Update on 2024-04-19

How to Become a Lawyer in India After 12th?

Becoming a lawyer is a popular career choice in India, but it can seem daunting to figure out where to start. If you are interested in pursuing law as a career, it is important to know the steps you need to take to become a lawyer in India after 12th. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to become a lawyer in India after 12th.

Eligibility Criteria for Law in India After 12th

To become a lawyer in India after 12th, one needs to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Education: The candidate must have passed their 12th standard examination from a recognized board.
Minimum Marks: The candidate must have secured at least 45% marks in their 12th standard examination. However, for some law colleges and universities, the minimum marks required can be higher.
Age: The candidate must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
National level entrance exam: The candidate must appear for and qualify the national level law entrance exam, such as CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), etc.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria may vary slightly for different law colleges and universities. It is advisable to check the specific eligibility criteria of the institute before applying for admission.

Steps to Become a Lawyer in India After 12th

Choose the Right Stream in 10+2: To become a lawyer in India, you can pursue any stream in your 10+2, but it is recommended to choose the Arts stream as it covers subjects like political science, history, economics, etc., which will be beneficial for your law studies.
Take the Law Entrance Exam: After completing your 12th standard, you need to take the law entrance exam to get admission to the law college. There are several law entrance exams in India, such as the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), etc.
Get Admission to a Law College: Once you clear the law entrance exam, you can apply for admission to a law college. Some of the top law colleges in India are National Law School of India University, Bangalore, Faculty of Law, Delhi University, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, etc.
Complete Your Law Degree: The law course in India is typically of three years for LLB and five years for the integrated course. During your course, you will study various law subjects, including civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, etc.
Internship: To become a successful lawyer, it is important to gain practical experience. Therefore, during your law course, you must intern at law firms, courts, NGOs, etc., to gain practical experience and learn from experienced lawyers.
Get a License: After completing your law degree, you need to get a license from the Bar Council of India to practice law in India. To get the license, you need to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).

Note: In a country where there are vast career options available, it's important to choose a career that matches your interests and skills. A lawyer is definitely the best to pursue, but you need to check if it is the right option for you. Well, most of us want to know that the career we are choosing will really help us in the future. You can get all your answers by booking a career counselling session with us.

Salary of a Lawyer in India After 12th

It is important to note that the salary of a lawyer in India varies greatly depending on several factors such as the type of employer, years of experience, and expertise in a particular field of law.

Fresh law graduates can expect to earn an average salary of around Rs. 3-4 lakhs per annum in the beginning. However, with experience and expertise, the salary can increase significantly. Lawyers working in corporate law firms and top-tier law firms can earn a starting salary of around Rs. 8-10 lakhs per annum or even more, while lawyers working in government sectors may earn around Rs. 4-6 lakhs per annum.

Moreover, successful and experienced lawyers may earn much higher salaries, depending on their clientele and the nature of their work. It is important to note that the salary of a lawyer is not fixed and may vary depending on several factors.

If You Need Counselling Check Out the Top Cities for The Best Career Counselling in India

Conclusion

Becoming a lawyer in India after 12th requires dedication and hard work. You need to choose the right stream in your 10+2, clear the law entrance exam, complete your law degree, gain practical experience through internships, and get a license from the Bar Council of India. If you follow these steps, you can build a successful career as a lawyer in India.

FAQ

Ques 1. What is the minimum educational qualification required to become a lawyer in India after the 12th?

Ans. The minimum educational qualification required to become a lawyer in India after the 12th is a 5-year Integrated Law course (BA LLB or BBA LLB) or a 3-year LLB course. You must have passed your 12th standard or an equivalent exam to be eligible for these courses.

Ques 2. Are there any entrance exams that I need to take to get admission to a law college in India after 12th?

Ans. Yes, there are several entrance exams that you need to take to get admission to a law college in India after 12th. Some of the most popular ones are CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test), and SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test).

Ques 3. What are the career prospects for a lawyer in India after 12th?

Ans. As a lawyer in India after the 12th, you can work in law firms, corporate houses, government organizations, or even start your own practice. You can specialize in various fields of law such as criminal law, corporate law, intellectual property law, etc.

Ques 4. What skills are required to become a successful lawyer in India after 12th?

Ans. To become a successful lawyer in India after 12th, you need to have excellent communication and analytical skills, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to work under pressure. You also need to be passionate about the law and have a strong sense of ethics.

Ques 5. Is it possible to pursue a law degree through distance education in India after 12th?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to pursue a law degree through distance education in India after 12th. However, it is important to note that distance education degrees in law are not recognized by the Bar Council of India, and therefore, you will not be eligible to practice law in India with a distance education degree.