If you are considering pursuing your career in law, there are some crucial things that you should consider. Go through this article to know six things to keep in mind while taking admission to the top law colleges in India.
In the last few years, the field of law has evolved massively, leading to a significant mutation in the education sector. Admissions at the top law colleges in India are based on entrance exams like CLAT, MH CET Law, LSAT, and many more. Hence, certain important things need to keep in mind while studying law. So, without wasting much time, scroll down to know more on the topic.
Top law colleges in India: A brief scenario
India boasts of nearly 1170 law colleges which include 363 government colleges and 807 private colleges. These top law colleges in India offer a variety of specialisations like corporate law, civil law, banking law, human rights, and etc. The course fees on average are: INR 1 to 3 lakhs for an undergraduate course and INR 1 to 2 lakhs for a postgraduate course.
Each year, thousands of law aspirants enrol themselves in the top law colleges in India and pursue a law course of their preference. Law is one profession where students can be found from science, commerce, chemistry, and physics enthusiasts, even newbies who are keen on pursuing law courses at the undergraduate level.
With the sudden rise in demand for law courses, institutes are also introducing several new programmes to keep up with the assertion which can accommodate the requirements and interests of all the law aspirants. The list of law specialisations offered in the top law colleges in India are:
- Civil law
- Tax law
- Corporate law
- Criminal law
- Cyberlaw
- Intellectual property law
- Labour law
- Real estate law
- Media law
Although the number of job opportunities that the law students get after completing their degree has witnessed a surge, candidates are not incarcerated only to the conventional job roles offered after obtaining a law degree. You have to keep in mind that the law Institute you will choose for yourself must boost your resume.
6 Factors to consider in choosing top law colleges in India
Below we have jotted down six factors that will guide you through finalising the top law colleges in India for yourself. All these points play a crucial, albeit small role in moulding your career and future in law.
1. Choice of specialisation
It would be best if you chose your choice, which will fulfil your requirements and interests as well the best. It will aid the candidates to map out their entire career path; moreover, they will be able to avail of all job opportunities in that region. Opting for your desired specialisation from the top law college in India, which is recognised for it will definitely bestow you an upper hand. Comprehend the dynamics of each law course and choose the one who will align with your future goals. Once you have decided your course related to your niche, selecting a top law college in India recognised for that specific programme comes to be easier.
2. Know where you want to be
While deciding the top law colleges in India, you must know where you want to see yourself and want to be both literally and metaphorically. Studying law in a metropolitan city may give you exposure and opportunities as there will be many firms attainable where you can choose to intern before you start your practice.
Some law schools may offer you a region-based curriculum, or some may provide a wide-based law curriculum that will wrap almost all the fields available in India. But in the end, everything depends on which environment you will thrive- rural, urban, suburban, or the place you have studied last.
3. Categorise colleges
After making your decision, It is good to split up your option of best Law Institutes in India into three categories. The first group should comprise the top-notch law colleges that are difficult to get through. The second group can contain colleges that are above average and comparatively easy to get into than the elite ones, and also, you will be happy attending the one without much remorse. The last group of colleges should be your backup plan if the other universities you considered did not work out, and you will certainly get a seat in one of these colleges.
4. Note down your norms
Develop a list of elements on the basis of which you want to evaluate and narrow down your search for the top Law Colleges in India. The list could comprise the considerations summarised below:
- Your choice of degree
- Location of the college
- Distance from home
- Placement records or internships
- The reputation of the Institution
- Performance of the department
- Government or private Institute
- Total cost
- If any scholarships or financial aid available
- Qualification of faculty etc.
5. Consider your practice interests
Contemplate what you want to practice in the future. Are you interested in environmental law or corporate law? Depending on your practice preference, do your research and find out the top law colleges in India that specialise in them. You do not want to go to a law school that does not offer your choice of program. You should choose your law college, depending on what you want to practice after completing your graduation.
6. Focus to get the required scores
As admission to all the top law colleges in India will be granted based on your CLAT scores, make sure to keep your marks are adequate to apply to those colleges. If any college conducts their specific entrance examination is to be written, prepare well, and try to obtain good scores as well. It would be the best decision as the financial burden is usually relieved if you get through the top law colleges in India in merit quota. Check out the following table; we have mentioned some of the esteemed top colleges in India with their NIRF 2020 ranking:
Selecting your dream college from the top law colleges in India can help you earn you INR 6–15 lakhs yearly. It will also help you immensely to practise law independently and be self-employed. We are sure, if you are planning to study law, this article on how to choose from the top law colleges in India will guide you in this direction.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.