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LLB and LLM are the two most prominent terms when we talk about law-related fields. Both are pursued to pursue law as a career. However, the frequently asked query is what is the difference between LLB and LLM? Are they the same? What is their purpose? How to take admission into these courses, and much more. Today, we will see a comparison table for both LLB and LLM based on different criteria. Scroll below to understand the difference.
Table of Contents
What is LLB?
LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Legislative Laws. It is the most popular 3-year long law degree. It aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of various law aspects, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, corporate law, and more.
You can take admission into this course either by clearing the entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT, and more. However, if you are not taking admission into LLB through these exams, then having a graduate degree in the related field is a must.
What is LLM?
LLM stands for Master of Laws. It is a postgraduate academic degree in law that you can pursue once you are done with the primary academic degree. This degree is made to provide advanced education in various law-related fields. Pursuing LLM opens various job roles for you.
You can take admission into this course easily after pursuing a graduation degree in the related field. In addition to that, you can also take admission to this course through multiple entrance exams.
Difference Between LLB and LLM?
You can find the basic difference between the LLB and LLM law courses in the below table. We have compared them on the basis of some general points. Have a look at the table included below.
| Parameters | LLB | LLM |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Laws | Master of Laws |
| Course Level | Undergraduate degree | Postgraduate Degree |
| Focus | General legal education, foundational principles of law | Specialized legal education, in-depth study in a specific area of law |
| Number of Semesters | 6 semesters | 2/4 semesters |
| Course Fees in INR | Up to INR 1- 3 lakh | Up to INR 2 lakh |
| Average Salary in INR | INR 5- 8 lakh | INR 7- 10 lakh |
| Specialization | Limited, as it provides a broad legal education | Numerous specializations available, e.g., International Law, Tax Law, Criminal Law, etc. |
| Top Job Profiles | Advocate, Legal Researcher, Law Officer, Judicial Magistrate, Judge | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, IPR Lawyer, Tax Attorney |
| Top Recruiters | Law Firms, Public Sector Undertakings, Private and Public Banks, Legal Process Outsourcing Firms | Colleges and Universities, Legal Departments, Law Firms, State and Central Government Institutions |
LLB vs LLM: Eligibility
The table below provides the eligibility requirement for Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws are given as below:
| Parameters | LLB | LLM |
| Education | Graduation from a BCI recognized university in streams like Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering etc. Final year students can also apply for this examination. | Five Year LLB degree from a recognised BCI university. |
| Minimum Percentage | Minimum 60-70% marks in graduation. | Minimum 55-60% marks in LLB. |
| Entrance Exams | MHCET Law, APLAWCET, DU LLB , AILET, KLEE, RULET | URATPG, CLAT, AP PGLCET, TS PGLCET |
LLB vs LLM: Syllabus
The LLB and LLM syllabus includes a few core papers. However, the papers The LLB syllabus may vary from course to course and with various specializations. The syllabus for LLB courses varies across various specializations and candidates are generally offered similar subjects, especially during the first year of the course. Candidates can choose elective papers as per their specialization. On the other hand, the syllabus of LLM consists of a few core papers such as Research Methodology, Law and Justice in Globalising World, etc, and other elective papers related to specialization.
| Parameters | LLB | LLM |
| Semester 1 | Legal History Law of Contracts | Law and social transformation in India· Penology: Treatment of Offenders |
| Semester 2 | Property Law Including Transfer of Property Act and Easement Act Constitutional Law | Judicial Process Legal Education and Research Methodology |
| Semester 3 | Labour Law Law of Evidence | Collective violence and criminal Justice system Juvenile Delinquency |
| Semester 4 | Interpretation of Statutes Administrative Law | Dissertation |
| Semester 5 | Land laws Environmental Law | |
| Semester 6 | Code of Civil Procedure Code of Criminal Procedure |
Top LLB Colleges
There are multiple colleges that offer LLB courses as full-time, part-time, and in the distance mode. However, the following list of colleges is the most preferred choice of multiple students for pursuing an LLB.
| Institute | Total Course Fees in INR |
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 13.69 K |
| National Law University (NLU), Delhi | INR 1.5 Lakh |
| Dr. B R Ambedkar College of Law | INR 1 lakh |
| Government Law College, Mumbai | INR 20.61 K |
| GNLU | INR 6 lakh |
| Lucknow University | INR 27.39 K |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 7.2 lakh |
| School of Law, UPES | INR 8.6 lakh |
| New Law College, Bharti Vidyapeeth | INR 65 K |
Top LLM Colleges
There are multiple colleges that offer LLM courses as full-time, part-time, and in the distance mode. However, the following list of colleges is the most preferred choice of multiple students for pursuing LLM.
| Institute | Total Course Fees in INR |
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 1 lakh |
| Lucknow University | INR 1 lakh |
| GNLU | INR 2.5 lakh |
| Dr. B R Ambedkar College of Law | INR 1.5 lakh |
| National Law School of India University (NLSIU), | INR 1 lakh |
| Government Law College, Mumbai | INR 1 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 2.4 lakh |
| KIIT School of Law | INR 2 lakh |
| UPES Dehradun | INR 1.84 lakh |
| Symbiosis Law College | INR 1.5 lakh |
LLB vs LLM: Jobs and Salaries
LLB and LLM both will offer different job opportunities to you. If you have completed your LLB, you will get job titles like Lawyer, Legal Researcher, Law Officer, and more. Whereas, if you have completed your LLM, you can expect the job titles as Corporate Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Government Lawyer, and more. To get more related information, you can check out the below-mentioned table.
LLB Job Profiles and Average Salary
After completing an LLB from a recognized college, you can spot yourself as a lawyer in the future. Apart from this, you can also choose among various job titles. To know more about this, check the table below, where the job profile and their average annual salary are stated.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
| Lawyer | INR 7- 9 LPA |
| Legal Researcher | INR 5- 7 LPA |
| Law Officer | INR 7- 9 LPA |
| Judicial Magistrate | INR 8- 11 LPA |
| Legal Manager | INR 6- 8 LPA |
LLM Job Profiles and Average Salary
Once you complete your LLM, you can find various job opportunities. These opportunities are subject to your skills and experience. The average salary of a LLM pass-out can range between 8-10 LPA. To find more clarity regarding the job roles and approximate salary package, you can check out the given table.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
| Corporate Lawyer | INR 6- 8 LPA |
| Legal Consultant | INR 7- 9 LPA |
| Government Lawyer | INR 8- 12 LPA |
| Legal Advisor | INR 7- 9 LPA |
| Tax Attorney | INR 6- 9 LPA |
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FAQs
LLM is a master’s degree and you tend to have more job opportunities when you complete your degree. Whereas, you will not get that high salary package if you just complete the LLB degree.
For admission into the LLM course, the minimum eligibility qualification you need is the LLB/BL or its equivalent degree.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is considered the highest degree of law.
This was all about the “Difference Between LLB and LLM”. For more such informative blogs, check out our Law Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.