LLM Criminal Law: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Duration: 3 Years
Avg Fees: ₹3 - 5 LPA
Mandavi Shukla
Mandavi Shukla

Updated on - Dec 18, 2023

LLM Criminal law is a 3-year postgraduate programme that covers several areas of study related to criminal law over the course of six semesters. Students get introduced to the various concepts of Constitutional Law, Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence, and Contemporary Issues. Criminologists, Public prosecutors, and Defense attorneys are the job profile available upon course completion.

About LLM Criminal Law

LLM full form is a Master of Law under which there are various specializations, and one such is criminal law. LLM Criminal Law is a postgraduate course which consists of three years. LLM Criminal Law studies the law relating to crime, criminals, judiciary mechanism regarding and so on.

The LLM Criminal Law syllabus and subjects are created to enable students with the extensive knowledge needed in the field of criminal law. The LLM Criminal Law job scope provides wide career opportunities in the private and public sectors. 

Eligibility Criteria for LLM Criminal Law

There are certain eligibility criteria for the LLM Criminal Law course. However, Depending on the college and other academic institutions, there are different requirements for LLM Criminal Law eligibility. The following requirements must be met to be eligible for the LLM in Criminal Law:

  • Candidates seeking admission to the course must have earned either a 3-year L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree or a 5-year B.A.-L.L.B. degree from an accredited university with a minimum aggregate score of 55%.
  • It is advisable for candidates to have work experience of at least 24 months because many institutions favour students with professional experience.
  • Candidates need to appear for certain entrance examination which includes the national entrance exam or college-based entrance. 

Who Should Pursue an LLM Criminal Law Course?

Graduates, who want to become criminal lawyers and want to work in the related profession and want to gain knowledge in Criminal law and related areas of study can enrol for the same. Taking an LLM Criminal Law course can help those who desire to learn more about the criminal justice system and specific criminal law issues.

When To Do LLM Criminal Law Course?

Students who have completed undergraduate studies in Law with relevant degrees can pursue this course. Students can enrol for this particular course upon completion of their 3-year L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree or a 5-year B.A.-L.L.B. degree.

LLM Criminal Law Entrance Exams Why Choose LLM Criminal Law Course?

How To Get Admission for LLM Criminal Law?

Candidates for LLM Criminal Law admission are required to fulfil the minimum standards of eligibility. Candidates need to appear for state-level and national-level entrance exams to qualify for the course. However, some colleges can conduct their entrance exam. After qualifying for the entrance exams candidates need to appear for an interview and group discussion rounds as final rounds. 

How to Apply?

Students can apply for the LLM Criminal Law program by visiting the college website or contacting the admissions office in person. Candidates should have the essential documentation before taking the admission exam, such as their graduation transcripts and government identity certificates

Selection Process

The candidate's performance in their undergraduate studies may be a key factor in the decision-making process. For consideration in a merit-based selection process, candidates must have earned an overall GPA of at least 50%.

To identify the best applicant with the skills needed for the LLM Criminal Law program, several universities hold entrance examinations as part of the admissions process. The results of the admissions process are accessible to students via email or the college portal. The college may conduct interview rounds or group discussion sessions to choose students after passing entrance tests.

LLM Criminal Law Colleges in India Compare LLM Criminal Law with other courses

Types of LLM Criminal Law Courses

The choice of full or part-time enrollment is offered to candidates. LLM Criminal Law online and offline options are available for candidates to choose from. The different types of LLM Criminal Law course details are detailed below:

Full-Time LLM Criminal Law

LLM Criminal Law in India typically lasts three years when taken full-time. Students will therefore need to physically attend classes to complete homework, study case studies, participate in mock trials, and take tests. But one benefit is that it exposes students to exceptional instructors, as well as academic expertise, experience, knowledge, and intimate learning interactions with other students.

Part-Time LLM Criminal Law

If a student is unable to attend normal classes, they can opt for the part-time LLM Criminal Law program. Graduates can continue their studies while working, conducting research, etc. The benefit of this course is that a student can take this course while participating in other activities.

Distance LLM Criminal Law

The LLM Criminal Law distance learning in India is designed to expose students to many facets of the legal system and concepts linked to the law by giving them access to the necessary study materials and opportunities to gain crucial knowledge.

Candidates are either selected for LLM Criminal Law admissions based on their credentials or how well they did on the entrance exam given by the colleges. Aspirants must carefully ensure they meet all eligibility conditions before they begin to prepare for the admission exam. The following is a list of some of the well-known entrance exams:

LLM Criminal Law Entrance Exams Registration Details
CLAT CLAT Application Form
LSAT LSAT Application Form
AILET AILET Application Form
KLEE KLEE Application Form

A Quick Glance at the LLM Criminal Law Entrance Exams

Aspirants should adhere to all norms and regulations before selecting any LLM Criminal Law College in India. The general rules for the LLM Criminal Law admission exams are as follows:

  • Exams are conducted in both online and offline format
  • LLM Criminal Law entrance exams typically include subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, IPR and Jurisprudence, Law topics and Contemporary Issues, etc. 
  • The examination format is in English
  • The question paper typically comprises an MCQ format.
  • To prepare better, one can solve the previous year's question papers.

Top 10 LLM Criminal Law Colleges in India

Many prestigious universities in India offer excellent LLM Criminal Law courses. Candidates can choose from various LLM Criminal Law colleges across the country based on their type and rank. The following are the top ten LLM Criminal Law colleges in India:

Sl.No

Name of the College

Average Fees (INR)

1

Symbiosis Law School

1.8 LPA

2

National Law Institute University

1.5 LPA

3

KIIT

2.8 LPA

4

ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad

1.2 LPA

5

Institute of Law, Nirma University 

1.5 LPA

6

TNDALU

38,000 PA

7

IMS Unison University

1 LPA

8

Amity University

62,000 PA

9

Alliance University

3 LPA

10

Saveetha School of Law

1.8 LPA

Top LLM Criminal Law Colleges in New Delhi

Some of the greatest LLM Criminal Law colleges in India are located in India's capital city. The top colleges of LLM in criminal law in Delhi are listed in the table below:

Sl. No

Institution

1

Chanderprabhu Jain College of Higher Studies & School of Law

2

Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia

3

Amity University

4

Jindal Global Law School

5

Gurugram University

Top LLM Criminal Law Colleges in Pune

Pune is home to several of India's top LLM criminal law schools. The best LLM criminal law schools in Pune are listed here.

Sl.No

Institution

1

Symbiosis Law School

2

Vishwakarma University

3

UniPune

Top LLM Criminal Law Colleges in Bangalore

Colleges in the Karnataka capital offer excellent LLM Criminal Law Courses. The top colleges in Bangalore that provide the LLM Criminal Law programme are listed below.

Sl.No

Institution

1

Alliance School of Law, Alliance University

2

Reva University

3

University Law College

Top LLM Criminal Law Colleges in Kolkata

Kolkata also has a few reputable Indian universities that offer LLM Criminal Law programmes in addition to those mentioned above. See the chart below for the top LLM Criminal Law colleges in Kolkata.

Sl.No

Institution

1

NLU Kolkata (NUJS)

2

JIS University

3

Adamas University

4

Sister Nivedita University

5

Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur

Top LLM Criminal Law Colleges in Mumbai

Some of the institutions and universities that offer LLM Criminal Law programmes are located in the state capital of Maharastra. The top LLM criminal law schools in Mumbai are listed in the table below:

Sl.No

Institution

1

Kirit P. Mehta School of Law

2

Siddharth College of Law

3

St. Xavier's College

4

Garodia International College

Fee Structure for LLM Criminal Law

LLM Criminal Law fees range between INR 1 to 3 LPA. The LLM Criminal Law course lasts three years and is divided into six semesters. A few colleges' fee structures for the LLM Criminal Law course are as follows:

Sl.No.

Name of the College

Total Fee Structure (INR)

1.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune

1.8 LPA

2.

National Law Institute University, Bhopal

1.5 LPA

3.

KIIT, Bhubaneswar

2.8 LPA

4.

ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad

1.2 LPA

Syllabus and Subjects for LLM Criminal Law

The curriculum for the LLM Criminal Law course comprises core, optional, and Specialization courses. Students can choose an LLM Criminal Law speciality field based on their interests, career aspirations, educational needs, and personal aims. The following are some of the subjects covered in the  LLM Criminal Law course syllabus:

  • Criminal Psychology
  • Forensic Science
  • Criminal Procedures
  • Criminal Justice
  • Penology & Victimology
  • Law Ethics
  • Legal Research
  • IPC
  • CrPC
  • Narcotics
  • Juvenile Justice

Read More: LLM Criminal Law Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose LLM Criminal Law Course?

The legal sector provides several employment options and, like any other industry, is impacted by both the national and international economy. Furthermore, it's in high demand because it's one of the highest-paying jobs in the world. Why choosing an LLM Criminal Law is explained in the brief questions and answers that follow.

What is LLM Criminal Law All About?

LLM Criminal Law is a 3-year postgraduate programme that is designed to develop an understanding of legal principles and enhance knowledge in academics & criminal law research. The programme enlightens students with the study of contemporary debates in both criminal law and criminal justice at an advanced level.

What Does an LLM Criminal Law Graduate Do?

The employment profile of a criminal lawyer is quite varied and dynamic. It varies depending on the circumstances. The following are only a few of a lawyer's duties:

  • Criminologists: To research and examine criminals' tactics and patterns of conduct in an attempt to understand their driving forces. Criminologists must be skilled psychologists because if they recognize the motivations behind a criminal's behaviour, they can forecast or stop other crimes of the same type.
  • Detective: To control criminal activity, question witnesses, victims, and suspects, and make arrests.
  • Criminal Lawyer: To argue for or against individuals or groups that have been accused of committing a crime. They handle cases involving offences involving drugs, violence, theft, and fraud.

Reasons Why LLM Criminal Law Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

There are numerous career prospects for those with a degree in criminal justice, even in today's competitive job market. You can choose a career as a police officer, Public Prosecutor, or other law enforcement professional, to mention a few.

Here are some of the primary justifications for why taking this course can lead to a lucrative career:

  • Variety of Career Options: A criminal law degree is the starting point for many different careers. You can work as a paralegal, judicial assistant, or in corrections before entering the legal field, law enforcement, or the court system.
  • Job Stability and Benefits: Public sector employment is prevalent in the criminal justice and law enforcement fields. Unfortunately, crime is a reality that doesn't observe weekends or vacations. 

Read More: LLM Criminal Law Jobs & Scope

LLM Criminal Law Course Comparison

There are other courses which are on the undergraduate level and contain a similar area of study. Below is a difference between LLM Criminal Law and LLM:

LLM Criminal Law vs LLM

The table below showcases LLM Criminal Law vs LLM:

Course

LLM Criminal Law

LLM

Full Form

Master of Legislative Laws in Criminal Law

Master of Legislative Laws

Stream

Law 

Law

Course Duration

3 Years

2 Years

Eligibility

L.L.B. or B.A.–L.L.B. degree from a recognized university with 50%

Undergraduate degree with min 50% aggregate from a recognized university

Entrance Exams

CLAT PG, AILET PG, ILI CAT, IPU CET.

CLAT, AILET, LSAT, SLAT, CUET

Top Colleges

Symbiosis Law School, The National Law Institute University (NLIU)

Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad, National Law School of India University, Bangalore

Fees

INR 3 to 5 LPA

INR 2 - 5 LPA

Read More: LLM

Preparation Tips for LLM Criminal Law Course

Students should consider a variety of criteria before enrolling in an LLM Criminal Law Course. The key study tips on the list that follows will assist students in passing the course and the exams.

  • Improve communication Skills: The LLM Criminal Law course emphasizes communication because it requires students to interact with customers and professionals in the area frequently.
  • Read and Practice More: It's important to follow the curriculum to the letter. If the student practises and reads more, they will be more equipped to manage the curriculum and perform well on exams.
  • Have required Knowledge of Subjects: If the student has an intrinsic comprehension of the subject and is interested in the curriculum, they will continue to be driven to study more than what is required for the course.

Scope of LLM Criminal Law For Higher Education

After earning an LLM Criminal Law degree, students who wish to continue their education can enrol in relevant programs. The following is a list of some of the options:

Salary of an LLM Criminal Law Graduate

There are numerous work opportunities and possibilities for higher education for students in the field. The typical salary for an LLM Criminal Law graduate in India is INR 3 to 10 LPA, according to Payscale. However, this amount may change based on the city, experience level, job title, etc.

Read More: LLM Criminal Law Salary

Career Options After LLM Criminal Law Graduation

Numerous work opportunities exist in the public and private sectors for LLM graduates in criminal law. Thanks to their knowledge and experience from research-based work, they can manage roles that are more significant across numerous disciplines. After graduation, there are increasingly more LLM Criminal Law positions accessible as a result. The job roles described will correspond to the highest level of employment.

  • Government Advocate
  • Government Pleader
  • Additional Public Prosecutor
  • Criminal Lawyer
  • Lecturer
  • Standing Counsel
  • Criminologist
  • Detective
  • Forensic Science Technician

Skills That Make You The Best LLM Criminal Law Graduate

Graduates of the LLM Criminal Law program need a variety of abilities to succeed in their field. It's possible that the students in a regular school environment don't always master these skills. Instead, the only way to hone these skills is through practice, effort, and experience. Several of these skills are

  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management and Organisation Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Decision-Making Skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Skills

LLM Criminal Law Fee Structure

See Various LLM Criminal Law Colleges in India

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