Indian LLB or lawyer to solicitor in England and Wales
The SQE is the one route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, for UK and overseas candidates alike. You can sit SQE1 in India. If you are already a qualified lawyer, the 2-year work rule does not apply to you.
For: LLB students and graduates, and lawyers already qualified in India or elsewhere.
Route 1: Already a qualified lawyer SRA
For lawyers qualified outside England and Wales (for example, enrolled with a State Bar Council in India).
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Start here
A degree (any subject) or equivalent
Plus your existing qualification as a lawyer.
SRA
Qualified lawyers: becoming a solicitorSolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
SQE1
Delivered at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and abroad; the SQE lists Bangalore, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
SQE
Locations for SQE1 and SQE2 WrittenSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
Lists the countries and cities the SQE aims to use; a centre is not guaranteed for every sitting.
View source -
Exam gate
SQE2, unless the SRA exempts you
Qualified lawyers can apply for an SQE2 exemption. SQE2 Oral is held in person in England and Wales only.
SRA
Qualified lawyers: becoming a solicitorSolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
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Goal
Admitted as a solicitor
After the SRA's character and suitability checks. No 2 years of qualifying work experience needed.
SRA
Qualified lawyers: becoming a solicitorSolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
Route 2: LLB student or graduate (not yet qualified) SRA
The same SQE route as UK candidates.
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Start here
A degree (any subject) or equivalent
Law is not required, or an equivalent level 6 qualification.
SRA
Qualifying as a solicitor through the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
SQE1
Can be taken at a Pearson VUE centre in India.
SQE
Locations for SQE1 and SQE2 WrittenSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
Lists the countries and cities the SQE aims to use; a centre is not guaranteed for every sitting.
View source -
Exam gate
SQE2
Written part at Pearson VUE centres; Oral part in person in England and Wales.
SQE
SQE assessment locations and test centresSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
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Work
2 years of qualifying work experience
Full time, or the same amount part time.
SRA
Qualifying as a solicitor through the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Admitted as a solicitor
After the SRA's character and suitability checks.
SRA
Qualifying as a solicitor through the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)- Checked
- 9 Oct 2026
- Is the SQE for me?
- Yes, unless you started training by September 2021: everyone else must pass the SQE to qualify, whatever the route.
SQE
Who needs to take the SQESolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
- Not offered
- SQE2 Written is not offered in the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Central and South America; no SQE assessments in Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.
SQE
SQE assessment locations and test centresSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
- Centres
- A centre on the list is not guaranteed for every sitting; you see the real choices when booking opens.
SQE
Locations for SQE1 and SQE2 WrittenSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
Lists the countries and cities the SQE aims to use; a centre is not guaranteed for every sitting.
View source
Dates and rules to re-check
These change by season or by law. Checked 19 Oct 2026.
- SQE locations can change by sitting: check when booking opens.
SQE
SQE assessment locations and test centresSolicitors Regulation Authority / Kaplan (SQE website)- Checked
- 19 Oct 2026
The home-grown route, pay and what the work is like.