To become a lawyer after completing 12th grade in India, you need to follow these steps:
Eligibility
- Pass class 12th from a recognized board with minimum marks (usually around 45-60%) in any stream
- For direct admission to law courses after 12th, you must clear entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc.
Educational Pathways
You can pursue law through two main routes:
- Integrated Law Degree (5 years) after 12th:
- Enroll in integrated courses such as BA LLB, BCom LLB, or BBA LLB immediately after 12th.
- These courses combine undergraduate studies with law education.
- BCom LLB is especially suitable for commerce students interested in corporate law
- Graduation + LLB (3 years):
- First complete a bachelor's degree in any discipline (BA, BCom, BSc, etc.).
- Then pursue a 3-year LLB degree from a recognized university
Steps to Become a Lawyer
- Complete your 12th standard.
- Clear law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, LSAT to get admission to law colleges
- Join and complete the law degree (either 5-year integrated or 3-year LLB).
- Undertake internships and practical training during your course to gain hands-on experience
- After completing the law degree, register with the Bar Council of India (BCI) within six months
- Qualify the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by BCI within two years of enrollment to get the license to practice law
- Optionally, pursue higher studies like LLM or PhD for specialization or academic careers
Additional Information
- After enrollment and clearing AIBE, you can practice law in courts across India.
- To practice in the Supreme Court, you may need to pass the Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record exam
- Starting salary for lawyers varies but can range from INR 3.5 LPA to much higher with experience
In summary, after completing 12th, you either join an integrated law course or complete graduation followed by LLB, then register with the Bar Council and clear AIBE to officially become a practicing lawyer in India
