The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is accepting applications for NLSAT 2026.Eligible graduates from any discipline can register through the official portal until the March 23 deadline. The entrance test, scheduled for April 26, is the gateway to the premier 3-year LLB (Hons) and MPP programs. Candidates are encouraged to complete their fee payments and document uploads well before the portal closes.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has officially opened the registration window for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT) 2026. Law aspirants seeking entry into the university's flagship 3-year LLB (Hons), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and PhD programs have until March 23 to submit their forms. This national-level entrance exam is specifically designed for graduates, distinguishing it from the CLAT which primarily targets undergraduate school-leavers.

Eligibility and Registration Process

The NLSAT 2026 application process is entirely online, requiring candidates to verify their credentials and academic history through a centralized dashboard.

• Academic Requirements: To be eligible, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. General category applicants need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks, while those from SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD categories require 40%.
• Final Year Students: Those currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements by the time of admission in July 2026.
• Application Fee: The registration fee is set at ₹2,500 for General and EWS candidates, while a concessional fee of ₹2,000 applies to reserved categories.
• Document Checklist: Applicants must upload a scanned photograph, signature, and an updated CV not exceeding two pages. The portal also requires digital copies of Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.

Exam Pattern and Selection Stages

The entrance test is scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, across multiple centers in India. The NLSAT follows a unique two-part structure to evaluate the holistic aptitude of the candidates.

• Part A (Objective): This section consists of multiple-choice questions covering English comprehension, logical reasoning, and legal reasoning. It serves as the initial screening phase for the final merit list.
• Part B (Subjective): Only those who clear the Part A cutoff will have their Part B scripts evaluated. This section involves legal reasoning and analytical writing, where candidates must demonstrate their ability to construct coherent legal arguments.
• Seat Matrix: For the 3-year LLB (Hons) program, NLSIU offers a total of 120 seats, which are allocated based on a strictly merit-cum-reservation policy.
• Negative Marking: Part A carries a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer, making accuracy a vital component of the test-taking strategy.

Important Timeline for NLSAT 2026

Prospective students should note the following critical dates to ensure they do not miss any administrative deadlines during the admission cycle.

• Technical Support: For any queries related to the portal, applicants can reach out to the university's helpdesk at nlsat.query@nls.ac.in.
• Physical Verification: Final admission is subject to the physical verification of original certificates and the payment of the remaining tuition fees in June.

Conclusion

The NLSAT 2026 application window provides a crucial opportunity for graduates to pivot into a legal career at India's top-ranked law school. With the March 23 deadline approaching, the focus for aspirants is on ensuring that their documentation is accurate and their preparation is aligned with the two-part exam format. The upcoming April entrance test remains the only pathway for local and international students to join the 2026-27 academic cohort at NLSIU Bengaluru.