To become a lawyer in India you must earn a law degree, either a five year integrated LLB after Class 12 or a three year LLB after graduation, and then clear the All India Bar Examination to practise.
After Class 12, the most direct route is a five year integrated course like BA LLB or BBA LLB. Entry to the top law schools is through the CLAT exam, though many colleges have their own entrance tests. If you decide on law after completing a degree, you can instead do a three year LLB.
During the law degree you study subjects like constitutional law, criminal law, and corporate law, and you gain practical exposure through moot courts and internships, which are extremely important for building skills and contacts.
After completing your LLB, you register with a State Bar Council and clear the All India Bar Examination, which then allows you to practise as an advocate in India.
From there, the paths are wide. You can practise independently, join a law firm, work as a corporate legal advisor, prepare for the judiciary, or specialise in areas like cyber law or intellectual property.
Example: A student who chose BA LLB through CLAT interned every year at law firms and courts, built a strong network, and moved smoothly into a corporate law firm after graduation.
One practical tip: Do internships every single year of your law degree. In law, real experience and connections often matter as much as your marks.