Criminal Law Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: BS, B.A., L.L.M, M.S, B.A.(Hons)
What is Criminal Law
Criminal law course is an academic programme that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the legal principles governing criminal conduct and the justice system. It covers the fundamentals of criminal law, the categories of crimes, the components of offences, and the defences. Criminal law courses often incorporate practical components such as case studies, moot court exercises, and internships.
In this branch of law, students investigate several kinds of crimes, including violent crimes, cybercrimes, property crimes, and white-collar crimes, and they learn about the social and legal outcome of each. In addition to learning about the processes involved in criminal investigations, trials, and sentencing, students may also take a course on current topics including criminology and forensic law, and ethical dilemmas.
Students graduate from this course with a thorough understanding of criminal law and its applications, setting them up for jobs in law enforcement, legal practice, policy analysis, or related fields of higher education. These profiles are offered in various law firms for an average package of Rs. 4.9 LPA. Around 124 colleges in India offer courses in Criminal Law.
Highlights- Criminal Law
Particulars | Values |
Branch Name | Criminal Law |
Degree | LLB, Diploma, and LLM |
Duration | UG: 3 years PG: 2 years |
Eligibility | UG: Completion of 10+2 in any stream PG: Graduation in law or related field with a minimum 50 per cent aggregate. |
Admission Process | Admission Examination and Merit Scores |
Entrance Exam | UG: CLAT, SET SLAT, AILET PG: LSAT, CLAT PG, CUET PG |
Course Fees | Rs. 12,000 - Rs. 10 lakhs |
Job Profiles | Criminal lawyer, Criminologist, Government Lawyer , Public Prosecutor |
Average Salary | Rs. 4.9 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | JP Morgan Chase Bank, Sairam Law Associates, Lawtendo, International Justice Mission, Space Consultants, Disha Law Firm, Universal Hunt, KPS Legal, RJ Cube Staffing Solutions PVT. Ltd., Adani Enterprises Ltd. |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Criminal law offers a variety of specialisations and related fields that cater to diverse interests and career paths. Candidates can choose the specialisations based on their interests and future goals. Some of the popular specialisations offered in the field of Criminal Law are mentioned in the table below.
Juvenile Justice | |
White-Collar Crime | Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation |
Victim Advocacy | Human Rights and Criminal Law |
Top Private Criminal Law Colleges in India with Fees
Many private universities in India offer Criminal Law courses at slightly higher tuition fees. These colleges are highly reputed and provide good placement opportunities to graduates in the field of Criminal Law. Prior academic achievements and admission test scores are used to determine admission into the programme. Criminal Law is offered by several of India's top private institutions.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
Rs. 1.98 Lakhs | |
Rs. 10.50 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 1.30 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.55 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.25 Lakhs | |
Rs. 1.56 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 80,000 | |
- |
Top Government Criminal Law Colleges in India with Fees
Many top Government colleges in India provide Criminal Law courses. Attending a government engineering college is less expensive than attending a private college. These colleges are well known for their high academic standards and affordable fees throughout India. The following are some of the best government colleges that provide Criminal Law courses:
Colleges | Fee Structure |
Rs. 64,000 | |
Rs. 1.46 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25,000 | |
Rs. 17,300 | |
Rs. 12,600 | |
- |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Criminal Law
Those interested in pursuing a course in Criminal Law need to fulfil the eligibility details required by the colleges. For undergraduate degrees, students generally need to complete their 10+2. For PG degrees, they require a Bachelor’s degree in similar or related disciplines. The eligibility details for Criminal Law courses are mentioned below.
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
Candidates interested in pursuing Criminal Law courses at an undergraduate level must satisfy certain eligibility criteria. These admission requirements may vary from one institute to another. However, some of the most common eligibility conditions to get admission into the course are listed below:
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 in any stream from a recognised institution.
- Aspirants must have completed their higher education with a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
- Students may have to appear for entrance examinations if prescribed by their respective colleges.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
Aspiring candidates need to appear for certain entrance examinations before applying for admission. Some colleges may conduct university-specific examinations for Criminal Law courses. In the table below, we have provided the details of a popular examination for UG degrees.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | National Law University | ||
University | Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune | - | |
University | NLU Delhi |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
Students who have completed their undergraduate degree in Criminal Law can further pursue their post-graduation in the same field. The admission requirements may vary by the institute. Students must meet the eligibility requirements of the chosen institute before applying for the admissions. However, the common eligibility details of the course are listed below.
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree preferably in Law or related disciplines.
- They must have completed the bachelor’s degree with at least 55 per cent from a recognised institute in India.
- Aspirants may have to take PG Entrance exams as conducted by academic institutes.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Candidates who aspire to pursue their postgraduate degree must appear for certain entrance examinations. Those who have successfully cleared these entrance examinations can get admission depending on their cutoff marks. The popular examinations for Criminal Law are listed below.
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | Law School Admission Council | ||
National | Consortium of National Law Universities (NLU’s) | - | |
National | National Testing Agency |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Criminal Law in India and Abroad
Criminal law has a wide application in India since it is the cornerstone of the nation's legal system for upholding justice and public order. Criminal law is a dynamic and ever-evolving discipline, with a growing demand for expertise in cybercrime, financial fraud, and human rights. The field of criminal law offers a variety of professional routes and the opportunity to significantly impact justice systems both domestically and globally.
Global legal norms and practices have an impact on the wide range of options that criminal law presents globally. Attorneys can focus on topics like international criminal law, collaborating with institutions like the International Criminal Court to tackle transnational crimes. Criminal investigations have also been transformed by advances in forensic science and technology, necessitating the necessity for professionals who can successfully manage these changes.
Course Fees Criminal Law
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
64.00 K
Diploma in Criminal Law at SunRise University, Alwar
|
---
Data not available
|
21.19 Lakhs
B.A. L.L.B in Criminal Law at School of Law, UPES, Dehradun
|
---
Data not available
|
| PG |
24.00 K
L.L.M in Criminal Law at Visakha Law College, Visakhapatnam
|
12.68 K
L.L.M in Criminal Law at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
|
6.26 Lakhs
L.L.M in Criminal Law at India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa
|
1.46 Lakhs
L.L.M in Criminal Law at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam
|
| DOCTORAL |
1.75 Lakhs
Ph.D in Criminal Law at Woxsen University, Hyderabad
|
---
Data not available
|
5.75 Lakhs
Ph.D in Criminal Law at Woxsen University, Hyderabad
|
---
Data not available
|
Course Subjects
In this section, we will discuss the syllabus of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Criminal Law specialisation. The syllabus slightly varies from one institution to another, some of the courses offered are Research Methods and Legal Writing, Criminal Liability and Defences, Crimes Against Public Morality, and International Criminal Law. Mentioned below is the syllabus of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of Criminal Law.
Criminal Law Syllabus for UG Courses
Criminal Law as a specialisation is not offered at undergraduate level, though some subjects are related to Criminal Law in the undergraduate degree. The curriculum of these degrees provides the students with ample theoretical and practical learning. In the table below we have mentioned some of the topics related to Criminal Law covered in an undergraduate degree in law.
Introduction to Criminal Law | Vicarious Liability and Corporate Crimes |
Historical Development of Criminal Law | Criminal Investigation and Evidence |
Sources of Criminal Law | Defences in Criminal Law |
Elements of a Crime | Crimes Against Public Order |
Classification of Crimes | Unlawful Assembly |
Criminal Liability and Defences | Sedition |
Offences against Property | Crimes Against Public Morality |
Theft | Terrorism |
Robbery | Juvenile Justice |
Burglary | International Criminal Law |
Fraud | Victims' Rights and Restorative Justice |
White-Collar Crimes | Emerging Issues in Criminal Law |
Cybercrimes | Technological advancements and criminal law |
Criminal Law Reform | Police Powers and Accountability |
Contemporary Debates in Criminal Law | Prosecution and Defense |
Case Studies and Analysis | Judiciary and Courts |
Criminal Law Syllabus for PG Courses
The academic curriculum of PG courses in Criminal Law equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to excel in the field. Some of the subjects offered in the postgraduate Criminal Law courses are Introduction to Criminal Law, Scopes of Criminal Law, and Criminal Law reform. In the table below we have mentioned the syllabus of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.
Semester- I | |
Legal Theories | Indian Constitutional Law: The New Challenges |
Public International Law | Penology |
Privileged Class Deviance | Drug Addiction |
Semester- II | |
Judicial Process | Law and Social Transformation in India |
Legal Research Methodology | Principles of Criminal Law |
Comparative Criminal Procedure | Offences related to Juveniles |
Semester- III | |
Criminology | Laws of Evidence |
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation | Cyber Crimes |
Human Rights in Criminal Justice System | Police and Criminal Justice System |
Semester- IV | |
Doctrinal Research | Clinical Research Report |
Dissertation and Submission of Thesis | |
Careers in Criminal Law
A career in criminal law can be extremely lucrative and educational. Those with a strong sense of justice and an interest in public service will find the field appealing. It is also a good option for those interested in trial practice and litigation. Criminal lawyers typically act as prosecutors or defence lawyers.
Defence lawyers can work for a public defence organisation, as sole practitioners, or as part of a law company. Prosecutors work for the government at either the local, city, or county prosecutor's office, the state attorney general's office's criminal division, or the United States Attorney's Office. Some of the careers options are:
Job Profiles | Job Descriptions |
A criminal lawyer is a lawyer who specialises in criminal law and punishment and represents those who have been accused of committing a crime. Bail bond hearings, plea bargaining, trials, dismissal hearings, appeals, and post-conviction procedures all fall under his or her purview. | |
Criminologist | Criminologists gather and analyse data from crime scenes in order to discover why and how a crime occurred. They may collaborate with sociologists, psychologists, scientists, and law enforcement personnel to gain a better knowledge of a given crime scene and to avoid future criminal activity. |
A Government lawyer is a professional lawyer responsible for writing legal documents and handling all criminal and civil cases. These lawyers can work in tax departments, environmental, and justice legislation. Government lawyer works under a senior government lawyer in the drafting of proposed bills and debates. | |
Public Prosecutor | A Public Prosecutor is the person in charge of criminal cases in the court system. A Public Prosecutor is a judicial officer appointed by the state. The term "Public" implies that he is a state representative chosen in the interest of the common person in India's established criminal justice system. He is a state agent appointed in criminal procedures. |
Upcoming trends
Criminal Law is an ever evolving field and is constantly being influenced by new advancements and changes in the demands. The field is changing in response to societal changes, technological advancements, and global challenges. Mentioned below are some of the recent advancements in the field of Criminal Law:
- Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
- Restorative Justice
- International Collaboration
- Legal Reforms and Decarceration
- Focus on Human Rights
- Protecting the privacy of civil rights
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Criminal law involves a wide range of job profiles, including those of judges, prosecutors, and defence lawyers who enforce and interpret the law within the legal system. In order to handle complicated and dynamic criminal concerns, legal practitioners can additionally specialise in fields like cybercrime, forensic analysis, and international law.
Top Recruiters:
- JP Morgan Chase Bank
- Sairam Law Associates
- Lawtendo
- International Justice Mission
- Space Consultants
- Disha Law Firm
- Universal Hunt
- KPS Legal
- RJ Cube Staffing Solutions PVT. Ltd.
- Adani Enterprises Ltd.
Average Salary
Candidates in the field of Criminal Law are offered lucrative benefits and high salary packages. The salary for criminal lawyers varies a lot depending on the experience, and the number of wins in cases. In the table below we have mentioned the average salary for some of the top career options in the field of Criminal Law.
Job Profiles | Average Expected Salary |
Criminal lawyer | Rs. 3 LPA |
Criminologist | Rs. 3.8 LPA |
Government Lawyer | Rs. 4.8 LPA |
Public Prosecutor | Rs. 6.5LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location, and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Criminal Law
A career in criminal law demands a unique and comprehensive skill set to effectively navigate complex legal issues and advocate for clients. Students who wish to enter the field must possess a combination of various skills and qualities that will help them to excel in their careers. Mentioned below are some of the important attributes and skills required for the Criminal Law field.
- Analytical Skills
- Critical thinking
- Strong Communication
- Research Proficiency
- Ethical Judgement
- Negotiation Skills
- Resilience and Stress Management
Course Curriculum for Criminal Law
The course of criminal law comprises various subjects which teaches the students different laws involved in the jurisdiction. They also learn English for smooth court trials. They need to maintain the code of conduct in courtrooms and keep their client’s trust in getting them justice.They will also learn the different policies and the politics that go on in the courtroom.
The students will also learn how to legally deal with a case, what facts and reasonings they have to make clear before appearing in the court and how to prove that his/her client is innocent is all taught to them. They also learn about the different penalties and punishments given during a particular crime and how they can reduce it by bargain and plead.
Popular Criminal Law Entrance Exams in India
Popular Criminal Law Colleges in India VIEW ALL
NIMS University, Jaipur
- Fees: ₹ 40000
.jpg)
Sharda University
- Fees: ₹ 180000
TNDALU Chennai
- Fees: ₹ 64000
Singhania University, Jhunjhunu
- Fees: ₹ 80000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How is Criminal Law different from Civil Law?
Answer :
Civil Law deals only with the matters pertaining to domestic and commercial disputes that do not cause any bodily harm to anyone. Whereas, Criminal Law primarily deals with acts that harm society.
Question: Who are the top recruiters of Criminal Law courses?
Answer :
The top recruiters of Criminal Law course includes JP Morgan Chase Bank, Lawtendo, KPS Legal, RJ Cube Staffing Solutions Pvt Ltd, KPS Legal, Advani Enterprises Ltd.
Question: What is the average salary of a Criminal Law graduate?
Answer :
The average salary of a Criminal Law graduate depends on various factors such as the Location of the company, experience and qualification of the graduate. The average salary of a Criminal Lawyer is Rs 4.9 LPA.
Question: What are the required skills for a Criminal Law degree?
Answer :
Candidates must possess certain skills in order to do well in their academics and profession. These skills are Writing and Speaking Skills, Research and Investigative Skills, Legal Knowledge, Interpersonal Skills, Creative and Time Management Skills.
Question: What are the top entrance exams for UG and PG courses in Criminal Law?
Answer :
The top entrance exams for Criminal Law are CLAT UG, LSAT, CLAT PG, AILET. These entrance exams are very crucial for determining the candidates admission to the course.
