Law should be taught at the Intermediate level itself like Science, Maths or Geography to help students who want to pursue it as a career, said Faizan Mustafa, Vice-Chancellor of the NALSAR University of Law.
Students don’t realise their law acumen at the school level and are forcibly diverted to other professions, he said.
Prof. Mustafa was speaking at a seminar on careers in Law and Management, organised by The Hindu in association with IMS here on Sunday.
Engaging students with anecdotes of eminent lawyers, Prof. Mustafa said Law as a profession was increasingly gaining acceptance among students given the huge emoluments involved and good careers in India and abroad. Law course helps Civil Services aspirants as well as it is a major component of their preparation. Moreover, with the corporate sector hiring lawyers, there are huge opportunities in terms of jobs and money.
Prof. Mustafa said the National Law Schools concept started in 1988 with the first Law School being established in Bangalore that changed the direction of law education in the country. The law boom has not diminished in any country and is unlikely to in India too.
Prof. Mustafa said the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is relatively easier than CAT or UPSC as competition is less and students who read newspapers regularly and possess good skills in English and reasonable skills in Mathematics can easily crack it. Aspirants are tested in English, General Knowledge, Math, Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning.
Rajneesh Singh, National Product Head, IMS, said the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) was gaining popularity as management was an important component in every sector now. Several colleges are offering BBA with the option to study Law, Science and Accounts. He advised students to study BBA and choose specialisations at the MBA level.
Mr. Singh said IIM Indore has introduced an integrated five-year BBA and MBA programme and all other IIMs are likely to follow. He explained the admission process of BBA in different colleges in the country. Later, he answered questions raised by participants on opportunities in higher education and employment after BBA.
