Top Law Courses After 12th 2026: Career Paths & Job Opportunities
Thinking about law after Class 12 but feeling confused about where to begin? You’re not alone. Law is one of those careers that looks powerful from the outside but choosing the right path requires clarity, not assumptions.
The good news? Law is still a strong, respected, and opportunity-rich career in 2026, especially for students from Arts, Humanities, and even Commerce backgrounds. Whether your goal is courtroom advocacy, corporate law, judiciary, or public service, a law degree can open many doors if chosen wisely.
This guide breaks down law courses after 12th, entrance exams, top universities, career options, and realistic salary expectations without exaggeration.
Why Law Is Still a Smart Career Choice
Before jumping into course names, understand why students still choose law.
1. Stable and Respected Profession
Law is deeply linked to governance, justice, and business. Skilled legal professionals are always in demand courts, companies, government departments all rely on them.
2. Wide Career Flexibility
A law degree doesn’t lock you into one role. You can move between litigation, corporate law, policy work, academia, or public service.
3. Strong Long-Term Earnings
While initial salaries may be modest, experience and specialization significantly raise earning potential—especially in corporate law and litigation.
4. Authority and Impact
Few professions allow you to directly influence justice, policy, and rights the way law does.
Legal Education in India: What You Must Know
Legal education in India is regulated by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
Only BCI-approved institutions can offer valid law degrees.
Without a BCI-approved degree, you cannot practice law in Indian courts.
Main Law Courses After 12th (UG Level)
Integrated Law Programs (Most Popular)
These combine a bachelor’s degree with law and are the preferred choice after Class 12.
BA LLB (5 Years)
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Best for students from Arts/Humanities
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Covers political science, sociology, history + law
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Ideal for litigation, judiciary, civil services
BBA LLB (5 Years)
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Focuses on business, management + law
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Best for corporate law, legal consulting, startups
BCom LLB (5 Years)
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Combines commerce, finance, accounting + law
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Suitable for taxation, company law, banking law
Postgraduate Law Courses (After LLB)
LL.M. (Master of Laws)
Duration: 1–2 years
Purpose: Specialisation in a specific legal field
Popular LL.M. Specialisations
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Criminal Law
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Corporate Law
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Constitutional Law
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Cyber Law
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Intellectual Property Law
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Tax Law
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International Law
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Labour Law
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Environmental Law
Dual Degree Programs
LL.M. + MBA
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Law + business leadership
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Ideal for corporate governance and consulting
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Offered by select global universities
LL.M. + M.Phil
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Research-oriented
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Best for teaching and academic careers
PhD in Law
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For advanced legal research and academia
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Offered by NLUs, central universities, and autonomous institutions
Top Law Entrance Exams in India (2026)
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
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Gateway to National Law Universities (NLUs)
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Required for BA LLB, BBA LLB, and LL.M. at NLUs
AILET
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Conducted by NLU Delhi
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Separate exam, extremely competitive
CUET UG
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For law admissions in central universities
AIBE (After Graduation)
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Mandatory to practice law in India
Other Law Entrance Exams
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MH CET Law
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TS LAWCET
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AP LAWCET
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IPU CET
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AMU Law Entrance
Top Law Universities in India (NIRF Ranking Based)
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National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
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National Law University, Delhi
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NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
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WBNUJS, Kolkata
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Jamia Millia Islamia
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Symbiosis Law School, Pune
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Gujarat National Law University
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IIT Kharagpur (Law Program)
Online & Distance Law Courses (For Working Professionals)
While practice law requires a full-time degree, online courses help in skill enhancement.
Popular Options:
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Cyber Law Diploma (NLU Delhi)
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Intellectual Property Rights (IGNOU)
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Corporate Law Diplomas (Symbiosis)
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Online certifications from NLSIU
Career Options After Law
A law degree doesn’t mean “courtroom only”.
Common Job Roles
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Advocate / Litigator
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Corporate Legal Advisor
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Legal Analyst
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Public Prosecutor
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Judicial Officer (Judge)
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Legal Journalist
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Policy Advisor
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Law Professor
Salary Reality in Law (India)
Let’s be honest, law rewards experience, not shortcuts.
Entry Level
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ā¹2.5 – ā¹4 LPA (Litigation / Junior roles)
Mid-Level (5–7 years)
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ā¹8 – ā¹15 LPA
Corporate Law / Senior Roles
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ā¹20 – ā¹80 LPA (Top firms, in-house counsel)
Judiciary
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Judges earn ā¹10 – ā¹25 LPA + perks
Top Law Recruiters
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AZB & Partners
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Khaitan & Co
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Luthra & Luthra
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Trilegal
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J Sagar Associates
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Amarchand Mangaldas
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Government Legal Departments
Final Takeaway
Law is not an easy career but it is a powerful long-term one.
If you enjoy reading, reasoning, debating, and standing your ground under pressure, law can give you:
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Respect
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Stability
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Authority
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Financial growth
Choose the right course, prepare seriously for entrance exams, and play the long game. Law rewards patience and persistence nothing else.
