LL.D. Course: Full Form, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
LLD or Doctor of Law is a specialized Law degree that is of three years duration. The LLD program includes course work and the maximum duration within which aspirants can complete this course is six years. To be eligible, candidates must hold either an LLM (Master of Laws) or a PhD in Law from a recognized university, along with relevant academic or teaching experience in the legal field.
LLD courses emphasize independent research and thesis writing, typically spanning 3 to 5 years, depending on the institution. Ideal for individuals passionate about legal research, these programs prepare graduates for careers in legal academia, research, judiciary, legal policymaking, and specialist legal practice. Whether as law professors, legal policy analysts, or consultants focusing on specific niche areas, LLD graduates play crucial roles in shaping legal discourse and practice.
LLD admissions typically involve performance in university-specific entrance exams or national-level exams like the UGC-NET for Law or state-level Law Entrance Tests. Usually, LLD admission process also involves an assessment of the research proposal and methodology. Apart from these admission stages, some colleges also conduct a personal interview round to shortlist aspirants for admission.
The fee for an LLD course from a government institution such as NLSIU Bangalore and CNLU Patna usually ranges from INR 65,000 to 1.75 lakh. Top colleges offering LLD courses include National Law Universities (e.g., National Law School of India University, Bangalore), central universities with law schools (e.g., Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi), and reputed private universities with law schools (e.g., Symbiosis International University, Amity University).
LLD Latest Update
-
AIBE 19 (XIX) exam date is November 24, 2024.
- CLAT 2025 Applications for admission to 5-year Integrated LLB (UG) and 1-year LLM courses are now open. CLAT 2025 Exam will be scheduled on Dec 1, 2024.
- LSAT India 2024 exam (May session) results for admission to 3-year LLB, 5-year Integrated LLB, and LLM courses have been released. Candidates can log in and download their results at the official website - lsatindia.in.
-
NLU Delhi has released AILET 2025 Application Form. The last date to apply is Nov 18, 2024 and the AILET 2025 exam will be conducted on Dec 8, 2024.
- AP LAWCET 2024 Counselling will tentatively start in November 2024 in online mode.
- TS LAWCET 2024 counselling will start tentatively in November 2024.
- LLD Course Details: Highlights
- What is LLD Course?
- 2.1 Why pursue LLD?
- 2.2 Who can pursue LLD?
- LLD Eligibility Criteria
- LLD Admission Process
- LLD Syllabus
- Top LLD Colleges in India
- 6.1 Top LLD Government Colleges
- 6.2 Top LLD Private Colleges
- LLD Career, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Recruiters
- 7.1 LLD Top Recruiters
- LLD Study Abroad
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on LLD
LLD Course Details: Highlights
Check key points related to Doctor of Laws (LLD) in the table below which contains the highlights on course level, course duration, entrance exams, average salaries, course fees, top recruiters and top job profiles. Candidates can refer to highlights for a quick reference:
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Doctor of Law or Ph D in Law |
| Course Level |
Doctoral Course |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Completed PhD along with relevant work experience in the field of law |
| Duration |
3 years |
| Course Fees |
Up to INR 5 lakh |
| Top Colleges |
NUJS Kolkata, NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Jodhpur, Lovely Professional University, CNLU Patna |
| Average Salary |
INR 3 to 6 lakh |
| Top Recruiters |
Bar Council of India, Law Firms, Multinational Companies, Public Sector and Private Sector Banks, Government Departments, Legal Process Outsourcing |
| Entrance Exam |
DU LLB Entrance Exam, BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test, Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test, CLAT UG |
| Job Positions |
Professor, Advocate, Legal Advisor, Solicitor, Legal Manager, Law Officer |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Ph D in Law Information You Might Be Interested In:
Q: Is a LLD better than a PhD?
Hi,
Yes, the LLD focuses more on the legal profession. It's ideal for those who desire to specialise in legal study, make contributions to legal scholarship, and increase understanding of certain legal concerns. LLD courses have a strong emphasis on practice, preparing graduates for careers in high-level legal practice, government policy-making, or even the judiciary.
A PhD can often be more discipline-specific. It is appropriate for those who desire to conduct in-depth research in a variety of subject areas outside of law, including science, the social sciences, the humanities, engineering, and more.
Hope it resolves your query !
Q: How long does it take to complete LLD?
The duration to complete LLD is 3 years. The maximum duration within which aspirants can complete this course is six years. The University Research Council shall permit extension of the duration of the programme beyond three years, only to candidates who have otherwise complied with requirement of submission of progress reports and making the first and second presentation. Failure to complete the course within the maximum period of six years, will automatically result in cancellation of registration
What is LLD Course?
LLD stands for Doctor of Law. It's a highly specialized postgraduate doctoral program designed for in-depth legal research and scholarship.
- Constitutional Law, jurisprudence, fundamental rights and obligations, union-state legislative relations, concepts of possession and ownership, Family Law, Business Law, etc. are the main topics on which the course focuses.
- The curriculum has been created to assist in educating qualified applicants about efficient intervention techniques as well as the interpersonal skills and character traits required for this line of work.
Why pursue LLD?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue an LLD- Doctor of Law degree:
Academic Advancement:
- Become a Legal Scholar: The LLD equips you with the skills and knowledge to conduct high-level legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and contribute original scholarship to the field of law.
- Teaching and Research Career: An LLD qualifies you for professorial positions at law schools and research institutions. You can teach future generations of lawyers and contribute to the development of legal knowledge.
Career Opportunities:
- Legal Policy Analyst: Your research expertise can be valuable in government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs, where you can analyze legal issues and formulate policy recommendations.
- Legal Consultant: With your specialized knowledge, you can become a sought-after consultant for clients facing complex legal challenges in your area of expertise.
Who can pursue LLD?
LLD (Doctor of Law) course is designed for individuals with a strong foundation in law and a passion for in-depth legal research. Here's a breakdown of who can typically pursue this doctoral degree:
Educational Background:
- Master's Degree: The most common requirement is a Master's degree in Law (LLM) from a recognized university.
- In some cases, a Ph D in a Law-related field might be considered equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
- Work Experience: Some institutions might require relevant work experience in the legal field. The minimum duration can vary depending on the university.
- Research Proposal: Many institutions require submitting a research proposal outlining your intended area of doctoral research.
- Passion for Law: A genuine interest in a specific legal area and a desire to contribute original research to the field are crucial for success in this program.
LLD Information You Might Be Interested In:
Q: Is AIBE an open-book exam?
Till 2020, the All India Bar Examination was an open-book exam. However, in 2021 Bar Council of India changed this pattern. This means that students can no longer take the help of books and study material to attempt or solve the question paper. That being said students are still allowed to carry Bare Acts without notes with them. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha AIBE exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/law/aibe-exam).
I hope this will help you.
LLD Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are informed that different colleges list different eligibility criteria for LLD courses offered by them. Some colleges state that candidates are eligible to secure admission in the LLD course offered by them if they have completed PhD in Law from a recognized University in India or abroad with relevant experience in the field of law. Colleges also specify that aspirants should have at least 5 years to 10 years of teaching experience and academic achievement in the field of law if they want to undertake the LLD courses offered by them.
Apart from this, candidates who have completed their LLM from a recognized college with a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks are also eligible to apply for an LLD course.
Q: Who is eligible for LLD?
Candidates are eligible to secure admission to the LLD course offered by them if they have completed PhD in Law from a recognised University in India or abroad with relevant experience in the field of law.
- The candidate should have obtained a Ph.D. in Law through regular mode from NLSIU or any recognised University in India or abroad.
- The candidate should have completed a minimum 10 (ten) years of Teaching experience after obtaining Ph.D. in Law or completed a minimum of 10 years of exceptional jurisprudential achievement after obtaining Ph.D. in Law.
- The candidate must have published as the sole author, or as the main author in co- published articles, a minimum of ten articles in peer reviewed/refereed journals having ISSN number or books published by reputed publishers, with ISBN number, after the completion of Ph.D
Q: How to get Certificate of practice after AIBE?
To get the Certificate of Practice (COP) after passing the All India Bar Examination AIBE you need to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Register with the Bar Council of India: You need to register yourself with the Bar Council of India by submitting the AIBE scorecard, your law degree Certificate and other relevant documents. You will also need to pay the registration fee and fulfill any other requirements specified by the Bar Council of India.
- Apply for the Certificate of Practice: After registering with the Bar Council of India, you can apply for the Certificate of Practice by submitting an application along with the required documents such as your identity proof, address proof, and a declaration that you have not been convicted of any criminal offense or professional misconduct.
- Pay the fees: You need to pay the prescribed fees for the issuance of the Certificate of Practice.
- Verification of documents: The Bar Council of India will verify all the documents submitted by you to ensure that they are authentic.
- Issuance of Certificate of Practice: Once your application and documents are verified, the Bar Council of India will issue you the Certificate of Practice. It is important to note that the exact process and requirements for obtaining the Certificate of Practice may vary slightly from state to state in India. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the official website of the Bar Council of India or the concerned state Bar Council for the latest and accurate information on the process of obtaining the Certificate of Practice after passing the AIBE.
LLD Admission Process
Admission to the LLD or Doctor of Law course is offered on the basis of:
- Written test conducted by the university
- However, those who have qualified GC NET / JRF, SLET, or completed M.Phil. may be exempted from taking the written test.
The written test may include two papers:
- Paper 1 – Research Methodology
- Paper 2 – Research Proposal-specific paper
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
03 Dec '24 - 05 Dec '24 | Self-Reporting and Reporting at Colleges by Candidates (Phase II) ONGOING |
09 Dec '24 - 10 Dec '24 | CLAT 2025 Final Answer Key |
11 Dec '24 - 20 Dec '24 | CLAT 2025 Counselling Registration |
11 Dec '24 - 20 Dec '24 | CLAT 2025 Counselling Registration (Begins) |
26 Dec '24 | CLAT 2025 First Allotment List |
26 Dec '24 - 04 Jan '25 | CLAT 2025 First Allotment List fee payment |
10 Jan '25 | CLAT Second Allotment List 2025 |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
02 Dec '24 | AP LAWCET Seat Allotment 2024 (Phase II) |
14 Nov '24 - 17 Nov '24 | AP LAWCET Counselling Registration 2024 (Phase 2) |
04 Nov '24 - 08 Nov '24 | Self-Reporting and Reporting at Colleges by Candidates |
Q: Are there any requirements to submit publications for LLD?
LLD Scholars must ensure that they publish atleast two research papers in refereed journals and make two paper presentations in Conferences/Seminars before the submission of the thesis and produce evidence for the same in the form of presentation certificates and/or reprints. Candidates must produce substantial academic work in order to be distinguished and apply for LLD course.
Q: How to prepare for LLD Admission process?
Since there are no all-India level entrance examinations conducted for LLD admissions and universities conduct their respective entrance examinations, candidates can follow these steps to secure admission in LLD course:
- Refer to the examination syllabus and examination pattern of individual colleges.
- If previous year question papers are available, refer to them for practice.
- Keep practising research-based questions especially in subjective form.
- Prepare research proposal efficiently to ensure a good performance in the interview round.
LLD Syllabus
The subjects taught as part of an LLD course may vary from one college to the other. But aspirants can go through some common topics that are taught as part of an LLD course as listed below:
| LLD Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
| Research Methodology |
Jurisprudence |
| Relevance of Legal Research |
Constitutional Law |
| Significance of Legal Research in India |
Need for Legal Research and Importance of inter-disciplinary approach |
| Types of Research |
Legal Research as a profession in India |
| Preamble |
Law Reform Research |
| Directive Principles of State Policy |
Fundamental Rights and Duties |
| Union State Legislative Relations |
Judiciary |
| Amendment to the Constitution of India |
Emergency Provisions |
| Nature and Source of Law |
Writ Jurisdiction |
| Judicial Process and Social Transformation |
Concepts of Possession and Ownership |
| Judicial Activism |
Rights and Duties |
| Options for areas of Specialisation |
Social Justice |
| Law of Torts |
Public International Law |
| Law of Crimes: General principles |
Law of Contracts: General Principles |
| Cyber Law |
Environmental Law |
| Family Law |
IPR |
| Business Law |
Human Rights |
Note- This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary.
LLD Information You Might Be Interested In:
Popular Specializations
- Constitutional Law
1 College
- Corporate Law
1 College
- Intellectual Property Law
1 College
Q: If you can do a legal practice course after an LLB, then why do an LLD?
Hi,
An LLD is for those who want to specialize deeply in a legal area, become a law professor, or pursue a research-focused legal career. Moreover-
- Focus: LLB prepares you for legal practice, while LLD focuses on advanced legal research and scholarship.
- Career Path: LLB opens doors to practicing law, while LLD is ideal for professorships, research, or highly specialised legal consulting.
- Depth of Knowledge: LLB provides a broad legal foundation, whereas LLD offers deep expertise in a specific legal niche.
- Time Commitment: LLB is shorter (typically 3 years), while LLD is a doctoral programme requiring several years of dedicated research.
- Goals: LLB is for those wanting to be lawyers, while LLD is for those passionate about legal research and contributing new knowledge to the field.
Hope this answer goes well with your query !
Q: Can I pursue LLD after completing LLM? If yes, what is the procedure?
Hi, Yes, you can pursue an LLD (Doctor of Laws) after completing an LLM.
The procedure involves these simple steps:
- Research Proposal: Submitting a research proposal that outlines your intended area of study and research methodology.
- Entrance Exam: Passing an entrance exam or interview conducted by the university.
- Admission: If selected, you'll be admitted to the LLD program.
- Research and Thesis: Conduct research, write a doctoral thesis, and defend it before a committee.
Hope it clears your doubt !
Top LLD Colleges in India
There are few colleges that offer LLD courses. These colleges include top private and government universities. The colleges are as follows:
Top LLD Government Colleges
Soem of the top government colleges providing LLD courses are as follows:
| College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| NA |
|
| INR 1.5 lakh |
|
| NA |
|
| INR 1.6 lakh |
|
| INR 60,000 |
|
| INR 400 - 20,000 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top LLD Private Colleges
There are only a few private colleges in India, that provide LLD courses. Some of them are listed below:
| College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| INR 3 L |
|
| NA |
|
| NA |
|
| NA |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: What is the average fee to pursue LLD?
The average fee to pursue LLD ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 1 Lacs per annum. Many private universities offer this course with an average fee of INR 1 Lacs to 2 Lacs per annum, whereas government universities offer this course at an average fee of INR 40,000 to INR 1 lakh. Hence the fees to pursue LLD from government colleges is slightly less in comparison to private colleges or National Law Universities.
Q: What are the top colleges for LLD in India?
Some of the top LLD colleges in India includes, NLU Kolkata, LPU, NLU Jodhpur, CNLU Patna, etc.
Popular Private LL.D. (Doctor of Laws) Colleges in India
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LLD Career, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Recruiters
After completing the LLD course candidates have many career options before them. Aspirants can either get into academic work or they can even opt to join the industry after successful completion of their LLD course. Some popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing their LLD course are listed below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Judge | In this job profile one has to ensure that justice is administered and the legal rights of all the involved parties are safeguarded. | INR 10-14 LPA |
| Oath Commissioner | Anyone who works under this job profile is authorized to verify affidavits. | INR I7-10 LPA |
| Professor | Candidates can join the academic field upon completion of their LLD course. | INR 8-10 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Apart from this, candidates can also pursue other law job profiles after completing their LLD course from a reputed college/ university.
LLD Top Recruiters
Here are some of the top job sectors for students who have completed their LLD or Doctor of Law. These recruiters include top Legal NGOs, Government Judicial bodies, Law Publishing Houses, and Journals, such as:
| Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| National Law Schools |
Ministry of Law and Justice |
| Law Commission of India |
Environmental Law NGOs |
| LexisNexis India |
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) |
LLD Study Abroad
Candidates who wish to pursue their legal education from popular universities across countries can apply for LLM or PhD courses in top colleges. They can secure scholarships or research assistantships in the following colleges to pursue LLD courses as well:
Know all about LLD abroad
| Top Universities for LLD in USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Yale University | University of Pennsylvania |
| Top Universities for LLD in UK | ||
| University of Oxford | University of Cambridge | King's College, London |
| Top Universities for LLD in Australia | ||
| University of Melbourne | Monash University | The University of Sydney |
Read More: Bachelor of Law Overview
Q: What is the average salary after pursuing LLD?
The average salary after pursuing LLD can be from INR 3 Lacs per annum to INR 6 Lacs per annum. After completing the LLD course candidates have many career options before them. Aspirants can either get into academic work or they can even opt to join the industry after successful completion of their LLD course. Hence an LLD holder can earn more in the field of judiciary with an average annual salary of INR 12- 15 LPA whereas those in the field of academics can earn in the range of INR 10- 13 LPA.
Q: What is the scope after doing LLD?
Candidates aspiring to work as Professors or Research Associates and establish themselves as an academician can choose LLD as a great career option. Candidates who have completed LLD can pursue a career in academia and become researchers or professors. They can also enter into legal practice and work with public agencies or specialised agencies. They can also venture into public policy and advocacy roles in NGOs and Think-tanks. Hence candidates can work across multiple organisations after LLD course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on LLD
Look at the commonly asked questions for LLD below:
Q: What is the LLD vs PhD?
The difference between LLD and PhD are given in the table below:
| Criteria | LLD | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Mjust have completed PhD in Law | Must have completed LLM from recognised university. |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years- Full-time 6 years- Part-time |
| Experience | Minimum 5- 10 years of pst-PhD experience to pursue LLD. | No such requirement to pursue PhD. |
Q: Is a minimum percentage required for LLD admission?
Hi,
Most universities have a minimum percentage requirement, usually around 60% or higher, for LLM graduates. However, this can vary depending on the institution and the level of competition.
Hope it resolves your query !
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