Top LLM Colleges in India 2026: Eligibility, Ranking, Placement
Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate course in which an aspirant with an undergraduate law degree undertakes to become well-versed in specific areas of specialization. While traditional 2-year courses exist, the 1-year LLM is now the standard at all National Law Universities (NLUs) for the 2026-27 academic session.
A law graduate can either commence or pursue their career in various law specializations. There are roughly 600 LLM colleges in India. Out of these, 300 (one-year LLM colleges) are privately owned institutions, 100 are owned by the public sector, and the remaining 20 are classified as semi-government institutions.
📢 Crucial Update for 2026 Aspirants:
The 2026 curriculum now includes the New Criminal Laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, BNSS, BSA) and Data Privacy Laws (DPDP Act), making this the most crucial year to upgrade your legal knowledge.
Eligibility Requirements for the LLM Program (2026)
To execute a master’s degree in the law field from one of the top LLM colleges in India, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification: 50% or higher marks in the LLB course (3-Year or 5-Year) from a recognized board or university.
- Entrance Exams 2026: You must clear CLAT PG 2026 (for 22 NLUs), AILET PG 2026 (NLU Delhi), or CUET-PG 2026 (Central Universities like BHU/DU).
LLM Entrance Exam Calendar (Admission Session 2026-27)
To secure a seat in India’s top law schools, you must track these examination timelines closely. Note that CLAT and AILET are conducted in December of the previous year.
| Exam Name | Registration Deadline (Est.) | Exam Date (Tentative) | Accepted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAT PG 2026 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 (1st Week) | NLSIU, NALSAR, WBNUJS, & 20+ NLUs |
| AILET PG 2026 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 (2nd Week) | NLU Delhi (Exclusive) |
| CUET PG 2026 | Jan – Feb 2026 | March 2026 | Delhi University (DU), BHU, JNU |
| SLAT LLM 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 | Symbiosis Law Schools (Pune/Noida) |
| ILSAT (ICFAI) | May 2026 | May 2026 | ICFAI Law Schools |
Overall NIRF Ranking Of Best LLM Colleges in India
The table below features the top LLM colleges in India, comprising government and private institutions. These rankings are based on the latest NIRF data (2024-25 cycle) and are the best benchmark for 2026 admissions.
| College Name | State | NIRF Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU | Karnataka | 1 |
| NLU Delhi | Delhi | 2 |
| NALSAR University of Law | Telangana | 3 |
| WBNUJS | West Bengal | 4 |
| IIT Kharagpur (Law) | West Bengal | Top 10 |
| Symbiosis Law School (SLS) | Maharashtra | Top 10 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | Delhi | Top 10 |
| GNLU | Gujarat | Top 10 |
| Christ University | Karnataka | Top 20 |
| RGNUL | Punjab | Top 20 |
Program Fees of Top Private LLM Colleges in India
Applicants can pick the appropriate non-government LLM college from the checklist below. Note that fees are subject to a 5-10% hike for the 2026 session.
| College Name | Total Academic Charges (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| SLS, Pune | ₹ 1.98 Lakhs |
| KIIT, Bhubaneshwar | ₹ 1.00 Lakhs |
| Indian Law Institute, New Delhi | ₹ 1.38 Lakhs |
| ILS Law College, Pune | ₹ 1.83 Lakhs |
| Christ University, Bangalore | ₹ 1.52 – 1.72 Lakhs |
| ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad | ₹ 1.35 Lakhs |
| M.S. Ramaiah College of Law | ₹ 2.50 Lakhs |
| Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida | ₹ 0.60 Lakhs |
Watch: Career After LLM & Top Colleges Guide
*Video discusses career paths and college selection for LLM aspirants.*
Academic Charges of Top Government LLM Colleges in India
Government colleges offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost. Here is the fee structure for 2026:
| Institute Name | Tuition Charges (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | ₹ 31,100 |
| BHU (Banaras Hindu University) | ₹ 19,400 |
| Pondicherry University | ₹ 30,859 (Total) |
| Gauhati University | ₹ 81,000 – 1.05 Lakhs |
| Panjab University | ₹ 1.10 – 1.15 Lakhs |
| IIT Kharagpur | ₹ 1.40 – 1.60 Lakhs per sem |
| NLU Jodhpur | ₹ 1.14 Lakhs per sem |
Placement and Salary Packages (2026 Trends)
The checklist of the best LLM colleges in India with placements offered by them is demonstrated below. Placements in Corporate Law and IPR are generally the highest.
| College Name | Major Employers | Salary Packages (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| NLSIU | SAM, CAM, Trilegal, Khaitan | Highest: ₹ 64 LPA Average: ₹ 23.2 LPA |
| NLU, Delhi | Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Luthra & Luthra | Highest: ₹ 20 LPA Average: ₹ 12-14 LPA |
| NALSAR | Khaitan & Co., HCL Technologies | Highest: ₹ 18 LPA Average: ₹ 10-12 LPA |
| IIT Kharagpur | Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Reliance | Average: ₹ 9-12 LPA |
| Symbiosis (SLS) | Alpha Partners, Indus Law | Highest: ₹ 30 LPA Average: ₹ 9 LPA |
Note: 1 Crore+ packages are usually international offers or outliers. The realistic domestic average for top LLM grads in 2026 is ₹ 9 LPA – 14 LPA.
FAQs
Which stream in LLM is best?
Ans: The “best” stream depends on your career goals, but the highest-paying and most in-demand specializations for 2026 are: Corporate Law, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Technology Law (Cyber Law), and Constitutional Law.
Which university offers an LLM of 1 year?
Ans: Almost all National Law Universities (NLUs) and top private colleges like SLS Pune and O.P. Jindal Global University (JGLS) offer the 1-Year LLM program.
Is LLM better than LLB?
Ans: LLB is the qualifying degree to practice law. LLM is a specialization. LLM graduates generally receive higher starting salaries in corporate roles and teaching positions compared to plain LLB graduates.
Can I become a judge after an LLM?
Ans: Yes. While LLM is not mandatory for Lower Judiciary (PCS-J) exams, it is highly beneficial for the Higher Judiciary Exam and adds significant weightage during the interview stage.
Official Reference Links (2026)
- ⚖️ Consortium of NLUs (CLAT PG):
Visit Consortium Website
- 🏛️ NLU Delhi (AILET PG):
Check AILET Updates
- 🎓 CUET PG (NTA):
Visit CUET PG Portal
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