Law has a central role to play in providing society with a moral and legal framework. Law tells us what our rights are, helps us to resolve disputes, and ensures justice. Pursuing an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is firmly the startup of a work or academic career. In other words, it involves a commitment to community service and an obligation to act in a fair, diligent, and responsible manner. There is no doubt that interest in legal education is increasing, and Sharda University aims to provide a stage for applicants who want to become the next generation lawyers, judges, corporate advisors or policy-makers.

In this article, we cover the LLB program comprehensively—what it is, the length, eligibility, process of application, the curriculum, and job prospects, among other pertinent considerations. Whether you are a recent high school graduate intending to go to study law, or a graduate considering transition into something else virtually, we will enable you to make informed choices.

Understanding the Full Form and Nature of LLB

LLB means Legum Baccalaureus, "Bachelor of Laws" in Latin. It is an undergraduate degree program that provides a general overview of areas of law, such as criminal law, civil law, corporate law, and constitutional law. This program explores the law but also fosters critical thinking, professional ethics, and advocacy practice—qualities that are valued in a successful legal career. An LLB degree is regulated by the Bar Council of India (BCI), and it is mandatory for students who wish to practice law in the Indian courts. However, the LLB degree itself is useful beyond the traditional form of practice. Today, law graduates are discovering opportunities outside of the practice of traditional law. More and more job opportunities are emerging in business, media, public governance, international relations, and social activism.

Duration and Types of LLB Programs

In India, there are two types of LLB courses that vary based on students' previous education and objectives.

For students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree (in almost any discipline - Arts, Science, Commerce, or Management), the 3-year LLB program is generally the way to go, which is 6 semesters focusing specifically on core legal courses.

For students who wish to pursue law directly after completing their 10+2 education, the suitable route is 5-year integrated LLB, which combines an undergraduate degree with the study of law - i.e., BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, and so on. This integrated 5-year format is 10 semesters, and gives students a multidisciplinary approach, but retains specialty in law.

These two pathways are available at Sharda University, allowing students to find the right path that matches their educational background and long term goals. The curriculum at Sharda is designed to provide both theory and practical exposure through workshops, moot courts, legal aid clinics, and internship experiences.

Eligibility Criteria for LLB Admission

Eligibility criteria differ based on the nature of LLB program. For the 3-year LLB program, applicants must have completed a graduation degree from a recognised university and achieved a minimum overall percentage between 45% to 50%. Applicants typically do not face restrictions on their undergraduate subject background.

For the 5-year integrated LLB program, applicants must have passed the 10+2 examinations from a recognised education board with a minimum percentage between 45% to 50%. All streams are valid. This includes students from the science, commerce, and humanities streams.

It is important to understand, potential LLB candidates should refer to the latest guidelines issued by the Bar Council of India, which state that there is currently no upper age limit for LLB applications. However, other specific criteria may vary based on universities, so it's best to check their official website before applying.

Admission Process at Sharda University

Sharda University’s LLB admission process is centred around the student, streamlined, and based on merit. Students can gain admission to the LLB Program in one of three methods:

  • Sharda University Admission Test (SUAT): This is Sharda University’s entrance exam assessing the applicant’s abilities in reasoning, legal awareness, and communication skills.
  • National Level Law Entrance Exams: As a recognized institution, Sharda University recognizes entrance exam scores from various national level exams (e.g.- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), LSAT India, etc.).
  • Direct Admission Merit-based: Based on applicable qualifying examinations and school performance metrics, potential students may qualify for admission based on a strong academic track record (if seats are available).

Students are expected to submit identity records, academic records, and passport-size photographs outside of their entrance exam scorecards (if applicable). The university admission team is available during this time to assist students with the creation of their application and to answer questions.

Curriculum and Academic Structure

The LLB course at Sharda University adheres to the Bar Council of India's guidelines. The content emphasizes a balanced teaching of the law and includes course structures that constantly are upgraded as required by the national and international milieu. There are core modules that every student studies which include Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Family Law, Torts, and Administrative Law. Students will also encounter the topic of emerging areas for law students such as Cyber Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and International Law.

The program also includes practical training. Students will participate in moot court activities, legal draft workshops provided by top law firms, court visits, legal aid camps, etc. Therefore, students are able to demonstrate theoretical aspects of the course in real-time contexts, which can be more useful than being lectured on the subject. This builds self-efficacy and prepares students for future challenges in the profession.

In addition, the program performs interdisciplinary training in addition to the law. It is also training students on negotiation techniques, communication skills, and ultimately professional ethics in the field, so that students can become competent legal professionals.

Career Prospects After LLB

The wide-ranging applicability of an LLB degree offers graduate students alternative career routes. One of the most traditional is becoming an advocate. After completing the LLB and passing the All India Bar examination (AIBE), students may register with the Bar Council and begin to practice as an advocate in lower courts, high courts, or even the Supreme Court.

Another option, albeit one that is very prestigious, is to become a member of the judiciary. Students prepare for Judicial Services Examinations (by various states) to enter the judiciary as Civil Judges or Magistrates -- where they have immense power and responsibility, and their magistrate responsibilities often interest those who want to provide justice from the bench.

In recent years, a more prominent resource-based legal role has manifested in graduates working as legal advisers, compliance officers, or contract managers within multinational companies, banks, or private organizations. These alternative legal careers maximize on graduates' business skills, and provide great incomes.

It is common for graduates interested in Research and Public Policy to engage with LLM (master of laws), PhD. For those who are truly not yet committed to research or QLTT/Bar or a Public Policy Career, NGOs, think tanks, the media, and international organizations often hire law graduates for work in human rights, environmental issues, public policy, and legal journalism.

Some Popular Career Paths Include:

  • Practicing Lawyer
  • Judicial Magistrate or Judge
  • Legal Advisor in Corporate Sector
  • Public Prosecutor
  • Legal Consultant for Government Departments
  • Researcher or Academic
  • Legal Analyst or Policy Advisor
  • Human Rights Advocate or NGO Worker

The flexibility and scope of the LLB degree ensure that students can find their niche in the ever-changing legal landscape.

Why Choose Sharda University for Your LLB?

Sharda University is a great option in India for studying law because they put students first, think globally, and offer practical learning. The School of Law gives you a smart setting to learn, with real-world and school learning taught by lawyers and scholars who are up-to-date in the legal world.

The university has cool legal stuff like a full mock courtroom, a free legal advice place, and research spots. Students meet with judges, lawyers, and others in law, to see how the law works today. Sharda also knows law companies and businesses, which can help with internships and jobs.

The campus has people from everywhere, so you get to learn about other cultures, which helps you do well in our global world. And, with help finding jobs, money for school, and one-on-one help, Sharda makes sure you can have a good career in law.

To sum it up

Starting your law career with an LLB degree is a big deal for a rewarding career where you can make a difference and grow. An LLB is about knowing the laws, but it’s more about learning to be fair. At Sharda University, we want to help you think like a lawyer, so you can understand the law, use it fairly, and help people. No matter if you want to be a lawyer in court, a consultant for a company, or a judge, your law education begins here. Take that first step at Sharda.

We encourage all future law students to check out the chances we have for you!