Competition Law Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Sep 4, 2024 05:42 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Competition law is a relatively new field of law in India, which is a body of law that is designed to promote and protect competition in the marketplace. Nowadays, it has become one of the most important fields of law for businesses and consumers as it helps to ensure that businesses compete in fair ways. 

The Competition Act, 2002, which governs competition law in India, was passed in response to the growing need to regulate anti-competitive behavior and protect fair competition in the marketplace. The important key points of this law include prohibiting anti-competitive agreements and practices and regulating mergers and acquisitions. 

Competition Law course is a law specialisation that candidates are usually offered at the postgraduate level, which is usually a one-year program. 

For competition law eligibility, students need to have a bachelor’s degree in LLB or any discipline with a minimum 55 percent aggregate. To pursue a Competition Law course one can prepare for the top colleges such as NLU Kolkata (NUJS), ILS Law College, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur, etc. Moreover, some of the top competition law exams are CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, and AIBE, etc. 

Graduates of Competition Law courses are equipped to pursue diverse career paths. They can join law firms specializing in competition law, work in the legal departments of companies, engage with competition consultancies, or contribute to government agencies like the Competition Commission of India (CCI). These roles often involve analyzing anti-competitive practices, advocating for clients before regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with competition laws, and providing strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions.

Table of Contents
  1. Competition Law Course Details: Highlights
  2. What is Competition Law Course?
    • 2.1 Which One Is More Beneficial To Specialise In As A Lawyer: Competition Law Or Intellectual Property Law?
  3. Competition Law Eligibility Criteria
  4. Top Competition Law Exams 2025
  5. Competition Law Course Syllabus
  6. Top Competition Law Colleges
    • 6.1 Top Competition Law Government Colleges
    • 6.2 Top Competition Law Private Colleges
  7. Competition Law Career, Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 7.1 Competition Law Top Recruiters
  8. Competition Law FAQs

Competition Law Course Details: Highlights

Some of the key highlights of the Competition Law course are given below in the following table:

Particulars

Details

Course Levels

LLM Competition Law and PG Diploma

Eligibility

LLB or bachelor’s in any other discipline

Minimum 55 percent aggregate 

Course Fee

INR 25,000 to 2.8 Lakhs

Top Colleges

NLU Kolkata (NUJS), ILS Law College, and Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur, etc. 

Salary Range

INR 5 to 15 Lakhs

Top Recruiters

Khaitan & Co., Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Google, Reliance Industries, AZB & Partners, S&R Associates etc.   

Entrance Exam

CLAT, AILET, LSAT India and AIBE etc. 

Job Positions

Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst, Arbitrator, Mediator 

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

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Q:   What is Competition law?

A:

Competition Law is a law specialisation that candidates are usually offered at the postgraduate level. Under this law, specialisation candidates study and review agreements or practices that restrict free trading as well as competition between businesses. Competition Law also bans abusive behaviour by any firm that dominates the market and also includes laws that supervise and negotiate mergers, acquisitions as well as joint ventures.

Q:   Why was the Competition Act of 2002 established?

A:



What is Competition Law Course?

Competition Law courses teach you about promoting fair competition and preventing unfair business practices.

Important Points- 

  • Typically postgraduate programs (LL.M. or diplomas) are offered by law schools in India.

  • Equip you with knowledge of:

    • Competition Act, 2002, and related regulations.
    • Identifying anti-competitive agreements and dominant companies.
    • Advocating for clients before competition authorities.
    • Competition law compliance for businesses.

Competition Law courses are brief programs that help students develop the practical and professional skills they need to work in competition law. Competition law is a distinct field of law that promotes fair competition in the marketplace. 

Candidates who have completed LLM course and wish to make a career in the field of law can appear for AIBE which is also known as the All India Bar Examination. After clearing this examination, candidates will be awarded the "Certificate of Practice" rendering one eligible to practice in any court of law in India. To appear for AIBE, candidates must also be registered with their respective State Bar Councils as an Advocate

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Which One Is More Beneficial To Specialise In As A Lawyer: Competition Law Or Intellectual Property Law?

The best area of law to specialize in depends on your individual interests. If you are interested in protecting fair competition in the marketplace and helping consumers, then competition law may be a good fit for you. If you are interested in protecting the rights of creators and innovators, then intellectual property law may be a good option for you.

However, competition law is generally considered to be more beneficial in terms of demand, salary, and job opportunities. Additionally, competition law is a more general area of law, which means that competition lawyers have a wider range of job opportunities. 

For a comparative analysis you can take a look at the table given below:

Characteristic

Competition Law

Intellectual Property Law

About the Course

Competition Law plays a vital role in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers in the marketplace

Intellectual Property Law plays a vital role in protecting the rights of creators and innovators

Key Elements

Regulates anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions

Protects the rights of creators and innovators to their original works

Average Salary

INR 5 - 15 Lakhs

INR 3 - 10 Lakhs

Jobs

Corporate Lawyer, In-House Counsel, Associate Attorney, Legal Advisor, Solicitor

Copyright Lawyer, Patent Lawyer, Trademark Lawyer, Entertainment Lawyer, Media Lawyer

Specialization

Broad range of specialization areas, such as antitrust litigation, merger and acquisition review, and competition policy

Broad range of specialization areas, such as copyright, patent, and trademark law

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Q:   Which one is better or has more scope, Legislative Drafting or Competition Law?

A:



Competition Law Eligibility Criteria

Competition Law is a specialisation in the field of law; hence, it is available at the postgraduate level as LLM in Competition Law. Apart from LLM, some colleges are also offering a PG Diploma in Competition Law. 

  • Eligibility criteria for LLM in Competition Law is that candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate
  • For PG Diploma in Competition Law, the candidate should have completed graduation from any discipline

Relevant Information For Competition Law Course:

Popular Law Specialisations in Demand 

Q:   What is the eligibility for the Competition Law course?

A:

The eligibility criteria for a Competition Law course may vary from college to college. Candidates meet the eligibility criteria for Competition Law course offered at PG level if they have completed a five year integrated law course or possess an LLB or equivalent degree with minimum 50 to 55 percent aggregate.

Top Competition Law Exams 2025

If you wish to pursue the Competition Law course from a recognised and well-established universities, then you need to qualify for at least one of the entrance exams that are mentioned below in the table:

Law Exams 2025

Law Exam Schedule

SLS AIAT

SLS AIAT Schedule

CLAT 2025

CLAT 2024 Schedule

LSAT India 2025

LSAT India Schedule

AILET 2025

AILET 2025 Schedule

AIBE 19

AIBE 19 Schedule 

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

Competition Law Course Relevant Information:

List of Law Entrance Exams 

CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG: Key Differences in exam Pattern, Syllabus and Other Important Details

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

15 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 admit card Date 2024

22 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 exam date 2024

9 Dec ' 24 - 10 Dec ' 24

CLAT 2025 Final Answer Key

10 Dec ' 24

CLAT 2025 Result

To Be Notified:

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

To Be Notified:

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

Q:   Has the exam pattern of AIBE 2024 changed?

A:

No, the exam authority, Bar Council of India has not informed about any changes in the exam pattern of AIBE 2024 yet. The exam pattern of AIBE 19 is expected to remain same as the previous sessions. Candidates should note that until AIBE 16 Test-Takers were allowed to carry Bare Acts without short notes/notes/ commentary. However, a confirmation about allowing Bare Acts with/without comments from AIBE 19 onwards or not is to be available from the exam authority once exam date notification is out. All details of AIBE 19 exam mode, pattern, syllabus and open-book status will be confirmed in the exam notification only.

Q:   Can I fill CLAT application form in phases?

A:
Yes, you can fill the CLAT application form in phases. Each step of the CLAT application form will provide a 'Save' option using which candidates can save the filled-in information. In case, candidates want to exit and complete the application form next time then they simply need to log in again and continue from where they left. The application process of CLAT will be complete once candidates pay the fee and submit the form. Moreover, candidates can login again and correct their details in the application form of CLAT as long as the window is open.

Competition Law Course Syllabus

Below mentioned are some of the common topics covered under Competition Law syllabus in Competition Law courses:

Competition Law Syllabus

Introduction to Competition Law

Anti-Competitive Agreements

Abuse of Dominance

Competition Law and Intellectual Property

Competition Law and Mergers and Acquisitions

Competition Law Enforcement and Remedies

International Competition Law

Comparative Competition Law

Competition Law and Policy

Competition Law and Consumer Protection

Competition Law and Digital Markets

Advanced Competition Law Topics

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Q:   What is taught in the Competition Law course?

A:

Typically Competition Law courses have different syllabus, depending on the course levels such as LLM and PG Diploma. Hence, here is the preview of  general topics that are taught in Competition Law courses:

  • Introduction to Law and Legal Systems
  • Commercial Contracts, Drafting & Negotiation
  • Business Structuring, Accountancy & Law Taxation
  • Corporate Governance and CSR
  • Business Centric Dispute Resolution
  • Intellectual Property, IT Law and Management
  • Competition Law Practice & Enforcement in India
  • Competition Law & IP
  • International and Comparative Competition Law
  • Corporate Finance, Investment Law & Compliances

Q:   What are some courses in Competition law?

A:

Most colleges or institutes offer postgraduate (PG) level programmes in the field of Competition Law. Popular PG level courses offered in this law specialisation is LLM in Competition Law.

Apart from degree programmes, candidates can also pursue diploma programmes in the field of Competition Law such as PG Diploma in Competition Law

Top Competition Law Colleges

India has approximately 5 colleges offering Competition Law programs. Interestingly, the ownership breakdown is nearly equal, with 3 colleges being private and 2 being public/government institutions.

Most colleges or institutes offer Postgraduate (PG) level programmes in the field of Competition Law. Some popular PG-level courses offered in this law specialisation are LLM in Competition Law. These colleges are better options for gaining skills required by the market and also, in terms of great employment opportunities. 

Top Competition Law Government Colleges

National Law Universities comes under top universities to pursue law, if one wishes to study at the best colleges provided by the Government. Apart from it, there are other government-recognised universities as well such as Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur.

To gain more insights about the Competition Law course provided by them, refer to the table given below:

Government Competition Law College

Competition Law Fees 

NLU Kolkata (NUJS)

NA

Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur

INR 2.8 L

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

Top Competition Law Private Colleges

In the table mentioned below, there are some of the top private colleges providing Competition Law courses under experienced and skillful faculty provisions:

Private Competition Law College

Competition Law Fees

ILS Pune

INR 25,000

Mewar University

INR 1.1 L

Sai University Chennai

NA

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

Competition Law Course Relevant Information:

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Top 10 Law Schools in India based on Latest NIRF Law Rankings

1 Course
25 K

#2 The Week

2.8 L
8 LPA

Q:   Which universities and institutions in India offer Competition Law courses?

A:

If you wish to pursue a career ahead as a competition lawyer, then you must take a look at the top colleges providing Competition Law course in India.

Q:   Which are the best Competition Law-related online certification courses?

A:

Here are some reputable institutions offering online Competition Law courses such as:

Certified Business Law Analyst

Certified Corporate Law Analyst

Popular Private Competition Law Colleges in India

1 Course
25 K

#2 The Week

2.8 L
8 LPA

Competition Law Career, Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Candidates who pursue a course in Competition Law can either opt to pursue higher education in the same field or they can even pursue a job in the field of Competition Law upon completing the course.

One of the most popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing a Competition Law course is to become a Competition Lawyer. Law graduates must qualify AIBE exam to practice in a court of law in India.

Competition Law Jobs

Job Descriptions

Competition Law Salary 

Corporate Lawyer

Advises and represents companies on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and intellectual property.

INR 5-10 LPA

Legal Advisor

Provides legal advice and guidance to clients on a variety of legal matters, such as contracts, property law, and family law.

INR 4-8 LPA

In-house Counsel

Provides legal advice and support to a company's internal operations, including compliance, risk management, and employment law.

INR 6-12 LPA

Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

Performs financial analysis and market research to support mergers and acquisitions transactions. 

INR 6-12 LPA

Arbitrator

Resolves disputes between parties through a binding arbitration process. 

INR 10-20 LPA

Mediator

Facilitates communication and negotiation between parties in a dispute to help them reach a mutually agreeable resolution. 

INR 8-15 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Competition Law Course Relevant Information:

Career in Law

Top Legal Firms Hiring Law Graduates

Competition Law Top Recruiters

In order to make sure that the firm or company can withstand a challenge from their competitors, individuals working in the capacity of a lawyer in the field of competition law can assist firms/companies with the structure of commercial/cooperation agreements.

Some of the top recruiters for Competition Lawyers are mentioned in the table given below:

Top Recruiters

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

Amazon

Trilegal

Khaitan & Co.

Reliance Industries

Luthra & Luthra Law Offices

AZB & Partners

Infosys

Economic Laws Practice

Google

Tata Group

S&R Associates

Link Legal India Law Services

Wipro

Competition Commission of India

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Ministry of Finance

Competition Law Course Relevant Information: Apart from this, candidates can also pursue other law job profiles after completing their Competition Law course from a reputed college/ university. 

Q:   What is the scope of Competition law in near future?

A:

Competition law is expected to grow and play an important role in the near future, as economies around the world are becoming more globalized and digitalized. Competition authorities are focusing on digital markets to ensure that competition is not stifled and consumers have access to innovative products and services. 

Moreover, Competition authorities are also taking a closer look at mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the digital sector. This is because mergers and acquisitions can reduce the competition, higher prices for consumers, and less innovation.

Hence, after analysing above factors, one can easily understand the scope and vital role of Competition Lawyers, can play in near future. 

Q:   Which has a better scope and why: Competition Law or Real Estate / Infrastructure Law ?

A:
Hey, I think more than the scope, the interest of individual matters for success in a particular area of law. Let's say, for example, I am interested in real estate and infrastructure law but I pursue competition law after my law school. I would not be working with that zeal or enthusiasm as compared to real estate and infrastructure law. Therefore, according to me, the interest mattes more than the scope as you can make money under any area of law and practice. But coming to the question, most of the areas of law are interlinked. Labour and employment-related things may be one of the aspects of the company. What has the better scope? I think both of these are too diverse fields and have a lot of subject matters within. Competiton law is governed by a legislation but there are several legislations for real estate and infrastructure. It is very difficult to come to a conclusion as to what area of law has a wider scope. I would go with competition law but. Although the growth of real estate industry is phenomenal, competition law has wider scope in the sense that it is not just restricted to one field but extends to competition-related issues in various sectors.

Q:   Which has a better scope and why: Labor and Employment Law or Competition Law ?

A:
These are two completely contrasting fields and to excel in either of them, one needs to have passion and dedication to work in that direction. That being said, from a neutral point of view, if one is interested in both fields equally, the scope can greatly vary depending on where the person is working and what kind of work they are doing. Competition Law is a new and upcoming field. The new Competition Act was passed relatively recently, replacing the older MRTP Act and the laws related to competition law are being shaped by various judicial pronouncements that are passed every now and then. Labour law, on the other hand, has been around for a while. It also has a wider ambit as it covers several legislation. In terms of practice, both are good career options.

Competition Law FAQs

Below are the FAQs related to Competition Law course:

Q:   What are the key responsibilities of a Competition Lawyer?

A:



Q:   Why is Competition law important?

A:

A Competition law is important to prohibit firms from engaging in conduct that will distort the competitive process and harm competition by, for example, preventing firms from indulging in anti-competitive agreements, preventing firms with a powerful position on a market from abusing their market power, etc.

Moreover, Competition law is important for both businesses and consumers. It helps to create a level playing field for businesses and to protect consumers from exploitation. Competition law also promotes economic efficiency and innovation, which benefits everyone in society. 

Popular Competition Law PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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