Kerala LLM admission is done for postgraduate law students seeking to specialize in different fields like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, and others. LLM, or Master of Laws, is normally a 1 to 2-year postgraduate degree providing advanced legal studies and research opportunities. In Kerala, premier law schools like the NUALS, Government Law College Ernakulam, MG University, and CUSAT admit candidates based on entrance tests like KLEE, CLAT PG, or university-level exams.
The Kerala LLM Admission Process 2025 is expected to begin in the first half of the year with the announcement releases from universities and the state operating authority. Admission is generally provided through Kerala Law Entrance Examination (KLEE) for state colleges and CLAT PG for national colleges. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, pass the relevant entrance exam, and go through counseling or direct admission, as the case may be.
Kerala LLM Eligibility Criteria
The candidates interested in applying for LLM admission in the state of Kerala should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- The candidates must have completed a 3-year LLB or a 5-year Integrated LLB from a recognized university.
- A candidate should have scored a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates) in graduation/
- Final-year LLB students are also eligible to apply for admission.
- They should have a valid score in exams like CLAT-PG or university exams.
Kerala LLM Entrance Exams
The LLM admissions are based on national-level, state-level, and university-level entrance exams. Let’s look at some of the entrance exams considered for LLM admissions in Kerala.
National Exams for LLM
Some institutes in Kerala accept the national-level LLM exam, i.e., CLAT PG. Here is the important date for CLAT-PG.
State Exams for LLM
The Kerala Law Entrance Examination (KLEE) is the most prominent state-level exam for LLM admissions in Kerala. Let’s look at the important dates for KLEE.
University Exams
Some universities conduct their own entrance exams for LLM. Some of the university-level exams are as follows:
Top LLM Colleges in Kerala
Here is the list of some of the top LLM Colleges in Kerala. The table also includes the admission process and the LLM fees of these institutes.
Kerala LLM Admission Process 2025
The LLM admissions in Kerala are based on either a national-level entrance examination, CLAT-PG, or a state-level entrance, KLEE. Let’s look at the LLM admission process of the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), which is ranked 38th among the top law institutes by the NIRF Ranking 2024.
NUALS offers a 1-year LLM course in specializations such as International Trade Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law, and Public Health Law. Each of the specializations has 60 seats. The admission process for all these specializations is explained below:
CLAT-PG Entrance Exam - The candidates who are interested in LLM admission should register and appear for the CLAT PG entrance examination.
Admission Counselling - The eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the Admissions Counselling Process in accordance with the rank list and the admissions matrix provided by each NLU. These candidates will have to complete the registration for the counseling process, which would include selecting the NLU preference and paying the registration fees of INR 30,000 for the general category and INR 20,000 for ST/ SC/ OBC/ BC/ EWS/ PWD categories.
Admission Counseling Process - There will be 5 rounds of counseling done, and the candidates will be allotted a seat based on their CLAT score, preference, category, and availability of seats. The candidates who have been allotted a seat will have to confirm their seat by paying the confirmation fee of INR 20,000.
Reporting - The selected candidates will have to report to the respective NLU and will have to pay the course fees and complete the admission process.
Documents Required:
Here is the list of documents required at the time of the Admissions Counselling Process:
- CLAT 2025 Admit Card
- Grade 10 Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- Grade 12 Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- LL.B./ B.L./ Equivalent Degree and Marksheets of all semesters
- Character Certificate/ Conduct Certificate from the Educational Institution last attended
- Transfer/ Migration Certificate from the Educational Institution last attended
- Caste Certificate (SC, ST, OBC, etc.) if applied and allotted under the Reserved category of seats.
- PwD/SAP Certificate, if applied and allotted under the PwD category.
- Domicile/Residence Certificate, if applied and allotted under the domicile/resident category seat.
Kerala LLM Admission FAQs
What is the eligibility for LLM admission in Kerala?
To apply for LLM in Kerala, candidates must have completed an LLB degree (either 3-year or 5-year integrated) from a recognized university with at least 50% marks. SC/ST candidates may get a 5% relaxation. Entrance exam scores like KLEE or CLAT PG are mandatory for most institutions.
Is CLAT PG accepted for LLM admission in Kerala?
Yes, CLAT PG 2025 is accepted by some universities and private law colleges in Kerala for postgraduate law admissions. However, for government colleges under CEE, the KLEE exam is compulsory.
How to apply for Kerala LLM entrance exam 2025?
To apply for KLEE LLM 2025, candidates must visit the official website of CEE Kerala, register online, fill in the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee before the deadline. Application usually starts in June.
What is the syllabus for KLEE LLM 2025?
The KLEE LLM syllabus includes subjects like Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, IPC, CPC, Law of Contracts, International Law, and Human Rights. It is advisable to refer to previous year papers and standard LLB textbooks for preparation.
Which are the top colleges for LLM in Kerala?
Some of the best LLM colleges in Kerala are: Government Law College, Ernakulam, CUSAT School of Legal Studies, MG University, Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram. Etc. These colleges offer specializations in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, and more.
What is the admission process for LLM at Government Law College Ernakulam?
The LLM admission at Government Law College Ernakulam is through the KLEE exam conducted by CEE Kerala. Candidates must qualify the exam, participate in the centralized allotment process, and secure a seat based on merit and reservation category.
