
Top Law Colleges in India After 12th Fees and Admission Process
Choosing the right law college after Class 12 is a crucial step toward building a successful legal career. India has some of the top law colleges that offer excellent academic training, court practice exposure, internships, and placement opportunities. This guide lists the top law colleges in India after 12th, including top government and private colleges, and gives useful tips on exams like CLAT to help you secure admission.
Why Choose Law After 12th
Law is a rewarding career for those interested in justice, public speaking, research, and social issues. After 12th, students from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) can apply for law degree courses. These programs are offered by the Top Law Colleges in India, which provide strong academic training and excellent career opportunities.
Popular Law Degree Courses in India
If you are planning to build a career in law after 12th, choosing the right course is the first step. Many of these law degree programs are offered by the Top Law Colleges in India, ensuring quality education and strong career support. Here are some popular law degree courses students can pursue:
- BA LLB (5 years): This course combines Arts subjects like Political Science and Sociology with core law subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Family Law.
- BBA LLB (5 years): It blends law with business and management concepts, making it ideal for students interested in corporate law careers.
- B.Com LLB (5 years): This course mixes legal education with commerce and accounting topics, perfect for those aiming to work in taxation or financial law.
- BSc LLB (5 years): It connects legal studies with science subjects and is useful for careers in intellectual property or forensic law.
- LLB (3 years): This is a postgraduate law course for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in any stream. It’s the traditional route to becoming a lawyer.
Top 10 Law Universities in India according to NIRF Ranking
Top Law Colleges in India | Location | NIRF Rank |
---|---|---|
National Law School of India University | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 1 |
National Law University | New Delhi, Delhi | 2 |
NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad, Telangana | 3 |
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences | Kolkata, West Bengal | 4 |
Symbiosis Law School | Pune, Maharashtra | 5 |
Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi, Delhi | 6 |
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | Kharagpur, West Bengal | 7 |
Gujarat National Law University | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 8 |
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | 9 |
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 10 |
Top 10 Government Law Colleges in India After 12th
Top law colleges in India include several government institutions known for quality education at an affordable fee. These colleges are often preferred for their experienced faculty, academic rigour, and excellent placement opportunities. Here are the best government law colleges in India after 12th:
Top Law Colleges in India | Location |
---|---|
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Faculty of Law | New Delhi, Delhi |
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur | Kharagpur, West Bengal |
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Faculty of Law | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar College of Law | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) | New Delhi, Delhi |
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL) | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
University of Lucknow, Faculty of Law | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Faculty of Law | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
Top 10 Private Law Colleges in India After 12th
Top law colleges in India include several reputed private institutions that offer modern infrastructure, global exposure, and better placement opportunities. Choosing a private law college can give students access to international internships and specialized law degree courses. Here’s a list of top private law colleges in India after 12th:
Top Law Colleges in India | Location |
---|---|
Symbiosis Law School (SLS) | Pune, Maharashtra |
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) School of Law | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu |
Christ University, School of Law | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Alliance University, School of Law | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Lovely Professional University (LPU), School of Law | Phagwara, Punjab |
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), School of Law | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Manipal University, Jaipur | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
Law Colleges Fees in India
The fees for law courses in India vary widely depending on the college, location, and type of institution (government or private). Given below are the approximate fee ranges of top law colleges in India:-
Government Law Colleges:
- Annual Fees (LLB): ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (can be even lower in some state-run colleges).
- Total Fees (5-year Integrated LLB): ₹2 Lakhs – ₹3 Lakhs (for the entire duration in some cases).
National Law Universities (NLUs):
- Annual Fees (BA LLB/equivalent): ₹2 Lakhs – ₹4 Lakhs (can go higher for some of the top NLUs).
- Total Fees (5-year Integrated LLB): ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs or more, often including hostel and other charges.
- Annual Fees (LLM): ₹1 Lakh – ₹4 Lakhs.
Private Law Colleges:
- Annual Fees (LLB/Integrated LLB): ₹2 Lakhs – ₹10 Lakhs or even higher.
- Total Fees (5-year Integrated LLB): ₹10 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs or more for the entire duration.
Law Entrance Exams in India for Admission in Top Colleges
To get admission into top law colleges in India, students must clear specific entrance exams after Class 12. These exams test their legal reasoning, general knowledge, and aptitude for law. Check out the list of law entrance exams given below:-
1. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
Accepted by 24 NLUs (except NLU Delhi); gateway to top government law colleges.
Held for admission into 5-year LLB and LLM programs.
2. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
Conducted by NLU Delhi for its BA LLB and LLM programs. Highly competitive with limited seats and separate from CLAT.
3. LSAT India (Law School Admission Test)
Accepted by Jindal Global Law School and top private law colleges. Held multiple times a year in online mode.
4. SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)
For admission to Symbiosis Law Schools in Pune, Noida, Hyderabad & Nagpur. Covers BA LLB and BBA LLB courses.
5. CUET (Common University Entrance Test – UG)
Required for law admissions in central universities like DU, BHU, JMI. Covers multiple sections including legal reasoning.
6. MH CET Law
Entrance test for law colleges in Maharashtra. Offered for both 3-year and 5-year LLB courses.
How to Apply to Top Law Colleges in India
Applying to top law colleges in India requires careful planning and timely action. Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth application process and increase your chances of admission.
- Visit the official websites of top law colleges to check eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
- Register and prepare for common entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, or others accepted by the colleges.
- Fill out and submit the application form online before the deadline.
- Appear for the entrance exam and aim for a good score.
- Participate in counseling sessions or further selection rounds if required.
- After selection, complete the admission formalities like fee payment and document submission.
How to Choose the Right Law College After 12th
While rankings matter, focus on the following factors when choosing among the best law colleges in India:
- Accreditation and Approval- Ensure the college is approved by Bar Council of India (BCI) and UGC.
- Faculty Quality & Research- Top Law colleges in India have experienced faculty with active research output.
- Internship & Placement Support-The best law colleges offer internships at law firms, corporate offices, and NGOs.
- Specializations Offered- Choose a college that lets you explore interests like IPR, Cyber Law, Corporate Law, etc.
- Alumni Network- A strong alumni base helps in mentorship and job connections
Job Opportunities for Law Graduates
Pursuing a law degree from one of the top law colleges in India opens up a wide range of high-potential career paths — both in the legal field and beyond. Whether you dream of being an advocate or want to explore legal journalism, here are the career options after law degree courses:
1. Advocate or Litigator
- Role: Represent clients in civil or criminal cases, file petitions, and provide legal consultation
- Workplace: District Courts, High Courts, Supreme Court
- Salary Range: ₹2.5 – ₹10 LPA (varies based on experience and city)
2. Corporate Legal Advisor
- Role: Handle contracts, mergers, compliance, intellectual property, and legal audits.
- Workplace: Private Companies, MNCs, Legal Departments
- Salary Range: ₹6 – ₹20 LPA (in top firms or MNCs)
3. Judge (Judicial Services Exam)
- Role: Preside over court proceedings, pass verdicts, and ensure fair trials.
- Workplace: District Courts, High Courts, Supreme Court, Tribunals
- Exam Required: State Judicial Service Exam (PCS-J)
- Salary Range: ₹7 – ₹15 LPA (Junior to Senior Civil Judge)
4. Legal Journalist
- Role: Report on legal cases, draft opinion pieces, analyze judgments.
- Workplace: Media Houses, Legal Publications, Digital News Portals
- Salary Range: ₹3 – ₹8 LPA (depends on media house & role)
5. Civil Services (via UPSC or State PSC)
- Role: Serve as IAS, IPS, IRS, or Legal Advisors in Government
- Salary Range: ₹10 – ₹15 LPA (including perks for Group A services)
- Many students from top government law colleges in India opt for UPSC after graduation.
6. Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO)
- Role: Draft contracts, conduct legal research, and review case laws for international clients.
- Workplace: Global LPO firms, Tech Companies, Contract Management Firms
- Salary Range: ₹4 – ₹12 LPA (based on firm and role)
7. Cyber Law Specialist
- Role: Handle data breaches, online frauds, privacy issues, and digital laws.
- Workplace: IT Firms, Law Enforcement Agencies, Cyber Cells
- Salary Range: ₹5 – ₹18 LPA (higher with certifications or tech background)
- One of the fastest-growing law degree course career options in India.