Arbitrator
Resolves disputes privately, outside the courts, through the arbitration process chosen by the parties.
Overview
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution procedure chosen by the conflicting parties instead of heading towards the courts. An arbitrator helps the parties at dispute to arrive at a final consensual agreement or settlement. The responsibilities of an arbitrator include settling disputes, analyzing information using knowledge of facts and industry practice, and creating reports on outcomes of the arbitration process.
Where they work
- Corporates
- Independent consulting
- Entrepreneurship
Work environment
You will be required to work at the desk as well as undertake some travel. Extended working hours are expected. Entrepreneurship: you can work as a consultant or freelancer.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have good communication skills
- You like to analyse problems and situations
- You like to have clear instructions to follow
- You pay attention to details
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1The Indian law does not lay down any specific qualifications for arbitrators.
- 2Complete 10+2 and pursue a Bachelor's degree like LLB/Arbitration Law/B.Com./CA/CS/Engineering/etc., and opt for a professional certificate course in arbitration from the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation. Register with the Indian Council of Arbitration.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete 10+2, pursue a Bachelor's degree like LLB/Arbitration Law, and then opt for a PG Diploma in Arbitration Law/LLM.
Forms, exams and applications
The card lists these law entrance exams: CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), CLAT PG, AILET (All India Law Entrance Test), AILET PG, LSAT (The Law School Admission Test) and ILI CAT. Exam names, eligibility and dates change — check the official notification.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Law. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- National Law University, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, West Bengal
- University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation, Kochi, Kerala
- Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra
- Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi
- School of Law, Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Galgotias University, Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh
- Symbiosis International University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Chanderprabhu Jain College of Higher Studies and School of Law, New Delhi
- Career Point University (CPUR), Kota, Rajasthan
- Chettinad School of Law, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Arbitrator Trainee/Junior Arbitrator
- 2Arbitrator
- 3Senior Arbitrator
- 4Lead Arbitrator/Head of Arbitration Panel
- 5Arbitration Consultant/Advisor
Expected income
₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The card's source is a PayScale page for the skill 'Arbitration' rather than for arbitrators as a job.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Lawyer/Law Officer/Advocate
Trained and licensed to advise, represent and advocate for clients in legal matters.
Judge
Presides over court proceedings and interprets the meaning, significance and implications of the law.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Arts, Commerce, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Rajendra Barot — Highly regarded in India's dispute resolution market for his broad arbitration and litigation practice. He regularly advises clients on a wide range of commercial cases, as well as insolvency disputes. With over 27 years' experience, he is described in the source as head of AZB & Partners' Dispute Resolution practice. He has advised and represented clients in institutional and ad-hoc arbitrations seated in and outside India.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 759 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Arbitration/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card's description mixes arbitration with mediation: an arbitrator decides the dispute and issues an award, whereas a mediator helps the parties reach their own settlement. The rules on arbitrator qualifications and accreditation have been amended in recent years — verify on the official website. The Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (listed twice under government institutes, for New Delhi and Cochin) is a non-governmental institution, so it is shown under private institutes here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.