How to Become a Lawyer in India: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Have you ever wondered how to become a lawyer in India?

According to recent statistics, the legal profession in India is thriving, with over 1.4 million registered lawyers nationwide. If you have a passion for justice and a desire to advocate for others, the legal profession might be the perfect fit for you.

Dreaming of a career where you can stand up for justice, solve tough problems, and truly make a difference? Becoming a lawyer in India is a respected and dynamic choice. It offers mental challenges, good pay, and the chance to impact society. With the legal field changing quickly in 2025, future lawyers need the right qualifications, skills, and hands-on experience to succeed. This guide takes you through the journey step by step—from education and exams to internships and specialization—so you can confidently work towards your goal of becoming a successful lawyer.

Some Quick Facts About Becoming a Lawyer in India

Industry type	Law, Legal Profession
Eligibility Criteria to enroll for College	10+2 (any stream) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks
Qualify law entrance exams	Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), and other state-level exams
Admission Process	Based on merit and performance in law entrance exams
Specializations	Civil, Criminal, Corporate, Tax, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Environmental Law, and more
Average Starting Salary	INR 4-6 lakhs per annum
Highest Salary	INR 80 lakhs to 1 crore per annum
Job Opportunities	Lawyer, Judge, Legal Advisor, Corporate Lawyer, Criminal Lawyer, Family Lawyer, and more

Who is a Lawyer?

Lawyers are legal professionals trained and licensed to provide advice and representation in legal matters. Beyond their courtroom appearances, lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and ensuring compliance with the law. They possess in-depth knowledge of legal principles and procedures, enabling them to guide clients through complex legal processes and provide expert advice.

Advocacy is a central aspect of a lawyer’s work. They act as champions for their clients, working tirelessly to protect their rights and ensure fair treatment under the law. Lawyers also contribute to the development of legal precedents and the interpretation of laws through their legal analysis and arguments.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, lawyers help resolve conflicts, provide legal guidance, and maintain the integrity of the legal system. Their expertise and dedication to justice make them indispensable in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals, organizations, and entities.

Read more: Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Become a Lawyer

• Academic Qualification: Pass the 12th exams with a minimum of 60% aggregate score or equivalent CGPA.
• Law Entrance Exams: Clear national and university-level law entrance exams such as CLAT, LSAT, AILET, or other specified exams.
• Pursue a Law Degree: Acquire an undergraduate or integrated law degree, such as LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, or BCom LLB, from a recognized institution.
• Optional: Candidates who hold an LLM (Master of Laws) degree can also become lawyers.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Lawyer

To become a Lawyer, you need to fulfil the following requirements:

1. You must have an LLB or equivalent law degree recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
2. Your minimum educational qualification should be:
   • 10+2 or equivalent examination
   • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline (3-year course)
3. You must be a citizen of India.
4. You must be at least 21 years of age.
5. It would be best if you enrolled as an advocate with the BCI within 6 months of completing your law degree in india.
6. You must clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the BCI within two years of enrolling.

Additionally, to practice law in the Supreme Court and certain High Courts, you may need to appear for an examination conducted by the respective courts.

How to Become a Lawyer in India: Stepwise Process

Becoming a lawyer in India is a rewarding career path that requires dedication, education, and practical experience. Here’s a stepwise process to guide you through the journey of becoming a lawyer in India:

Step 1: Complete Your Education

1. Choose the Right Stream in School:
   • After completing your 10th grade, choose a stream that aligns with your interest in law. You can opt for the Humanities stream, which is beneficial for law aspirants.
2. Complete 10+2:
   • Finish your higher secondary education (12th grade) with a minimum of 50% marks. While there is no specific subject requirement, subjects like Political Science, History, and English can be advantageous.
3. Pursue a Law Degree:
   • You can choose between two main paths:
     • 5-Year Integrated LLB Program: After completing 12th grade, you can enroll in a 5-year integrated law program (BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, etc.) offered by various law schools.
     • 3-Year LLB Program: If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, you can pursue a 3-year LLB program.

Step 2: Clear the Entrance Exam

1. Prepare for Law Entrance Exams:
   • Most reputed law colleges in India require you to clear an entrance exam. Some of the prominent entrance exams include:
     • CLAT (Common Law Admission Test): For admission to National Law Universities (NLUs).
     • AILET (All India Law Entrance Test): For admission to National Law University, Delhi.
     • LSAT India (Law School Admission Test): For various law schools across India.
2. Take the Exam:
   • Register for the entrance exam of your choice, prepare thoroughly, and take the exam. Ensure you meet the cut-off scores for the colleges you wish to apply to.

Step 3: Enroll in a Law School

1. Apply to Law Colleges:
   • Based on your entrance exam scores, apply to law colleges that suit your preferences and career goals. Consider factors like faculty, infrastructure, placement records, and location.
2. Complete Your Law Degree:
   • Attend classes, participate in moot courts, internships, and other extracurricular activities to gain practical knowledge and skills. A law degree typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

1. Internships:
   • During your law studies, seek internships with law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, or government agencies. Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
2. Moot Court Competitions:
   • Participate in moot court competitions and legal debates to enhance your advocacy skills and gain practical exposure to courtroom procedures.

Step 5: Clear the Bar Council Exam

1. Enroll with the Bar Council:
   • After completing your law degree, enroll with the Bar Council of the state where you wish to practice. This is a mandatory step to become a licensed lawyer.
2. Prepare for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE):
   • The AIBE is conducted by the Bar Council of India to assess the knowledge of law graduates. Prepare for the exam, which tests your understanding of various legal subjects.
3. Take the AIBE:
   • Successfully clear the AIBE to obtain your Certificate of Practice, which allows you to practice law in India.

Step 6: Start Your Legal Career

1. Choose Your Area of Practice:
   • Decide on the area of law you wish to specialize in, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, intellectual property law, etc.
2. Join a Law Firm or Start Your Practice:
   • You can either join a law firm, work as an associate, or start your own practice. Gaining experience under a senior lawyer can be beneficial as you build your career.
3. Continue Learning:
   • Law is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest legal developments, attend workshops, and consider pursuing further studies or certifications to enhance your expertise.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers apply their legal expertise to guide clients through various legal issues. Their responsibilities vary based on their specialization, but common duties include:

• Drafting and filing legal documents with courts and authorities
• Representing clients in trials, hearings, and legal proceedings
• Working with law enforcement and investigators to build cases for trials and mediations
• Analyzing cases and advising clients on their legal options
• Presenting arguments and advocating for clients before a judge

Types of Law Specializations

Lawyers specialize in various fields based on their interests and expertise. While some focus on litigation, others opt for corporate or regulatory law. Here are some of the most popular law specializations:

• Civil Law
• Real Estate Law
• Corporate Law
• Criminal Law
• Administrative Law
• Tax Law
• Family Law
• Cyber Law
• Animal Rights Law
• Consumer Protection Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Environmental Law
• Labour Law
• Human Rights Law

Qualifications to Become a Lawyer in India

To become a lawyer in India, several qualifications and educational pathways are available. Here are the Lawyer course:

Bachelor of Law (LLB)

• LLB is the primary qualification for aspiring lawyers in India.
• Duration: 3 years for graduates, 5 years after 12th grade.
• LLB curriculum covers subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Corporate Law.
• Admission process: Entrance exams like CLAT, and state-level exams.
• Eligibility criteria: Minimum educational qualification and age limit.

Integrated BA LLB

• An integrated program combining undergraduate studies with legal education.
• Duration: 5 years.
• Offers a comprehensive understanding of law from the beginning.
• Subjects include Political Science, Sociology, and Economics, alongside core legal subjects.
• Admission process: Entrance exams.
• Eligibility criteria: Specific requirements set by colleges.

Latin Legum Magister (LLM)

• Postgraduate program for law graduates to specialize in a specific area of law.
• Provides advanced legal knowledge and research skills.
• Duration and admission process vary among universities.
• Requires prior LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Offers opportunities for career advancement in academia, law firms, or international organizations.

Recommended Read: All You Need to Know about LLM Course in India

By pursuing an LLB or integrated BA LLB program, individuals can acquire the foundational legal education required to become a lawyer in India. Those seeking specialization can pursue an LLM degree to deepen their expertise. Each qualification pathway has its own duration, admission process, and eligibility criteria. Choosing the right qualification depends on individual preferences and career goals.

Entrance Exams to Become a Lawyer in India

Common Law Admission Test (CLAT):

• Sections: English, General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics, Legal Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
• Total Questions: Approximately 150-200 questions.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

All India Law Entrance Test (AILET):

• Sections: English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics (up to Class 10 level).
• Total Questions: Around 150 questions.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT):

• Sections: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.
• Total Questions: 92-100 questions.
• Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes.
• Marking Scheme: There is no negative marking, and the test is scored on a scale of 120-180.

Note: It’s important to note that the sections, number of questions, duration, and marking scheme may be subject to change as per the respective exam conducting authorities. It is advisable to refer to the official websites and notifications of the exams for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Top Law Colleges in India

Law College	Fees (Approx.)	Duration	Rankings	Courses Offered
National Law School of India University	₹1,60,000/year	5 years	Rank 1 (NIRF)	BA LLB, LLM, PhD
National Law University, Delhi	₹2,15,000/year	5 years	Rank 2 (NIRF)	BA LLB, LLM, PhD
NALSAR University of Law	₹1,70,000/year	5 years	Rank 3 (NIRF)	BA LLB, LLM, PhD
Symbiosis Law School	₹2,25,000/year	5 years	Rank 8 (NIRF)	BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD
Jindal Global Law School	₹5,25,000/year	5 years	Rank 9 (NIRF)	BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD
Gujarat National Law University	₹2,75,000/year	5 years	Rank 12 (NIRF)	BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD
National Law Institute University, Bhopal	₹2,45,000/year	5 years	Rank 14 (NIRF)	BA LLB, LLM, PhD
West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences	₹1,80,000/year	5 years	Rank 15 (NIRF)	BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD
National Law University, Jodhpur	₹1,66,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law	₹2,10,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University	₹1,55,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD
National University of Advanced Legal Studies	₹1,90,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, BCom LLB, BBA LLB, LLM, PhD
National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam	₹1,20,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, BSc LLB, LLM, PhD
Hidayatullah National Law University	₹2,30,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, LLM, PhD
National Law University, Odisha	₹2,20,000/year	5 years	–	BA LLB, LLM, PhD

Sourced from Universities official website

Note: Please note that the fees mentioned are approximate and subject to change. Rankings may vary depending on the publication or ranking system used. It’s always recommended to visit the official websites of the respective law colleges for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, duration, rankings, and courses offered.

Diverse Career Prospects for Lawyers in India

Career Prospects	Job Roles and Responsibilities	Average Annual Salary (in INR)
Corporate Lawyer	Legal advice, contracts, mergers and acquisitions	6-10 lakhs
Litigation Lawyer	Representing clients in courts, legal research	3-8 lakhs
Criminal Lawyer	Defending accused, investigations, trial representation	4-9 lakhs
Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer	IP advice, filings, infringement cases	5-12 lakhs
Family Lawyer	Family legal matters, divorce, child custody	3-7 lakhs

Please note that the lawyer salary ranges provided are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and organization.

Read more about the Salary of Corporate Lawyers in India.

Concluding

Choosing to become a lawyer in India is a challenging and rewarding journey. By earning the right degrees, passing entrance exams, and gaining real-world experience through internships, you will build a strong foundation for a fulfilling legal career. Keep learning, stay updated on legal trends, and develop your analytical and communication skills. In 2025 and beyond, dedicated lawyers will continue to be in demand across courts, corporations, and public service.

Unleash your legal career potential with our comprehensive Career Advice section, thoughtfully curated to provide valuable insights and guidance for aspiring lawyers in India.

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