Top Scholarships for Indian Law Students (LLB, LLM, Legal Studies) – 2025

Law is a powerful tool for justice, social reform, and public service. However, legal education—especially at top law schools—can be expensive. Many organizations offer scholarships for Indian students pursuing LLB, LLM, or legal research, both in India and abroad. These scholarships aim to make legal education more inclusive and accessible.

Below is a curated list of top scholarships for Indian law students in 2025 with details on eligibility, benefits, and application procedures.

1. Aditya Birla Scholarship

• Eligibility: Students admitted to premier law institutes like NLSIU, NALSAR, NUJS, etc.
• Amount: ₹1.8 lakh/year for the entire course duration
• Selection: Based on academic excellence and interviews
• Apply through: Respective college’s nomination process

2. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

• Eligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate legal education abroad
• Benefits: Loan scholarship up to ₹10 lakh with partial grants possible
• Apply at: jntataendowment.org

3. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: Exceptional Indian students pursuing LLM abroad (excluding USA)
• Benefits: Up to USD 100,000 including tuition and living costs
• Apply at: inlaksfoundation.org

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• Eligibility: Indian students applying for LLM or public law programs in the UK
• Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance
• Apply at: chevening.org

5. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

• Eligibility: Indian legal professionals applying for LLM in the USA
• Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, travel, insurance
• Apply at: usief.org.in

6. Law School-Specific Scholarships (NLUs)

• Offered by: Top NLUs like NLSIU Bangalore, NLU Delhi, and others
• Eligibility: Merit and income-based for LLB and LLM students
• Benefits: Partial or full fee waivers
• Apply at: Through university financial aid office

7. Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC)

• Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC students pursuing law degrees (LLB/LLM)
• Benefits: Tuition fee + monthly maintenance allowance
• Apply at: scholarships.gov.in

8. Bar Council of India – Advocate Welfare Fund Scholarships

• Eligibility: Children of financially weak advocates enrolled in LLB
• Benefits: Varies depending on the state council
• Apply through: Respective State Bar Councils

9. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Eligibility: Indian students applying for LLM in Germany
• Benefits: Tuition coverage, travel, and monthly stipend
• Apply at: daad.in

10. IDEX Fellowship for Social Justice Lawyers

• Eligibility: LLB/LLM graduates committed to working in human rights, gender, and social justice sectors
• Benefits: Monthly stipend + mentorship + leadership training
• Apply at: idexfellows.com

Tips for Law Students

• Maintain strong academic records and participate in moot courts or legal research
• Start early—international scholarships often require exams like IELTS/TOEFL
• Highlight public service or legal advocacy experience in your application
• Explore university-specific financial aid and external scholarships together

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in law doesn’t have to be limited by financial constraints. The scholarships listed above offer meaningful support to Indian students studying legal disciplines in 2025. With the right preparation and application strategy, you can unlock opportunities for legal excellence—locally and globally.