With the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a major upheaval is taking place in legal education in India. Litigation is breathing and adapting in the seep of rapid technological innovations – more quickly than many other industries. 

As law programs in India are gearing up to embrace the future (such as innovations in legal education for law students that make use of artificial intelligence (AI)), we are going to discuss here how these latest trends in legal education are changing the world of law as we know it.

Law Programs in India are Evolving

Legal education in India has a rich history, but until recently, it has often been criticized for its outdated curriculum and lack of focus on practical skills. The introduction of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a turning point, aiming to modernise and make legal education: 

• more inclusive, 
• more accessible, and 
• globally competitive. 

This policy brings forth reforms that could potentially revolutionise how the law is taught and practiced in India.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Breaking Traditional Boundaries

One of the hallmark features of the NEP is its emphasis on multidisciplinary and holistic education. The integration of law with other fields such as business, technology, economics, and ethics is a major shift from the traditional standalone law curriculum. This interdisciplinary approach is not only designed to offer students a well-rounded education but also to ensure that they are equipped with the skills to tackle complex real-world legal issues.

For instance, a student pursuing a law program could now explore subjects like artificial intelligence or public policy, making them more adaptable to the demands of today’s legal industry. 

The interdisciplinary approach in the BA LLB program at SMS Varanasi integrates law with subjects like business, economics, and political science. This holistic framework equips students with diverse perspectives, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for navigating complex legal challenges.

According to the Ministry of Education, by 2030, India aims to transform higher education institutions into multidisciplinary universities, with legal education playing a key role in this initiative.

NEP’s Flexibility: Multiple Entry and Exit Points

The NEP introduces the concept of multiple entry and exit points in higher education, including legal studies. This means that students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees based on the duration of their study, allowing them the flexibility to return to education if life’s circumstances force them to pause. 

This flexibility also addresses the issue of accessibility by ensuring that financial difficulties do not force students to drop out permanently. However, experts warn that this may lead to higher dropout rates and could potentially devalue the law degree if not carefully implemented. We think that multiple entry and exit points are typically challenging in the structured BA LLB program due to its integrated five-year format.

Vocational Training and Practical Skills: From the Classroom to the Courtroom

Another exciting innovation in legal education for law students is the NEP’s strong focus on vocational training and practical skills. Law programs are expected to incorporate more clinical legal education, moot courts, and internships to provide students with hands-on experience. 

This approach ensures that students are not just learning theory but are also prepared for the realities of legal practice.

For example, we have mock trials and legal aid clinics allowing our students to understand courtroom procedures, develop advocacy skills, and engage with real-world legal issues under the supervision of experienced lawyers. 

These innovations in legal education for law students make them job-ready, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements.

Bilingual Education: Widening Accessibility

A unique feature of the NEP is its emphasis on bilingual education. State universities offering legal education in India are encouraged to provide instruction in both English and regional languages, aiming to make legal education more accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. 

This move is particularly significant as English remains the dominant language in legal proceedings. By offering bilingual legal education, the NEP seeks to democratise access to legal education.

According to our professors, doing a BA LLB in Hindi can be beneficial for practicing law in local courts and making legal education accessible to non-English speakers. However, it may limit opportunities in higher courts, international law firms, and English-dominant legal environments.

Challenges of the New Education Policy

While the NEP is certainly an exciting development, it is not without its challenges. One of the major concerns is the potential for increased privatisation, as the policy grants greater autonomy to private institutions. Critics argue that this could lead to higher tuition fees, making legal education less accessible to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

SMS Law College is doing its best to offer its BA LLB program at a reasonable price. We also offer scholarships to the right candidates.

The centralisation of regulatory bodies under the National Council for Higher Education Regulation (NHERC) also raises questions about the future role of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) in overseeing legal education.

Technology Integration: The Future of Legal Education

One of the latest trends in legal education is the integration of technology into the curriculum. Law students today are expected to be proficient not just in legal principles but also in digital tools and technologies such as artificial intelligence, legal analytics, and cybersecurity. This tech-savvy approach ensures that students can leverage modern tools to conduct legal research, streamline case management, and even predict legal outcomes.

Many institutions are already introducing virtual moot courts and online legal databases, allowing students to participate in simulated legal environments and collaborate across geographical boundaries. According to a 2021 survey by Legal Tech India, over 65% of law schools have started incorporating legal tech tools into their curriculum, preparing students for a rapidly digitalising legal profession.

Innovations in Legal Education for Law Students: Constitutional Values and Ethics

Restoring public trust in the legal profession is one of the core aims of the NEP. The policy mandates the inclusion of constitutional values and ethical training as part of legal education in India. 

We have always taught our law students to uphold social, economic, and political justice, in alignment with constitutional principles. We think that this ethical grounding is crucial in ensuring that future legal professionals contribute positively to society.

Embracing the Global Perspective

The NEP has a strong focus on aligning Indian legal education with global best practices. Law students are now being encouraged to participate in international exchange programs, attend global legal seminars, and even pursue dual degrees with foreign universities. 

This global outlook prepares Indian students to compete in the international legal arena and increases their employability with multinational law firms.

Law Program Innovations: Global Competitiveness

To ensure that legal education in India keeps pace with international standards, NEP 2020 proposes reforms aimed at fostering global competitiveness. These reforms include: 

• revising the curriculum to match international legal education frameworks,
• incorporating global legal case studies, and 
• promoting research that addresses global challenges such as:
  • climate change,
  • human rights, and 
  • digital privacy.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Legal Education in India

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a step forward in offering inclusive and innovative legal education in India. It focuses on an integrative approach to learning, experiential skills training, forward-looking technology tools and a moral compass that can help orient the next generation of international legal professionals. 

While there are several challenges in the reforms, such as privatisation and accessibility, we believe that when combined with these technology drives, they have the power to change how we train and interact with our lawyers. 

Accepting these changes in future forms of legal education will not only prepare you for a legal career in India better but also provide you with the tools necessary to thrive as lifelong learners and serve an ever more dynamic and globally interconnected world. 

All this makes for a very exciting future of legal education in India.