Course guide · Courses & Degrees

BA LLB (Integrated Law Degree)

BA LLB combines a humanities degree with professional legal education in five years. It is the most popular route into law after Class 12 and is offered by National Law Universities and many other colleges — to students from every stream.

3 min read · Last reviewed 26 September 2026

Duration
5 years (10 semesters)
Eligibility
Class 12 in any stream with minimum marks
Admission
CLAT, AILET, state and university law tests
Recognised by
Bar Council of India (BCI)

Course overview

The first years combine humanities subjects — political science, history, sociology, economics, English — with foundational law subjects. Later years focus on core and specialised law courses, moot courts and internships.

Similar integrated programmes exist with business (BBA LLB), commerce (B.Com LLB) or science (B.Sc LLB). See Lawyer for careers.

Who this course may suit

  • Students who enjoy reading, argument and writing
  • Students interested in justice, governance or business law
  • Students from any stream who are sure about law after Class 12

Eligibility

  • Class 12 in any stream with minimum marks as set by the admitting body
  • Entrance exam score as required

Entrance exams and admission

ExamUsed forNotes
CLATBA LLB at most National Law Universities
AILETBA LLB at National Law University Delhi
State law entrance testsLaw admissions in state colleges
University law entrance testsLaw programmes at specific universities

Exam names, patterns, eligibility and participating institutions change. Check the official notification for the current year.

What you will study

Typical structure — varies by university
YearsTypical subjects
Years 1–2Political science, history, sociology, economics, English; law of contracts, torts, legal methods, constitutional law basics
Year 3Constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, family law, property law, jurisprudence
Year 4Civil procedure, evidence, company law, labour law, administrative law, taxation
Year 5Specialised electives (IP, cyber, international law), drafting and pleading, moot courts, clinical legal education

Skills you will develop

  • Legal research and reasoning
  • Drafting and writing
  • Advocacy and mooting
  • Negotiation
  • Critical reading

Where the course is offered

BA LLB is offered by National Law Universities, state university law departments, government law colleges and many private universities. Check Bar Council of India recognition, faculty, library, moot court culture and internship support.

Want help applying this to your own situation? Career Counselling After Class 12 on the Career Captain website.

Indicative fees

National Law Universities typically charge about ₹2–3.5 lakh a year or more including hostel; state and government law colleges are often far cheaper; private universities vary widely.

Fees differ widely between government, aided, private and deemed institutions, and change every year. Any figures here are broad indications only — check each institution's official fee notice, and ask about scholarships and fee waivers.

Career options after the course

Lawyer

Litigation, firms, corporate counsel, judiciary.

Civil Services Officer

Law graduates often prepare for civil services.

Higher-study options

  • LLM in India or abroad
  • Judicial services examinations
  • Specialised diplomas
  • PhD in law

Advantages of this course

  • Open to all streams
  • Direct route to legal practice
  • Wide career options

Challenges to consider

  • Five-year commitment
  • Early litigation income can be low
  • Competitive NLU admissions

Is this course a good fit for you?

It may suit you if…

  • You enjoy debate, reading and writing
  • You are curious about rules and rights

It may be harder if…

  • You dislike heavy reading

Similar courses to compare

  • BBA LLB / B.Com LLB
  • Three-year LLB after graduation
  • BA in Political Science followed by LLB

Frequently asked questions

Is BA LLB better than a three-year LLB?

BA LLB suits students certain about law after Class 12; the three-year LLB suits those who want another degree first. Both lead to eligibility to practise.

Can science students do BA LLB?

Yes. Law is open to all streams.

Do I need CLAT for all law colleges?

No. CLAT is essential mainly for NLUs. See CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).

Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.