Many students who aspire to build a career in law often wonder if they can pursue an LLB degree from IGNOU. While the Indira Gandhi National Open University offers several law-related programs, it does not offer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This is because the Bar Council of India (BCI) has strict regulations that LLB degrees must be completed through regular classroom learning, not via distance or online education.
However, IGNOU does provide various certificate, diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs in law and related disciplines for students who want to gain legal and paralegal knowledge.
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IGNOU offers a range of law-based and legal awareness programs suitable for students and professionals alike. Some of the popular courses include:
Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (PGDIPR)
Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (PGDCJ)
Diploma in Paralegal Practice (DIPP)
Certificate in Consumer Protection (CCP)
Certificate in Anti Human Trafficking (CAHT)
Certificate in Cyber Law (CCL)
These programs help learners understand the basics of law, justice systems, and legal frameworks, even if they are not pursuing a full-time LLB degree.
Why IGNOU Does Not Offer LLB
The Bar Council of India mandates that the LLB program must be completed through regular, full-time classroom attendance. Therefore, no university in India—including IGNOU—is permitted to offer the LLB degree through distance learning or fully online mode.
Students interested in an LLB should instead apply to universities and colleges that are approved by the BCI and offer the degree in regular mode.
LLB Eligibility (Regular, Not IGNOU) – 2025
Integrated LLB (5-Year Program)
For students who have completed 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board.
Minimum marks required: 45% for General category and 40% for SC/ST candidates.
Admission is usually based on entrance exams such as CLAT (UG), AILET, SLAT, or university-level tests.
Three-Year LLB (After Graduation)
For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) from a recognized university.
Minimum marks required: 45% for General category and 40% for SC/ST candidates.
Admissions are merit-based or through entrance exams such as CUET-PG, DU LLB Entrance, or similar state-level tests.
Note: Some universities may set higher marks than the Bar Council of India’s minimum requirement. Always check the eligibility criteria of the university you are applying to.
LLB Entrance Exams 2025
Students aspiring to pursue a full-time law degree in India can appear for one or more of the following entrance exams:
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
AILET (All India Law Entrance Test)
SLAT (Symbiosis Law Admission Test)
MH CET Law
CUET LLB or CUET PG (for participating central universities)
These exams evaluate aptitude in areas such as logical reasoning, general awareness, quantitative techniques, English, and legal reasoning.
LLB Admission Process 2025
Apply for the entrance exam: Register online for CLAT, AILET, CUET, or another exam accepted by your target university.
Prepare and appear: Study general knowledge, logical reasoning, legal aptitude, and English comprehension topics. Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Check results and cut-offs: After the exam, review cut-offs and apply to participating universities where your score meets the required benchmark.
Confirm admission: Once shortlisted, complete document verification and pay the admission fee to secure your seat.
Top LLB Colleges in India (2025)
Government & National Law Universities
Delhi University – Faculty of Law
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)
National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
University of Allahabad
Private Law Universities
Symbiosis Law School, Pune
NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Ramaiah Institute of Legal Studies, Bengaluru
ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
LLB Fees Structure 2025
The average cost of pursuing an LLB degree in India ranges between ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per year. Fees depend on the institution type, location, and specialization. Government law colleges generally charge lower fees than private universities.
FAQs on LLB and IGNOU Law Courses
Q1. Can I do an LLB through distance education from IGNOU?
No, IGNOU does not offer LLB through distance education. The Bar Council of India allows only full-time, regular LLB programs.
Q2. What law-related programs can I pursue at IGNOU?
You can enroll in certificate, diploma, or postgraduate diploma courses such as PGDIPR, PGDCJ, DIPP, CAHT, CCP, or Cyber Law.
Q3. What is the eligibility for IGNOU law courses?
Most certificate programs require 10+2 qualification, while diploma and PG diploma programs require a graduation degree.
Q4. How long are IGNOU law courses?
Certificate courses usually last 6 months to 1 year. Diploma and PG diploma programs typically last 1 to 2 years.
Q5. Is a distance LLB valid in India?
No, a distance LLB is not recognized by the Bar Council of India. Students must pursue a full-time, on-campus program to practice law
While IGNOU does not provide an LLB degree, it offers various law-oriented programs that build a solid foundation in legal studies. If your goal is to become a practicing lawyer, you must complete a regular LLB degree from a BCI-recognized university. However, for students looking to enhance their understanding of law or pursue related career paths, IGNOU’s law and paralegal courses remain an affordable and flexible choice.
Many students who aspire to build a career in law often wonder if they can pursue an LLB degree from IGNOU. While the Indira Gandhi National Open University offers several law-related programs, it does not offer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. This is because the Bar Council of India (BCI) has strict regulations that LLB degrees must be completed through regular classroom learning, not via distance or online education.
However, IGNOU does provide various certificate, diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs in law and related disciplines for students who want to gain legal and paralegal knowledge.
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