If you’ve completed your graduation and are now exploring 3-year LL.B. programs in India, you’ve probably searched for it at NLU Delhi, one of the most prestigious law colleges in India.
However, here’s the truth: NLU Delhi does not currently offer a 3-year LL.B. program.
It continues to provide its flagship 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and 1-year LL.M. programs.
But the growing interest in 3-year LL.B. courses has led many top law universities, including NLUs, to start offering or planning such programs. So, while NLSIU Bangalore has already launched one, and NALSAR Hyderabad is preparing to start soon, NLU Delhi hasn’t yet introduced it officially.
Let’s look at everything you need to know about the NLU Delhi 3-year LL.B., alternatives, and what aspirants should do next.
NLU Delhi Courses and Programs
NLU Delhi offers three main academic programs, including BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and PhD, all through its in-house entrance tests, AILET and AIET.
| Program | Duration | Entrance Exam | Eligibility |
| B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 5 Years | AILET (UG) | Class 12 with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) |
| LL.M. | 1 Year | AILET (PG) | LL.B. or equivalent with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) |
| Ph.D. (Law / Social Sciences) | Min. 3 Years | AILET / AIET | LL.M. or Postgraduate degree |
NLU Delhi 3-Year LLB
When NLU Delhi was established in 2008 under the Delhi Act No. 1 of 2008, it was envisioned as a five-year integrated law school, focusing on undergraduate legal education right after Class 12.
Below is why a 3-year LL.B. program hasn’t been launched yet by National Law University Delhi:
- The university was modeled on the integrated legal education system, where law is studied along with social sciences from the start.
- It prioritizes research, interdisciplinary study, and policy engagement through BA LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. programs.
- Introducing a 3-year LL.B. would require approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI) and university governing bodies.
- The focus so far has been on expanding postgraduate and research programs through exams like AILET and AIET.
If NLU Delhi decides to start a 3-year LL.B. in future, it will announce it officially on its website, likely through a separate entrance test similar to AILET.
Check out top preparation resources for the AILET exam here:
| AILET Syllabus | AILET Registration |
| AILET Answer Key | AILET Previous Year Question Papers |
| AILET 2025 Question Paper | AILET Result 2026 |
| AILET Exam Pattern | AILET 2026 Exam |
| AILET Mock Test | AILET Study Material |
Why 3-Year LL.B. Programs Are Gaining Popularity?
The 3-year LL.B. degree is a postgraduate pathway into law, designed for students who have already completed their graduation in any discipline.
- Increasing number of career changers and graduates seeking legal education.
- Growing demand for legal professionals in business, governance, and policy.
- Flexibility — candidates can enter law after completing a bachelor’s in any stream.
- BCI’s new emphasis on expanding postgraduate law education.
Will NLU Delhi Introduce 3-Year LLB?
While NLU Delhi hasn’t made any official announcement yet, the chances are reasonably high in the coming years.
- NLSIU Bangalore’s success with its 3-year LL.B. has inspired other NLUs to explore similar models.
- NALSAR Hyderabad 3-year LLB is already confirmed and will be launched soon.
- NLU Delhi has demonstrated academic innovation with new programs like AIET for postgraduate and Ph.D. admissions.
Delhi, being India’s legal and administrative capital, is a natural hub for a graduate-entry law program.
Difference Between 5-Year BA LLB and 3-Year LLB
The 5-year course builds a foundation from school level, while the 3-year LL.B. is perfect for graduates ready to specialize in law.
| 5-Year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) | 3-Year LL.B. | |
| Eligibility | After Class 12 | After Graduation |
| Entrance Exam | AILET / CLAT / OLETs | NLSAT / DU LL.B. / University-level exams |
| Duration | 5 Years | 3 Years |
| Focus | Integrated with humanities subjects | Core legal education |
| Ideal For | Students starting early after school | Graduates or career changers |
| Examples | NLU Delhi, NALSAR, NLU Jodhpur | NLSIU, DU, MNLU Mumbai |
Explore everything you need to know about NLU Delhi here:
| NLU Delhi Admission Process | NLU Delhi Seats |
| NLU Delhi Placement | NLU Delhi Ranking |
| NLU Delhi Fee Structure |
FAQs About NLU Delhi 3-Year LLB
No, NLU Delhi does not currently offer a 3-year LL.B. program. It only offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. courses.
There is no 3-year LL.B. entrance exam for NLU Delhi yet. However, NLSIU Bangalore conducts NLSAT for its 3-year LL.B. admissions.
NLU Delhi offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M., and Ph.D. programs through AILET / AIET
Yes, but only for LL.M. or Ph.D. programs, not for LL.B., since the 3-year course isn’t available
You can target NLSAT, DU LL.B. (CUET PG), or other university-level exams depending on your preferred law school.
NLSAT is the National Law School Admission Test, conducted by NLSIU Bangalore for admission to its 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program.
Yes, after completing a 3-year LL.B. from a recognized university, you can apply for LL.M. through AILET or CLAT-PG.
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