JGLS aspirants are encouraged to begin early preparation for LNAT-UK, with the registration schedule

Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) has mandated the globally recognized Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT-UK) for its 2026 admissions. With the registration and testing window currently open, aspirants must prioritize early and strategic preparation. The LNAT is a 2 hour 15 minute exam testing critical reasoning and aptitude, not legal knowledge. Notably, JGLS considers only the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) section score, not the essay. Start preparing now, familiarize yourself with the 42-question format, and target the early admission phase to maximize your chances of securing a seat in one of India's top law schools.

For law aspirants targeting admission into the prestigious 5-year integrated B.A./B.B.A./B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.) programs at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), the pathway is now firmly set through the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT-UK). This globally benchmarked entrance examination, which is also a requirement for leading UK law institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, is mandatory for JGLS admissions for the 2026 academic session.

​With the LNAT registration window already open and testing underway since September 1, 2025, the critical message for every aspiring law student is clear: begin your preparation now. Success in the LNAT is not about rote memorization of facts but the demonstration of superior critical thinking, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills—aptitudes vital for success in a global legal education. Understanding the LNAT format and adhering to the early registration schedule are the two most crucial steps to securing your spot.

​Dissecting the LNAT-UK Exam Format for JGLS 

​The LNAT is a computer-based test (CBT) that assesses aptitude rather than subject-specific knowledge. It has a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into two distinct sections. A critical note for JGLS applicants: unlike the UK universities that utilize the full LNAT score, JGLS admissions are based solely on the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) score (Section A).

• ​Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) 
  • ​Time Allotted: 95 minutes
  • ​Structure: This section contains 42 Multiple-Choice Questions based on 12 argumentative passages of text. Each passage is followed by 3 or 4 questions.
  • ​Skills Tested: The MCQs test your ability to comprehend, interpret, and draw logical conclusions from complex written arguments. Key skills include critical thinking, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
  • ​Scoring: The score is calculated out of 42. There is no negative marking, so candidates are advised to attempt all questions.
• ​Section B: Essay Writing 
  • ​Time Allotted: 40 minutes
  • ​Structure: Candidates must write one argumentative essay chosen from three given subjects (typically covering socio-political, ethical, or abstract themes). The recommended essay length is between 550 and 650 words (maximum 750 words).
  • ​JGLS Policy: JGLS does NOT require or consider the essay score (Section B) for its undergraduate admissions. Candidates applying exclusively to JGLS can opt to skip this section, though practicing essay writing is always beneficial for improving analytical skills.
• ​Exam Logistics and Validity:
  • ​The test is offered at numerous Pearson VUE test centers across India.
  • ​The LNAT score is valid for one academic year (i.e., the LNAT taken between September 2025 and May 2026 is valid only for the 2026-27 admission cycle).

​The Strategic Advantage of Early Registration and Testing 

​While the official LNAT registration and testing window for JGLS extends well into early 2026 (with a final deadline around January 20, 2026, for registration), JGLS strongly advocates for candidates to apply and complete the test during the Early Admission Phase. This strategy significantly enhances the probability of securing an offer.

• ​Phase 1: Early Admission Window 
  • ​LNAT Testing Starts: September 1, 2025
  • ​Target Completion Date: Candidates are encouraged to register and complete their LNAT test well before December 31, 2025. This aligns them with the first round of admission offer releases, which typically begin in January 2026.
  • ​Benefit: The majority of seats are often filled during this early phase, making the competition less intense compared to the later rounds. Early offers provide the certainty needed to plan your final year of schooling.
• ​The Two-Step Application Process:
  • ​Step 1 (LNAT Registration): Register and book a test slot on the official LNAT website (lnat.ac.uk). This is where you pay the LNAT test fee.
  • ​Step 2 (JGLS Application): Simultaneously, you must complete the separate JGLS admission application form on the O.P. Jindal Global University admissions portal (lawadmissions.jgu.edu.in).
  • ​Coordinating Applications: The two steps must be completed in tandem. Once you sit for the LNAT, your MCQ score is directly forwarded to JGLS for consideration, alongside your application details.
• ​Importance of Deadline Adherence:
  • ​Failure to register for or sit the LNAT-UK test by the set deadlines will automatically disqualify an applicant, as JGLS does not accept CLAT or AILET scores. Timely action is non-negotiable for securing a test appointment, especially since slots fill up quickly across the 40+ test cities in India.

​Essential LNAT Preparation Strategies for Success 

​Since the LNAT is an aptitude test, preparation must focus on cultivating the core analytical and argumentative skills required for legal scholarship, rather than memorizing facts. Experts recommend starting your structured preparation 6 to 12 months before your target test date.

• ​Focus on Critical Reading and Comprehension: 
  • ​The core of Section A is built around understanding complex, argumentative passages. Read high-quality, dense publications daily, such as The Hindu, The Economist, or The Guardian.
  • ​Practice Active Reading: As you read, actively dissect the material. Identify the author’s main argument (thesis), the assumptions being made, the evidence provided, and any potential counterarguments. This strengthens your ability to quickly process the LNAT passages.
  • ​Time Management: Practice answering the 42 MCQs in the strict 95-minute limit, which breaks down to about 8 minutes per passage (reading plus answering the 3-4 questions).
• ​Mock Tests and Official Resources:
  • ​Familiarize yourself completely with the computer-based format using the official LNAT practice tests and sample papers available on the LNAT consortium's official website.
  • ​Simulate exam conditions strictly: set a timer for 95 minutes for Section A and practice in a distraction-free environment.
  • ​Review and Analyze: Post-test analysis is crucial. Focus on understanding why a particular option was the correct answer and why your chosen answer was wrong.
• ​Enhance Typing Speed (Though Essay is Optional): 
  • ​While the essay is not considered by JGLS, the ability to type quickly and accurately is a fundamental skill. If you choose to practice the essay for general skill development, aim for at least 550 words in the 40-minute window.

​Conclusion: Your Global Legal Journey Awaits 

​The introduction of the LNAT-UK as the mandatory entrance criterion for JGLS marks a significant shift towards a globally standardized and aptitude-based assessment for Indian law aspirants. As of the dateline, the critical period for securing an early admission offer is underway. Aspirants are strongly encouraged to register for the LNAT, book their test slot before the final January 20, 2026 deadline, and dedicate time daily to mastering critical reading and logical inference. By prioritizing early application and strategic LNAT preparation, you solidify your application and take the crucial first step toward a prestigious legal career at JGLS.

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