NLSAT 2026 Application Window Now Open for Aspiring Law Students

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has opened the registration portal for NLSAT 2026. This mandatory exam governs admissions to its highly sought-after 3-year LLB (Hons), NLS BA (Hons), Master's in Public Policy (MPP), and Ph.D. programs. The application deadline is March 23, 2026, with the exam scheduled for April 26, 2026. Candidates must visit nls.ac.in/admissions to apply. The NLSAT 2026 features a unique two-part structure (Objective and Subjective) and tests critical legal and analytical aptitude.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, widely recognized as India's premier institution for legal studies, has officially commenced the application process for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT) 2026. This rigorous entrance examination is the sole criteria for admission to several of the university’s most distinguished and high-demand programs, marking a critical step for law and public policy aspirants across the country.

​The registration window is now live on the official NLSIU admissions portal, nls.ac.in, with the definitive deadline for application submission set for March 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The NLSAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This multi-faceted examination determines entry into key programs, including the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), the interdisciplinary NLS B.A. (Hons.), the Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP), and various Ph.D. streams, solidifying NLSIU’s reputation as a pioneer in specialized legal education.

​ Programs Covered and Key Eligibility Criteria

​The NLSAT 2026 serves as the centralized admission test for NLSIU’s non-CLAT and postgraduate offerings, each program having distinct academic prerequisites.

• ​Flagship Programs through NLSAT:
  • ​3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) Programme: This postgraduate professional degree is open to graduates from all disciplines. Total intake is 120 seats.
  • ​NLS B.A. (Hons.) Programme: A new, interdisciplinary undergraduate program focusing on social sciences and law.
  • ​2-Year Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP): A coveted interdisciplinary program for policy and governance careers.
  • ​Ph.D. Programmes: Includes Ph.D. in Law and Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy.
• ​Eligibility Snapshot (Minimum Marks in Qualifying Degree): 
  • ​3-Year LL.B. (Hons.): Bachelor's Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST).
  • ​NLS B.A. (Hons.): Passed the 10+2 examination with a minimum of 55% marks (45% for SC/ST).
  • ​Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP): Bachelor's Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
  • ​Ph.D. Programmes: Bachelor's or Master's Degree with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
  • ​Final Year Students: Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of their qualifying examination are eligible to apply but must submit proof of completion by a specified deadline (usually December 31, 2026).
• ​Application Fee: The NLSAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,500 for General category candidates and ₹2,000 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD candidates.

​ NLSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: The Objective-Subjective Balance

​The NLSAT structure is unique among law entrance exams, featuring both an objective (MCQ) and a subjective (written response) component, testing not just aptitude but also written communication skills.

• ​Examination Structure: 
  • ​Mode: Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based Test).
  • ​Duration: 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes).
  • ​Total Marks: 150 Marks.
  • ​Attempt Requirement: All candidates must attempt both Part A and Part B.
• ​Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (75 Marks):
  • ​Format: MCQs testing Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical Reasoning (both Legal and Logical).
  • ​Marking Scheme: +1 Mark for every correct answer. -0.25 Marks will be deducted for every incorrect or unanswered question.
  • ​Screening: Crucially, Part B answer scripts will be evaluated only for candidates who have secured above zero in Part A.
• ​Part B: Subjective Questions (75 Marks):
  • ​Format: Designed to assess Legal Aptitude, Reasoning, and Analytical Ability through written responses. This section includes short legal reasoning answers and a longer analytical essay.
  • ​Assessment Focus: Evaluates the candidate’s ability to structure coherent arguments, apply principles to facts, and demonstrate critical writing skills under pressure. The essay section specifically gauges analytical depth and command over socio-political issues.

​ Application Process and Strategy for Admission

​The application process is entirely online, and given the highly competitive nature of NLSIU admissions, a timely and accurate application is the first hurdle to clear.

• ​Online Application Steps: 
  • ​Visit the official NLSIU admissions portal: nls.ac.in/admissions or nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in.
  • ​Register: Complete the initial registration with a valid email ID and mobile number to receive the login credentials.
  • ​Fill Form: Log in and accurately complete all sections: Personal Details, Academic Records, and Program Selection.
  • ​Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and relevant academic/category certificates as per the specified format and size.
  • ​Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online before the March 23, 2026, deadline.
• ​The Final Selection Process:
  • ​Admission is based on the Cumulative Score from NLSAT Part A and Part B.
  • ​For the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), the selection includes a Personal Interview (PI) after the NLSAT score evaluation, giving weightage to both aptitude and interpersonal skills.
  • ​For the Ph.D. Programme, candidates who qualify in NLSAT-Ph.D. will proceed to an evaluation of their Research Proposal followed by an Oral Presentation/Interview.
• ​Strategic Preparation: Aspirants must dedicate equal time to developing strong essay writing and analytical skills for Part B, while practicing mock tests under timed conditions to master the objective questions in Part A and avoid the negative marking penalty.

​ Conclusion

​The NLSAT 2026 registration window represents a definitive opportunity for dedicated students to pursue specialized legal and policy education at NLSIU Bengaluru. With the application open until March 23, 2026, and the exam scheduled for April 26, 2026, candidates must prioritize completing the online form accurately and immediately diving into targeted preparation. Success in the NLSAT requires a high level of critical reasoning, legal aptitude, and, critically, strong analytical writing skills to excel in both the objective and subjective sections.

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