LL.D.

LLD or Doctor of Law is a specialised law degree that is of three years duration. LLD programme includes course work and the maximum duration within which aspirants can complete this course is six years. Candidates can pursue LLD as a course if they have completed their LLM/ PhD in Law from a recognised University. Some colleges also state that aspirants should have some teaching or academic experience if they want to undertake LLD as a course.

Most colleges offer admission to aspirants in LLD course offered by them on the basis of the candidate’s performance in an entrance exam. Usually LLD admission process also involves an assessment of the research proposal and methodology. Apart from these admission stages, some colleges also conduct a personal interview round to shortlist aspirants for admission. The fee for LLD course from a government institution such as NLSIU Bangalore and CNLU Patna usually ranges from Rs 65,000-1.75 lakh.

Candidates are informed that different colleges list different eligibility criteria for LLD course offered by them. Some colleges state that candidates are eligible to secure admission in LLD course offered by them if they have completed PhD in Law from a recognised University in India or abroad with relevant experience in the field of law. Colleges also specify that aspirants should have at least 5 years to 10 years teaching experience and academic achievement in the field of law if they want to undertake LLD course offered by them.

Apart from this, candidates who have completed their LLM from a recognised college with minimum 50% aggregate marks are also eligible to apply for a LLD course. 

Aspirants who want to pursue LLD course need to be extremely hardworking and good with written and oral communication. Some key skills that candidates should possess in order to fare well in a LLD course are listed below:

As per NIRF Rankings 2020, below are the top colleges in India offering LLD:

The subjects taught as part of a LLD course may vary from one college to the other. But aspirants can go through some common topics that are taught as part of a LLD course as listed below:

After completing LLD course candidates have many career options before them. Aspirants can either get into academic work or they can even opt to join the industry after successful completion of their LLD course. Some popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing their LLD course are listed below:

Judge: In this job profile one has to ensure that justice is administered and legal rights of all the involved parties are safeguarded. A Judge presides over trials/ hearings wherein they listen to the case presented by lawyers.

Oath Commissioners: Anyone who works under this job profile is authorised to verify affidavits. An Oath Commissioner is appointed by the Chief Justice and is usually (though not always) a solicitor.

Professor: Candidates can join the academic field on completion of their LLD course. As a law professor one needs to teach prospective lawyers about the nitty-gritties of the profession.

Apart from this, candidates can also pursue other law job profiles after completing their LLD course from a reputed college/ university.