Used Law Books: A Smarter Choice for Law Students

Law education in India isn’t cheap, and it’s not just the college fees. Anyone who’s stepped into the world of legal studies knows how quickly costs pile up. From semester-specific subjects to competitive exam guides, buying every book brand new can burn a serious hole in your pocket.

That’s where used law books quietly step in to make life easier. For most law students, picking up second-hand books is a practical choice that makes sense on many levels. Thanks to BookMandee, buying and selling used law books is no longer limited to local photocopy shops or college canteens. You can now browse listings from all over India, connect with sellers directly, and build your law library without overspending.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying, using, and even selling your used law books.

Why Do More Law Students in India Turn to Old Law Books?

If you’ve been around law students long enough, you’ll know that buying law books isn’t something anyone takes lightly. They’re not cheap, they’re not few in number, and most importantly, they’re not always easily available.

It doesn’t take long before you realize that new books can take a big chunk out of your pocket. That’s when most people start asking around – “Does anyone have a used copy?” or “Can I borrow your book for a week?”

Here’s why used law books are becoming a go-to option for students, exam aspirants, and even fresh lawyers in India:

You Save a Lot More Than You Think

This one’s obvious, but it’s worth saying out loud. A new law textbook from a reputed author can easily cost ₹700 to ₹1500 or more. Now imagine having to buy five or six of them in one go. On the other hand, old law books in decent condition can cost less than half. That means you’re freeing up money for other essentials.

Law Isn’t Changing Every Year (And Neither Are the Books)

While some subjects like tech laws or new amendments evolve regularly, most law books remain more or less stable over time. A 2019 edition often covers the same core topics as a 2023 one.

So unless you’re chasing the very latest judgments, that second-hand book law will serve you just as well for classes and exams.

Some Books Get Better With Use

Used law books often come with helpful scribbles, underlined sections, highlighted definitions, or even margin notes. These little additions can actually speed up your reading, help you revise quicker, and sometimes even point you to case laws you might’ve missed. Think of it as studying with a senior’s help without the pressure.

Old Law Books Are Easier to Find Than You Think

Gone are the days when you had to rely only on senior batches or hope someone in your hostel was selling their books. With BookMandee, you can now search for second-hand law books online, filter by city, subject, and price, and directly contact the seller.

It’s quick, local, and you don’t need to worry about shipping delays or inflated prices from big e-commerce sites.

You Can Sell It Again Later

The life of a law student is full of phases. What’s important in semester two might be irrelevant by semester six. So instead of stacking up books you’ll never touch again, why not sell them once you’re done?

BookMandee lets you create a free book-ad, set your price, and connect with someone who actually needs that book now. It’s not just recycling but smart circulation.

Law Books You’ll Often Find in Every Indian Law Student’s Shelf

Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used law books in India that make perfect sense to buy second-hand:

Book	Author	Where It’s Usually Needed	Why You Don’t Need a New Copy
Indian Penal Code (IPC)	Ratanlal & Dhirajlal	For most criminal law papers and judiciary prep	Content remains stable; easy to find older editions
Law of Torts	R.K. Bangia	First-year subjects, BA LLB, 3-year LLB	Barely changes; tons of second-hand copies floating around
Constitutional Law	V.N. Shukla or J.N. Pandey	Core subject and judiciary mains	Revisions are minor; great to buy used
Contract Law	Avtar Singh	First and second semesters, LLM prep	Popular among all batches; resale value is decent too
Civil Procedure Code (CPC)	C.K. Takwani	Semester subjects, judge exams	Usually dense but timeless
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)	Kelkar	Final year and competitive exams	Not much changes year to year
Jurisprudence	V.D. Mahajan or Paton	Optional subjects, Law Optional in UPSC	Concepts stay the same forever
Public International Law	S.K. Kapoor	Special papers, LLM entrance	Less demand = cheaper second-hand prices

Where Do Students Actually Find Old Law Books Without Running in Circles?

Buying used law books isn’t rocket science. However, it does need a little bit of street sense. If you’re new to it, it can feel like searching in the dark. Ask a few second- or third-year law students though, and you’ll realise that finding second-hand law books is pretty easy once you know where to look.

In India, there’s a whole informal network of book circulation quietly working for decades. Seniors hand down their books, coaching students list their old guides after they clear exams, and small sellers near college campuses stock titles you won’t even find online.

Over the past few years, even the internet has caught up with dedicated platforms helping students buy and sell used books without dealing with inflated prices.

Here’s where most people actually find second-hand law books:

Directly From Seniors (The Oldest and Still the Best Way)

Every law college in India has this silent tradition: when one batch finishes a semester or clears an entrance, the books automatically start flowing down to the next.

It’s not formal, but it works. Ask your seniors as they’ve likely got a pile of used law books they’re either trying to sell or just waiting to get rid of.

Local Second-Hand Book Markets (Full of Hidden Gems)

In cities with a strong student crowd, you’ll find entire lanes or markets selling used academic books. These aren’t just random piles of old novels. These shops often have law books neatly stacked, sorted by subject, sometimes even by university syllabus.

Spots like:
– Kamla Nagar or Patel Chest (Delhi)
– Churchgate or Fort area (Mumbai)
– Koti (Hyderabad)
– Avenue Road (Bangalore)

Walk in with a list of books you need, and the shopkeeper will probably hand you most of them in one go. You can check the condition, flip through to see if any pages are missing, and bargain.

BookMandee Focused on Used Books

Now, if you don’t want to depend on luck or geography, this is where the Internet helps. BookMandee is specifically designed for students who want to buy or sell second-hand books across different categories.

What makes it different from other classified sites is that it’s built with books in mind. You’ll find listings with edition details and seller info. You can search for a book, connect with a seller in your city, and either meet up to exchange or get it couriered without being charged some random ‘handling fee’

Law Fests, Book Drives & Campus Pop-Ups

Sometimes, the best deals come when you least expect them. During law fests, inter-college meets, or orientation weeks, there are often informal stalls or book corners set up by students. These are just people trying to resell books they don’t need anymore.

Don’t hesitate to ask around or keep an eye on your college Instagram stories. These events aren’t always advertised formally, but they’re gold mines if you catch them at the right time.

Not Every Law Book Needs to Be Brand New. Here’s How to Choose

If you’re a law student or preparing for competitive exams, you’ll probably end up buying dozens of books over the years. Some will be essential textbooks, others will be optional references, and a few might only be used for one semester.

The question is – should you buy them new, or pick up a second-hand copy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. But there is a smart way to decide. Let’s break it down.

Go for Used Law Books if:

It’s a Common Title That Doesn’t Change Every Year
You’re Only Going to Use It for One Exam or Semester
You’re Trying to Build a Basic Law Library on a Budget
You Don’t Mind Previous Notes or Markings

Go for New Law Books if:

It’s a Recently Amended Subject or Exam-Specific Title
You’re Planning to Keep It for Long-Term Reference
You Need a Specific Edition or Format (Like a Bare Act)
You’re Particular About Condition and Clean Pages

Quick Recap: How to Decide Without Overthinking

Question	If YES →	If NO →
Is it a long-term, core subject you’ll revisit often?	Consider buying it new	Go for used
Do you need the most updated legal info or recent cases?	New is safer	Used is fine
Is your budget tight, especially this semester?	Used is a smarter bet	New if you can manage
Is the subject relatively static (like Torts or Jurisprudence)?	Used will work	Be cautious with new laws
Do you prefer books with pre-highlighted notes?	Used might help	Go for a clean new one

Don’t Let Used Law Books Collect Dust. Turn Them Into Cash

Most law students have at least one shelf (or suitcase) full of books they no longer touch. These are the books you bought for a semester, used for judiciary prep, or read once for a paper you barely remember now. The exams are over, the semesters have passed, and now these books are just sitting there, gathering dust.

Here’s the thing: those same books might be exactly what someone else is searching for right now.

With every new batch of law students, there’s fresh demand for the very material you’re done with. Whether it’s foundational textbooks, exam-specific guides, or old coaching modules, your ‘used’ is someone else’s ‘needed’. So instead of letting them age quietly on your shelf, why not give them a second life and make a bit of money while you’re at it?

Here’s how students across India make smart use of their old law books:

First, Sort What’s Still Useful and in Good Shape

Start by pulling everything out. Divide your books into three piles:
– Still Relevant (current editions or commonly used titles)
– Outdated but Possibly Useful (older editions, niche topics)
– Not Worth Selling (too damaged or irrelevant)

Focus on the first two. Even slightly older editions of standard books, like MP Jain’s Constitution, CPC, or CrPC commentaries are in high demand, especially if they’re in decent condition.

Figure Out Where You Want to Sell

You’ve got options:
– Directly to Juniors: The easiest way. Put out a message in your class or batch group.
– College Notice Boards: Yes, people still check them! A handwritten note works just fine.
– BookMandee: Ideal if you want visibility beyond your campus. BookMandee lets you post multiple titles, add book descriptions, and reach students across India looking for specific books.

Price It Right (Don’t Overthink It)

Don’t get too emotional about the price. If you paid ₹700, it doesn’t mean you’ll get ₹600 now unless the condition is perfect and the book is still in print. As a general rule:
– Good condition, recent edition = 50-60% of MRP
– Older but usable = 30-40%
– Very old = Bundle it with other books or offer as a free add-on

Not All Months Are Equal – Here’s When to Buy or Sell Used Law Books

There’s a bit of an unspoken calendar that most experienced law students and aspirants follow when buying or selling books. It’s not written anywhere. However, if you’ve spent even one year in law school or competitive exam prep circles, you start to see the pattern: certain times of year are simply better to grab great second-hand books at low prices or sell the ones you no longer need.

The reason is simple: law students, like anyone else, operate in waves. Exams end. Semesters begin. Coaching batches get over. People move on, graduate, fail, pass, or change their minds. Their books move with them. Knowing how this cycle works can help you save real money or make some back.

Here’s a clearer look at how that timing plays out across the academic year in the Indian context:

1. Just After Semester Exams Get Over (December to January & May to June)

This is when many students go into clean-up mode. After finishing a semester or their final year, they clear out old textbooks, coaching materials, and printed bare acts they no longer need. Many of these are still in good condition.

This means that the used book supply goes up, and prices drop. If you’re smart and slightly ahead of your semester timeline, this is the perfect time to stock up. Whether you’re preparing for the next term or beginning judiciary prep, you’ll find better deals and more variety in these post-exam months than at any other point in the year.

2. Middle of the Semester (August to September or February to March)

By now, everyone’s settled into classes and knows which books they’ll actually need. Some students realise they bought unnecessary books early on or ordered duplicates. These extra copies often end up being sold at throwaway rates.

Because it’s not a hot period, demand is relatively low, so you won’t be fighting five others for the same book. Plus, sellers are more open to bargaining because they weren’t planning to sell in the first place.

3. Judiciary Prep Off-Season (July to October)

If you’re buying for competitive law exams, like state judiciary, CLAT PG, NET, and AIBE, this stretch between July and early October is a bit of a sweet spot. Most aspirants have just finished giving their attempts (exams like MPJS, Delhi JS, and others tend to happen around April to June), and they’re ready to offload their MCQ books, subject-wise summaries, or bulky coaching modules.

This is useful if you want annotated copies with highlighted questions or hand-marked guides that someone else used seriously.

When to Sell Used Law Books (If You Want to Make Some Money Back)

New Semester Begins (January or July/August)

This is when demand is at its highest. Juniors, freshers, or lateral entrants start hunting for prescribed books and core subjects. Titles like Ratanlal on IPC, Takwani’s CPC, or M.P. Jain’s Constitution suddenly becomes hot property.

If you’re looking to sell old law books, this is the best time to list your old books either on your college WhatsApp groups or BookMandee where thousands of students search for second-hand copies. Since demand is high, you can list at a fair price and still get takers quickly.

A Month or Two Before Competitive Exams (March-April and September-October)

In these windows, students become laser-focused. They know exactly what they’re looking for, such as previous year question banks, coaching material, quick-revision bare acts, subject-wise MCQ books, and they’re often willing to pay a bit extra to save time.

If you’ve already cleared those exams or shifted focus, this is your best chance to pass your books along and get a decent return.

Right After Results (June and December)

Results season is when many law students start resetting their academic lives. Some are moving into new semesters, others are shifting from LLB to judiciary prep, and many just want to get serious again.

This is a great time to sell the books you know you will never open again. Even lesser-known or non-core books might get picked up by someone trying to get ahead of the next semester.

Quick Takeaways (That Actually Help)

If You Want to Buy Old Law Books	Do It When
You want variety + best prices	Right after semester ends
You want hassle-free deals	Mid-semester lag period
You’re building judiciary prep stack	July to October (post-coaching clearance)

If You Want to Sell Old Law Books	Do It When
Freshers are joining / new terms begin	Jan or July-August
Competitive exam students are panicking	1–2 months before major law exams
Result season just hit	June and December

Local Second-Hand Markets Near Law Colleges: A Goldmine for Students

If you’ve ever walked past the gates of a big Indian university, you’ve probably noticed a few things: chai stalls, seniors in black coats, and a patch of footpath filled with old, slightly dusty books piled high on wooden planks or plastic sheets.

For generations of students, these old law books stalls have been quiet lifesavers when money is tight and syllabi are long. They don’t have the polish of a big store or the convenience of an app. However, if you’re willing to spend 20 minutes flipping through stacks, you can walk away with solid, exam-ready books for a fraction of the MRP.

What You’ll Usually Find at These Markets?

Core Law Textbooks.
Bare Acts and Compilations
Coaching Notes and Digests.
Previous Year Papers and Quick Revision Guides

Where to Look: Some Popular Hotspots for Old Books Across India

Delhi (North Campus – DU Law Faculty)
Mumbai (Churchgate – KC Law, Govt. Law College)
Bangalore (KLE Law College, Christ)
Pune (ILS Law College, Symbiosis)
Lucknow (RMLNLU Area)

Also Read: Most Popular Books on BookMandee

Used Law Books: Real Questions Law Students Ask All the Time

Are old editions of law books still relevant for my course?

Yes, very often, for core subjects like Constitutional Law, Torts, IPC, CPC, and Contract, the law doesn’t change dramatically every semester. Many professors teach from the same books for years. A 2–3-year-old edition can still serve you well.

Can I use second-hand books for judiciary or competitive law exams?

Used law books often come with bonus value: highlighted answers, underlined important topics, and hand-written notes in the margins.

What should I do if a used book is slightly marked or annotated?

Don’t let a bit of underlining or scribbling bother you. In fact, some law students actively prefer books that have been marked up, especially if the notes are thoughtful. That said, if pages are missing, heavily torn, or unreadable due to markings, skip it.

How can I know if a used law book is authentic or not?

It’s rare, but pirated prints do exist with high-demand exam guides. To stay on the safe side:

Check the publisher name and ISBN.
Look for the publisher watermark or hologram (if applicable).
Avoid photocopied “booklets” sold under the guise of study material.

Can I build a full semester stack using only second-hand books?

Many students build their entire semester or exam-prep stack through second-hand sources. If you’re organised and start early, you can easily source everything from core textbooks to bare acts and past papers without spending a bomb.

I’m preparing for CLAT PG. Should I go for second-hand books or new coaching notes?

You can mix both. Many coaching centres’ notes circulate in the second-hand market a few months after a batch ends. These are often still in great shape and can save you thousands. Pair that with a new book or two for updated current affairs or landmark judgement compilations, and you’ll be well covered.

Where do most law students in India buy used books from today?

A mix of places include:

From seniors or classmates
Book markets near colleges
BookMandee, which focus only on second-hand books and connect buyers with sellers across India

A Well-Planned Legal Library Is Built, Not Bought Overnight

In law school, and beyond, there’s a quiet pressure to keep collecting books – textbooks, commentaries, guides, handbooks, bare acts, etc. But you don’t need to build your legal library in one go. You don’t need to spend your entire budget on new books to prove you’re serious. What you need is a smart approach that helps you collect what matters, at the right time, without burning out your pocket or your shelf space.

Used law books offer just that. Whether it’s a ₹100 book that helps you pass a paper or a hand-me-down copy that someone topped the exam with, these books bring experience.

Whenever you’re ready to let go of a few, remember there’s always someone out there who needs exactly what you’re done with.

Read Our Blog

Used Law Books: A Smarter Choice for Law Students

Why Do More Law Students in India Turn to Old Law Books?

You Save a Lot More Than You Think

Law Isn’t Changing Every Year (And Neither Are the Books)

Some Books Get Better With Use

Old Law Books Are Easier to Find Than You Think

You Can Sell It Again Later

Law Books You’ll Often Find in Every Indian Law Student’s Shelf

Where Do Students Actually Find Old Law Books Without Running in Circles?

Directly From Seniors (The Oldest and Still the Best Way)

Local Second-Hand Book Markets (Full of Hidden Gems)

BookMandee Focused on Used Books

Law Fests, Book Drives & Campus Pop-Ups