CareersHow to become a lawyer in India
You can study law straight after school or after any degree. Both routes end at the same place: enrolment as an advocate.
What the work is
Lawyers advise people and organisations on their rights and duties, draft documents and argue cases. Many never go to court: they work in companies, law firms, banks, government and the judiciary.
The path, step by step
- Route one, after 12th in any stream: a five year integrated course such as BA LLB or BBA LLB. Admission to the National Law Universities is through CLAT; other universities use their own tests or CUET.
- Route two, after graduation in any subject: a three year LLB.
- Enrol with a State Bar Council after the degree.
- Pass the All India Bar Examination to get the certificate of practice.
- For the judiciary, states hold their own judicial service examinations for law graduates.
Examinations and bodies
| Examination or body | What it is for |
|---|---|
| CLAT | Common Law Admission Test, for the National Law Universities. |
| AILET | The separate test of National Law University, Delhi. |
| All India Bar Examination | Held by the Bar Council of India for law graduates who wish to practise. |
| State judicial service exams | For appointment as a civil judge. |
How long it takes
Five years after 12th, or three years after a degree.
Honest notes
- The early years of court practice usually pay little. Income grows with reputation, slowly.
- Law school is reading and writing, a lot of both, in English. If you dislike reading, think again.
- Check that the college is approved by the Bar Council of India. Without that, you cannot enrol as an advocate.
- A law degree is also a good base for civil services, company secretary work and policy jobs.
Where to check
- consortiumofnlus.ac.in for CLAT
- The Bar Council of India website for approved colleges and the bar examination
Check the official notice. This page describes how the path works in general, as understood in November 2026. Age limits, eligibility, exam patterns, dates and fees change. Before you apply or pay for anything, read the current notice on the official website named on this page. This is general information, not personal career advice.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
Five years after 12th, or three years after a degree.
Which examination do I need?
CLAT: Common Law Admission Test, for the National Law Universities. AILET: The separate test of National Law University, Delhi. All India Bar Examination: Held by the Bar Council of India for law graduates who wish to practise.