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Different Entrance Exams for LLM In India: Full List with Details!

Author : Shashwat Srivastava

September 12, 2024

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Overview: Are you thinking about pursuing an LLM in India? There are several ways to achieve this prestigious degree, with opportunities available nationwide.

Some students take challenging entrance exams, while others may be admitted based on their academic performance.

Generally, you need an LLB degree to start, and the LLM program lasts for two years. During this time, you'll study deeper into subjects like International Law, Corporate Law, Business Law, and Criminal Law.

But which entrance exam is right for you? Let's explore the different entrance exams for LLM in India for building a successful legal career!

Attention LLM Aspirants!

The exam dates for CLAT PG and AILET PG have been announced!

If you are aiming to pursue an LLM at an NLU, it's time to start your preparations.

Key Contents

  1. Overview of LLM in India: Introduction to the LLM degree, requirements, and duration.
  2. Top Entrance Exams: Detailed information on major entrance exams like CLAT PG, AILET PG, and CUET LLM, including eligibility and exam specifics.
  3. State-level Exams: Insights into state-specific entrance exams such as MH CET Law and PGLCET.
  4. College-level Exams: Information on university-specific entrance exams like DU LLM and LSAT.
  5. Admission Criteria: Explanation of merit-based admissions and category relaxations.
  6. Preparation Resources: Links to study materials, practice questions, and demo classes for LLM exam preparation.

Detailed Guide: Benefits of Pursuing LLM

What are the Entrance Examinations for Pursuing LLM?

When pursuing an LLM in India, several entrance exams are conducted to determine eligibility and admission to various prestigious law programs. Below, we detail the top 10 different entrance exams for LLM, including their eligibility requirements.

1. CLAT PG Examination

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) PG is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for those aiming to study LLM at National Law Universities (NLUs) across India.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must possess an undergraduate law degree (LL.B.) or an equivalent qualification.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • General, OBC, PWD, NRI, PIO, and OCI categories: At least 50% marks.
      • SC/ST categories: At least 45% marks.
    • Final-year students anticipating graduation in April/May 2024 are also eligible to apply.
    • No upper age limit, making it inclusive for candidates of all age groups.

Read Detailed Guide: CLAT PG 2025 Exam

2. AILET PG Examination

The All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) PG is crucial for those aspiring to join the LLM program at the Delhi National Law University.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must have completed an LL.B. or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • General candidates: At least 50% marks.
      • SC/ST or Persons with Disability categories: At least 45% marks.
    • These requirements ensure candidates have a solid foundation in legal education, necessary for advanced studies in the LLM program.

Read Detailed Guide: AILET PG 2025 Exam

3. CUET LLM Examination

The CUET LLM examination is a gateway to numerous central, state, and private universities across India for those aspiring to pursue an LLM.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must have a three-year or five-year LL.B. degree from a recognized Indian or foreign university.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • General candidates: At least 50% marks or an equivalent grade.
      • SC/ST/PWD/OBC/Non-Creamy Layer categories: A relaxation of 5%, requiring at least 45% marks.
    • Exam Schedule:
      • Typically held in September each year.
    • Additional Information:
      • Flexibility in marks for certain categories provides more inclusive opportunities for various students.
  • Key Points:
    • This exam is ideal for students looking to choose from a wide array of universities.
    • The CUET LLM examination is one of the most accessible different entrance exams for LLM due to its inclusive eligibility criteria.

Read Detailed Guide: CUET LLM 2025 Exam

4. SLS AIAT

The SLS AIAT entrance test is conducted for admission to the LLM program at Symbiosis Law School across India.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must have a three-year or five-year LL.B. degree from any Indian or foreign university recognized by the UGC.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • General candidates: At least 50% marks or an equivalent grade.
      • SC/ST candidates: A reduced requirement of 45% marks.
    • Flexibility for Final-Year Students:
      • Final-year LL.B. students are eligible to apply, allowing them to secure a place in the LLM program before graduation.
  • Additional Information:
    • Some universities offer LLM admissions based on merit, eliminating the need for an entrance exam.
    • This flexibility provides multiple pathways for students to pursue an LLM based on their preferences and academic qualifications.
  • Key Points:
    • SLS AIAT is one of the different entrance exams for LLM that offers significant flexibility in terms of eligibility and application timing.
    • The inclusion of final-year students in the eligibility criteria makes it a favorable option for those nearing the completion of their LL.B. program.

5. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) LLM Exam

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences conducts its own exam for various programs, including the LLM program.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • You must have valid scores in the LL.B. program with qualifying marks.
    • Specific criteria regarding marks and qualifications may apply.

6. LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) India is an important exam for students seeking admission to LLM programs in various prestigious law schools in India. It assesses high-level reading, informal reasoning, and deductive reasoning skills.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Degree: Must have a valid LL.B. degree.
  • Scores: Admission is based on LSAT India scores.

Participating Institutions

Several top law schools in India accept LSAT India scores, including:

  • Jindal Global Law School (JGLS)
  • Bennett University
  • NMIMS School of Law
  • Presidency University
  • BML Munjal University
  • SRM University
  • ISBR Law College

Read Detailed Guide: LSAT 2024 Exam

7. DU LLM

The DU LLM exam is conducted by Delhi University for admission to its LLM program, attracting numerous candidates each year.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must hold a three-year or five-year LL.B. degree or be in the final year of the undergraduate program.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • EWS category: At least 50% marks in the LL.B. degree.
      • SC/ST category: At least 45% marks in the last qualifying degree.
    • No age limit is required, making the exam accessible to a wide range of candidates.

Read Detailed Guide: DU LLM Exam

8. PU LLM

The PU LLM exam, conducted by Punjab University, is designed for aspiring LLM candidates.

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Must have completed a three-year LL.B. or five-year integrated BA LL.B. or B.Com LL.B. program.
    • Minimum Marks:
      • General category: At least 55% marks.
      • SC/ST/BC/PwD categories: At least 50% marks.
    • The degree must be from Punjab University or an equivalent recognized institution.

Detailed Guide: How to Choose Specialization in LLM

State-level Entrance Examinations for LLM

State-level entrance examinations play a crucial role in helping students pursue LLM programs in their preferred states. Let's explore some key state-level entrance exams and their common eligibility criteria.

Key State-level Entrance Examinations

  • MH CET Law Exam:

    • Specifically for students who wish to pursue an LLM in Maharashtra.
    • One of the prominent different entrance exams for LLM in India.
  • RULET (Rajasthan University Law Entrance Test):

    • Designed for students aiming to study law in Rajasthan.
    • Another option among the different entrance exams for LLM, catering to regional preferences.
  • LAWCET (Law Common Entrance Test):

    • Conducted for students seeking admission to law programs in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
    • One of the notable different entrance exams for LLM, facilitating legal education in these states.
  • PGLCET (Post Graduate Law Common Entrance Test):

    • Aimed at postgraduate law aspirants in Telangana.
    • Offers a pathway for students focusing on advanced legal studies within the state.
  • Kerala Law Entrance Exam:

    • For students interested in pursuing LLM programs in Kerala.
    • Provides an opportunity to study law in a state known for its quality education system.
  • LFAT (Law Faculty Admission Test):

    • Administered by the University of Allahabad for LLM admissions.
    • A well-regarded exam for those looking to study at this historic university.
  • BHU PET Law (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test for Law):

    • Designed for LLM aspirants at Banaras Hindu University.
    • A significant entrance exam for students wishing to join one of India's prestigious universities.
  • PU LLM Law (Punjab University LLM Law Entrance Exam):

    • Applicable for candidates looking to pursue LLM at Punjab University.
    • Offers a route to advanced legal education in Punjab.

Common Eligibility Requirements for State-level Entrance Exams

Most state-level entrance exams for LLM have common eligibility criteria, which typically include:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Law:

    • You must possess a bachelor's degree in law (LL.B.) to be eligible.
  • Minimum Marks:

    • The required minimum marks can vary by state:
      • In some states, a minimum of 45% marks in your LL.B. degree is required.
      • In other states, the requirement might be 50% marks.
  • Category Relaxation:

    • Some states offer relaxation in marks for specific categories (e.g., SC/ST, PWD, OBC), making it accessible for a diverse range of students.

By understanding the different entrance exams for LLM at the state level, students can better plan their preparation and choose the right path to pursue their legal education goals.

Check: Upcoming Law PG Exams in India

College-Level LLM Entrance Examinations

When considering different entrance exams for LLM, it's important to explore the various university-specific exams available.

These exams are tailored to the admission criteria of each institution, ensuring that students meet the specific standards set by each college.

Below is a detailed list of some prominent college-level LLM entrance exams:

  • UPES Law Studies Aptitude Test (ULSAT):

    • Organized by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun.
    • This university-level law entrance exam is designed to assess the aptitude of candidates seeking admission to their LLM programs.
  • D.G.B. Dayanand Law College LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Conducted independently by D.G.B. Dayanand Law College in Solapur, Maharashtra.
    • Aimed at selecting candidates for their LLM program based on their performance in this specific test.
  • Dayanand College of Law LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Held by Dayanand College of Law in Kanpur, a renowned institution.
    • This exam is uniquely structured to identify suitable candidates for their LLM courses.
  • Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Administered by Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore.
    • Candidates aspiring to join their LLM program must clear this entrance exam.
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh University LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Conducted by Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut.
    • Prospective LLM students need to prepare specifically for this entrance test.
  • Christ College of Law Entrance Test:

    • Christ College of Law in Bengaluru requires applicants to take this specific entrance test for LLM admissions.
    • Tailored to assess the readiness of candidates for advanced legal studies.
  • Acharya Nagarjuna University LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Organized by Acharya Nagarjuna University in Andhra Pradesh.
    • This entrance exam is crucial for candidates looking to pursue an LLM at this institution.
  • Aligarh Muslim University LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Held by Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh.
    • Applicants need to pass this exam to gain admission to their LLM program.
  • Allahabad University LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Conducted by Allahabad University.
    • This exam is essential for candidates seeking admission to their LLM courses.
  • HNLU Entrance Test:

    • Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) conducts its entrance test for LLM aspirants.
    • Focused on selecting candidates who meet the academic and aptitude criteria of the university.
  • The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Held by this prestigious university in Tamil Nadu.
    • A specific test designed to evaluate the eligibility of candidates for their LLM program.
  • The University of Burdwan LLM Entrance Exam:

    • Conducted by the University of Burdwan.
    • Their unique entrance exam determines the admission of candidates to their LLM courses.
  • The W.B. National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) LLM Entrance Exam:

    • NUJS conducts its entrance exam for LLM aspirants.
    • Aimed at assessing the academic and legal aptitude of prospective students.
  • University of Mumbai (Bombay) - Department of Law LLM Entrance:

    • Administered by the Department of Law at the University of Mumbai.
    • This entrance exam is crucial for candidates aiming to join their LLM program.

Additional Information:

  • Merit-Based Admissions:
    • Besides different entrance exams for LLM, many colleges and law schools offer LLM admission based on merit.
    • Students can pursue an LLM degree based on their academic performance, providing multiple paths to advanced legal education.

Detailed Guide: How to Manage LLM Preparation While in College?

Key Takeaways

  • Diverse Exams: There are multiple entrance exams for LLM, including CLAT PG, AILET PG, and CUET LLM, each with unique eligibility criteria and benefits.
  • Eligibility: Most exams require an LL.B. degree with specific minimum marks, but the criteria can vary by category and exam.
  • Flexibility: Some exams, like SLS AIAT, allow final-year LL.B. students to apply, offering more opportunities.
  • State and College Exams: Apart from national exams, state-level and college-specific exams provide additional pathways to pursue an LLM.
  • Preparation Resources: Free study materials, demo classes, and previous year question papers are available to aid in preparation.
  • Inclusive Opportunities: Various exams offer relaxed criteria for different categories, making LLM accessible to a diverse range of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum qualification required to pursue an LLM in India?

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How long does an LLM program typically last in India?

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Which entrance exam is required for admission to National Law Universities (NLUs) for an LLM?

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What are the eligibility criteria for the CLAT PG exam?

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Can final-year LLB students apply for the AILET PG exam?

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Can students gain LLM admission based on merit without taking an entrance exam?

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Are there any college-specific entrance exams for LLM?

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