NLSAT 2026 Applications Continue with March 23 Deadline in Place

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently accepting online applications for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026. Aspirants seeking entry into the prestigious 3-year LLB (Hons), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), or PhD programs must complete their registration by March 23, 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled for April 26, 2026, across multiple national centers in a single shift. This phase is the only opportunity for graduates from any discipline to join India’s top-ranked legal institution for the 2026-27 academic session.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently processing a steady influx of registrations as the application window for NLSAT 2026 remains open. Aspiring legal professionals and policy experts have until March 23, 2026, to finalize their submissions for the university’s unique postgraduate offerings. Unlike the undergraduate CLAT, the NLSAT serves as the specialized gateway for the 3-year LLB (Hons), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), and various PhD programs, maintaining the university's commitment to diverse academic entry points for the 2026-27 session.

Enrollment Timelines and Key Deadlines

The official NLSAT 2026 notification highlights a disciplined administrative schedule. Having launched on November 15, 2025, the application portal has been operational for nearly three months. The university has confirmed that the national entrance test will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, across specified centers nationwide. This timeline provides a significant window for working professionals and final-year undergraduate students to align their preparation with the March 23 cutoff.

• Application Deadline: Forms must be submitted via the NLSAT Admissions Portal by 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026.
• Examination Date: April 26, 2026 (10:00 AM to 12:30 PM).
• Admit Card Release: Expected in mid-April 2026.
• Academic Session: Classes for the 2026-27 cohort are scheduled to commence on July 1, 2026.

Academic Eligibility and Application Requirements

The NLSAT is open to graduates from any discipline, making it one of the most inclusive high-level entrance exams in the country. For the 3-year LLB (Hons), candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS categories). The Master of Public Policy (MPP) eligibility follows a similar grade requirement, emphasizing a cross-disciplinary approach to governance and law.

Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of meeting the minimum marks requirement by December 31, 2026. During the online registration, applicants are required to upload a current CV, passport-sized photograph, and valid government ID. The university utilizes these documents for a comprehensive profile verification that runs parallel to the written test evaluation.

Examination Structure: Parts A and B

The NLSAT 2026 maintains its rigorous two-part structure attempted in a single sitting of 150 minutes. Part A consists of objective-type questions focusing on English comprehension, current affairs, and critical reasoning. This section serves as the first filter; only candidates who score above zero and meet the qualifying ratio (typically 1:5) will have their Part B answer scripts evaluated. Part B is subjective, featuring legal reasoning questions and an analytical essay designed to test the depth of the candidate's argumentative skills.

• Part A: 75 Marks (Negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers).
• Part B: 75 Marks (Subjective/Descriptive answers).
• Final Selection: Based on a combined rank list of Part A and Part B scores, subject to meeting category-specific percentile cutoffs.

Conclusion

As the March 23 deadline remains in place, the NLSAT 2026 application cycle is moving toward its final phase. For graduates aiming to transition into legal practice or policy advocacy at India’s premier law school, the current window is the essential first step. The National Law School of India University continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence through this meticulously designed entrance framework. By ensuring that applications are submitted well before the midnight cutoff in March, aspirants can focus their remaining time on the dual-part examination scheduled for April. With the final merit list expected by the end of May, the 2026-27 academic session at NLSIU Bengaluru promises to welcome a highly vetted and academically diverse group of future legal and public policy leaders.

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