Subject-wise LLM Syllabus and LLM Exam pattern: CLAT PG, DU, AILET etc.

LLM entrance exams intend to assess the candidates’ legal knowledge up to graduation level. Therefore the LLM syllabus includes topics from legal courses at the undergraduate level. While for any of the LLM entrance exams, the candidate must be thorough with what he/she has learnt during their undergraduate. Since universities and institutions conduct their entrance exam, we can observe slight differences in the LLM syllabus and LLM Exam pattern. This article will discuss the LLM syllabus of some of the popular LLM exams like CLAT PG, DU, AILET etc.

LLM Syllabus and LLM Exam Pattern

Since the LLM entrances are conducted at the university level, the LLM exam pattern and LLM syllabus differ slightly. Candidates can find the LLM syllabus and LLM exam pattern details on the respective universities’ official websites. 

CLAT Exam Pattern

CLAT LLM Syllabus

The CLAT PG exam will have two primary sections- Objective and Subjective. 

The objective section will include passages that revolve around legal topics and issues. The aim is to assess the candidate’s analytical skills, awareness of the information or scenario mentioned in the passage and the ability to apply that knowledge.

The second section, the subjective section, demands the candidates to write two essays with a word limit of not more than 800 words. The candidates are expected to exhibit their awareness of the legal scenario discussed, reading skills, analytical skills and application of knowledge.

The CLAT PG syllabus includes questions from various domains of law. Most questions are asked about the compulsory subjects from the candidate’s undergraduate legal degree. Below are the essential topics under various subjects of the LLM entrance exam.

• Constitutional Law: Writ Jurisdiction of High Court and Supreme Court, Constitution of Law, Definition, Construction of Indian Constitution, Constitutional rights, Legislative power, Judicial power, Federal Idea, Freedom of Inter-state trade and Commerce, Impact of emergency on centre-state relations etc.

• Criminal Law: Criminal Elements, Criminal Conspiracy, Attempt to Commit offences, rape and un-natural offences, assulat, abduction, kidnapping, wrongful confinement and wrongful restraint criminal force etc.

• Torts: Its classification, trespass, nuisance, defamation, liability for mis-statements, negligence.

• Contract: Indian Contract Act-1872, Formation of contract, validity, discharge and performance of contract, Indian specific relief act-1963, remedied and quasi contracts.

• International Law: Definition, Origin and Development of International Law, State recognitions, air space, extradition and asylum, Armed intervention with the role of united nations, Sources and subjects of Internal law, state succession, basis of jurisdiction, relationship between International and municipal law, diplomatic and consular relations, legal effects of outbreak war and enemy character, nationality statelessness, international river and canals, retorsion, international law of the sea, reprisals, aerial navigation, settlement of international disputes, outer space exploration and use, jurisdiction immunity, law of contraband & blockade, Diplomatic and consular relations. 

• Intellectual Property rights: Nature, Meaning, Definition and scope for IPR, Trademarks act of 1999, Patents ACt 1970, Copyright Act 1957, IPR in International Perspective.

• Jurisprudence:  Austin’s theory of law, legal method, Definition of Law by Holland and Salmond, Indian Legal System, Sociological approach, basic theory of law, economic approach (Marx’s and Engel’s views about law and state, realist approach-American and Scandinavian realism), Analytical Positivism, hart’s definition of law, Kelsen’s pure of theory law, different theoretical approaches to study law and jurisprudence.

DU LLM Exam Pattern

DU LLM Syllabus

The major topics included in the DU LLM entrance exam are: 

Constitutional Law of India, Jurisprudence, Law of Contracts, Sale of Goods, Criminal law, Consumer Protection, Family Law, Public International Law, Intellectual Property Law, Cyber Law, Environment Law, Company Law and Partnership, Contemporary Legal Issues.

The further sub topics include:

• Jurisprudence: The Constitution of India, Justice and Executive council, Trade Union Relations-Parliament and State legislatures, Distribution of Legal Power between Union and the International states, Emergency Conditions, Background, Highlights of the Constitution of India, Contract Power-Limited Contract, Control for breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, public policy, coercion, improper influence, contract, frustration, remedy for contract breach-Injury, Contribution of Justice to social transformation, Law and Conduct, Rights and Duties, Ideas of Punishment, Positivism, Sociological Jurisprudence, Environment and Legal resources, Legal Procedure- Application of Indian Indigenous Doctrine, The function of electoral Commission, Legal concepts-Rights, Duty, Ownerperty and person, Principle of Country Policy, Amendment of Constitutions, Basic Rights.
• Environmental Law: Remedies under other laws (I.P.C., Cr. P.C, C.P.C.) – Riparian rights and pre-distribution, Elements of the General Environmental Protection Act, International agreements on the development of environmental laws and their policy – From Stockholm to recent conferences (Special Emphasis on Major Conventions and Procedures) – Marine Pollution Control, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Pollution Prevention and Control: Water Act, 1974, The Air Act, 1981.Environmental Protection Act, 1986, The Role of Government in Environmental Protection Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Stockholm to Johannesburg Declaration (Rio), Local Vision and Different Concepts of Local Policy and Law: Before and After Independence.
• Civil Law: International Court of Justice, UNO and organs Global Trade Regime, under international law, Regional and Government Recognition, The concept of royalty and its merit today, The nature of International Law and its relationship to the By-Law, Extradition, Asylum, Nationality & Status of Refugees, Sources of International Law, International Dispute Resolution, Human rights.
• Torts: Correction of Consumer Complaints, The emergence of Consumer Rights, Consumer Protection Act, Complete and Strong Bond – Styles emerging in India, Vicarious Liability, General Defence in Tort Action, Some Rebels – Neglect, Harassment, and Humiliation, The Basic Principles and Principles of the Violent Legal Obligation, Nature and meaning of Tort.
• Criminal Law: General Purpose and General Object, Crime Attack, Conspiracy, and Reduction, Joint Bond; Abetment and Conspiracy Crimes against the Human Body, Cases against Women, Nature and Definition of Case, General Principles of Criminal Law – definition, nature, priorities, and categories of case, Alternative Normal, Charges against buildings. 

• Family Law: Concept of Family Law, SOurce of Family law in India, Marriage and dissolution of marriage, Matrimonial remedies, uniform civil code, Adoption and guardianship.

AILET LLM Exam Pattern

AILET LLM Syllabus

The Subjects includes in AILET LLM entrance exam include:

• Jurisprudence
• Law of Torts
• Property law
• Family Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• International Law
• Law of Contracts
• Criminal Law

PU CET LLM Exam Pattern and Syllabus

These are the LLM syllabus and the LLM exam pattern of some popular LLM exams. These exams will help you get into the top law schools in India. However, several institutions and universities offer LLM. You shall visit their official website to learn their LLM exam pattern and LLM syllabus.