How to Become a Lawyer or Advocate?

0 0 RABI KR. PANDIT Friday, March 14, 2025 Edit this post

Generally, a lawyer is an individual with a degree in Law, while an Advocate is someone holding a License of Advocacy. After completing a Law degree, one can pursue various roles such as an Advocate, Legal advisor, Pleader, Advocate General, Attorney General, etc. The terms lawyer, advocate, solicitor, and attorney are all encompassed by the term 'Vakil.'

However, there are differences among these legal experts in terms of their roles and responsibilities. Some individuals harbor a passion for becoming advocates from a young age. In this post, we aim to provide accurate information about how to become a lawyer.

“All Advocates are Lawyers but not all Lawyers are Advocates.”

How to Become a Lawyer or Advocate in India?

Becoming a lawyer or advocate in India requires completing specific educational qualifications, practical training, and professional certification. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the complete process:

Step 1: Complete Your 10+2 Education

After completing your Class 12 from any recognized board, you can pursue a career in law.
Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible to apply for law programs.

Step 2: Choose a Suitable Law Course

There are two major pathways to enter the legal profession:

5-Year Integrated LL.B Course (after Class 12)
- Examples: BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, B.Com LL.B, etc.
3-Year LL.B Course (after completing graduation in any stream)

Popular Law Entrance Exams:

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) – For NLUs
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) – For NLU Delhi
LSAT (Law School Admission Test) – For private law colleges
DU LL.B Entrance Exam – For Delhi University
MH CET Law – For Maharashtra state law colleges

Step 3: Complete the Law Degree

The law course covers subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Contract Law, and Human Rights Law.
Students also participate in moot court sessions, internships, and legal research to gain practical exposure.

Step 4: Internships and Practical Training

During your LL.B program, complete internships under senior advocates, law firms, or corporate legal departments.
Internships help you gain hands-on experience in legal drafting, court procedures, and client handling.

Step 5: Enroll with a State Bar Council

After graduating with an LL.B degree, you must register with the Bar Council of India (BCI) through your respective State Bar Council.
Submit required documents such as your law degree, mark sheets, and enrollment fee.

Step 6: Clear the AIBE (All India Bar Examination)

After enrolling with the State Bar Council, you must pass the AIBE (All India Bar Examination) conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
The AIBE is an open-book exam that assesses your knowledge of Indian law and legal practice.
Once you pass, you'll receive a Certificate of Practice, which allows you to practice law in Indian courts.

Step 7: Start Practicing as a Lawyer/Advocate

After receiving your Certificate of Practice, you can begin working as a litigation lawyer, corporate lawyer, or legal advisor.
Fresh graduates often start as junior advocates assisting senior lawyers in court cases.

Step 8: Specialize in a Specific Area of Law (Optional)

To enhance your career prospects, you can pursue specialization in areas such as:

Criminal Law
Corporate Law
Intellectual Property Law
Family Law
Cyber Law

Step 9: Join Law Firms or Start Independent Practice

You can join reputed law firms, legal consultancy firms, or multinational corporations as a legal expert.
Alternatively, you may start your independent legal practice after gaining sufficient experience.

Step 10: Career Progression

With experience, you can pursue roles such as:

Senior Advocate
Public Prosecutor
Legal Advisor
Judge (via Judicial Services Exams)

By following these steps, you can successfully build a rewarding career as a lawyer or advocate in India.

Course required to become a Lawyer

To become a lawyer in India, you need to pursue specific law courses that meet the eligibility criteria set by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Below are the key courses that can lead you to a successful career in law:

1. 5-Year Integrated Law Courses (After Class 12)

Ideal for students who want to start their legal education right after completing Class 12. These integrated programs combine an undergraduate degree with LL.B.

Popular 5-Year Integrated Courses:

B.A. LL.B (Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws)
B.Com LL.B (Bachelor of Commerce + Bachelor of Laws)
BBA LL.B (Bachelor of Business Administration + Bachelor of Laws)
B.Sc LL.B (Bachelor of Science + Bachelor of Laws)

Top Entrance Exams for 5-Year Law Courses:

CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
MH CET Law

2. 3-Year LL.B Course (After Graduation)

If you have already completed a Bachelor's Degree (B.A, B.Com, B.Sc, etc.), you can pursue a 3-Year LL.B program.

Popular Universities Offering 3-Year LL.B:

Delhi University (DU)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai
Faculty of Law, Osmania University

Entrance Exams for 3-Year LL.B Courses:

DU LL.B Entrance Exam
MH CET Law
LSAT India

3. Master of Laws (LL.M) – Specialization

For those seeking advanced knowledge in law, a Master of Laws (LL.M) offers specialization in specific areas like:

Criminal Law
Corporate Law
Intellectual Property Law
Taxation Law
Constitutional Law

Duration: 1 or 2 years (depending on the institution)

4. Diploma and Certificate Courses (Optional)

Short-term diploma and certificate courses provide specialized knowledge in niche legal fields.

Popular Diploma Courses:

Diploma in Cyber Law
Diploma in Corporate Law
Diploma in Labour Laws

Which Course to Choose?

If you’ve just completed Class 12, the 5-Year Integrated Law Course is the most direct path.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, the 3-Year LL.B course is ideal.

To become a successful lawyer or advocate in India, pursuing a recognized LL.B degree is mandatory. Completing additional certifications, specializations, or an LL.M can further boost your career prospects.

5 years LLB Under Graduation Programs

The 5-Year Integrated LL.B program is a comprehensive course designed for students who want to pursue law immediately after completing Class 12. It combines a bachelor's degree with LL.B (Bachelor of Laws), saving one year compared to pursuing separate degrees.

Popular 5-Year Integrated LL.B Programs

Here are the top integrated law programs offered in India:

B.A. LL.B (Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws)
- Focuses on subjects like Political Science, Sociology, History, and Economics along with core legal subjects.
- Ideal for students interested in civil law, criminal law, or judicial services.
B.Com LL.B (Bachelor of Commerce + Bachelor of Laws)
- Combines accounting, business studies, finance, and economics with legal subjects.
- Suitable for careers in corporate law, taxation, and business law.
BBA LL.B (Bachelor of Business Administration + Bachelor of Laws)
- Integrates management, marketing, and finance with legal education.
- Best for students aiming for corporate law, business litigation, or legal advisory roles in MNCs.
B.Sc LL.B (Bachelor of Science + Bachelor of Laws)
- Covers subjects like Environmental Science, Biotechnology, and Information Technology along with law.
- Suitable for students interested in intellectual property rights (IPR), environmental law, or technology law.
B.Tech LL.B (Bachelor of Technology + Bachelor of Laws)
- Combines engineering and law, focusing on cyber law, intellectual property rights, and patent law.
- Ideal for students aiming for careers in technology law firms, IT sector, or software compliance.

Eligibility Criteria

Must have completed Class 12 with a minimum of 45-50% marks (varies by institution).
Candidates must clear entrance exams such as:
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
- LSAT India
- MH CET Law

Top Law Universities Offering 5-Year LL.B Programs

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
National Law University (NLU), Delhi
Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune

Career Opportunities After 5-Year LL.B

Graduates can pursue careers as:

Litigation Lawyer
Corporate Lawyer
Legal Advisor
Public Prosecutor
Judge (via Judiciary Exams)

The 5-Year Integrated LL.B program is an ideal choice for students seeking an early start in the legal profession with diverse career opportunities.

Also Read: How to become a Barrister?

Top Law Entrance Exams for 5 years LL.B Course

To secure admission to reputed law schools in India for the 5-Year Integrated LL.B program, candidates must clear competitive entrance exams. Below are the top law entrance exams for 5-year LL.B courses:

1. CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)

Conducting Body: Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs)
Purpose: Admission to 22 NLUs and other prestigious law colleges in India.
Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).
Top Colleges Accepting CLAT: NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, WBNUJS Kolkata, etc.

2. AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: National Law University (NLU), Delhi
Purpose: Admission to NLU Delhi
Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, Mathematics
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).
Top College Accepting AILET: NLU Delhi

3. LSAT India (Law School Admission Test)

Conducting Body: Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Purpose: Admission to private law universities across India.
Subjects Covered: Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (varies by institution).
Top Colleges Accepting LSAT: Jindal Global Law School, UPES Dehradun, Amity Law School, etc.

4. MH CET Law (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law)

Conducting Body: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Purpose: Admission to law colleges in Maharashtra for 5-year LL.B programs.
Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude, Mathematics
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).
Top Colleges Accepting MH CET Law: GLC Mumbai, ILS Law College Pune, etc.

5. SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)

Conducting Body: Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Purpose: Admission to Symbiosis Law Schools (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur).
Subjects Covered: Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, General Knowledge
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).
Top Colleges Accepting SLAT: Symbiosis Law School (Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Nagpur)

6. AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh Law Common Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE)
Purpose: Admission to law colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Subjects Covered: General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Aptitude for Law
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).

7. TS LAWCET (Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE)
Purpose: Admission to law colleges in Telangana.
Subjects Covered: General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Aptitude for Law
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).

8. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Purpose: Admission to Delhi University, BHU, and other central universities.
Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge, Reasoning, Legal Aptitude
Eligibility: Minimum 45% marks in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST).

Best Preparation Tips for Law Entrance Exams

Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
Practice previous year’s papers to improve accuracy and time management.
Focus on enhancing legal reasoning and general knowledge.
Enroll in mock tests for real-time exam experience.

By choosing the right entrance exam and preparing effectively, you can secure admission to top law universities and kickstart your legal career.

Top Law Entrance Exam for Graduate Candidates [3 years LLB]

Top Law Entrance Exams for 3-Year LL.B Courses in India

For candidates who have completed their undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a 3-Year LL.B program, several prestigious entrance exams are conducted across India. Here are the leading exams for admission into top law colleges offering 3-Year LL.B programs:

1. DU LL.B Entrance Exam

Conducting Body: Delhi University (DU)
Purpose: Admission to Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Subjects Covered: English Language Comprehension, Analytical Abilities, Legal Awareness, General Knowledge
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST).
Top College Accepting DU LL.B: Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

2. MH CET Law (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test for Law)

Conducting Body: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B programs in Maharashtra law colleges
Subjects Covered: English, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Legal Aptitude
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
Top Colleges Accepting MH CET Law: Government Law College (GLC) Mumbai, ILS Law College Pune, etc.

3. BHU UET Law (Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test for Law)

Conducting Body: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B program at BHU
Subjects Covered: Legal Aptitude, General Awareness, Current Affairs, English, Mental Ability
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST).
Top College Accepting BHU UET Law: Faculty of Law, Banaras Hindu University

4. LSAT India (Law School Admission Test - India)

Conducting Body: Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Purpose: Admission to private law colleges across India
Subjects Covered: Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum of 45% marks.
Top Colleges Accepting LSAT: Jindal Global Law School, UPES Dehradun, Amity Law School, etc.

5. AP LAWCET (Andhra Pradesh Law Common Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE)
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B programs in Andhra Pradesh colleges
Subjects Covered: General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Aptitude for Law
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).

6. TS LAWCET (Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE)
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B programs in Telangana colleges
Subjects Covered: General Knowledge, Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Aptitude for Law
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).

7. PU LL.B Entrance Exam (Panjab University Law Entrance Test)

Conducting Body: Panjab University, Chandigarh
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B program
Subjects Covered: Current Affairs, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Knowledge
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
Top College Accepting PU LL.B: Department of Laws, Panjab University

8. Kerala Law Entrance Exam (KLEE)

Conducting Body: Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala
Purpose: Admission to 3-Year LL.B programs in Kerala law colleges
Subjects Covered: General English, Aptitude for Legal Studies, General Knowledge
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).

By choosing the right entrance exam and preparing strategically, you can successfully gain admission to some of India's top institutions for the 3-Year LL.B program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you now have an understanding of the path to becoming a Lawyer or Advocate. If you still have any questions, feel free to comment below.