For the graduating batch at my college, I don't know if it is the pay or the 'prestige' (or peer group affirmation) which drives students towards Law firms. While the usual numbers did apply for the 10+ LPA band, below that (which is still great pay), the number of applications went down to zero or low single digits. And this happened in perhaps the worst entry level market in recent times. Off late while litigation (even if at relatively low pays) or other exams or policy places are deemed respectable, I don't think there is enough popularity/respect for other career ops and I think that plays a major role. There is very little to differentiate working at an attractive start-up in a non-law role v. taking some exam or legal job while you take time to figure out a real law job, so I am guessing the main difference is popularity/respect.
For the graduating batch at my college, I don't know if it is the pay or the 'prestige' (or peer group affirmation) which drives students towards Law firms. While the usual numbers did apply for the 10+ LPA band, below that (which is still great pay), the number of applications went down to zero or low single digits. And this happened in perhaps the worst entry level market in recent times. Off late while litigation (even if at relatively low pays) or other exams or policy places are deemed respectable, I don't think there is enough popularity/respect for other career ops and I think that plays a major role. There is very little to differentiate working at an attractive start-up in a non-law role v. taking some exam or legal job while you take time to figure out a real law job, so I am guessing the main difference is popularity/respect.