NLSAT 2026 Applications Continue with March 23 Deadline

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently accepting applications for NLSAT 2026. Prospective students for the 3-Year LLB, MPP, and PhD programs must finalize their registration and fee payment on the official portal by March 23, 2026. The entrance test is scheduled for April 26 across designated national centers.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has confirmed that the registration window for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT) 2026 remains active for all interested graduates. As of today, February 5, 2026, the official NLSAT portal is processing a steady stream of applications from candidates across the country. This entrance examination serves as the exclusive gateway for those seeking enrollment in the university’s highly-regarded postgraduate and research offerings, including the three-year professional law degree and the Master's in Public Policy.

Key Deadlines and Eligibility Requirements

Candidates planning to appear for the NLSAT must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria before submitting their forms. The university has maintained a clear timeline for the 2026-27 session to allow students ample time for preparation.

• Final Submission Date: The portal will accept new applications until 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026.
• Academic Criteria: For the 3-Year LLB (Hons), a Bachelor's degree in any discipline is required with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories).
• Final Year Candidates: Students currently in their final year of graduation are eligible for provisional enrollment, provided they complete their degree requirements by the end of 2026.
• Processing Fee: The application cost is ₹2,500 for general category applicants and ₹2,000 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS candidates.

Examination Structure and National Centers

The NLSAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on April 26, 2026, in a single offline shift. According to the official admission notification, the test is divided into two distinct parts to evaluate different facets of a candidate's aptitude.

• Part A (Objective): Consists of 75 multiple-choice questions focusing on comprehension, current affairs, and critical reasoning.
• Part B (Subjective): Features ten short-answer questions and one analytical essay, which is only evaluated if a candidate clears the Part A cutoff.
• Total Duration: The exam will run for 150 minutes, starting from 10:00 AM at various centers nationwide.
• Negative Marking: Part A carries a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect or unattempted response.

Conclusion

The NLSAT continues to be one of the most rigorous benchmarks for legal enrollment in India, prioritizing analytical depth over rote memorization. With the March 23 deadline approaching, the university administration has advised all applicants to verify their eligibility and upload the necessary documentation early to avoid potential portal traffic issues. As the April 26 exam date nears, the focus will shift toward the release of admit cards and the finalization of logistics across national centers. Successful candidates from this cycle will be eligible for admission to the 2026-27 academic year, which is set to commence on July 1.