IGNOU Offers India's First Diploma in Paralegal Practice
India’s First Diploma in Paralegal Practice course has been launched by IGNOU. The Indira Gandhi National Open University is the first to offer this diploma course in paralegal practice. The Diploma in Paralegal Practice is now available for IGNOU admission for January 2025.Â
If you are interested in law and want to build a career in the same, this diploma course in paralegal practice is best for you. In this blog, we will learn about the IGNOU Diploma in Paralegal Practice course – objectives, overview, syllabus, eligibility, fee, duration, and job options.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Introduction
The IGNOU Diploma courses in Paralegal Practice aims to empower individuals with paralegal knowledge and skills. It makes people aware of the Indian constitution and helps them to understand their rights and positive utilisation of the Indian legal system. Additionally, The IGNOU Diploma in Paralegal Practice opens various opportunities for a successful career.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University is a well-known university in distance education. IGNOU is renowned as the best open and distance learning university. It has UGC recognition and NAAC A++ accreditation for its excellence in academics. Furthermore, IGNOU University ranks 1st in the NIRF ranking under the category of open universities.
It is best suited for those who want to build their career in law but are unable to do so because of personal issues. This IGNOU Diploma provides an opportunity to practice law, assist lawyers in legal research or draft legal documents. The IGNOU Course equips students with a strong foundational knowledge of the legal system that enables them to use public advocacy for the betterment of society.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Main Objectives
The Indira Gandhi National Open University focuses on higher education that is accessible to everyone and contributes to society’s development. Therefore, the IGNOU in Paralegal Practice serves various purposes. The Diploma in Paralegal Practice aims to:
- Develop a strong understanding of the judicial systems that make them aware of their rights and judicial powers.
- Build strong knowledge and skills to access legal institutions and judicial processes.
- Empower individuals to practice in public advocacy.
- Bridges the gap between the vulnerable population and the legal system.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Course Overview
The Paralegal Practice best suits students who want to build a strong knowledge of legal support services. This course covers essential components of the legal system, including legal documentation and client management.
If you are interested in the IGNOU in Paralegal Practice, you should know all the details about the course. Here is the overview of this IGNOU course:
| Programme Type | Diploma |
|---|---|
| Mode | Open Distance Learning |
| School | School of Law |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Specialisation | Paralegal Practice |
| Description | The diploma course aims to develop paralegal skills to enable individuals to practice public advocacy. |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or its equivalent |
| Fee Structure | Rs. 8,400 for the full course with a Registration fee of Rs. 300 |
| Programme Coordinator | Dr. Anand Gupta, anandgupta@ignou.ac.in, Ph. 011-29572983 |
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Syllabus
The IGNOU offers a simplified and comprehensive curriculum for the Diploma in Paralegal Practice. The course covers important topics that build strong foundational knowledge of legal matters. You will study 4 courses (subjects) in this program with one project. Each course has 5 credits and the project has a maximum credit of 12. Hence, the total number of credits in this program is 32.
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLE 1 | Introduction to the Indian Legal System | 5 |
| BLE 2 | Introduction to Law: Substantive and Procedural | 5 |
| BLE 3 | Law and Vulnerable Groups | 5 |
| BLE 4 | Rural Local Self-Governance | 5 |
| BLEP 1 | Project | 12 |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
This table consists of all the courses(subjects) you will study. Additionally, it contains course code and credit information. For further updates, visit the official website of IGNOU.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Eligibility
To enroll in the Diploma in Paralegal Practice, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants should have completed their 10+2 (Senior Secondary) education from a recognised board.
- There is no age limit for admission, making it accessible to learners of all ages.
- Working professionals and those interested in law studies can also enroll in this diploma course.
IGNOU follows an open and flexible admission process that makes the procedure easier for students from various backgrounds to join the course.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Fees
The fee structure for the Diploma in Paralegal Practice is designed to be affordable. The total course fee is approximately INR 8,000, which can be paid in EMIs. Additionally, IGNOU provides various fee schemes and financial assistance for students from economically weaker sections.
Since the course is offered through distance learning, students can save on extra expenses such as commuting and accommodation which makes it a cost-effective option for many.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Duration
The duration of the Paralegal Practice is 1 year. However, students may have the flexibility to complete the course within a maximum of 3 years, depending on their pace of learning. As a result, This flexible approach allows working professionals and students to manage higher studies with ongoing responsibilities.
Diploma in Paralegal Practice: Job Options
Completing a Diploma in Paralegal Practice from IGNOU can open up several career opportunities in the law field. Anyone with an IGNOU Diploma in Paralegal Practice can work in law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, and government agencies, assisting law professionals in various capacities.
Below is a table outlining some job options and estimated salary packages after completing the course.
| Job Role | Expected Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Paralegal Assistant | 2.5 – 4 LPA |
| Legal Executive | 3 – 5 LPA |
| Court Clerk | 2 – 3.5 LPA |
| Legal Researcher | 3 – 5.5 LPA |
| Compliance Officer | 4 – 6 LPA |
| Documentation Specialist | 2.5 – 4.5 LPA |
| Legal Consultant (Entry-Level) | 3.5 – 6 LPA |
The diploma provides the necessary skills to handle legal documentation, research, and compliance work. Whether you aim to work in private firms or public organisations, this diploma is a great stepping stone toward a successful legal career.
Final Thought!
The IGNOU Diploma in Paralegal Practice is best for those who want to build their career in the law sector but are unable to pursue full-time law degrees. The IGNOU diploma offers flexible learning options, affordable fees, and various job options. This course is ideal for students, working professionals, and individuals who wish to enhance their legal knowledge.
If you are interested in law studies and want to contribute to society by providing legal assistance, the IGNOU Diploma in Paralegal Practice is best for you. The IGNOU Diploma course is a great step towards achieving your career goals.