NLSAT 2026 Registration Open for NLSIU’s Premier Programs: Key Dates for Aspirants
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has opened its admissions portal for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT) 2026, marking the commencement of the admission cycle for its highly sought-after academic programs. This is a crucial announcement for aspirants aiming for the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), the NLS B.A. (Hons.) (5-Year Integrated), and the various Ph.D. programmes (Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy) offered by the university.
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has opened its admissions portal for the National Law School Admissions Test (NLSAT) 2026, marking the commencement of the admission cycle for its highly sought-after academic programs. This is a crucial announcement for aspirants aiming for the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), the NLS B.A. (Hons.) (5-Year Integrated), and the various Ph.D. programmes (Law, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy) offered by the university.
Registration is currently active on the official NLSIU admissions portal, nls.ac.in.
Critical Deadlines and Exam Details
Aspirants are advised to note the following confirmed dates to ensure a smooth application and preparation schedule:
| Event | Date / Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | November 15, 2025 |
| Registration Closing Deadline | March 23, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| NLSAT 2026 Exam Date | April 26, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Time | 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Single Shift) |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) |
Given the competitive nature of admissions at NLSIU, the long application window till March 23, 2026, should be utilized for focused preparation rather than delaying the submission of the application form.
Exam Structure: NLSAT 2026 Pattern
The NLSAT 2026 is an offline (pen-and-paper) test structured to assess the analytical and reasoning capabilities of candidates across two main parts, with a total score of 150 marks for the undergraduate and 3-Year LL.B. courses.
Part A: Objective Section (75 Marks)
- Consists of 75 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), carrying 1 mark each.
- Sections include Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical Reasoning (including Legal and Logical Reasoning).
- Crucially, there is negative marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect or unanswered question.
Part B: Subjective Section (75 Marks)
- This section is evaluated only for candidates who meet the minimum cut-off/shortlisting criteria established in Part A (typically 1:5 ratio per seat).
- It tests Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (problem-based short answers) and Analytical Ability (an essay on a contemporary issue).
- No prior knowledge of law is required for the subjective questions; the focus is on coherent argumentation and critical thinking.
Eligibility and Intake Highlights
- 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.): Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD). The maximum intake for the 2026-27 academic year is 120 seats.
- NLS B.A. (Hons.): The program requires a minimum of 55% marks (45% for SC/ST) in the 10+2 or equivalent examination.
- Ph.D. Programmes: Eligibility requires a Master’s degree (LL.M. or relevant PG degree) with a minimum of 55% marks.
Aspirants must pay the application fee—₹2,500 for General Category candidates and ₹2,000 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD—during the online submission process. For regular updates on the admission list and other administrative announcements, follow Only Education News. Further details on specific eligibility and course structure can be found on the university website. You can also explore the Course List for Law for similar programs.