Difference Between CLAT and LLB: In India, CLAT and LLB are two fundamental terms when talking about the career in law, however they serve different purposes as far as education is concerned. CLAT is a national-level entrance examination to judge the potential of the students who wish to get admitted into top National Law Universities (NLUs) with 5-Year Integrated LLB programs. It is essentially an eligibility test which thoroughly checks the skills of the students on the following subjects: legal reasoning, general knowledge, and English language skills. To study law by CLAT, candidates must complete their education in 12th class or corresponding students before entering the exam.

LLB refers to the degree course itself. It is an academic qualification required to practice law in India. The 3-year LLB course can be pursued after getting a bachelor's degree in any stream. On the other hand, the 5-year LLB course, also known as the BA.LLB (integrated), is a general undergraduate course with combined law, pursued immediately after completing their education at the end of high school, that is, 12th grade.

Key Differences Between CLAT and LLB

Here is a difference between the CLAT and LLB programs in detail -

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What is CLAT?

The Common Law Admission Test or CLAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law courses in India. CLAT is the entrance gateway for law aspirants who want to pursue law at the esteemed National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top-notch law colleges across the country. It is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India

Eligibility Criteria

For UG Programs:

• 12th-grade pass-out/Passed or Equivalent with any recognized board

• Minimum marks percentage requirement may vary and may be around 45% for the general category candidate and above 40% for the reserved category candidate

• 12th-grade-going students can also apply for this exam

For PG programs:

• LLB 3-year or 5-year qualification, or an equivalent law degree with overall required marks from any recognized university

List of Institutes Accepting CLAT Scores

CLAT is accepted by National Law Universities (NLUs) and other top law schools in India. Some of the key NLUs accepting CLAT scores include:

1. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore

2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad

3. National Law University (NLU), Delhi

4. National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur

5. National Law University (NLU), Kolkata

6. National Law University (NLU), Bhopal

Besides NLUs, several private and government law colleges also consider the CLAT score for admissions to their respective law programs.

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What is LLB?

LLB, or Bachelor of Laws, is a professional undergraduate or graduate law degree program aimed at preparing students in gaining the knowledge, skills, and practical trainings required for a career in law. An LLB program offers the foundation for understanding the legal system, laws, and legal processes. In general, it is accessed by those that intend to become lawyers, judges, or legal advisors.

Types of LLB Programs

3-Year LLB Program:

• It aims to attract students who have already earned a first degree in any subject (BA, BCom, BSc, etc.) and now plan to take up a career in law. It is a focused law study program taken after completion of an undergraduate degree in some other field.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with any stream

5-Year LLB Programme:

• The 5-year LLB is an integrated law degree, which is usually undertaken immediately after passing 12th grade. It merges general undergraduate education with specialized legal studies so that in the first few years of the course, students study law along with other subjects such as political science, history, and economics, and completely concentrate on law in the last years.

• Eligibility: Passing of 12th grade with a qualifying cut-off (usually 50% above).

Also read – LLB After Graduation

Summary of Key Differences Between CLAT & LLB

• CLAT is an entrance exam to gain admission to 5-year LLB programs, while LLB is the degree program that provides in-depth legal education and qualification to practice law.

• Eligibility is based on passing 12th whereas eligibility for LLB varies according to the programme one is opting between 3-year or 5-year LLB.

• CLAT is a one-time exam, while LLB can be 3 or 5 years, which depends upon the course.

• CLAT is applicable to students who want to get admission in National Law Universities, while LLB is relevant for all the students pursuing legal career in India.

Also read – Types of Law Degrees

To sum it up, CLAT and LLB represent two critical elements in the journey of becoming a legal professional in India. Deciding between CLAT vs. LLB can be determined on the basis of an individual's academic background, long-term goals, and personal interests. Children who are serious about studying law from an early stage can go for the 5-year LLB through CLAT, whereas students looking forward to shifting to law as a diversified undergraduate course might prefer the 3-year LLB.

Difference Between CLAT and LLB FAQs

1. What is the main difference between CLAT and LLB?

 CLAT is an entrance test conducted to test the eligibility of students to be admitted to National Law Universities (NLUs) and to other law colleges offering integrated 5-year LLB programs.

LLB is the degree course which trains a student in the legal profession. It can be sought from different colleges, qualifying for CLAT or not, based on the college.

2. Can I pursue LLB without taking CLAT?

Yes, you can pursue LLB without taking CLAT. There are many universities and colleges that offer LLB programs, both 3-year and 5-year, through their own entrance exams or direct admission processes. Some private law schools and state universities do not require CLAT scores for admission.

3. What career options are available after completing a 3-year LLB vs. a 5-year LLB?

With both the 3-year and 5-year LLB, similar career opportunities will be open to you including becoming a lawyer, legal advisor or judge, though the 5-year LLB can offer more rounded, comprehensive education with greater exposure to internships, moot courts, and legal research that will stand you in good stead to make it into the top law firms or corporate law.

4. Do I get to practice law after completing my LLB from a non-CLAT university?

Yes, one can still practice law if he/she does an LLB from a non CLAT university, though only if the university is BCI accepted. After completing his LLB degree, he/she must qualify All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to practice in Indian Courts.

5. What is the fee difference between CLAT-based universities and others offering LLB?

CLAT-based universities, especially National Law Universities (NLUs), typically have higher tuition fees compared to other law colleges. The fees for top NLUs can range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per year. Other LLB universities or law schools outside CLAT entrance exam requirements have much lower fee structures, typically between ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per year, which is a function of the reputation of the university and its location.