May '25 (Tentative)

LSAT India Schedule

AILET 2025

08 Dec '24

AILET 2025 Schedule

AIBE 19

Dec '24 (Tentative)

AIBE 19 Schedule 

NOTE: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Civil Law Relevant Information : Top Law Entrance Exams

28 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 Answer Key Date

22 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 exam date 2024

To Be Notified:

CLAT Third Allotment List 2025

To Be Notified:

CLAT Third Allotment List 2025 Fee Submission

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)

3 Jan ' 25 - 3 Feb ' 25

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

Q:   What are the Civil Law exams?

A:

There are multiple entrance exams for admission in Civil Law. In order to become a civil lawyer, aspirants are first required to enroll themselves in an undergraduate degree course followed by an LLM programme. A number of institutes and universities offer admission to candidates on the basis of entrance examination.

Click on the link to know about- Top Law Entrance Exams !

Civil Law Course Curriculum

So, if you are all set to prepare for this profession, you can refer the detailed subject and syllabus of civil law. Here is a tabulation of civil law subjects for both UG and PG levels.

Civil Law Syllabus

Comparative Constitutional Law

Teaching methods & Research Methodology

Comparative Jurisprudence

Public international law

Environmental Law

Human rights

Insurance laws

Jurisprudence

Law and Justice in Globalising World

Access to Justice

Civil Law Specialisations

Given below are list of subjects for specialisations in Civil Law:

Civil Law Subjects: Specialisations

Criminal law

Family law

Intellectual property law

International trade and business laws

Taxation law

Constitutional law

Securities Law

Corporate law and governance (including international business)

Q:   What core topics are covered in a Civil Law course?

A:

Hi,

Following are the common core topics that are taught under Civil Law course:

  • Contract Law: Formation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts.
  • Property Law: Rights and ownership of various forms of property (land, buildings, intellectual property).
  • Tort Law: Liability for civil wrongs that cause harm to others (e.g., negligence, product liability).
  • Family Law: Marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.
  • Consumer Protection Law: Rights and remedies for consumers in commercial transactions.
  • Law of Torts: Remedies for civil wrongs causing harm to another person's property, reputation, or well-being.

Hope this helps !

Q:   What are the different specializations offered within Civil Law?

A:

While not all universities offer specific specializations, some common areas of focus within civil law include:

Top Civil Law Colleges in India

There are a handful of colleges which offer Civil Law specialisations as such. CivilLaw is generally provided across various substantive and procedural subjects taught in all levels of law college.These colleges provide Civil Law courses at several levels of study, including undergraduate and postgraduate diploma programs. The colleges mentioned in the table are top private Civil Law colleges in India:

Institute Tuition Fees
Kalinga University INR 1.2 L
K R Mangalam University INR 3.3 L
Mahindra University INR 9 L
SAGE University INR 3 L

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

3.6 L

#23 The Week

Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
9 L
1.2 L
4.5 LPA
1 Course
3.25 L

Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now

Q:   Which is better, Common Law or Civil Law?

A:

Hi,

Civil law and common law are the two dominant legal systems in the world. They differ in their sources of law, how they are interpreted, and the role of judges. Below table highlights the civil law scope in India and abroad, compared to common law:

Characteristic

Common Law

Civil Law

Intro

Common law is a legal system originating in England and Wales, in which law is created and refined by judges through precedents set in previous court rulings. It is contrasted with the civil law system, which is based on comprehensive legal codes.

Civil law is a legal system originating in mainland Europe, in which law is codified into comprehensive, detailed collections. It is based on the principles laid out in these collections, rather than relying heavily on precedent set in previous court cases.

Source of Law

Judicial decisions and interpretations (precedent)

Comprehensive legal codes and statutes

Role of Judges

Judges interpret and apply the law, playing a key role in shaping the law through their rulings

Judges apply and interpret the law as it is written in the codes, with less emphasis on precedents

Hope this helps !

Q:   What are the top colleges for Civil Law?

A:

Following are the civil law colleges in India:

InstituteTuition Fees
Kalinga UniversityINR 1.2 L
Mahindra R Mangalam UniversityINR 3.3 L
Mahindra UniversityINR 9 L
SAGE UniversityINR 3 L

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

Popular Private Civil Law Colleges in India

3.6 L

#23 The Week

Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
9 L
1.2 L
4.5 LPA
1 Course
3.25 L

Civil Law Applications open. Apply Now

Civil Law Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

After pursuing the course, candidates become eligible for below mentioned job profiles in the field of law in India. Check out some major types of civil lawyers and their role mentioned below.

Job Profile Job Description Average Salary
Civil Litigator In civil disputes, civil litigators represent clients. They could be employed by law firms, corporations, or government bodies. INR 6 - 9 LPA
Family Lawyer A family lawyer is responsible to handle cases related to family issues like abuse, successions, alimony, family partitions, child custody etc. S/he supports the clients in providing solution to such issues. INR 5 - 8 LPA
Divorce Lawyer S/he deals with cases of disputes among spouses. A divorce lawyer is also responsible for legal division of assets among the spouses and resolving child custody issue. INR 5 - 8 LPA
Intellectual Property Lawyer S/he deals with cases related to intellectual and creative innovations. The professional is responsible for issues like patents, copyrights, trademarks, duplication, industrial design rights and many others. INR 6 - 9 LPA
Employment Lawyer Clients are represented by employment lawyers in employment law concerns such as discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment. INR 7- 10 LPA

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

Civil Law Top Recruiters

Civil law graduates are hired by these corporations and organizations for a number of positions, including litigation lawyer, transactional lawyer, corporate lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, and in-house counsel. A career in civil law can be a difficult but rewarding one. Civil lawyers play a vital role in our society by assisting people in resolving disputes and protecting their rights. Top recruiters in the civil law profession are mentioned below:

Civil Law Top Recruiters
Aditya Birla Group Tata Group
Infosys Wipro
Mahindra and Mahindra Bajaj Auto
Central Bureau of Investigation Enforcement Directorate
Securities and Exchange Board of India HDFC Bank

Read More:

Q:   What are the career opportunities available after a Civil Law Course?

A:

Hi,

A degree in civil law provides access to a variety of job options, such as:

  • Attorney for Litigation: Representing clients in court cases including violations of contracts, rights to property, accidents, etc.
  • Corporate Lawyer: Offering legal counsel to businesses on issues pertaining to contracts, M&A, intellectual property, etc.
  • Judge: Overseeing civil proceedings and providing legal interpretation.
  • Legal Advisor: Offering civil law advice to companies or government organizations.
    Representing people who cannot afford private legal counsel is the role of a legal aid lawyer.
    Academic: Practicing law at research institutes or universities.

Hope this helps !

Q:   What are the recruiters for civil lawyers?

A:

Refer to the table below:

Civil Law Top Recruiters
Aditya Birla GroupTata Group
InfosysWipro
Mahindra and MahindraBajaj Auto
Central Bureau of InvestigationEnforcement Directorate
Securities and Exchange Board of IndiaHDFC Bank

Read More:

FAQs on Civil Law

Check out the common FAQs for this course:

Q:   How do Civil Law courses integrate technology and digital tools?

A:

Modern civil law courses increasingly integrate technology through online databases, legal research tools, e-learning platforms, and virtual moot courts. These tools enhance learning, facilitate research, and prepare students for the technologically advanced legal profession.

Q:   Which has a better scope and why: Cyber Law or Business Law?

A:
Hello, Cyber law is a good option if someone wants to grow with the growth in the field, which is mostly organic, tending to recent times when cyber space has expanded beyond comprehension (because of the accessibility to smart phones, armchair journalism on social media, etc.). Its use needs to be regulated, if not completely controlled. Business law is, quite understandably, as old as the concept of business, albeit existing in different forms over the years. Depending on new developments that the world sees every few years, these laws are amended from time to time, but the crux remains the same. It is one of the most comprehensive areas of law involving the law of contracts, companies law, etc. In India, most top-notch firms have a strong hold in the field of business laws and dominate the industry in terms of corporate advisory and, a lot of times, even corporate commercial litigation.

Popular Civil Law UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Civil Law PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Answered a month ago

The BCL is a one-year full-time postgraduate course. The programme comprises approximately forty full options (including a dissertation option) and eight to ten half-options. Following are some key features of the program:

  • The BCL employs a combination of seminars, tutorials, and lectures. Seminars a

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M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Graduates often pursue careers as civil lawyers, working in various sectors such as private practice, corporate law, or public service. The BCL is particularly recognised as excellent preparation for becoming a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales. Oxford has an excellent careers service with

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Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The University of Oxford does not require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT scores for admission to the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) program. The primary requirement is a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in law. 

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The deadline to apply for Bachelor of Civil Law programme at Oxford is Wednesday 29 January, 2025 (12:00 midday UK time). It is suggested to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Following are the requirements for the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) programme at the University of Oxford-

  •  a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in law. 
  • One essay, a maximum of 2,000 words.
  • Three letter of recommendations.
  • A CV/resume
  • Official transcripts
  • English Language proficiency scores
  • Pers

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Misha

Contributor-Level 10