Becoming a lawyer in India is not just about wearing the black coat and arguing in court — it’s a journey that requires dedication, knowledge, and a commitment to justice. If you’re passionate about law and wondering how to become a lawyer in India, here’s your step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose the Right Path After 10th
After Class 10, aspiring lawyers have two main options:
Pursue 11th and 12th in any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science)
There’s no mandatory stream for law; however, Arts and Commerce are generally preferred due to relevant subjects like political science, economics, and business studies.
Step 2: Enroll in a Law Program After 12th
There are two routes to pursue law in India:
A. 5-Year Integrated Law Course (After 12th)
Courses like BA LL.B, BBA LL.B, B.Com LL.B, or B.Sc LL.B
Offered by top law colleges like NLUs (National Law Universities), Symbiosis, Christ University, etc.
Admission usually via CLAT, AILET, LSAT-India, or college-specific entrance tests.
B. 3-Year LL.B Course (After Graduation)
For students who already completed a bachelor’s degree in any field.
Offered by universities like Delhi University, Government Law College (Mumbai), and others.
Requires separate entrance exams such as DU LLB, MH CET Law, etc.
Step 3: Internship and Practical Exposure
During the law program:
Internships are mandatory and essential for real-world exposure.
Work with advocates, law firms, NGOs, corporate legal teams, or even judges.
It builds legal skills, drafting abilities, and professional networks.
Step 4: Enroll with the State Bar Council
After completing your LL.B:
Apply for enrollment with the State Bar Council (like Bar Council of Delhi, Maharashtra, etc.)
You’ll need to submit documents like your degree, ID proof, photos, and pay the enrollment fee.
Step 5: Clear the AIBE (All India Bar Examination)
Conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI)
It tests basic legal knowledge and ensures minimum competence.
After passing the AIBE, you receive the Certificate of Practice, which officially allows you to practice law in India.
Step 6: Choose Your Area of Practice
Once you’re a certified lawyer, you can choose to work in areas like:
Litigation (Civil, Criminal, Corporate, etc.)
Law Firms
Judiciary (through Judicial Services Exams)
Corporate Sector (In-house Counsel)
Legal Journalism
Academia or Research
Public Sector and Government Jobs
Optional Step: Pursue Higher Studies
You can strengthen your expertise by pursuing:
LL.M (Master of Laws)
Ph.D. in Law
Diploma and Certification Courses in niche areas like IPR, Cyber Law, Arbitration, etc.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Lawyer
Strong communication and writing skills
Analytical and critical thinking
Research and drafting ability
Confidence and ethics
Understanding of law and human behavior
Conclusion
The path to becoming a lawyer in India is well-structured but highly competitive. With the right mix of academic knowledge, practical exposure, and personal drive, you can carve a successful legal career — whether in courtrooms, boardrooms, or classrooms.
Tanveer Thukral is a legal entrepreneur and the visionary Founder & Partner at Fawyerz Inculcatelaw LLP, a Legal-Tech organization dedicated to bridging the gap between legal education and professional practice in India. With strong expertise in law and a commitment to practical learning, he has spearheaded multiple initiatives that aim to empower law students and junior lawyers with real-world skills and opportunities.
