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

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.
Latest on Environmental Law Courses
NLUs Fee Structure 2026: Category & Course-wise National Law Universities Fee Structure, Components
How to fill the CLAT application form 2026
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
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 -
- 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
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 | |
| PhD |
|
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. |
Don't miss these on Environmental Law Courses in India:
CLAT Reservation Criteria 2026 - NLUs Seats Intake, NRI Reservation Policy & Criteria
CLAT Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification for LLB & LLM, Minimum Marks
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.
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.
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:
List of Top Law Entrance Exams 2026-2027: Application Window, Exam Date, Pattern and More Updates
CLAT 2026 Official website: Important Information, Check CLAT Consortium Official Site
How to get a good rank in CLAT 2026? Prepare like a topper - Read here
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) |
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.
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:
CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG: Key Differences in Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Other Important Details
CLAT 2026 Dress Code For Male & Female Candidates
Popular Courses
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
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 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.
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:
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
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:
Law Colleges in India 2026: Courses, Fees, Admissions, Cutoff, Placements
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.
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Some of the top Environmental Law college options in India offering great placement opportunities are mentioned in the table below
| Environmental Law colleges | Average Package Offered |
|---|---|
| Gujarat University | INR 8.75 LPA |
| Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University [TNDALU] | INR 7.1 LPA |
| School of Law, UPES | INR 4.5 LPA |
Note: The above information is from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Hi, there are 25+ best Environmental Law colleges in India of which 10+ colleges are owned privately and 10 colleges are owned by the government. CLAT, 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.
Law Colleges NIRF Ranking 2025
Law colleges' NIRF ranking 2024 and 2025 is given in the table below:
College Name | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2025 |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | |
2 | 2 | |
3 | 3 | |
4 | 4 | |
8 | 5 | |
7 | 6 | |
5 | 7 | |
6 | 8 | |
| Aligarh Muslim University | - | 9 |
9 | 10 | |
10 | - |
Sources - Official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Popular Private Environmental Law Colleges in India
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
Environmental Law Applications open. Apply Now
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:
Career after LLB - Scope, Job Opportunities, Salary Packages, Legal Firms
Types of Job Profiles in Law, Govt. Sector Legal Jobs, Salary
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.
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.
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.
Read more:Environmental Law Course FAQs
Refer to this section for the Environmental Law Course FAQs.
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.
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
Popular Environmental Law UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons)
2 Colleges
- LL.B.
2 Colleges
- B.Com LL.B
1 College
- BBA LL.B. (Hons)
1 College
Popular Environmental Law PG Courses
PG Courses
- LL.M.
16 Colleges
- PG Diploma
6 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
1 College
News & Updates
Student Forum
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 687k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
- Administrative Law
- Admirality Law
- Air & Space Law
- Arbitration Law
- Banking Law
- Business Law
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Company Law
- Competition Law
- Constitutional Law
- Consumer Law
- Contract Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Cyber Law
- Education Law
- Energy Law
- Entertainment & Media Law
- Family Law
- GIS & Remote Sensing Law
- Healthcare Law
- Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law
- Immigration Law
- Information Technology Law
- Insurance Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Trade Law
- Labor & Employment Law
- Maritime Law
- Nuclear Law
- Property Law
- Security & Investment Law
- Taxation law
- Telecommunications Law
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