AILET 2026 Application Fee Announced: NLU Delhi Exempts BPL Candidates from SC/ST Categories
The AILET 2026 application fees are announced, with a full exemption for BPL students from the SC/ST categories. This article provides a guide to the fee structure, payment process, and BPL exemption criteria.
The National Law University (NLU), Delhi, has unveiled the fee structure for the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) 2026, marking a significant step towards the commencement of the application process. As per the official notification, the application fee for the highly anticipated law entrance exam has been set at ₹3,500 for candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories. A concessionary fee of ₹1,500 has been designated for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories. In a progressive move aimed at promoting inclusivity, the university has also announced a complete exemption from the application fee for BPL (Below Poverty Line) students within the SC/ST categories.
This fee structure is a crucial piece of information for thousands of law aspirants as the online application window is set to open on August 7, 2025. The application fee is a mandatory prerequisite for all candidates, as it is the final step in the online application process that confirms their registration for the exam. The last date to complete the application and pay the fee is November 10, 2025, giving candidates a little over three months to finalize their submission.
The Significance of the BPL Exemption
The fee waiver for BPL students from the SC and ST categories is a commendable initiative by NLU Delhi. It directly addresses the financial barriers that often prevent talented and deserving students from marginalized backgrounds from pursuing higher education. By removing the cost of the application, the university is making a clear statement about its commitment to ensuring that a candidate's economic background does not hinder their access to a premier legal education. This move is expected to be a welcome relief for many students and will likely encourage a broader spectrum of society to apply for the prestigious institution.
To avail of this exemption, BPL candidates from the SC/ST categories must provide proof of their status during the online application. This requires them to upload a valid BPL certificate issued by a competent government authority. The university will verify these documents, and upon successful validation, the application fee will be waived automatically, allowing the candidate to complete their submission without any payment.
A Detailed Guide to the Application Process and Payment
The AILET 2026 application process is entirely online and involves several key steps that must be completed accurately:
- Online Registration: Candidates must first register on the official AILET admissions portal with their name, mobile number, and email address to generate login credentials.
- Filling out the Application Form: After logging in, aspirants need to fill out the detailed application form with their personal, academic, and contact information.
- Uploading Documents: This is a crucial step where candidates must upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and all relevant documents, including their Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and category certificates (if applicable). BPL candidates from SC/ST categories must upload their BPL certificate here to claim the fee exemption.
- Fee Payment: The final stage is the payment of the application fee. Candidates can make this payment using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The system will automatically show the correct fee based on the category and BPL status selected in the form. BPL candidates will see their fee listed as ₹0.
- Final Submission: Upon successful fee payment, candidates can submit their final application form and download a copy for future reference.
It is imperative for aspirants to complete all these steps meticulously and well before the November 10 deadline. Any incomplete application, whether due to unpaid fees or un-uploaded documents, will be rejected. This timely announcement by NLU Delhi is a valuable resource for all aspirants, providing them with the necessary information to prepare their documents and finances for the upcoming application cycle. With the application portal set to open tomorrow, the race for a seat at one of the country's most respected law schools is about to begin.
