Expected Viva Questions for LLM

Here are Expected Viva Questions for LLM with Sample Answers in English. These cover general, subject-specific (e.g., Constitutional Law), and research-based questions. You can adapt the answers according to your actual area of specialization.

🔹 1. General Viva Questions with Answers

Q1. Introduce yourself and your academic background.

Answer:

My name is [Your Name]. I completed my BA LLB from [Your University] with a specialization in constitutional and human rights law. After gaining some practical experience through internships, I chose to pursue an LLM from [University Name] to deepen my legal knowledge and engage in academic research.

Q2. Why did you choose to pursue an LLM?

Answer:

I chose to pursue an LLM to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of law. I wanted to specialize in a subject area, enhance my research skills, and prepare for a career in either legal academia or higher judiciary.

Q3. What is your area of specialization and why?

Answer:

My area of specialization is Constitutional Law because it forms the backbone of all legal systems and governs the relationship between the state and citizens. I am particularly interested in how constitutional law protects individual rights and limits government power.

Q4. What challenges did you face during the course?

Answer:

One of the main challenges was balancing extensive reading and research with academic writing. Understanding and critically analyzing constitutional judgments was also challenging initially, but over time I developed better interpretative and analytical skills.

🔹 2. Subject-Specific Questions with Answers (Example: Constitutional Law)

Q5. What is the doctrine of basic structure?

Answer:

The doctrine of basic structure was established in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) case. It holds that while the Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its fundamental features such as the rule of law, separation of powers, and fundamental rights. This doctrine protects the core values of the Constitution.

Q6. Explain the concept of judicial review.

Answer:

Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. If any law or act is found to be unconstitutional, the court can strike it down. It ensures checks and balances and safeguards the rights of citizens.

Q7. Compare fundamental rights and directive principles.

Answer:

Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they are legally enforceable in a court of law. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), on the other hand, are non-justiciable, but they serve as guidelines for the state to ensure social and economic justice. Together, they aim to establish a welfare state.

Q8. What is the significance of separation of powers in the Constitution?

Answer:

Separation of powers divides responsibilities among the three organs of the government—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary—to avoid concentration of power and ensure accountability. While India follows a flexible model, the independence of each organ is respected to maintain constitutional balance.

🔹 3. Research-Based Viva Questions with Answers

Q9. What is the topic of your dissertation and why did you choose it?

Answer:

My dissertation topic is "The Evolving Scope of Judicial Activism in India". I chose this topic to analyze how the judiciary has stepped in to fill legislative or executive gaps in public interest cases, and whether this expands or threatens the principle of separation of powers.

Q10. What methodology did you use in your research?

Answer:

I adopted a doctrinal research methodology, using primary sources like constitutional provisions and case laws, and secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and legal commentaries. I analyzed landmark judgments to support my arguments.

Q11. What were your key findings?

Answer:

I found that while judicial activism has often safeguarded fundamental rights and promoted good governance, it sometimes risks overreach. The balance lies in the judiciary exercising restraint while ensuring constitutional values are upheld.

Q12. What were the limitations of your research?

Answer:

One limitation was the lack of empirical data to measure the real-world impact of judicial activism. Also, due to time constraints, I focused primarily on Supreme Court judgments and could not explore the role of High Courts in depth.

Q13. How is your research relevant in today’s context?

Answer:

My research is relevant as it highlights the importance of judicial balance in a democracy. In an era where institutions are being tested, the role of the judiciary as a constitutional guardian becomes more critical than ever.

🔹 4. Practical/Professional Questions with Answers

Q14. What do you understand by legal ethics and professional responsibility?

Answer:

Legal ethics refers to the moral principles that govern a lawyer’s conduct, including confidentiality, integrity, and accountability. Professional responsibility ensures that lawyers act in the best interest of justice while maintaining client trust and upholding the dignity of the profession.

Q15. How do you plan to apply this knowledge in your career?

Answer:

I plan to apply my legal knowledge by practicing in the constitutional and human rights field, assisting NGOs, and eventually teaching law to contribute to legal education and reform. My goal is to work at the intersection of law and public policy.

With Best Wishes