Law student outlines the differences between the three-year and five-year bachelor of law degree courses

A typical dilemma that most law aspirants face after Class 12 is whether they should graduate from a regular stream and then take up the threeyear LLB course, or, whether they should directly plunge into the fiveyear law course. Here’s putting forth the case for both the programmes.
ILLUSTRATION: JAYANTO Five years strong
Saves time: The biggest advantage is that students save a year, while those who do the three-year course after graduation study for six years. Also, none of the prestigious National Law Schools offer the three-year course. .

Builds a base: Sneha Misra, a student from Dr DY Patil College of Law says, “If you are sure that law is the career for you, the five-year course forms a stronger base. Also, you don’t need to change track from your bachelor’s field to law.” Haabil Vahanvaty, a Government Law College student, adds, “You get to spend more time in law college, and explore law through internships, moot courts, research papers etc.”
Three years supple
Expands your knowledge: “Law cannot operate in a vacuum,” says Dr Nilima Chandiramani, former dean of faculty of law at University of Mumbai. “Students of the three-year course are in a better position to interpret law thanks to their knowledge of other, diverse subjects.” Chandni Tanna, a second year student of the three-year course at GLC adds, “As graduates, students can amalgamate the two streams and apply their insights from both.” For instance, pursuing a mass media degree is conducive to a student interested in legal journalism.
Gives you time: For those who are not sure whether they are cut out for a career in law, the three-year course gives you time to analyse your options. Chandiramani says, “After Class 12, students may not be in the position or have the required level of maturity to make an informed choice about their career path.”