An integrated law course can be broadly defined as a law course that includes dual conventional degrees, one of which is the degree of law and the other degree could range from being that of law and the other the arts to science stream. In effect, an integrated law course makes it possible for one to pursue the traditional LL.B degree along with another graduation degree, under the scope of one academic curriculum. Both the courses are combined into one and the syllabus thereof is designed accordingly – hence the name ‘Integrated course’. For example, B.A.LL.B covers subjects like sociology, history, economics, and so on from the academic stream of humanities alongside the core law subjects like Company Law, Torts, Contract, Environmental Law, etc.
Course duration of Integrated Law Course
Integrated law courses are full-fledged professional courses and they qualify as the minimum criteria for appearing in the Bar Council of India exam to get the license as a practicing lawyer. In view of the fact that the course curriculum of an integrated law course is detailed and expansive, the duration of the degree is 5 years and it is spread over 10 semesters.
Eligibility criteria for Integrated Law Course
The minimum eligibility for admission to various integrated law courses is as follows:
1.) Minimum 45% in case of candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories and 40 % in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories. of marks in class 12th or equivalent from a recognized board from any stream.
2.) Required cut-off in the national level entrance exam such as CLAT, LSAT, ALCAT (Asian Law College Entrance Test), etc. These entrance tests require the aspirants to thoroughly prepare comprehension and English language, logical reasoning and basic mathematical analyses and current affairs along with general knowledge. A basic understanding of legal implications is also required to qualify in these exams.
Key advantages of Integrated Law Course
Integrated law courses have a fair advantage over the conventional LL.B degree. These include:
1.) LL.B is a degree that one can pursue after the successful completion of your graduation in any stream. On the other hand, one can apply for an integrated programme right after their Class 12th.
2.) For students pursuing the integrated law courses, broader and larger career options after their law course become available.
3.) Perhaps the most important and beneficial advantage is that by undertaking the integrated courses, students save a year which can be better invested in pursuing further degree after law or gaining more field experience.
4.) since a 5-year course will have more number of subjects that need to be dealt over a span of ten semesters, the knowledge base of the students naturally widens and their understanding of the subject becomes more comprehensive.
5.) Five-year integrated law programme will provide one with enough opportunities to participate in MUNs, Moot Courts and other internships that will augment their overall academic exposure and make them truly profession-ready.
Various Integrated Law Courses available in India:
There are several combinations of integrated law courses that are available across colleges and universities in India that law aspirants can choose from. Some of main among them are B.A.LL.B, B.Com LL.B, B.Tech LLB, and BSc. LL.B.