NLSAT 2026 notification has been released, and the application window is currently open

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has released the official notification and opened the application window for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026. This test is the mandatory entry point for its sought-after programs, including the 3-year LL.B. (Hons.), the NLS B.A. (Hons.), and the Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP). The application process, which began on November 15, 2025, will remain open until March 23, 2026. Aspiring graduates and working professionals targeting a career in law or public policy must complete their registration swiftly on the official portal, nls.ac.in, for the exam scheduled on April 26, 2026.

The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, widely regarded as India’s foremost law university, has officially commenced the admission cycle for the 2026-27 academic year. This crucial announcement confirms the timeline for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026, which has become the sole entrance exam for several of its prestigious, non-CLAT programs.

​Aspirants for the 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) and other specialized degrees must note the following key dates to ensure timely registration:

• ​Application Commencement Date: The online application portal became operational on November 15, 2025.
• ​Application Submission Deadline: Candidates have until March 23, 2026, 11:59 PM, to submit the completed application form and the requisite application fee. 
  • ​Application Fee: The fee is ₹2,500 for General Category candidates and ₹2,000 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates.
• ​NLSAT 2026 Exam Date: The pen-and-paper-based entrance examination is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, to be conducted in a single shift from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
• ​Academic Year Commencement: The academic session for all admitted students is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.

​Candidates are encouraged to utilize the long application window judiciously to gather all necessary documents, including transcripts and a CV (for some programs), and to avoid the rush closer to the deadline.

​ NLSAT Eligibility and Specialized Program Offerings

​The NLSAT 2026 is the gateway to a select group of highly competitive programs at NLSIU. The exam is uniquely tailored for two main groups of aspirants: graduates seeking a professional law degree (3-year LL.B.) and undergraduates seeking specialized degrees (NLS B.A. (Hons.)).

​3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) Programme:

​This program is aimed at non-law graduates seeking a professional legal qualification and offers \mathbf{120} total seats.

• ​Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• ​Minimum Marks Requirement:
  • ​General Category: Minimum of 45% aggregate marks in the undergraduate degree.
  • ​SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD Categories: Minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
• ​Final Year Eligibility: Students appearing in the final year of their qualifying undergraduate examination are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of completion with the minimum required marks by the end of 2026.
• ​No Age Limit: The program maintains an inclusive policy with no upper age limit for applicants.

​NLSAT for Other Programs:

​The NLSAT also serves as the entrance test for the innovative NLS B.A. (Hons.) program and the advanced 2-year Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP), each having specific, distinct eligibility criteria detailed in the official notification.

​ NLSAT Exam Pattern and Unique Selection Model

​The NLSAT 2026 employs a two-part examination structure that differentiates it from other law entrance tests, focusing on both objective aptitude and crucial subjective analytical skills. The total duration of the examination is 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

​Part A: Objective Screening (MCQs)

• ​Composition: This part consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) carrying 75 marks.
• ​Focus Areas: It assesses candidates on Comprehension, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, and Critical & Logical Reasoning (covering both legal and general logical dimensions).
• ​Scoring: Candidates earn +1 mark for every correct answer, with a penalty of \mathbf{-0.25} for every incorrect or unanswered response.
• ​Screening Mechanism: Part A acts as the primary screening stage. Only candidates who score above a prescribed cut-off in Part A (approximately \mathbf{5} candidates per seat) will have their Part B answer sheets evaluated.

​Part B: Subjective Analytical Writing

• ​Composition: This section typically involves descriptive written answers or essay-type questions, carrying 75 marks.
• ​Focus Areas: It specifically tests legal aptitude reasoning and analytical writing ability, which are essential skills for a successful career in law and public policy.
• ​Final Merit: The final admissions list is prepared based on the combined scores achieved in both Part A and Part B of the NLSAT 2026 examination, followed by document verification.

​This unique combination of objective and subjective assessment ensures that NLSIU selects candidates who possess both strong fundamental knowledge and advanced critical thinking and writing capabilities.

​Conclusion

​The release of the NLSAT 2026 notification and the commencement of applications mark a pivotal moment for graduates and aspirants aiming for specialized law and policy programs at the prestigious NLSIU, Bengaluru. With the application window closing on March 23, 2026, and the exam slated for April 26, 2026, candidates must immediately begin the registration process and tailor their preparation to the unique two-part structure of the NLSAT. Securing one of the coveted 120 seats in the 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program requires not only a high score in the objective section but also demonstrable analytical writing skill in the subjective component.

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