LLM in Criminal Law: : Course Details, Eligibility, Admission 2024, Exams, Syllabus, Job Opportunities & Top Recruiters
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
LLM in Criminal Law course is a postgraduate degree specializing in the field of Criminal Law, providing in-depth knowledge of Indian criminal laws, procedures, and the justice system. It covers a wide range of topics, including substantive criminal law (IPC, CrPC, Special Acts), criminology, penology, forensic science, cybercrime law, human rights, and international criminal law.
Eligibility for this course typically requires a qualified LLB degree. Admission to LLM courses often involves competitive entrance exams like CLAT-PG or university-specific exams. Top institutions include NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, Symbiosis Law School, and Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi.
Criminal Law graduates can pursue various career paths, including public prosecution, defense law, legal advisory roles, academia, research, and work with NGOs focused on criminal justice issues. The demand for skilled criminal lawyers is constantly growing due to increasing crime rates and evolving legal challenges.
- LLM in Criminal Law Course Details: Highlights
- Why do LLM in Criminal Law Course?
- LLM in Criminal Law Admission Process
- 3.1 LLM in Criminal Law Eligibility Criteria
- Top LLM in Criminal Law Entrance Exams 2026
- LLM in Criminal Law Syllabus
- Best LLM in Criminal Law Colleges
- 6.1 Top LLM in Criminal Law Government Colleges
- 6.2 Top LLM in Criminal Law Private Colleges
- LLM in Criminal Law Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
- 7.1 Top LLM in Criminal Law Recruiters
- LLM in Criminal Law FAQs
LLM in Criminal Law Course Details: Highlights
Check out the table below to have a quick recap of LLM Criminal Law course:
| LLM Criminal Law Highlights |
|
|---|---|
| Course Level |
PG |
| Course Duration |
1-2 years |
| Eligibility |
Three-year/ Five-year LLB |
| Admission process |
Entrance-based, Merit-based |
| Course Fees |
INR 20,000 - 6 lakhs |
| Top Colleges |
NALSAR, SLS Pune, IPU |
| Average Salary |
INR 3 - 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Trilegal India, Khaitan &Co., Ahlawat & Associates, Sagar Associates |
| Entrance Exam |
CLAT PG or university-specific exams |
| Careers |
Public Prosecutor, Defense Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Academician, etc. |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
LLM Criminal Law Course Related Information:
Why do LLM in Criminal Law Course?
An LLM in Criminal Law is a specialized degree that helps graduates to be skilled with criminal laws, procedures, and the Indian criminal justice system.
- Graduates can play a crucial role in upholding justice, protecting individual rights, and contributing to a more equitable society.
- It also opens new avenues to specialized roles such as public prosecutor, defense attorney, legal advisor, corporate counsel, and academic positions.
- Furthermore, the rigorous academic study and research involved in an LLM course cultivate strong research, analytical, and research skills that are valuable in various professional and personal contexts.
Q: What is LLM in Criminal Law?
Q: Is LLM in Criminal Law worth it?
Yes, getting a specialisation in Criminal Law through an LLM can open paths to advanced career opportunities. These could be legal professionals with expertise in criminal law, in demand in various sectors, including litigation, academia, law enforcement, corporate compliance, and human rights advocacy.
Q: What are the advantages of doing an LLM in Criminal Law?
There are many advantages of doing LLM in Criminal Law, such as:
- First, is obviously having specialised knowledge of the field on topics like sentencing, evidence, or criminal procedure, that can make you ahead in your job.
- It also advance your analytical skills for critically evaluating criminal law and its applications, that further enables contribution to policy making and legal reforms.
- It can also offer you leadership roles in companies and government organisation like becoming a judge.
LLM in Criminal Law Admission Process
Given below are the general steps to enroll in LLM in Criminal Law courses, including:
- Prepare for national Law entrance exams like CLAT. Also, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria i.e. a cleared bachelor’s degree in any relevant domain.
- On qualifying you can check the universities and colleges falling under your exam scores or merit.
- Apply to the colleges of your choice and go through their fee structure.
- Once you get selected for admission, complete the documentation process and submit the fees to begin with the classes.
LLM Criminal Law Course Related Information:
CLAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration Process, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips, Free Mock Tests
LLM in Criminal Law Eligibility Criteria
Refer to the table below to learn about the in-depth qualifications for LLM in Criminal Law courses in India. Candidates who have completed their graduation must take care of the following criteria before searching for the colleges and PG courses in the relevant field and specialization:
| Criteria |
Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Background |
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university in India. - Some institutions may consider LLB (Hons.) or other relevant undergraduate degrees. |
| Minimum Percentage |
- Many universities require a minimum percentage (e.g., 50-60 percent) in the LLB degree. - Specific requirements may vary between institutions. |
| Entrance Exam Scores |
- Successful completion of relevant entrance exams like CLAT-PG, AILET, or university-specific entrance tests. |
| Work Experience (Optional) |
- Some institutions may consider prior work experience in the legal field, but it is generally not mandatory. |
| Other Requirements |
- Some institutions may have specific requirements such as a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, or a personal interview. |
LLM Criminal Law Eligibility Topic You Might Be Interested In:
Q: What are the requirements to pursue LLM in Criminal Law?
You need to complete LLB from a recognised university with minimum 45 to 50 percent aggregate or as mentioned by the university. Plus, It's benificial to take elective courses related to Criminal Law in your law graduation.
Q: Is CLAT compulsory for admission to LLM?
No, its not at all mandatory to give CLAT to become a lawyer. Candidates can enroll in Law courses offered by various universities and colleges to pursue UG and PG law courses. However, those who wish to take admission in one of NLUs except NLU Delhi will have to appear for Common National Admission Test (CLAT).
Q: What is the difference between LLM (Criminal Law) and PG Criminology?
LLM in Criminal Law deals with legislation, procedures, and jurisprudence related to Criminal Law. While PG Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon.
Hence, LLM in Criminal Law professionals emphasis on legal analysis, argumentation, and application of Law, while PG Criminology students focus on understanding criminal behaviour, criminal law enforcements and developing crime prevention strategies
Top LLM in Criminal Law Entrance Exams 2026
As LLM in Criminal Law is a PG Law course, hence it is required to look for the exams that are conducted for PG Law courses. Some of the main exams are given in the table below as well:
| Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| SLS AIAT 2025 |
15 Dec '24 (Closed for 2025) |
|
| CLAT 2025 |
1 Dec '24 (Closed for 2025) |
|
| AILET 2025 |
08 Dec '24 (Closed for 2025) |
|
| AIBE 2025 |
22 Dec '24 (Closed for 2025) |
NOTE: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
27 Dec '24 - 13 Feb '25 | MH CET Law 2025 Application (for 3-year LLB) ONGOING |
18 Nov '24 - 06 Mar '25 | Azim Premji NET 2025 applications - Cycle 2 ONGOING |
| To Be Notified | ILICAT Application Form 2025 TENTATIVE |
06 Apr '25 | Azim Premji NET 2025 Exam date - Cycle 2 |
| To Be Notified | ILICAT 2025 Application Form Submission Last Date |
| To Be Notified | ILICAT 2025 Exam Day TENTATIVE |
16 May '25 | AILET Fourth Provisional Merit List 2025 (BA LLB) |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| To Be Notified | CLAT Third Allotment List 2025 |
| To Be Notified | CLAT Third Allotment List 2025 Fee Submission |
| To Be Notified | CLAT Second Allotment List 2025 |
Q: Which exam is accepted for admission to LLM in Criminal Law in India?
Candidates who want to pursue the LLM course have to appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or the admission test accepted by law schools. Another one is AILET LLM, which is conducted by National Law University, Delhi for admissions into LLM courses.
LLM in Criminal Law Syllabus
An LLM in Criminal Law is a one-year postgraduate program that focuses on developing legal principles and enhancing knowledge in criminal law research and academics. The syllabus for an LLM in Criminal Law may include topics such as:
| Semester 1 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) |
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) |
Constitutional Law-III (Focus on Criminal Justice) |
| Semester 2 |
||
| Evidence Law |
Forensic Science & Law |
Cyber Law & Cybercrime |
| Semester 3 |
||
| Special Acts (NDPS Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, etc.) |
Legal Aid & Criminal Justice |
Criminal Justice Administration |
| Semester 4 |
||
| Dissertation/Thesis |
Seminar Presentations |
Optional Courses (as per university) |
Quick Links For Criminal Law Course: Study LLM Abroad
Popular Specializations
- Criminal Law
157 Colleges
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Q: What are some of the recent changes to Criminal Law in India?
Some of the recent changes to criminal law in India are based on some recent henious crimes, which are made looking at the intensities in these crimes. These changes are mentioned below:
- The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, this Act made a number of changes to the IPC and the CrPC, including the introduction of new offenses such as stalking and acid attacks.
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which raised the age of juvenile delinquency from 16 to 18 years.
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which introduced new offenses related to child sexual abuse.
Best LLM in Criminal Law Colleges
There are more than 150+ LLM Criminal Law colleges in India, where 30+ are government-owned and the rest are privately owned universities, among which some top NLUs like Nalsar University and GNLU are also listed.
Top LLM in Criminal Law Government Colleges
Top NLUs such as NLIU Bhopal and IPU provide LLM courses in Criminal Law specialisations with the fees and course details are given in the table below:
| College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| INR 65,000 |
|
| INR 1.2 L |
|
| INR 70,000 - 1.4 L |
|
| INR 1.1 L - 1.15 L |
|
| INR 17,400 - 1.25 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top LLM in Criminal Law Private Colleges
There are more than 100 private colleges in India, among which top universities like SLS Pune, LPU, and Manipal University are there. Refer to the table below to learn about their fees structure and course details:
| College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| INR 1.98 L |
|
| INR 1.6 L |
|
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee |
INR 1.25 L |
| INR 3 L |
|
| INR 75,000 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: What are the best government colleges for LLM in Criminal Law?
Here are some of the best LLM in Criminal Law government colleges in India:
College | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
INR 65,000 | |
INR 1.2 L | |
INR 70,000 - 1.4 L | |
INR 1.1 L - 1.15 L | |
INR 17,400 - 1.25 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: Which college is best for LLM in Criminal Law?
Colleges like GNLU, SLS Pune, Nalsar University, IPU, NLU Bhopal and NLU Patna are some of the good options to pursue LLM in Criminal Law.
Popular Private LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
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LLM in Criminal Law Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
LLM in Criminal Law career options include public prosecution, defense law, corporate counsel, academia, research, and working with NGOs. The scope of employment is vast, with growing demand and diverse opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
| Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Represents individuals accused of crimes, defends their rights, and seeks the best possible outcome. |
INR 5-20 LPA |
| Public Prosecutor |
Represents the state in criminal proceedings, presenting evidence and arguing for convictions. |
INR 6-15 LPA |
| Legal Advisor (Corporate) |
Provides legal advice to corporations on criminal law matters, such as compliance with regulations and responding to investigations. |
INR 8-20 LPA |
| Academician |
Teaches criminal law courses at universities and law schools, conducts research, and publishes scholarly articles. |
INR 5-12 LPA |
| Legal Researcher |
Conducts legal research and analysis for law firms, courts, or academic institutions. |
INR 4-8 LPA |
| NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) |
Works with NGOs involved in criminal justice reform, human rights, and legal aid. |
INR 3-8 LPA |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Quick Links For LLM Criminal Law Career:
Top LLM in Criminal Law Recruiters
Recruiters for LLM in Criminal Law graduates include law firms, government agencies, NGOs, universities, and corporations. Some of the top companies are given in the table below:
| LLM Criminal Law Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| Aegis Legal LLP |
Trilegal |
| Amicus Legal |
JSB and Partners |
| Daksh Associates |
CMB Legal |
| Office of the Public Prosecutor |
Dhir and Dhir Associates |
Q: What is the scope of LLM in Criminal Law?
The LLM Criminal Law scope is vast and diverse, as you can go in litigation, Corporate, Academics, NGOs, and also work under government by providing services to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, or other law enforcement agencies. Moreover, You can also conduct research and analysis and contributing to legal publications and journals.
Q: Which has a better scope and why: Criminal Law or Company Law?
Q: Which industries hire professionals with LLM in Criminal Law qualification?
Law firms that are specialising in criminal defence, prosecution, or white-collar crime, seek hiring for LLM in Criminal Law candidates. Another options are courts and judiciary, government leagl departments, police departments, investigative agencies, universities and Law schools and many more where Criminal Lawyers are in-demand.
LLM in Criminal Law FAQs
Check out some common FAQs for this course:
Q: What are the challenges of studying Criminal Law in India?
The prominent challenge of studying Criminal Law in India is the vastness of the subject, as it encompasses a wide range of topics, and hence makes it difficult to keep up with the latest developments in the field.
Other than that, the complexity of India's criminal justice system is another challenge. The criminal justice system of India is fragmented and often inefficient which makes it difficult for criminal lawyers to practice adequately.
Q: What is the difference between Criminal Law and Penal Law?
This table provides a simplified overview of the differences between criminal and penal law. The actual systems and legal interpretations can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Feature | Criminal Law | Penal Law |
|---|---|---|
Focus | Punishing or reforming those who commit crimes against the state or individuals | Justifying the imposition of penalties |
Nature of wrongdoing | Focused on harmful acts and mens rea (guilty mind) | Focused on forfeiture of rights or privileges, not necessarily requiring mens rea |
Standard of proof | Beyond a reasonable doubt | Lower standards like preponderance of evidence or clear and convincing evidence may be used |
Initiation of proceedings | Typically initiated by the government (prosecution) | Can be initiated by the government or in some cases by private individuals |
Goals | To deter crime, protect the public, and rehabilitate offenders | To impose fair consequences for wrongdoing and potentially generate revenue for the state |
Penalties | Primarily focuses on imprisonment, fines, probation, and parole | Can include a wider range of penalties like asset forfeiture, loss of licenses, community service, and restorative justice measures |
Relationship to criminal law | Complements criminal law by providing justification for its penalties and potentially filling in gaps where mens rea is difficult to prove | Can stand alone without necessarily relying on criminal law, but often overlaps with it |
Course Cutoffs
4
| College | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLU Delhi (NLUD) - National Law University | 114 | 51 | 42 |
| College | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore | – / – | 154 | 239 |
| NLU Lucknow (RMLNLU) - Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University | 108 | 101 | 277 |
| NLU Kolkata (NUJS) - The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | 538 | 787 | 620 |
| Tamil Nadu National Law University | 1494 | 1830 | 1011 |
| Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Silvassa | – / – | 2179 | 1267 |
| Himachal Pradesh National Law University | 1492 | 2362 | 2132 |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad (MNLU Aurangabad) | 1955 | 2780 | 2250 |
| National Law University Tripura (NLUT), Agartala | – / – | – / – | 2530 |
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 14 hours ago
Law firms that are specialising in criminal defence, prosecution, or white-collar crime, seek hiring for LLM in Criminal Law candidates. Another options are courts and judiciary, government leagl departments, police departments, investigative agencies, universities and Law schools and many more wher
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 15 hours ago
LLM in Criminal Law deals with legislation, procedures, and jurisprudence related to Criminal Law. While PG Criminology is the study of crime as a social phenomenon.
Hence, LLM in Criminal Law professionals emphasis on legal analysis, argumentation, and application of Law, while PG Criminology stude
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 15 hours ago
There are many advantages of doing LLM in Criminal Law, such as:
- First, is obviously having specialised knowledge of the field on topics like sentencing, evidence, or criminal procedure, that can make you ahead in your job.
- It also advance your analytical skills for critically evaluating criminal law
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 17 hours ago
Colleges like GNLU, SLS Pune, Nalsar University, IPU, NLU Bhopal and NLU Patna are some of the good options to pursue LLM in Criminal Law.
J
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Here are some of the best LLM in Criminal Law government colleges in India:
College | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
INR 65,000 | |
INR 1.2 L | |
INR 70,000 - 1.4 L | |
INR 1.1 L - 1.15 L | |
INR 17,400 - 1.25 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
You need to complete LLB from a recognised university with minimum 45 to 50 percent aggregate or as mentioned by the university. Plus, It's benificial to take elective courses related to Criminal Law in your law graduation.
K
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The LLM Criminal Law scope is vast and diverse, as you can go in litigation, Corporate, Academics, NGOs, and also work under government by providing services to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, or other law enforcement agencies. Moreover, You can also conduct research
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Yes, getting a specialisation in Criminal Law through an LLM can open paths to advanced career opportunities. These could be legal professionals with expertise in criminal law, in demand in various sectors, including litigation, academia, law enforcement, corporate compliance, and human rights advoc
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
LLM in Criminal Law is a postgraduate course which is designed to provide advanced knowledge and expertise in criminal justice, procedural laws, and substantive criminal laws.
This specialisation teaches legal professionals to analyze and understand complex legal scenarios and play their part meaning
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Candidates who want to pursue the LLM course have to appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) or the admission test accepted by law schools. Another one is AILET LLM, which is conducted by National Law University, Delhi for admissions into LLM courses.
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
The United States is known for having a well-established system of law which aims to focus the students on specialised areas. It means that if you are looking to deepen your legal expertise in Criminal Law, pursuing your LLM in the USA could be a good option especially after completing your BA LLB f
S
Contributor-Level 8
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LLM in Criminal Law is a postgraduate course which is designed to provide advanced knowledge and expertise in criminal justice, procedural laws, and substantive criminal laws.
This specialisation teaches legal professionals to analyze and understand complex legal scenarios and play their part meaningfully to the criminal justice system.