• Indian Institute of Legal Studies (IILS) is a private law college in Siliguri, West Bengal.

• Affiliation: Noth Bengal University

• Approved: Bar Council of India (BCI)

• Recognized: University Grants Commission (UGC)

• Provide both undergraduate (UG) & postgraduate (PG) law courses.

Indian Institute of Legal Studies (IILS), Siliguri: A Premier Legal Education Hub

Introduction

Founded in the heart of North Bengal, Indian Institute of Legal Studies (IILS) has become a distinguished name in legal education since its inception in 2009. Located in Dagapur, Siliguri, IILS offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate law programs, combining contemporary pedagogy, real-world internships, and dynamic campus life. With affiliations to the University of North Bengal and recognition from both the Bar Council of India and UGC, IILS is on its way to shaping the legal minds of tomorrow.

1. Historical Context & Institutional Foundation

• Established: 2009, in Dagapur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district.

• Affiliation: University of North Bengal.

• Approvals: Recognized by the Bar Council of India and granted UGC recognition under sections 2(f) and 12(b).

• The institute includes a significant Centre for SAARC Environment Study & Research, positioning it as a regional academic and research hub.

2. Academic Programs & Curriculum Overview

IILS offers a wide variety of legal programs catering to diverse academic interests and career goals:

Integrated Five-Year Programs

• B.A. LL.B (Hons.)

• BBA LL.B (Hons.)

• B.Com LL.B (Hons.)

Three-Year LL.B.

• For candidates who have already completed their undergraduate studies.

Postgraduate Programs

• LL.M. – Two-year specialization.

• M.A. in Public Administration & Governance – Two-year program.

Short-Term Courses & Research Focus

• Certificate programs and workshops to build specialized legal skills.

• National and international seminars including topics like humanitarian law and criminal justice.

3. Campus & Infrastructure

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Himalayas, IILS combines natural beauty with modern infrastructure:

• Library stocked with over 5,000 legal volumes, journals, CD-ROMs, and online legal databases.

• Hostel Facilities offering separate accommodation for male (60 seats) and female students (40 seats), including mess, medical care, and 24-hour security.

• Additional amenities include an auditorium, seminar halls, computer labs, sports facilities, ragging and anti-harassment cells, and a moot court for practical legal training.

• Wi-Fi enabled campus for seamless academic and research access.

4. Faculty & Academic Mentorship

The institution prides itself on a knowledgeable and supportive faculty team with national and international exposure. Frequent collaboration with guest speakers and legal scholars keeps the academic environment vibrant.

5. Admissions & Eligibility Criteria

Integrated Five-Year Courses

• Requires completion of Class 12 with at least 45% aggregate.

• Age limit: 20 years for general category, 22 years for SC/ST/OBC.

• Foreign applicants are exempt from age restrictions.

Three-Year LL.B.

• Requires a bachelor's degree with 45% (general), 40% (reserved categories) aggregate.

• Upper age limit: 30 years (35 for reserved categories). Foreign nationals are exempt.

LL.M.

• Requires an LL.B. degree with a minimum of 50% marks.

Selection

• Merit-based admission (no entrance exam).

• Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews or counseling sessions.

6. Fee Structure & Financial Support

• Five-Year Integrated Programs: Total fee estimated between ₹3 L–₹3.5 L, payable by semester or annually.

• Three-Year LL.B.: Approximately ₹48,000 per year.

• Scholarships and financial assistance may be available for deserving students.

7. Experiential Learning & Internships

• Mandatory internships totaling over 20 weeks during the LL.B. course.

• Opportunities include placements with NGOs, courts, law firms, public sector offices, and corporate entities.

• Regular court visits and student participation in legal aid and outreach programs enhance practical exposure.

8. Campus Life & Student Engagement

• Seminars & Awareness Drives: Organizes legal aid and awareness programs across schools in the region.

• Sports Zone: Over 1.5 acres dedicated to football, badminton, volleyball, and indoor games like table tennis.

• Moot Court & Legal Events: Provides platforms for mock trials, debates, and symposiums.

• Clubs & Cells: Includes an alumni association, moot court society, and student-run events enhancing interaction and employability.

9. Placement Support & Career Pathways

• Guidance through a placement cell offering workshops, internships, and corporate interface programs.

• Alumni placements across law firms, judiciary, academia, government roles, and research domains.

• Growing alumni engagement supports mentoring and job networking.

10. Institutional Ethos: Knowledge, Ethics & Justice

IILS promotes a holistic learning culture grounded in the three pillars: Knowledge, Ethics, and Justice. Emphasizing moral responsibility and societal contributions, it nurtures legal professionals ready to uphold the dignity and purpose of law.

Summary Table

Why Choose IILS?

• Wide range of law programs with flexible entry points.

• Robust practical training and internship mandates.

• Modern infrastructure in a serene, inspiring environment.

• Holistic development through academics, ethics, and outreach.

• Affordable fee structure with merit-based access.

• Strong regional presence and growing necessity for legal professionals.