So, you’ve had a thought about getting a law degree but thinking, Why not do it online? Well, if you’re in India and looking to start your legal career, you’re in the right place! With the growing amount of online learning, doing an online law degree is becoming a popular and smart choice for many ambitious lawyers.
The best part is, you won’t have to relocate or spend hours travelling to a campus. Instead, you can just study from top universities, gain important legal knowledge, and still manage your other commitments without a drawback.
In this blog, we’ll get to know everything you may need to know about Online Law Degrees in India: Which University Offers the Best Program? – From top universities offering these programs, to the benefits, eligibility criteria, and career options. So let’s get started!
What Is An Online Law Degree?
Online law degree is basically a way to study law without having to go to a physical college every day. You don’t need to stick to a strict timetable or sit in long lectures. Instead, you can learn at your own pace, from anywhere you want. It’s perfect if you’re balancing a job, preparing for other exams, or just need a more flexible way to study.
And the best part is that there are loads of options available! Whether you’re into criminal law, corporate law, or constitutional law, online law programs cover it all. Plus, many top universities in India offer UGC-approved online law degrees, so you don’t need to worry about whether your degree will be recognized. With online education becoming more popular, it can open up plenty of career opportunities, all while giving you the freedom to learn when and where it suits you best.
Benefits Of Pursuing An Online Law Degree In India
- Study from Anywhere: With an online law degree, you can study from wherever you are—whether it’s your home, a café, or even while traveling. There’s no need to relocate or spend long hours commuting to a college campus.
- Flexible Learning: The best part about online law degrees is that you can set your own study schedule. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or just need more time to focus, you can learn at your own pace and make it work with your lifestyle.
- Cost-Effective: Online law degrees are usually more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. Plus, you save on travel, accommodation, and other campus-related expenses, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Recognized by Employers: If your online law degree is from a UGC-approved university, it holds the same value as an on-campus degree. Many respected employers and even government sectors accept online degrees, making them a reliable option for career growth.
- Access to Top Universities: Universities like IGNOU, Amity Online, and Manipal Online offer UGC-approved online law degrees, ensuring your degree is recognized and respected by employers and institutions.
- Career-Focused Learning: Many online law programs are designed with career advancement in mind. You can choose specializations in areas like corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property law, all of which give you the skills needed to advance your legal career.
Top Universities Offering Online Law Degrees In India
1. Amity law school Online
Amity’s online law programs are a great pick if you need flexibility but still want a degree that holds value. Whether you’re working or juggling other commitments, their self-paced courses make things easier. Plus, Amity has solid industry connections, so it’s not just about theory—you actually learn what’s useful in the real world.
Course Duration | 3 to 5 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 8.61 Lakh to INR 19 Lakh. |
2. National Law University Delhi (NLUD)
If you’re looking for top-tier legal education from an NLU but need to study remotely, NLUD is a no-brainer. Their online programs follow the same rigorous standards as their offline ones, meaning you get an NLU-quality degree while studying from home. That’s a win-win!
Course Duration | 1 to 5 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | 1 lakh to 2 lakh |
3. NALSAR University of Law
NALSAR is one of the best law schools in India, and their online courses are designed for serious law learners. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, the structured learning format ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world legal skills.
Course Duration | 1 to 2 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 12,000 to INR 65,000 |
4. O.P. Jindal Global University
If you’re looking for a global perspective on legal education, Jindal’s online law programs are perfect. Their faculty includes top legal minds from India and abroad, and their courses focus on modern legal trends, giving you an edge in today’s legal world.
Course Duration | 12 months |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 3.5 lakh to INR 12 lakh |
5. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU offers law-related diploma and certificate courses through distance learning, perfect for those looking to up skill. Their programs are flexible, affordable, and accessible from anywhere in India. While they don’t offer a full LLB, their legal studies options are great for specialization.
Course Duration | 6 months to 3 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 1,400 to INR 10,800 |
6. Annamalai University (Distance Education)
Annamalai University provides an LLM through distance mode, ideal for working professionals. The university sends study materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace. It’s a good choice if you want an advanced legal degree without classroom attendance.
Course Duration | 3 to 5 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 2,000 to INR 3 lakh |
7. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
NLSIU’s Master of Business Laws (MBL) and diploma programs are highly respected in the legal industry. Their distance learning format combines online study with real-world applications. If you want an NLU-backed legal qualification remotely, this is a great pick.
Course Duration | 1 years to 5 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 22,300 to INR 2,80,000 |
8. Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University (TNDALU) – Distance Education
TNDALU offers distance LLM and specialized diploma programs in fields like business law and cyber law. Their flexible format helps working professionals gain legal expertise without attending full-time classes. It’s an affordable way to specialize in niche legal areas.
Course Duration | 2 to 3 years |
Specialisation |
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Fees | INR 3,000 to INR 1,30,000 |
Eligibility Criteria For Online Law Programs
- Educational Qualification: For undergraduate law programs (LLB/BA LLB), you need to have completed 10+2 from a recognized board. For postgraduate law programs (LLM), a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) is required.
- Minimum Marks: Most universities ask for around 45-50% marks in 12th for LLB and 50-55% in LLB for LLM. Some universities may have relaxations for reserved categories.
- Work Experience (Optional): While not mandatory, having some legal work experience can be a plus, especially for LLM or diploma programs in specialized legal fields.
- Entrance Exam or Direct Admission: Some universities require you to clear an entrance exam like CLAT, while others allow direct admission based on merit. Diploma and certificate programs generally don’t require entrance tests.
Admission Process
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible
Before you start applying, make sure you qualify! Most online law programs just need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some may ask for 50% marks or more, and if you’re going for an LLM, you’ll need an LLB first.
Step 2: Pick the Right University
Not all online law programs are the same! Some offer full degrees, while others are just certifications or diplomas. Choose one that fits your career goals, budget, and area of interest (like Corporate Law or Cyber Law). Also, check if the degree is UGC/BCI recognized—super important if you plan to practice law.
Step 3: Register & Fill Out the Form
Once you’ve chosen a university, head to their website and sign up. Fill out your basic details, education history, and work experience (if needed). Keep your degree certificate, mark sheets, ID proof, and a passport-size photo ready to upload.
Step 4: Entrance Exam or Direct Admission?
Some universities require an entrance exam (like CLAT, AILET, or their own test) for LLB or LLM programs. But if you’re applying for a diploma or certificate course, you can usually get in without one. A few universities may also ask for an interview—just to see if you’re a good fit.
Step 5: Document Check
After you submit your application, the university will verify your documents. This step is just to confirm that everything is legit, so make sure you upload clear, valid copies to avoid delays.
Step 6: Get Your Admission Offer & Pay the Fees
If all goes well, you’ll receive an admission offer via email. Once you accept, you’ll need to pay the first installment of your fees. Some universities offer EMI options or scholarships, so check if you qualify for any financial aid.
Step 7: Orientation & Start Studying!
Once you’re in, the university will give you access to their online learning portal, where you’ll find your study materials, class schedule, and assignments. Some also have orientation sessions to help you get comfortable with the platform.
Career Options After An Online Law Degree
- Legal Advisor
Think of this as being the go-to legal expert for businesses or individuals. You’ll help them with contracts, legal paperwork, and making sure they don’t land in trouble. If you’d rather give advice than fight in court, this is a solid career choice.
- Corporate Lawyer
If you’re into business and law, this is a great mix of both. You’ll be handling deals, reviewing contracts, and making sure companies don’t break any laws. Plus, the paycheck? Pretty sweet.
- Cyber Law Expert
Everything’s online these days, which means cybercrime is a big deal. Your job will be to help companies with things like data security, hacking issues, and online fraud. If you’re into tech and law, this is a career worth exploring.
- Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve ever wanted to be in a courtroom, this is your shot. You’ll be defending people accused of crimes or working as a prosecutor. It’s all about investigations, arguments, and making sure justice is served.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer
Ever had a thought who protects brand names, patents, and creative ideas? That could be you! Your job is to help companies and individuals secure their inventions, trademarks, and copyrights. Perfect if you’re into law and innovation.
- Legal Consultant for Start-ups
Start-ups need legal guidance, and you could be the expert they turn to. From company registration to contract drafting, you’ll be making sure they do things the right way. Plus, it’s a flexible career where you can work on your own terms.
- Government Legal Officer
This one’s for those who want a stable job with the government. You’ll be handling legal work for government departments, ensuring policies and laws are followed. Good salary, job security, and lots of perks.
- Law Professor
If teaching is more your thing, you can become a professor and shape the next generation of lawyers. You’ll be researching, teaching law subjects, and mentoring students. Plus, you’ll get to be around legal debates and discussions all the time.
Can You Become A Lawyer With An Online Law Degree In India?
No, you can’t. The Bar Council of India (BCI) doesn’t recognize online or distance law degrees, which means if you want to practice as a lawyer and appear in court, an online degree won’t be valid.
Why? Because law isn’t just about studying, it’s about real-world experience. You need to attend moot courts, do internships, and understand how things work in an actual courtroom. Online programs don’t provide that kind of hands-on training, which is why BCI doesn’t approve them.
That being said, if you just want legal knowledge for corporate jobs, compliance, or business purposes, an online law degree can still be useful. But if your goal is to become a lawyer, a regular, BCI-approved LLB is the only way to go.
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Final Words
Alright, so here’s the thing! Online law degrees can be a good option if you want flexibility, but remember, they won’t make you eligible to practice as a lawyer in India since the Bar Council of India doesn’t recognize them. But if you’re looking to get into corporate law, legal consulting, or compliance roles, an online law degree can still be useful.
Just make sure you pick a legit university, check if the course actually fits your career plans, and don’t fall for flashy ads making big promises. Hope this blog helped you to know everything!
FAQs
Q1. Can I become a lawyer with an online law degree in India?
Ans:No, the Bar Council of India (BCI) doesn’t recognize online law degrees for practicing as a lawyer. If you want to work in courts, you need a regular LLB from a BCI-approved college.
Q2. Are online law degrees valid for government jobs?
Ans:Yes, but only for non-litigation roles. If the university is UGC-approved, you can apply for certain government jobs, but not for judiciary exams or legal practice.
Q3. Which universities offer the best online law programs?
Ans:Top options include IGNOU, NALSAR, and Symbiosis (SCDL). These are great for business law, corporate law, and legal studies but won’t qualify you to practice in court.
Q4. Is an online LLB or LLM worth it?
Ans:If you need legal knowledge for corporate, compliance, or academic roles, then yes. But if you want to become a practicing lawyer, you need a BCI-recognized offline degree.
Q5. How do I check if an online law degree is valid?
Ans:Look for UGC-DEB approval on the university’s official website. If it’s not listed, the degree may not be valid for higher studies or government jobs.