National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is continuing its NLSAT 2026 application drive for the 3-year LLB (Hons.), MPP, and PhD programs. Eligible graduates must complete their online registration and fee payment through the official portal by the deadline of March 23, 2026.The entrance examination is scheduled for April 26, 2026, marking a crucial step for aspirants seeking admission into India's premier law school.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently accepting submissions for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026. This comprehensive application drive, which commenced in November 2025, remains open for graduates across all disciplines who wish to pivot into the legal profession or pursue advanced public policy studies. With the deadline set for March 23, 2026, aspirants have a narrow window to finalize their profiles for the 3-year LLB (Hons.), Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), and various doctoral research programs.

Examination Schedule and Key Milestones

NLSIU has established a clear roadmap for the 2026-27 academic session. The university transition toward a postgraduate-focused cohort for its 3-year law degree has made the NLSAT one of the most competitive entrance tests in the country.

As the application drive continues, candidates must note that the exam will be conducted in a pen-and-paper mode across major cities in India. The two-and-a-half-hour test is designed to evaluate both objective aptitude and subjective analytical skills.

Eligibility Criteria and Fee Structure

The NLSAT 2026 is inclusive of various academic backgrounds, provided candidates meet the minimum percentage requirements set by the university.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, etc.) from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: General category applicants require 45% aggregate in their graduation, while SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS candidates require 40%.
• Final Year Students: Those currently in the final year of their undergraduate studies are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of completion by December 31, 2026.
• Registration Fees: The fee for the general category is ₹2,500, while candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS) are required to pay ₹2,000.

Mandatory Documents for Registration

The online portal requires several digital uploads to validate the registration process. Candidates should ensure all files are in the prescribed PDF or JPEG formats before the March deadline.

1. Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of Class 10, Class 12, and all semester-wise graduation mark sheets.
2. Identification: A valid government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
3. Updated CV: A curriculum vitae not exceeding two pages, highlighting academic and professional achievements.
4. Category Certificates: Valid certificates for those claiming reservation under OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, or PwD categories.
5. Photograph & Signature: Recent passport-sized color photograph and a digital signature on a white background.

Successful registration is only confirmed upon the generation of a unique application number, which should be preserved for downloading the admit card in April.

Conclusion

The ongoing NLSAT 2026 application drive serves as the gateway to one of the most prestigious legal education environments in Asia. As the March 23 deadline approaches, the focus for aspirants shifts from documentation to the rigorous dual-part examination format. The university's commitment to a July 1 commencement ensures that the entire selection process, from the April exam to the May results, moves with administrative precision. By completing the application early, candidates can avoid potential technical delays on the portal and focus their remaining weeks on mastering the subjective and objective components of the test. Ultimately, the successful completion of this registration phase is the first step for the 120 students who will eventually join the NLSIU 3-year LLB batch of 2026.