LLM (Master of Laws) Syllabus & Subjects 2025

The LLM syllabus and subjects offer both foundational understanding and specialised insights into specific legal fields. The LLM or Master of Laws course is a 2-year postgraduate legal degree designed to provide specialised knowledge and expertise in various areas of law. The curriculum consists of four semesters, each dedicated to different subjects, including foundational legal principles and elective courses. This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its practical applications.

The LLM syllabus varies according to the chosen specialisation, with a primary focus on training students in diverse legal subjects such as Law and Technology, Criminal Law, Judicial Process, Commercialisation of Intellectual Property & Licensing, and more. The LLM course may also involve practical components like internships, moot court participation, and a dissertation to enhance practical legal skills.

The highlights of the LLM syllabus and subjects have been provided in the table below for students to get a detailed understanding of the subjects:

The LLM curriculum consists of four semesters, each dedicated to different subjects, including foundational legal principles and elective courses. This program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its practical applications. The general syllabus for an LLM course is mentioned below in a semester-wise format:

LLM First Year Syllabus

The first year of the LLM course usually covers essential legal disciplines. The first year LLM syllabus comprises the following topics:

LLM Second Year Syllabus

The 2nd year LLM syllabus consists of the following topics:

The LLM course generally includes core subjects such as Constitutional Law, International Law, Jurisprudence, and Legal Research Methodology. The core LLM subjects have been discussed below:

The LLM subjects provide a strong legal framework and are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the law. Here are the LLM course subjects that are typically included in all the semesters:

These LLM subjects serve as a basis for building legal expertise and critical thinking skills throughout the LLM course. While these subjects are typically included, the specific curriculum may vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. Students often can choose additional elective subjects based on their areas of interest and specialisation.

A diverse array of LLM optional subjects allows students to specialise in areas that align with their career goals and interests. These optional subjects enable a deeper understanding of specific legal fields. The optional LLM subjects are discussed below:

The LLM course typically offers various specialisations or concentrations that allow students to focus on specific areas of law. These specialisations provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in particular legal domains. Here are some common LLM syllabus specialisations:

The LLM syllabus for entrance exams in India may vary depending on the university or institution conducting the exam. However, some common topics and subjects are typically covered in most LLM entrance exams in India. Here is a general overview of the LLM syllabus:

Please note that the specific topics and weightage of each subject may vary from one LLM entrance exam to another. It's essential to check the detailed syllabus provided by the university or institution conducting the entrance exam to ensure thorough preparation. Additionally, some LLM entrance exams may have a research-based or essay writing component as part of the evaluation.

Here are some important books for the LLM course in India, categorised by different areas of law. Please note that book preferences can vary based on the specific courses and professors at your institution. Find the important books that contain the LLM syllabus and subjects:

These books should provide a solid foundation for your LLM studies in India, but do check your LLM syllabus and consult with your professors for any additional or specific reading recommendations.

The structure of an LLM course in India can vary from one university or institution to another, but generally, it follows a similar format. Below is a typical LLM course structure in India:

Duration: The LLM program in India is typically a two-year full-time course.

Core Courses: LLM programs in India usually include a set of core courses that provide students with a foundational understanding of various areas of law. These core courses can vary depending on the specialization chosen by the student. Some common core course subjects include:

Constitutional Law
Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
Contract Law
Tort Law
Criminal Law
Family Law
Administrative Law
International Law
Environmental Law
Intellectual Property Law
Corporate Law
Human Rights Law

Elective Courses: In addition to the core courses, LLM students often have the opportunity to choose elective courses based on their specific interests or specialization. These courses allow students to delve deeper into a particular area of law or explore interdisciplinary subjects. Examples of elective courses may include:

Banking and Finance Law
Cyber Law
Competition Law
Taxation Law
Media and Entertainment Law
Energy and Natural Resources Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Health Law
Gender and Law
International Trade Law

Dissertation/ Thesis: Many LLM programs in India require students to complete a research-based dissertation or thesis on a legal topic of their choice. This allows students to demonstrate their research and analytical skills and make a significant contribution to the field of law.

Internship: Some LLM programs may include a mandatory internship or practical training component, where students gain hands-on experience in legal practice, law firms, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This internship is often a valuable part of the learning process.

Seminars and Workshops: LLM students may also participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences to enhance their understanding of specific legal issues and engage with legal scholars and practitioners.

Assessment: Assessment methods typically include written examinations, assignments, research papers, presentations, and the evaluation of the dissertation or thesis.

Grading: The grading system in LLM programs usually follows the standard Indian grading scale, with letter grades such as A, B, C, and F, along with corresponding grade point averages (GPAs).

Specializations: Students can often choose a specialization within their LLM program, focusing on a particular area of law. Specializations can vary widely, and students may have the option to create their own specialization based on their interests and career goals.

It's essential to note that the specific course structure and requirements can vary among universities and institutions in India. Therefore, prospective LLM students should carefully review the curriculum and admission criteria of the particular program they are interested in to ensure it aligns with their academic and career goals. Additionally, LLM programs in India may also offer opportunities for international exposure, exchange programs, and collaborations with foreign universities to enrich the academic experience.