Key Law Exams for Law Students After Graduation in India!
The journey to a rewarding legal career in India begins with clearing the right exams, and 2025-26 is brimming with opportunities for law students and graduates. Whether you’re aiming to join a prestigious National Law University, secure a license to practice law, or land a high-profile job in a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), this blog is your roadmap to the essential law entrance and competitive exams. It also includes a section on certificate courses that law students can pursue to boost their skills and employability. Dive in to plan your next steps with confidence!
Law Entrance Exams to Pursue LLM
These exams are designed for students seeking admission to undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) law programs in India, including National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top institutions.
1. Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)
CLAT, conducted by the Consortium of National Law Universities, is the premier national-level entrance exam for law aspirants. It grants admission to 5-year integrated LLB (e.g., BA LLB, BBA LLB) and one-year LLM programs at 24 NLUs and over 60 private law colleges. The exam tests English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
CLAT is the gateway to top NLUs, known for excellent faculty, infrastructure, and placement opportunities. It’s also used by several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruiting legal professionals.
Eligibility:
- UG: Class 12 or equivalent with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
- PG: LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Schedule:
- Application Opens: July 2025
- Exam Date: December 7, 2025
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper)
- Result: January 2026
2. All India Law Entrance Test (AILET)
Conducted by National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi), AILET is a national-level exam for admission to BA LLB (Hons), LLM, and PhD programs. It tests English, Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Elementary Mathematics (for UG).
Eligibility:
- UG: Class 12 with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST).
- PG: LLB degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST).
Schedule:
- Application Opens: 07 August, 2025
- Last date to apply:10 Nov, 2025
- Exam Date: 14 December , 2025
- Mode: Offline
- Result: January 2026
3. Law School Admission Test (LSAT India)
LSAT India, conducted by Pearson VUE, is accepted by private law schools like Jindal Global Law School. It focuses on Analytical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension, without directly testing legal knowledge.
Eligibility:
- UG (5-year LLB): Class 12 with minimum marks as per the institution’s criteria.
- PG (3-year LLB or LLM): Bachelor’s degree with minimum marks as specified.
4. All India Admission Test (AIAT)
Admission process comprises of the Symbiosis All India Admission Test (AIAT) and an Online Personal Interaction (PI). AIAT will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode at respective centres.
Tentative Schedule:
- Application Opens: December 2025
- Application Closes: April 2026
- Exam Date: May 2026
- Mode: Online
Competitive Exams for Law Graduates
These exams are for law graduates seeking professional certification or government jobs, particularly in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or banking.
8. All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
Conducted by the Bar Council of India, AIBE is a mandatory qualifying exam for law graduates to obtain a Certificate of Practice, enabling them to practice law in Indian courts. It tests Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure Code, and other legal subjects through 100 objective-type questions.
Eligibility: 3-year or 5-year LLB degree and enrollment with a State Bar Council.
Tentative Schedule:
- Application Opens: Third week of August 2025
- Application Closes: Second week of October 2025
- Exam Date: Last week of October 2025
- Mode: Offline
- Result: December 2025
9. IBPS SO Law Officer Exam
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) Law Officer exam to recruit law graduates for officer-level positions in public sector banks. It includes Preliminary and Mains stages, testing Professional Knowledge (law), Reasoning, English, and General Awareness.
Eligibility: LLB degree; age typically 20-30 years.
Schedule:
- Application Opens: August 2025
- Prelims Exam: 30 August, 2025
- Mains Exam: 9 November, 2025
- Mode: Online
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry Exam
A prestigious opportunity for law graduates to join the Indian Army's legal wing as Short Service Commission Officers. The JAG officers provide legal advice, handle court-martials, and represent the Army in civil and criminal cases.
Eligibility:
- Age: 21 to 27 years
- Educational Qualification: Minimum 55% aggregate marks in LLB degree
- Mandatory: CLAT PG 2025 score required for all candidates
- Must be eligible for registration as an advocate with Bar Council of India/State
- Selection Process: Application → Shortlisting (based on CLAT PG score) → SSB Interview → Medical Examination → Merit ListBenefits:
- Stipend during training: ₹56,100 per month
- Rank after training: Lieutenant
- CTC on commissioning: Approximately ₹17-18 lakh per annum
- JAG Men Notification 2025 PDF
- JAG Women Notification 2025 PDF
12. UGC NET (Law)
National-level eligibility test conducted by NTA for law graduates aspiring to become Assistant Professors or qualify for Junior Research Fellowship in law. The exam consists of two papers - Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject-specific Law).
Eligibility:
LLM degree with at least 55% marks (50% for OBC/SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit: 31 years for JRF (no age limit for NET Assistant Professor)
13. RBI Grade B Legal Officer Exam
Reserve Bank of India conducts this exam to recruit Legal Officers in Grade 'B' for its Legal Department. The exam is conducted in three stages - Phase I (Objective & Descriptive Paper), Phase II (Descriptive English paper), and Interview.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor's Degree in Law with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD)
- Age: Minimum 21 years as on July 1, 2025
- Desirable: Two years' experience as an advocate.
Schedule:
- Application Opens: 11/07/2025 10:00 AM
- Application Closes: 31/07/2025 06:00 PM
14. SEBI Grade A Legal Officer Exam
Securities and Exchange Board of India conducts this exam to recruit qualified law graduates for handling legal matters, drafting regulations, and advising on enforcement actions. The exam includes three phases - Phase 1 (Preliminary), Phase 2 (Main), and Interview.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor's Degree in Law from a recognized university
- Maximum age: 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
- Desirable: Two years post-qualification experience as an Advocate
15. Judicial Services Examinations (PCS-J)
State-level competitive examinations conducted by various High Courts and State PSCs to recruit Civil Judges and Magistrates. These exams provide direct entry into the subordinate judiciary.
Important Update:
The Supreme Court has mandated that fresh law graduates cannot appear in judicial services examinations, requiring a minimum of three years of legal practice for candidates applying to entry-level civil judge posts.
Categories:
- Lower Judicial Services: Entry-level positions as Civil Judge (Junior Division)
- Higher Judicial Services: For experienced advocates with minimum 7 years of practice to become Additional District Judge/Additional Session Judge
16. Public Prosecutor Examinations
Various state governments and central agencies conduct exams to recruit Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors. These officers represent the government in criminal matters. Examples:
- UPSC Assistant Public Prosecutor (Delhi): Requires law degree with 3 years of Bar experience
- CBI Public Prosecutor: Requires LLB with minimum 7 years of experience
- State-level Public Prosecutor exams: Requirements vary by state
Good luck with your exams!
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