LLM or Master of Laws is a 2 year postgraduate degree course that provides students advanced education in different fields of law, based on the chosen field of their specialization. The course curriculum of the LLM course Syllabus is structured in four semesters which focuses on the different subjects of Fundamental law and elective subjects and helps the students to understand the legal system and apply them in real life scenarios.
The Syllabus of the LLM courses varies depending upon the LLM specializations and it mainly focuses on training the students to understand various subjects of law such as Law and Technology, Law of Crimes, Judicial Process, Commercialization of IP & Licensing, etc. and specialize in a particular field of jurisdiction (or Domain) like Corporate Law, Criminal Law, LLM Maritime Law and many others.
See More: Law Courses in India
LLM courses are opted by those who wish to develop their career as a Judge, Magistrate, Criminal Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Legal Counsel, Law officer, etc. Candidates seeking to opt LLM courses must have to complete their bachelor's in any relevant discipline (BALLB, BBA LLB, etc.) with at least 60% marks from a recognized University and must have qualified any LLM entrance exam.
Check out: Best LLM colleges in India
Also Read: LLM International Law
LLM Syllabus Structure
The LLM course is divided into 4 semesters. The structure of the LLM course syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and also includes practicing law and enhancing necessary skills to work as a professional. The very first-semester of the LLM syllabus is generic and focuses on the study of Administration laws, several fundamental law and research methodology.
The second semester of the LLM course Syllabus covers the basic knowledge about the subject chosen as a specialization while the third and the final semesters covers the in-depth knowledge in the field of LLM specializations and include mandatory dissertation submission and viva voce. Apart from theoretical training, the final semester also provides practical training to the students with the help of various research work and internships in law firms.
Know more: LLM Admission Process
The Syllabus of the LLM courses mainly comprises core subjects, elective subjects, etc. Some of the main components of LLM course structure are listed below:
- Core Subjects
- Elective Subjects
- Research Methods
- Internship Trainings in Law Firms
- Dissertation
- Viva Voce
- Group Discussions
- Seminars
- Workshops
Check out: How to become Civil Judge
LLM Specializations
LLM courses are offered with various specializations. The syllabus of the LLM course changes as per the field of specializations chosen by the candidate. Apart from the core subjects, LLM students are required to choose any particular law stream to get specialized in that field, the course Syllabus of the LLM courses change from the second semester and focus on the subjects of the specializations chosen by the candidate.
There are a lot of specializations in LLM courses and they focus on whole different topics, like LLM International Law focus on International Law and International Relations: Development and Trends, International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, etc. while LLM Corporate Law focuses on Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Law, Banking and Finance Law and such related subjects. Some of the popular LLM specializations are tabulated below:
LLM Civil Law | LLM Criminal Law |
LLM Corporate Law | LLM General |
LLM Intellectual Property Law | LLM International Law |
LLM Human Rights | LLM Labor Law |
LLM Environmental Law | LLM Cyber Law |
LLM Banking Law | LLM Financial Law |
Check out: LLM Admission 2023
LLM Subjects
The subjects of the LLM Syllabus based on their various specializations is mentioned below:
Specialization Name | Syllabus & Subjects Included | |
---|---|---|
LLM International Law | Comparative Public Law | International Law and International Relations: Development and Trends |
International Organizations | Law and Justice in Internationalized World | |
Law of Sea, Air and Space | International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law | |
International Dispute Resolution Bodies | International Courts and Tribunals | |
LLM Corporate Law | Financial Models and Derivatives in a Legal Context | Banking and Finance Law |
Corporate Social Responsibilities and the Law | European Law of Capital Markets | |
European Procurement Law | Principles of International Tax Law | |
LLM Business Law | Law and Social Transformation in India | Law of Industrial and Intellectual Property |
Judicial Process | Business Law | |
Insurance Law | Legal Regulation of Economic Enterprises, Law Relating to Regulatory Authorities | |
LLM Labour Laws | Law Relating to Industrial Relations | Comparative Public Law |
Law Relating to Social Security & Safety Measures. | Law relating to Trade Unions, Labor welfare | |
LLM Intellectual Property Rights | Overview of Intellectual Property | Copyright and Design Law |
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity | Advanced IP Issues | |
Commercialization of IP & Licensing | International & Comparative IP Law | |
Plant Breeders Rights | Research Project | |
LLM Human Rights | Concept of Human Rights & Human Duties | Human Rights & Criminal Justice |
Constitutional Governance of Human Rights in India | International Humanitarian Law | |
Refugee Law | People’s Rights to Self-determination | |
LLM Taxation Law | General Principles of Taxation | Direct Tax Laws |
Indirect Tax laws | Tax Litigation | |
International Taxation | Corporate Tax | |
LLM Constitutional Law | Law and Social Transformation in India | Constitutionalism: Pluralism & Federalism |
Indian Constitutional Law- The New Challenges | Judicial Process | |
Mass Media Law | Administrative Process and Judicial Control | |
LLM Environmental Law | Nature and Scope of Environmental Law | International Law and Environmental Protection |
Protection of Environment under the Indian Constitution | Environmental Protection and General Civil and Criminal Laws | |
Protection of Water, Air and Environment in India | Emerging Issues in Environmental Law | |
LLM Maritime Law | Maritime Laws and Practices | Maritime Jurisdictions |
Maritime safety and security | Maritime environment laws and practices | |
Maritime Insurance policies and practices | Maritime disputes settlements |
Admission Links:
CLAT LLM Syllabus
CLAT or Common Law Admission Test is a National level entrance examination conducted for admission to various law courses into the top law colleges in India. The Syllabus of the CLAT exam is different for UG and PG courses. The CLAT Syllabus for UG exam includes 5 major subjects i.e. Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, English Language, Current Affairs, and Legal Reasoning. On the other hand, CLAT Syllabus for PG exam includes subjects studied in the LLB program like Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, etc.
Know More About: CLAT LLM Syllabus & Pattern
DU LLM Entrance Syllabus
The DU LLM entrance exam covers a wide range of topics which include several subjects such as Fundamentals of Law, basic knowledge of basic Corporate, Human Rights and International Laws. DU LLM Entrance Syllabus also covers several topics of Logical Reasoning, English, Current Affairs, etc. DU LLM is a National level entrance test conducted by NTA or the National Testing Agency. It is an Online mode test which contains 100 Multiple Choice Type (MCQs) questions (4 marks each conducted for the duration of 2 hours.
Check out: DU LLM Admission Process 2023
BHU LLM Entrance Syllabus
The BHU LLM Entrance Syllabus contains several subjects in the field of law such as Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Law of Contracts, Law of Torts, Law of Crimes, Environmental Law and contains four other subjects such as general awareness and current affairs, common legal knowledge, language comprehension- English and Hindi and aptitude and mental ability. BHU LLM Admission is done through an entrance exam conducted exclusively by BHU for LLM - PET. The BHU LLM PET exam is conducted once every year by BHU for each academic session.
Read More: BHU LLM Admission Process
LLM Syllabus Mumbai University
The LLM Syllabus Mumbai University covers the LLM courses of various specializations in the total of 4 groups. The four groups include the subjects such as Law And Social Transformation In India, Indian Constitutional Law: The New Challenges, Judicial Process, Legal Education And Research Methodology which are further classified into different sub-topics or subjects. The final group or semester also contains Dissertation and Viva Voice and trains the students to work in a professional environment.
Also Check: Mumbai University - [MU] Admission Process 2023
LLM Syllabus Calcutta University
The LLM Syllabus Calcutta University is divided into two parts, these parts are generally divided for the 2-years of LLM course. For the First year or the first part the Syllabus covers all the core subjects of the Fundamental laws such as Advance Jurisprudence, Judicial Process, Trends in Indian Constitutional, Legal Education and Research Methodology, Law and Society in India and Practical. However, for the second part or the LLM Syllabus of Calcutta University in the second year covers in depth knowledge of the specializations chosen by the candidates.
The Syllabus in the second year for Corporate Law as a LLM specializations comprises subjects such as Law of Industrial and Intellectual Property, Banking Law, Insurance Law and Dissertation + Viva-Voce as a mandatory part. Similarly, the Syllabus of LLM courses in the second year or in the 3rd and Final semesters varies depending upon the field of specializations.
Check out: List Of Top LLM Colleges In Kolkata Based On 2023 Ranking
LLM Course Study Material in India
There are several study materials available to cover LLM courses, some authors also publish several books based on the Syllabus of the particular LLM specializations. These study materials are available as Online resources, books, Recorded lessons, etc. and can be easily accessed by purchasing them Online or from any Library.
Check: NUJS Kolkata Admission 2023
The following table shows some of the best LLM study materials in India that one can go through to cover all the necessary cover topics and subjects:
Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
---|---|
Universal's Textbook on Legal Methods, Legal Systems & Research | by Prof. Tushar Kanti Saha |
Singhal's S. S. Handbook for LL.M Entrance Exam 2021 [New Syllabus] | by Vishal Singh | Singhal Law Publication |
New Age International Publishers Research Methodology Methods and Techniques | by C. R. Kothari, Gaurav Garg |
Methodology & Techniques of Social Research by P.L.Bhandarkar & T.S. Wilkinson For LL.M | by Himalaya Publishing House |
Master Key Gender Justice & Feminist Jurisprudence Women & Criminal Law | by Dr. Sheetal Kanwal, Amar Law Publication | ALP0105 |
Law of Industrial & Intellectual Property for LLM | by Pritish Pal & Varsha Gupta | Amar Law Publication |
Human Rights Law for LL.M & Other | by Dr. S. A. Karandikar & Dr. Ashok Yende, Aarati & Company |
Central Law Publication's Legal Education & Research Methodology For LL.M | by Dr. Mona Purohit |
Bharat's Cyber Laws & Information Technology | by Dr. Jyoti Rattan & Dr. Vijay Rattan |
Amar Law Publication's Legal Regulations of Economic Enterprises (Business Law) | by Adv. Aprajita Bhargav & Adv. Pritesh Kumar Pal |
Also check: CLAT LLM Sample Paper
LLM Books Specializations Wise
There are several books available particularly for different specializations offered in the LLM courses. Such study materials or books are generally available at the college or University library and given to the students during their graduation but candidates can also find some similar resources or books available in the market published by the specialized person in the field.
See Also: CLAT Exam Pattern
Some of the best books one can refers for different LLM specializations written by the specialized authors are given below in the table chart:
LLM Specializations | Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
---|---|---|
LLM Civil Law | EBC - Civil Procedure - Limitation and Commercial Courts - C K Takwani - 9th Edition 2021 | by C K Takwani |
LLM Corporate Law | The Law of Corporations and Other Business Organizations | by Angela Schneeman |
LLM Criminal Law | Master Key Gender Justice & Feminist Jurisprudence Women & Criminal Law | by Dr. Sheetal Kanwal, Amar Law Publication | ALP0105 |
LLM Intellectual Property Law | Law of Industrial & Intellectual Property for LLM | by Pritish Pal & Varsha Gupta | Amar Law Publication |
LLM Human Rights | Human Rights Law for LL.M & Other | by Dr. S. A. Karandikar & Dr. Ashok Yende, Aarati & Company |
LLM Corporate Law | The Interaction between Competition Law and Corporate Governance | by Reinier Kraakman, John Armour, Paul Davies, Luca Enriques. |
LLM International Law | Textbook on Public International Law | by Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh. |
LLM Human Rights | Ascent Publication's Public International Law (Law of Peace) & Human Rights | by Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain |
LLM Environmental Law | Book Corporation's Principles of Environmental Laws [HB] | by Dr. Rabindra Kr. Pathak, Ms. Surbhi Singh |
LLM Intellectual Property Law | Central Law Publication's Law Relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) | by Dr. M.K. Bhandari |
LLM Labor Law | Enhancing Capabilities Through Labor Law: Informal Workers in India | by Supriya Routh |
See Also: LSAT Syllabus
LLM Syllabus FAQs
Ques. Which is the best subject for LLM?
Ans. LLM courses are offered with various specializations, listed below are some of the best law specializations of the LLM courses in terms of career opportunities, job prospects, salary and the scope that one can pursue as a LLM specializations:
- Criminal Law.
- Business Law.
- Corporate Laws & Management.
- Co-operative Law.
- Cyber Law.
- Criminology.
- Human Rights Law.
Ques. How to prepare for LSAT India?
Ans. To prepare for the LSAT exam, first one must acknowledge the latest Syllabus and pattern of the exam and start preparation accordingly. Candidates must make a study plan, they can solve test tests and previous years question papers. Also one can join coaching for LSAT SuperPrep for better preparation and study materials.
Ques. How many attempts for the DU LLB entrance exam?
Ans. There is no upper as well as low age limit for taking the DU LLB entrance test. Hence aspirants can take any number of attempts one can take for the DU LLB entrance exam.
Ques. Can LLM be done without LLB?
Ans. Yes, one can pursue LLM courses without LLB, apart from LLB one can opt LLM courses by completing their graduation in BA LLB, BBA LLB, and any other law course at the undergraduate level with at least 50% marks. Also one needs to qualify any LLM entrance exam conducted at the National, State or University level.
Ques. Is LLM or LLB better?
Ans. The major difference between LLM and LLB is that LLM is a postgraduate course offered for the duration of 2-years while LLB is a undergraduate course offered for the duration of 3-years or it is also offered as an integrated course with BA and BBA and offered for the duration of 5-years. Master course such as LLM is an advantage after a UG course and it also allows one to get a hike in their salary and knowledge.
Ques. What is the scope of LLM?
Ans. LLM is definitely a good career option in terms of scope and salary. The scope after completing the LLM courses and opportunities for jobs after LLM courses are so vast and offers a wide range of opportunities. LLM can develop their career in respective and reputable positions such as Advocate, Legal Associate/ Associate Attorney, Criminal Lawyer, Corporate Lawyer, Real Estate Lawyer, Magistrate, Legal Advisor, Professor and many other such designations.
Ques. What is the salary of an LLM in India?
Ans. The average salary one can expect to earn at the starting of their career can be anywhere between INR 3,80,000 per year. After gaining a few years of experience one can earn an average salary around INR 40 LPA or even more depending upon the experience, job profile, region, specializations and many other parameters. The average salary one can earn in the Corporate Law sectors can be between INR 7,20,000 - 22,00,000.
Ques. Is there any entrance exam for LLM?
Ans. Yes, there are several entrance exams for LLM or Masters of Legislative Law. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the most popular among the LLM entrance exams. However, there are some other entrance exams such as LSAT, DU LLM, BHU LLM and many others that are accepted by several top LLM colleges in India.
Ques. Is there any age limit for LLM?
Ans. No, there is no prescribed age limit for pursuing the LLM course. But there are some popular and top law colleges in India that have set an age limit for LLM courses. The Bar Council Of India has withdrawn the age limitation on the admission to the Law course which is applicable for LLM as well.
Ques. What are the job profiles available after completing LLM courses?
Ans. There are a lot of job opportunities after LLM, one can find a lot of lucrative and highly paid job opportunities in the private and the government sectors. One can find various LLM jobs in Banking, Finance, Real Estate and several other law firms. Some of the high profile jobs after LLM in which one can develop their career after LLM courses are listed below:
- District Munsiff
- Legal officers
- Adviser in banks
- Criminal Lawyer
- Corporate Lawyer
- Advocate
- Legal Associate
- Associate Attorney
- Legal Advisor
- Professor