The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is accepting applications for NLSAT 2026 until March 23.Graduates from any discipline can apply for the prestigious 3-year LLB (Hons), MPP, and PhD programs through the official admissions portal. The entrance exam is scheduled for April 26, 2026, and will follow a two-part testing structure involving objective and subjective sections. Ensure you meet the minimum aggregate requirements and upload the necessary documents to secure your candidacy for the 2026-27 academic session.

The registration for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT 2026) continues to see steady traffic. The university has confirmed that the portal will remain open until March 23, 2026, providing ample time for graduates and final-year students to submit their details for the 3-year LLB (Hons), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), and various PhD programs.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees

To successfully navigate the entrance application, candidates must meet the academic benchmarks set by NLSIU. For the 3-year LLB and MPP programs, a Bachelor's degree in any discipline is required with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks for General category applicants and 40% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD candidates. The registration fee for the exam is structured at ₹2,500 for the general category, while candidates from reserved categories are required to pay a registration fee of ₹2,000 to finalize their submission.

• Academic Background: Open to graduates from Arts, Commerce, Science, or Engineering backgrounds.
• Final Year Students: Those appearing for their final degree exams in 2026 are eligible to apply provisionally.
• Document Uploads: Applicants must provide a current CV (maximum 2 pages), academic transcripts, and a valid government ID.
• Payment Mode: All transactions must be completed online via the official portal before the March 23 deadline.

[Image: NLSIU Bengaluru campus and NLSAT 2026 branding]

Examination Pattern and Scoring

The NLSAT 2026 is distinguished by its comprehensive two-part offline testing format. Part A consists of 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical Reasoning. It is important to note that Part A carries a negative marking of $0.25$ for every wrong or unattempted answer. Part B is a subjective paper consisting of legal aptitude problems and an analytical essay. Evaluation of Part B is restricted to candidates who qualify in Part A with a non-zero score, typically in a 1:5 ratio per available seat.

• Part A (Objective): 75 Marks | Tests logical and analytical aptitude.
• Part B (Subjective): 75 Marks | Focuses on legal reasoning and structured writing.
• Total Duration: 150 minutes for the combined paper.
• No Prior Law Knowledge: The entrance application guidelines clarify that legal reasoning questions do not require prior knowledge of the law but rather test logical application.

Conclusion

With the deadline of March 23 still two months away, candidates have a prime opportunity to gather their documents and refine their preparation. The NLSAT 2026 remains one of the most competitive entrance tests in the country, admitting only 120 students to the flagship 3-year LLB program. Aspirants are encouraged to complete their entrance application early to avoid last-minute portal congestion. Once the registration fee is processed, the focus should shift to mastering the subjective writing skills required for the descriptive section of the April 26 examination.