New Delhi, June 30, 2025: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has formally cautioned the public and academic institutions against unapproved LL.M. courses offered in online, distance, or blended learning modes. This move targets institutions that are running programs such as LL.M. (Professional), Executive LL.M., or M.Sc. (Law) without prior BCI authorization.
According to the BCI, notices are being issued to prominent institutions including:
- National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal
- IIT Kharagpur
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
- National Law University, Delhi
These universities allegedly offered postgraduate law degrees through online or hybrid formats without following the Bar Council’s regulations under the Legal Education Rules, 2008 and 2020.
BCI: Protecting Legal Education Standards
The BCI raised strong objections to the use of “LL.M.” in course names marketed to non-law graduates through part-time or distance formats. It noted that such practices mislead students, violate statutory norms, and erode the quality of legal education in the country.
“No university should offer or advertise such programs without express BCI approval,” read the Council’s letter to Vice-Chancellors. The BCI also directed institutions running these programs to suspend them immediately and submit a compliance report.
Justice Rajendra Menon’s Committee Findings
The directive follows a detailed report by Justice (Retd.) Rajendra Menon, who chairs a Standing Committee under the BCI. His findings revealed that several law institutions had been offering online LL.M. courses by tweaking course titles to avoid direct regulatory scrutiny.
“The use of terms like ‘Executive LL.M.’ or ‘LL.M. (Professional)’ without BCI approval is a deliberate circumvention of law,” said Justice Menon. The report also called on High Courts to avoid making appointments or promotions based on such qualifications.
Implications for Legal Aspirants
Prospective students are advised to verify whether any LL.M. course has been officially approved by the BCI. Qualifications from unrecognized programs will not be considered valid for judicial appointments, academic promotions, or bar enrollments.
Institutions found non-compliant may face further legal action. BCI emphasized that even if a program claims to be a diploma or certificate course, it cannot use the protected title “LL.M.” without prior regulatory consent.
Conclusion
The BCI’s intervention is a significant step toward standardizing legal education and protecting the interests of aspiring law professionals. Students must stay informed and cautious before enrolling in any law course outside conventional full-time, BCI-approved LL.M. programs.