What is Environmental Law?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Updated on Feb 10, 2026 10:36 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

The Environmental Law is basically a specialized legal field dedicated to protecting the environment and regulating human activities that could cause harm. Some core subjects in the curriculum are forest protection, sustainable development, specific statutes for air, water, etc. 

It's mostly offered as an LLM specializing in Environmental Law, though some universities provide diploma courses in this area. You need to complete a 3 or 5-year LLB from a recognized university for LLM or PG Diploma in Environmental Law.

Admissions can be based on either merit or entrance scores. NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Assam, Amity Kolkata, Galgotias University, UPES, Mewar University, TNDALU, etc are a few reputable colleges offering courses in Environmental Law.

The career prospects of this law specialization include working as an Environmental lawyer, Legal counsel, Policy advisor, Compliance officer and Researcher. Read the article for more on Environmental Law in India.

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Environmental Law Course Details: Highlights

Some key highlights of this course for your reference:

Particulars Course Details
Environmental Law Course Level PG, PG Diploma, and PhD.
Environmental Law Course Duration PG: 1 - 2 Years, PhD: 3 - 5 Years, PG Diploma: 1 - 2 Years
Environmental Law Admission Criteria Merit and Entrance Exam-based
Environmental Law Eligibility Criteria

PG/PG Diploma: A 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated LLB.

PhD: LLM from a UGC-approved university.

Environmental Law Entrance Exams CLAT, CUET-PG, ULSAT, etc.
Top Environmental Law Colleges NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Assam, Amity Kolkata, Galgotias University, UPES, Mewar University, TNDALU, etc.
Environmental Law Course Fees LLM: INR 16,000 - INR 5 Lakh
Environmental Law Jobs Environmental lawyer, Legal counsel, Policy advisor, Compliance officer, and Researcher. 
Top Environmental Law Recruiters J Sagar Associates (JSA), Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Khaitan & Co, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Trilegal India, Desai & Diwanji, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), etc.
Environmental Law Salary INR 5 LPA

The above information is from multiple external sites and may vary.

Environmental Law Course relevant links: 

CLAT Reservation Criteria 2026 - NLUs Seats Intake, NRI Reservation Policy & Criteria

SLAT 2026 Exam Analysis 

 

Q:   Who should pursue an Environmental Law course in India?
A:

People interested in law & who may want to work on projects relating to sustainability, renewable energy & climate change. Therefore, candidates who are aware about the environmental laws and policies and possess critical and analytical skills can pursue this course.

Candidates must have an affinity to work with government agencies and NGOs working in the Environmental protection space. Such students are encouraged to pursue Environmental Law.

Read more:

Types of Law Degrees in India

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Q:   What is the purpose of Environmental Law?
A:

Environmental Law are enforced by the government help protect the environment through Acts and other rules, the government has delegated the power to the concerned authorities to impose fines for violation of law and issue licenses with respect to environmental activities. 

Read more -

Top Law Colleges in India 2026

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Table of contents
  • Environmental Law Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2026
  • Top Environmental Law Entrance Exams 2026
  • Types of Environmental Law Courses
  • Environmental Law Course Syllabus
  • Best Environmental Law Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Environmental Law Colleges in India
  • Environmental Law Salary, Job Profiles, Career Scope & Top Recruiters
  • Environmental Law Course FAQs
  • Popular Environmental Law UG Courses
  • Popular Environmental Law PG Courses
View More

Environmental Law Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2026

The Environmental Law courses eligibility differ from one program to another. The eligibility criteria might also vary from one law school to another. However, given below are the basic course-wise eligibility criteria that are applicable for admission in a majority of law colleges in India:

Course Level Eligibility Criteria
LLM or PG Diploma
  • A 3-year-long degree in LLB or a 5-year-long integrated LLB degree (BA LLB, BSc LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, etc.),
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognized university.
PhD
  • A degree in LLM, preferably an LLM in Environmental Law,
  • With a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a UGC-approved university.

 

Environmental Law Admission Process 2026

Environmental Law programs are mainly offered at the PG, Doctorate, and PG Diploma levels; hence, the steps taken in admission process are different for every course. 

However, for candidates' reference, here's a step-by-step guide for LLM in Environmental Law admission process:

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The first is to check the exact eligibility criteria for the desired college or exam and ensure their fulfillment.
APPLICATION Register on the exam's official website and use the login credentials to fill out the application form. This also includes uploading documents and paying the application fee.
ENTRANCE EXAMS Now, the candidates have to prepare and appear for the exams.
AWAIT RESULTS Once the results are out, candidates can opt for a college based on their rank/score.
PERSONAL INTERVIEW Many LLM colleges in India conduct a personal interview round for admission.
COUNSELLING SESSION Counselling sessions are an important part of the admission process, where colleges generally require candidates to showcase their Statement of Purpose or Letters of Recommendation in some colleges.

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Q:   What is the duration of Environmental Law courses?
A:

The duration of Environmental Law courses depends on the program. Environmental Law certificate courses are usually of two-six months, the duration of diplomas typically ranges from one-two year. Other environmental Law degree courses can range from one to five years, depending on the type of degree (UG or PG) you are pursuing.

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Q:   Which documents are required during LLM in Environmental Law application process?
A:

Some important documents you must carry during LLM in Environmental Law application process:

An LLB degree
Migration Certificate.
Certificate of Practice (COP)
Valid photo ID proof (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, etc.)
Passport-sized photographs

Check the official website of the college for accurate document details.

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Top Environmental Law Entrance Exams 2026

Admission to Environmental Law courses is based on both merit and the entrance exam process. While some colleges accept national-level exam scores, some conduct their university-level exams. Here are some top Law entrance exams conducted for Environmental Law courses in India:

Entrance Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

CUET PG 2026 March - April 2026 (Tentative) CUET PG Exam Date 2026
CLAT 2026 December 2026 (Tentative) CLAT Exam Date 2026
ULSAT 2026 April 2026 (Tentative) ULSAT Exam Date 2026
TS PGLCET 2026 18 May ' 26 TS PGLCET Exam Date 2026
AP PGLCET 2026 May 4, 2026 AP PGLCET Exam Date 2026

Note: The information is from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Environmental Law course outline:

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CLAT 2026 Official website: Important Information, Check CLAT Consortium Official Site

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1 Apr ' 26 - 2 Apr ' 26

MH CET Law 2026 Exam Date (3-Year LLB)

Apr '26

MH CET Law 2026 Admit Card (5-Year LLB)

TENTATIVE

11 Feb ' 26 - 30 Apr ' 26

AIBE 21 Registration Date 2026

1 May ' 26 - 3 May ' 26

AIBE 21 Application Correction Window 2026

To Be Notified:

CLAT 2027 online registrations

TENTATIVE

To Be Notified:

CLAT 2027 Application Correction Window

TENTATIVE

17 Apr ' 26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

2 May ' 26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

Q:   Are there any entrance exams for Environmental Law courses?
A:

Some entrance exams for law programs in India are mentioned in the list below -

  • CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): National-level exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at NLUs.
  • LSAT India: National-level exam for admission to law programs at various law schools across India.
  • State-Level Law Entrance Exams: Many states conduct their own law entrance exams for within the state.

While there may not be a separate entrance exam solely for environmental law, these general law entrance exams will qualify you for admission to law program.

Q:   Are there any state-level entrance exams for Environmental Law courses?
A:

Yes, many states conduct their own entrance exams for admission to law programs in general. These exams can also serve as a gateway for pursuing specializations like Environmental Law within those programs.

  • MH CET Law (Maharashtra)

  • AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh)

  • TS LAWCET (Telangana)

Types of Environmental Law Courses

Environmental Law courses are mainly offered at the PG, PhD, and PG Diploma levels. The course curriculum, duration, fee structure, career prospects, etc., can differ for every course level. Hence, the following table offers an overview of various Environmental Law course levels, along with course and fee details:

Course Level Top Environmental Law Colleges Environmental Law Course Fees
LLM in Environmental Law NLU Assam INR 55,000
Amity University Kolkata INR 60,000
Galgotias University INR 65,000
School of Law, UPES INR 2.93 Lakh
Mewar University INR 1.06 Lakh
PG Diploma in Environmental Law NLSIU Bangalore INR 24,800
IGNOU INR 7,000
Oriental University INR 23,000
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University INR 300
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya INR 17,750
PhD in Environmental Law KR Mangalam University INR 3.6 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Suggested links for Environmental Law courses in India:

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Q:   Is a PG Diploma in Environmental Law worth pursuing?
A:

If you're comparing a PG Diploma with an LLM degree, there's a huge difference, but a PG Diploma in Environmental Law is a good option to get specialised knowledge and skills in this area of study. It'll get you industry-ready without having to pursue a full-fledged PG-degree program.

Admission to the PG Diploma in Environmental Law course is also based on the merit system; hence, the candidates are not required to sit in an entrance exam.

Read more

Environmental law

Q:   Am I eligible for a PhD in Environmental Law after a PG Diploma?
A:

A PG Diploma programme would not be enough to pursue a PhD in Environmental Law. The basic eligibility for a PhD programme is to have a PG degree from a UGC-approved university. Though, some universities can accept a PG Diploma if it is recognised by AIU and you meet the minimum marks and other criteria. 

Read more:

Environmental law

Environmental Law Course Syllabus

The syllabus and subjects for Environmental Law courses can differ depending on the course levels and types. For your reference, here's the Environmental Law syllabus overview for different course levels. 

LLM in Environmental Law Syllabus

An LLM in Environmental Law is a 1 or 2-year-long postgraduate Law degree course. Here's a general overview of the 2-year-long LLM in Environmental Law course syllabus followed in India:

LLM Environmental Law Subjects Semester I
Jurisprudence - I Indian Constitutional Law - I
Human Rights-I Legal Research & Teaching Aptitude
LLM Environmental Law Subjects Semester II
Jurisprudence - II Indian Constitutional Law - II
Human Rights - II Law and Social Transformation
LLM Environmental Law Subjects Semester III
Principles of Environmental Law - I Principles of Environmental Law - II
LLM Environmental Law Subjects Semester IV
Environmental Statute Law - I Environmental Statute Law - II

Note: The information is from external sites and may vary.

PG Diploma in Environmental Law Syllabus

A PG Diploma program in Environmental Law is pursued after graduation. The duration of this course can be anywhere from 1 year to 2 years. So, here's a general overview of the 1-year-long PG Diploma in Environmental Law course syllabus followed in India:

PG Diploma in Environmental Law Subjects Semester I
Overview of Environment & Law  Introduction to Environmental Law 
Overview of International Environmental Laws Major International Environmental Laws 
Introduction to Environment and IPR Biodiversity Related Conventions
International Environmental Organizations and Dispute Settlement -
PG Diploma in Environmental Law Subjects Semester II
Introduction to National Environmental Laws Law and Policy Frameworks related to Forest and Wildlife 
Tenure And Property Rights Environmental Impact & Policy
Environment Management Judicial Trends & Public Interest Initiatives 
Tribunals & Committees  -

Note: The information is from external sites and may vary.

 

Q:   Can I apply for a Diploma in environmental law after completing class 12th?
A:

No you cannot simply do a Diploma in Environmental Law right after completing class 12th standard, unless you have completed a bachelor’s degree in law. Since most Diploma programs in Environmental Law are PG level, so this implies that they only accept students who have completed high school education and possess a bachelor’s degree qualification.

Read more:

Law courses after 12th Science

Q:   Do I need a background in environmental Science to apply for Environmental Law courses?
A:

No science background is not mandatory for environmental law course. Having an interest or prior knowledge in environmental issues can be beneficial. 

Students also like to read:

Top 7 LLM Specializations in India - Law

 

Q:   Can I pursue Environmental Law through distance or online education?
A:

Yes, you can pursue an Environmental Law course in part-time mode or through distance education or in online mode. Many reputed open universities such as IGNOU offers Diploma and post graduate Diploma courses in the field of Environmental Law. Some other courses are offered by:

  • Coursera
  • Udemy
  • EdX
  • Alison

Best Environmental Law Colleges in India

There are various private & government Environmental Law colleges in India. These offer Environmental Law courses at various levels, including PG, Diploma, and PhD. Interested candidates can see following tables for some top government and private Environmental Law college options in India.

Best Government Environmental Law Colleges

Around 10 government Law colleges in India offer Environmental Law courses at various levels. Candidates can see following table for more top options:

Best Government Colleges Tuition Fee
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University INR 300
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University INR 7,000
Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University INR 16,000
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya INR 17,750
NLSIU Bangalore INR 24,800
Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University [TNDALU] INR 40,000
NLU Assam INR 55,000
Tamil Nadu National Law University INR 55,000

Note: information is from the official/counselling body of institute/exam.

Environmental Law course suggested links:

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Best LLM Colleges in India 2026

Best Private Environmental Law Colleges

Around 15 private Law colleges in India offer Environmental Law courses at various levels. Candidates can see following table for more top options:

Best Private Colleges Tuition Fee
Oriental University INR 23,000
Amity University, Kolkata INR 60,000
Galgotias University INR 78,000
Aurora Higher Education and Research Academy INR 1 Lakh
Mewar University INR 1.06 Lakh
Amity University, Noida INR 1.3 Lakh
India International University of Legal Education INR 2.51 Lakh
School of Law, UPES INR 2.93 L - 22.25 L
K.R. Mangalam University INR 3.6 Lakh
Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University INR 5 Lakh

Note: information is from official/counselling body of institute/exam.

 

24.8 K

#1 NIRF

3.14 L - 23.81 L
3.4

#18 NIRF

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

78 K

#36 NIRF

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
55 K

#35 NIRF

60 K

#39 NIRF

1.3 L

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

Q:   Which Environmental Law college in India offers the best placement options?
A:

Some of the top Environmental Law college options in India offering great placement opportunities are mentioned in the table below

Environmental Law collegesAverage Package Offered
Gujarat UniversityINR 8.75 LPA
Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University [TNDALU]INR 7.1 LPA
School of Law, UPESINR 4.5 LPA

Note: The above information is from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Q:   How many Environmental Law colleges are there in India?
A:

Hi, there are 25+ best Environmental Law colleges in India of which 10+ colleges are owned privately and 10 colleges are owned by the governmentCLAT, CUET PG, ULSAT and CUET are the top entrance exams for admission to best colleges for Environmental Law in India. Students can pursue LLM, LLB, BA LLB (Hons), MBA, etc., in Environmental Law courses in India. NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Assam, Amity University Kolkata, Amity University Noida, K.R. Mangalam University, School of Law UPES and Jindal Global Law School are the top Law colleges in India offering Environmental Law courses.

Q:   What are the top Environmental Law colleges in India?
A:
India is home to about 2,000 Law colleges. Out of which 1,055 colleges are privately owned, 335 colleges are owned by the government and 110 are semi-government-owned institutions. 

Law Colleges NIRF Ranking 2025

Law colleges' NIRF ranking 2024 and 2025 is given in the table below:

College Name

NIRF 2024

NIRF 2025

NLSIU Bangalore Ranking

1

1

NLU Delhi Ranking

2

2

Nalsar University of Law Ranking

3

3

NLU Kolkata NUJS Ranking

4

4

GNLU Gandhinagar Ranking

 8

5

IIT Kharagpur Ranking 

7

6

Symbiosis Law School Ranking

5

7

JMI Ranking

6

8

Aligarh Muslim University

-

9

SOA University Ranking

 9

10

BBAU Lucknow Ranking

 10

-

Sources - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Popular Private Environmental Law Colleges in India

1.25 L

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

1.3 L

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

3.14 L - 23.81 L
3.4

#18 NIRF

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

3.9 L

#18 The Week

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

14.3 L - 22.63 L

Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now

60 K

#39 NIRF

Environmental Law Salary, Job Profiles, Career Scope & Top Recruiters

Environmental Law is increasingly becoming an important law specialisation as saving and preserving the environment is becoming the need of the hour.  Some of the popular job profiles for Environmental Law candidates include:

Job Profiles Average Salary
Environmental Lawyers INR 5 LPA
Environmental Policy Analysts INR 5.7 LPA
Environmental Compliance Officers INR 16 LPA
Sustainability Consultants INR 12.6 LPA
Environmental Journalists INR 5.7 LPA
Environmental NGO Lawyers INR 4 LPA
Corporate Environmental Managers INR 14.8 LPA
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultants INR 8.5 LPA

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

Top picks on Environmental Law degree:

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Environmental Law Top Recruiters

Candidates with an Environmental Law degree or diploma can work in both the public and private sectors. Those interested can also practice on their own or pursue a PhD in Environmental Law. Law graduates must qualify AIBE exam to practice in a court of law in India. The candidates can work at places such as:

Environmental Law Recruiters

Ministry of Environment

State/Central Pollution Control Boards

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

J Sagar Associates

Corporates

NGOs Universities and Colleges

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

 

Q:   How much does an Environmental Lawyer earn in India?
A:

The average yearly salary INR after Environmental Law course is 11.85 lakh. Environmental Lawyers earn an average bonus of 64,000 per year. However, varies with experience and work. The mid-level salary ranges from INR 8-11 LPA whereas the senior-level salary ranges from 12-15 LPA. Major factor governing salary structure is location of the company as well as work experience of the candidate.

Q:   What are the career options after Environmental Law?
A:

Environmental Law is increasingly becoming an important law specialisation as saving and preserving the environment is becoming the need of the hour.  Some of the popular job profiles for Environmental Law candidates include:

Job ProfilesAverage Salary
Environmental LawyersINR 5 LPA
Environmental Policy AnalystsINR 5.7 LPA
Environmental Compliance OfficersINR 16 LPA
Sustainability ConsultantsINR 12.6 LPA
Environmental JournalistsINR 5.7 LPA
Environmental NGO LawyersINR 4 LPA
Corporate Environmental ManagersINR 14.8 LPA
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ConsultantsINR 8.5 LPA

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

Read more:

Environmental Law Course FAQs

Refer to this section for the Environmental Law Course FAQs.

Q:   Can I not pursue an Environmental course at the LLB level?
A:

No, LLB programs are base level UG courses in the field of Law. You'll get the foundational knowledge of every Law specialisation at the LLB level but you cannot pursue LLB with a specific specialization. However, you can choose a specialisation at the PG level, i.e., LLM

Read more

LLM.

Q:   Which is the best course to learn about the Environmental Law?
A:

In my opinion LLM in Environmental Law and a PG Diploma in Environmental Law are the best options if you really want to learn about Environmental Law. They will offer you with the in-depth knowledge around the Indian and foreign Environmental Laws.

READ MORE

Environmental Law Courses

Popular Environmental Law UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Environmental Law PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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