Do you know that a career in law is becoming increasingly popular and rewarding in India? Being a lawyer not only offers intellectual challenges but also gives you a chance to make a positive impact on society.
If you have just finished your 12th standard exams and dream of becoming a lawyer, this article is here to help.
We will explore the law courses you can pursue after 12th in India, the requirements to get started, and the steps you need to take to begin your journey towards a successful legal career.
Requirements to Become a Lawyer in India
Education Qualification:
To become a lawyer after completing 12th grade, scoring well in your Class 12th board exams is essential. Aim for a minimum of 60% or above to increase your chances of admission to reputed law colleges.
Law Entrance Exams
Law entrance exams are a crucial step towards getting into top law colleges. These exams, like CLAT, AILET, and LSAT, assess your knowledge and skills in logical reasoning, legal aptitude, general awareness, and English.
Clearing these exams is essential for securing admission to the best law colleges.
Courses Available after 12th to Become a Lawyer in India
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
After completing 12th grade, you can pursue a Bachelor of Law (LLB) course if you want to become a lawyer. This specialized program focuses on legal studies and helps you prepare for a career in law.
The LLB course usually lasts for three years. During this time, you will learn about law and legal systems. It will give you a solid understanding of how the Indian legal system works and the skills you need to practice law.
2. Integrated Law Courses
Integrated law courses, such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, and BCom LLB, have become popular recently. These courses allow you to combine the study of law with a bachelor's degree in another field.
Advantages of Integrated Courses:
- Broader Skill Set: By pursuing an integrated law course, you will gain knowledge not only in law but also in a specific field related to your chosen program. For example, BA LLB combines law with humanities or social sciences, giving you a broader perspective on legal issues.
- Time-Saving: Integrated courses allow you to complete both your law and bachelor's degrees in a shorter time than pursuing them separately. Usually, these programs last five years, saving you one year of study.
- Career Flexibility: You can pursue different career paths with a combined degree. You can choose to practice law or explore opportunities in sectors where your additional field of study can be beneficial.
Most Popular Integrated Courses:
- BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law)
- BBA LLB (Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Law)
- BCom LLB (Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law)
Also Read: Top 25 Conventional Professional Courses in India
Specializations in Law
- Civil Law: This deals with legal problems between people or organizations. It includes things like contracts, property disputes, and family matters like divorce and child custody.
- Criminal Law: This focuses on crimes committed against society or the state. It involves prosecuting and defending individuals accused of offences like theft, assault, and murder.
- Corporate Law: This is about legal matters related to businesses and companies. It includes things like corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and protecting intellectual property.
- Family Law: This covers legal issues concerning families and relationships. It includes things like marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and property division.
- Intellectual Property Law: This protects inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and patents. It ensures that the rights of creators are respected and provides legal remedies for infringement.
How To Become a Lawyer After 12th in India
1. Complete Your 12th Grade
To become a lawyer, the first step is to finish your 12th grade education from a recognized board. This provides the necessary foundation for pursuing a career in law.
Subjects like English, Political Science, Economics, and Sociology will help you understand the legal system and society better.
2. Prepare for Law Entrance Exams
To get into good law colleges, you need to prepare for law entrance exams. It's important to know the exam pattern, gather study materials, create a study schedule, and practice with mock tests. You can also seek guidance from mentors or join coaching classes to improve your preparation.
3. Apply to Law Colleges and Take Entrance Exams
After preparing for the entrance exams, you need to apply to law colleges and appear for the entrance exams. Make a list of colleges based on their reputation, facilities, faculty, and placement opportunities.
Visit their official websites to download application forms. Fill out the forms accurately, attach the required documents, and pay attention to the application deadlines.
Keep track of the exam dates, download admit cards, and follow the instructions provided by the exam authorities.
4. Choose the Right Law Course
Once you clear the entrance exams, it's time to choose the law course that suits your interests and career goals. You can opt for LLB, which is a three-year program focusing on a specific area of law.
Alternatively, you can choose integrated law courses like BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB, which combine a bachelor's degree with the study of law.
Consider the duration of the course, your desired specialization, and your career prospects before making a decision.
5. Pursue Your Chosen Course and Gain Knowledge
After selecting your desired law course, immerse yourself in the study of law. Actively participate in class discussions, engage in moot court sessions, and seek internships to gain practical experience in the legal field.
Interact with your professors, who can provide valuable guidance. Explore extracurricular activities related to law to expand your knowledge.
Stay disciplined throughout your academic journey as it lays a strong foundation for your future career as a lawyer.
Conclusion:
If you have a passion for law and want to become a lawyer after the 12th, it's important to work hard and stay dedicated. Complete your education, prepare for entrance exams, and choose the right course that suits your interests.
By following these steps and staying focused, you can embark on an exciting journey towards a fulfilling career in the legal field. Believe in yourself, and good luck on your path to becoming a lawyer!
