Ritik Kumar · August 1, 2025 
Introduction
In today’s evolving professional world, a career in law is no longer confined to just courtrooms. From corporate law firms and global organizations to media, policy research, and legal startups, the opportunities are vast and dynamic. If you’re a student wondering how to study law after 12th, this guide is for you.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—eligibility criteria, entrance exams like CLAT and AILET, the best 5-year integrated law courses, top law colleges in India, and various career paths after a law degree. Whether you’re aiming to become a corporate lawyer, judge, legal journalist, or policy advisor, this blog will help you build the right foundation. And with expert mentorship from Career Plan B, you can confidently take your first step into the legal world.
Why Choose Law After 12th?
A law degree equips you with skills in critical thinking, research, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication. As a lawyer, you can:
- Represent individuals, businesses, or the government.
- Influence social change and uphold the rule of law.
- Build a lucrative and respected career, with frequent opportunities for specialization.
Pathways to Study Law After 12th
The most common route is the 5-year integrated law program, which allows you to pursue law directly after your 12th board exams.
1. Five-Year Integrated Undergraduate Law Courses
- These combine a bachelor’s degree with an LLB. Popular options include:
- BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws)
- BBA LLB (Bachelor of Business Administration + Bachelor of Laws)
- BCom LLB (Bachelor of Commerce + Bachelor of Laws)
- BSc LLB (Bachelor of Science + Bachelor of Laws)
- Course Duration: 5 years (10 semesters)
- Curriculum: Blend of foundational subjects (arts, business, commerce, or science) and comprehensive law courses (constitutional law, contract law, criminal law, company law, environmental law, etc.)
- Eligibility: 10+2 passed with a recognized board, minimum aggregate between 45–50% marks (varies by college). No mandatory stream—Arts, Commerce, and Science are all eligible.
Entrance Exams for Law After Class 12
To get into top law colleges, candidates must qualify for national or university-level entrance exams. Here are the most common ones:
| Exam | Full Form | Participating Institutes |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT | Common Law Admission Test | 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| AILET | All India Law Entrance Test | NLU Delhi |
| LSAT—India | Law School Admission Test | Jindal Global Law School, other private colleges |
| SLAT | Symbiosis Law Admission Test | Symbiosis Law Schools (Pune, Noida, Nagpur, Hyderabad) |
| MHCET Law | Maharashtra Law CET | Govt. and private law colleges in Maharashtra |
| CUET (UG) | Common University Entrance Test | Central universities offering law courses |
Tip: Most students aiming for top NLUs focus on CLAT, while others prepare for SLAT, AILET, and LSAT-India simultaneously.
Top Law Colleges in India (After Class 12)
| College Name | Entrance Exam | Location |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU Bangalore | CLAT | Karnataka |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | CLAT | Telangana |
| WBNUJS Kolkata | CLAT | West Bengal |
| NLU Delhi | AILET | Delhi |
| Symbiosis Law School | SLAT | Pune, Noida, Hyderabad |
| Jindal Global Law School | LSAT-India | Haryana |
| ILS Law College | MHCET Law | Pune |
| Faculty of Law, BHU | CUET/BLAT | Varanasi |
| Amity Law School | Direct / CUET | Noida |
| Christ University | CUET / Direct | Bangalore |
Note: Each college has its own admission process. NLUs accept CLAT scores except NLU Delhi, which conducts AILET.
Step-by-Step Roadmap to Study Law After 12th
Step 1: Choose Law as a Career
Understand the roles of a lawyer—litigator, corporate counsel, legal journalist, etc.
Step 2: Select the Right Law Entrance Exam
Pick your entrance exam based on your target colleges.
Step 3: Prepare for the Entrance Exam
Start early with the help of books, mock tests, and coaching if needed.
Step 4: Apply to Colleges & Take the Test
Register for CLAT, AILET, SLAT, etc. as per their timelines.
Step 5: Get Admission and Start the Program
After getting shortlisted, complete your admission formalities and start your law journey.
Career Options After Studying Law
A law degree opens up several lucrative and diverse career paths:
| Career Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Litigation Lawyer | Civil, Criminal, Corporate Courts |
| Corporate Lawyer | MNCs, Law Firms, Startups |
| Legal Advisor | Banks, Government Bodies |
| Judicial Services (Judge) | After qualifying PCS (J) |
| Legal Journalist | Media, Legal Reporting |
| Arbitrator / Mediator | Dispute Resolution |
| Public Prosecutor / Government Lawyer | Legal roles in public offices |
| Legal Analyst | Research firms, Think tanks |
| Academician / Professor | Law universities and colleges |
Note: With specialization and experience, law professionals can grow into senior counsels, partners in law firms, policy consultants, or legal entrepreneurs.
The Entrance Exam Route
Most top law colleges in India admit students via entrance exams. The major ones are:
| Exam Name | Major Participating Colleges | Exam Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) | 24 National Law Universities (NLUs) | English, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, GK, Quantitative Techniques |
| AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) | National Law University Delhi | English, Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, GK |
| SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test) | Symbiosis Law Schools | English, Analytical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, GK |
| LSAT-India (Law School Admission Test) | Private universities like JGLS, OP Jindal | Logical & Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension |
Tip: Start your exam prep in class 11 or early in class 12 to maximize your chances at a top institution.
FAQs About Studying Law After 12th
Q: Is Maths or Science required to pursue law?
A: No, students from any stream—Arts, Commerce, or Science—can study law after 12th.
Q: Can I pursue LLB after graduation instead of after 12th?
A: Yes, a 3-year LLB course is available post-graduation, but the integrated 5-year route is now the most popular among school-leavers.
Q: What skills do law universities look for?
A: Analytical and logical reasoning, excellent communication, strong reading habits, confidence, and awareness about current affairs.
How Career Plan B Can Help You
Career Plan B is a trusted career guidance platform dedicated to helping students discover the right path, especially in competitive fields like law. Here’s how we assist you:
- Personalized guidance to choose between CLAT, SLAT, AILET, and LSAT
- Access to CLAT toppers’ study plans, mock tests, and book lists
- Updates on application deadlines and changes in exam pattern
- Law college comparison, fee details, and career mapping
- Assistance in building your law profile with internships and certifications
With Career Plan B, you don’t just study law—you build a legal career with vision, planning, and purpose.
Conclusion
Pursuing law after 12th is an exciting and fulfilling career path. Whether you dream of standing in a courtroom or advising global businesses, the legal profession has something for everyone. The key lies in choosing the right course, preparing strategically, and learning from mentors.
So, if you’re serious about law as a career, start early, prepare smart, and let Career Plan B be your trusted partner on this journey to success.
