Difference Between 1 year LLM and 2 Year LLM

Summary: If you are considering taking LLM, you must know that this degree can be obtained in 1 and 2 years. So how do you decide which one suits you the best? Align your requirements with the degree you want to pursue. Know the entire course structure, the benefits of both these courses, and the major difference between 1-year LLM and 2 Year LLM. This will determine which degree suits you the best! 

There are two distinct categories of LLM. It is entirely up to you whether you want to finish your LLM in one year or in two. 

There is no distinction in the degree, and we have laid out all of the benefits and drawbacks of the first year of law school and the second year of law school here so that your questions may be answered.

Is it important to know the course details and structure before deciding which LLM degree is best for you? 

Lets understand the major difference between 1 year LLM and 2 Year LLM. 

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Difference Between 1 year LLM and 2 Year LLM

The major difference between 1 year LLM and 2 Year LLM are as below: 

1 year LLM program

According to a notification that was issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2014, students who have completed either two consecutive Bachelor's Courses or any integrated course that has lasted for a total of five years in the relevant field are eligible to pursue the Master Degree in just one year. 

Again, many people are unsure as to whether or not obtaining an LLM after only one year is sufficient for creating a career in academia.

The answer to this question may be found in a circular issued by the Bar Council of India (BCI) on January 2, 2017, which states that an LL.M. degree earned in one year is legitimate and comparable to an LL.M. degree earned in two years.

Pros

Time effective

You may earn your LLM in one year. Learn more about Placements After LLM Scope and Salary

Variety of specialization

You will have access to a wide range of specialties, including Corporation Law, Business Law, International Law, Constitution, etc.

Strict curriculum

The curriculum is very stringent since you have to finish the LLM degree which normally takes two years in just one.

Less time for research

Because it is a one-year degree, you will have significantly less time to finish your research projects, such as your dissertation and other research investigations.

Offered by top law schools across the nation

There is a maximum number of educational institutions that provide the one-year LLM. Because it is now permissible to get an LLM after studying for only one year, several educational institutions are currently offering such programs. In particular, educational institutions that accept applicants using the CLAT

Trimester or semester system

The semester system utilized by educational institutions differs from institution to institution. If the system is based on the trimester, then the exam will be taken a total of three times; if the system is based on the semester, then the exam will be taken a total of two times.

Check: LLM Admission without entrance exam

Cons

• It does not provide the same kind of experience that one receives after completing a two-year LLM program, in which students of LL.M. take a course in which they teach LLB students.
• The student who is pursuing an LLM in one year has a very limited amount of time to devote to working on the dissertation.
• With the exception of the field of specialty, not all of the topics can be investigated in great detail.
• The one-year training comes with a significant amount of effort and pressure.

2 year LLM program

This is the classic LL.M. program that is often provided by traditional educational institutions. It also has both positive and negative aspects to it.

Pros

Offered by traditional university

It is still provided by traditional colleges; for instance, the LLM program at DU can be completed in either two or three years, and there is no one-year program at DU.

Relaxed curriculum

When it comes to the curriculum, the curriculum is relaxed in comparison to the 1st year of the LLM program. You only have to worry about your major topics for a total of four semesters, which is a wonderful relief because it means you only have to study for half as long.

Ample time for research

You have 2 years so you can do better research.

Check: Is pursuing LLM necessary?

Cons

• Because a one-year course is meant to be similar to a two-year LL.M course, it is time-consuming.
• Most of the time, this two-year education does not come with the option to specialize.
• Due to the fact that it does not have any specialty areas, it does not have extensive knowledge in any single discipline.

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of both programs, it is clear that the one-year LL.M., which allows students to focus on their studies while reducing the amount of time required for the degree, is the most advantageous option. 

But that one year is filled with a lot of pressure, and you need to be able to stay focused and dedicated while also having a strong grasp of how to manage your time. Obtaining an LL.M. degree from a nation's leading law school (NLU) or a recognized private institution can be quite expensive. 

The facilities, setting, and amenities, in addition to the high-quality education, make the expense worthwhile.

On the other hand, the traditional program that lasts two years provides you with many opportunities to improve your research abilities. But in the end, it will come down to the person who decides to pursue their LL.M. 

If they are willing to put in the effort, they can improve their research ability within a year on their own. This will need a lot of dedication on their part. The cost of the two-year LL.M. program is reasonable and won't put a strain on your finances.

Those with little financial resources have the option to go for it. However, a Master of Laws degree from a private university will take two years and can be quite expensive. Investing one additional year in your education or training at a time when competition is so fierce can significantly negatively impact the professional options available to you. 

The fact that the one-year degree does not offer enough opportunities to get teaching experience is the single most significant disadvantage it possesses.

Check: What is the scope of the LLM Course?