While the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is widely recognized as a gateway to premier law schools in India, many reputed institutions offer specialized LLM programs that do not require CLAT scores. These programs are crafted to offer unique specializations, catering to the growing demand for niche legal expertise. Here are some top non-CLAT LLM programs that you should consider:
1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai - Master of Laws (LLM) in Access to Justice
TISS, known for its focus on social sciences, offers a unique LLM program in "Access to Justice." This course is tailored for those who wish to deepen their understanding of social justice, human rights, and legal frameworks that impact marginalized communities. With its multidisciplinary approach, this program prepares law graduates to work in public policy, NGOs, or pursue academia, focusing on ensuring justice for all sections of society.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 81,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: CUET PG
Tentative Month for Exam - February
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur - Master of Laws (LLM) in Intellectual Property Law
IIT Kharagpur's LLM in Intellectual Property Law focuses on the intersection of technology and law, particularly intellectual property rights. It is ideal for those with a technical background and offers a blend of legal and technological expertise.
Duration of Program - 2 Year
Fee - Rs. 6,00,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: IIT KGP Law Entrance Test
Tentative Month for Exam - March
You should read this article- How to Prepare for CLAT PG 2025 in 3 Months
3. Indian Law Institute (ILI), New Delhi - Master of Laws (LLM)
ILI is one of India’s most prestigious legal research institutions. The LLM program offered by ILI focuses on legal research and policy development. This program is flexible, allowing students to choose from various specializations, including criminal law, intellectual property law, and constitutional law. Graduates from this program often move into academic, judicial, and policymaking roles. The institute is well-known for its high-quality research output and scholarly contributions to the legal field.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 1,50,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: ILI CAT
Tentative Month for Exam - May
4. TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi - Master of Laws (LLM) in Environment and Natural Resources Law
TERI School of Advanced Studies offers a specialized LLM program focusing on Environment and Natural Resources Law. Given the global urgency surrounding climate change and environmental sustainability, this program is designed to provide legal expertise in environmental governance, climate justice, and sustainable development. The curriculum includes international and national environmental laws, preparing graduates for careers in environmental law, sustainability policy, and NGOs advocating for environmental rights.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 1,26,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: TERI SAS entrance exam/CLAT PG/ CUET PG Score accepted
Tentative Month for Exam - June - July
You should read this article- CLAT 2025 Exam Date Out by CLAT Consortium.
5. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad - Master of Laws (LLM) in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Jointly Delivered with IICA)
NALSAR, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), offers an LLM program that focuses on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This program is designed for law graduates and professionals aiming to specialize in corporate insolvency and bankruptcy law, which has gained tremendous importance in India’s evolving corporate regulatory framework. The course equips students with the legal and practical expertise required to navigate the complex insolvency landscape, making it highly relevant for those pursuing careers in corporate law firms, legal consultancy, or regulatory bodies.
Duration of Program - 2 Year
Fee - Rs. 15,00,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: NALSAR Entrance Exam or CLAT PG Scores
Tentative Month for Exam - August
6. National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar - Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Forensic Law
NFSU offers a distinctive LLM program focusing on Criminal Law and Forensic Law. As the first university of its kind in the world dedicated to forensic science, NFSU’s program provides in-depth knowledge and practical expertise in forensic applications within the legal system. The curriculum includes courses on forensic evidence, criminal investigation, cyber forensics, and other emerging fields. This program prepares students for specialized roles in law enforcement, judicial services, and legal consultancy with a focus on criminal law and forensic science.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 1,20,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: CLAT PG Scores
Tentative Month for Exam - August
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7. Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar - Master of Laws (LLM) in Security and Criminal Law
RRU is a premier institution focused on national security and policing. The LLM in Security and Criminal Law offers a blend of criminal justice, national security, and international law. This program is uniquely positioned to prepare law graduates for roles in law enforcement, government agencies, and policy-making bodies that deal with national security and criminal law. With a curriculum rooted in practical application and security strategy, graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in a highly specialized legal sector.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 72,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: RRU Entrance Exam/CLAT PG
Tentative Month for Admission - August
8. Sardar Patel University of Police, Security, and Criminal Justice (SPUP), Jaipur - Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law
Sardar Patel University in Jaipur offers an LLM program focused on Criminal Law. Known for its emphasis on law enforcement, security, and criminal justice, SPUP’s LLM program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical aspects of criminal law and justice administration. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in law enforcement, legal consultancy, and academia, with a focus on criminal justice reform and policy.
Duration of Program - 2 Year
Fee - Rs. 60,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: SPUP Entrance Exam
Tentative Month for Exam - July - August
9. South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi - Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law
SAU, an international institution established by the SAARC nations, offers an LLM program with a focus on International Law. This program attracts students from across South Asia, offering them a platform to gain expertise in international legal frameworks, human rights, trade law, and dispute resolution. With a faculty that includes renowned international legal experts, SAU's LLM program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global law firms.
Duration of Program - 1 Year
Fee - Rs. 75,000 (Approx.)
Entrance Exam: SAU Entrance Exam
Tentative Month for Exam - April - May
Important Note on NLU Delhi's LLM (Professional)
It is important to note that many universities, including top National Law Universities (NLUs) such as NLU Delhi, offer an LLM (Professional) program. However, this LLM (Professional) is not recognized as a valid LLM for the purposes of qualifying for academic positions, judicial service exams, or further research. These programs are typically designed for working professionals who seek to enhance their legal knowledge without engaging in a full-time academic curriculum.
If your goal is to pursue teaching, research, or positions that require an academic LLM degree, you should ensure that the program you choose is recognized as a valid LLM by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and other regulatory bodies. Always verify the specific recognition and validity of the LLM program to align with your career goals.