Kamaldeep
23 April, 2024
Table of Contents
Are you someone who wants to get under the roots of rules, regulations, and how the system works? Has legal curiosity now become your bestie? Well, we are here to tell you about the undiscovered part of online LLB. Come with us to find out the roads not discovered, online LLB degree course. In this blog, you will find answers to invalid or valid online LLB, why, and how about the validation of online LLB courses. So, if you want to be the next leading lawyer then you need to examine this blog thoroughly:
Before we hop on to whether Online LLB is valid or not, let’s see who regulates these decisions, what the regulations are and what is ongoing regarding this:
The BCI is like the boss when it comes to overseeing legal education in India. While it mainly keeps an eye on LLB courses, it doesn’t have control over undergraduate law courses. The BCI’s job is to supervise the rules and standards for accrediting legal education. This means it decides if online LLB programmes are good enough to be recognised. Its decisions have a big impact on whether online LLB degrees are accepted and respected in the legal world.
Some universities and institutions offer diploma courses, like Cyber Diploma and IPR Diploma. But when it comes to LLB courses, they’re mostly recognised in regular classrooms. The rules and criteria set by the BCI are crucial in deciding if online LLB degrees are seen as legitimate and worth it.
Currently, there is a continuous discussion on allowing LLB courses through open and distance learning. The LLB open and distance learning course is under decision due to various reasons, including its effectiveness, credibility and validity.
Now, that we have looked at who decides the validity of an online LLB course, let’s take a look at how it works (the validity of any course to be held online):
Accreditation: All courses need to undergo an official check like the Bar Council of India (BCI). The BCI decides which courses can be accredited online or through distance learning. The BCI is the final verdict on an online course’s accreditation.
Quality of Education: For any course to be qualified under online and distance learning, it should hold a profound promise of quality of education for students. If the course does not provide quality education as compared to full-time courses, it may not be allowed to be held online.
Employer Recognition: Recruiters/employers require candidates who have passed their educational qualification from a recognised college and programme. If the college or a particular programme is not recognised by different boards then you might lose the chance to get hired quickly.
Real-Time Practical Skill Training: LLB requires practical learning and execution. If a college or online course does not allow practical implementations of learning, you might lose the effectiveness and skill training.
Credibility and Recognition: Credibility and recognition are the two most important deals for any course to be held online or on a distance learning basis. Online LLB still needs credibility and recognition as equal to traditional classes.
Here are some of the reasons why Online LLB is still under development:
| S.No | Limitations of Online LLB Courses | Reasons for Delayed Adoption |
| 1 | Limited practical training opportunities | Inability to facilitate hands-on experiences in physical labs |
| 2 | Challenges in Replicating Classroom Interactions | Difficulty in fostering dynamic discussions and debates online |
| 3 | Accreditation issues | Lack of recognition and endorsement from regulatory authorities |
| 4 | Potential concerns about examination integrity | Difficulty in ensuring the integrity and security of assessments |
Here is a quick comparison between offline LLB vs. online LLB:
| Features | Offline LLB | Online LLB |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Bar Council of India | Absence of accreditation |
| Quality of Education | Offers comprehensive theoretical and practical modules | Challenges in Replicating |
| Employer Recognition | Highly valued by employers | Online degrees may face scepticism |
| Practical Training | Extensive practical training opportunities in physical labs | Limited practical learning |
| Curriculum Depth | Comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on practical learning | Online modules lack depth and practical application |
| Faculty Expertise | Access to experienced faculty members | Online courses may lack interactive engagement |
| Networking Opportunities | Extensive networking opportunities with peers and professionals | Limited networking |
| Research Facilities | Access to well-equipped research facilities | Lack of access to physical research facilities |
| Industry Collaboration | Collaboration with industry for internships and projects | Limited partnerships for real-world exposure |
If you’re an aspiring lawyer here is the list of things you should keep in mind before applying for an undergraduate LLB course:
Graduates of offline LLB programmes enjoy enhanced recognition and trust in the job market, augmenting their employability prospects.
The absence of accreditation may act as a deterrent for employers considering candidates with online LLB degrees, potentially limiting career opportunities.
Practical training is paramount for aspiring lawyers to develop essential real-world legal skills, a component often lacking in online LLB programmes.
Networking opportunities hold an important aspect in the law and judiciary world. Make sure to pick a programme that provides you with ample networking opportunities, and professional connections critical for career advancement.
The comprehensive education and guidance provided by experienced faculty members in offline LLB programmes contribute significantly to holistic legal training.
While online LLB courses offer flexibility, feasibility and balance, their validity and effectiveness remain debated. The regulatory landscape, coupled with limitations in practical training and challenges in replicating traditional classroom experiences online, casts doubts on the credibility of online LLB degrees. Aspiring legal professionals must critically evaluate these factors and make informed decisions when choosing their path to legal education and career advancement.
