How to Become a Lawyer in India
Updated April 2026 | 5 steps | 5-6 years (5-year integrated or 3+3 year route)
Steps to Become a Lawyer in India
Complete 10+2 Education
Finish higher secondary school. For the 5-year integrated LLB, you can enter directly after 12th standard. For the 3-year LLB, you need a bachelor's degree first.
Clear CLAT or Other Entrance Exams
Appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for National Law Universities, or university-specific entrance exams like AILET (NLU Delhi) or LSAT India.
Earn a Law Degree (BA LLB or LLB)
Complete either a 5-year integrated BA LLB/BBA LLB program or a 3-year LLB after graduation. The program must be approved by the Bar Council of India.
Clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
After your law degree, pass the AIBE conducted by the Bar Council of India. This is an open-book exam covering constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, and professional ethics.
Enroll with a State Bar Council
Register with the State Bar Council of the state where you intend to practice. Upon enrollment, you receive a Certificate of Practice and can appear before courts.
Top Law Schools in India
- NLSIU Bangalore
- NALSAR Hyderabad
- NLU Delhi
- NLU Jodhpur
- NUJS Kolkata
Legal Job Market in India
India's legal market is one of the largest globally. High demand exists in corporate/M&A, litigation, IP, and technology law. Tier-1 law firms and multinational companies actively recruit from top NLUs.
Browse open positions at law firms, corporate legal teams, and government agencies across India.
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