NLSAT 2026 Application Portal Active with March 23 Final Deadline

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently accepting online applications for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026. Prospective candidates for the 3-year LLB (Hons), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), and PhD programs have until the March 23, 2026, deadline to submit their forms on the official nls.ac.in portal. The entrance examination is officially scheduled for April 26, 2026, serving as the exclusive gateway for postgraduate and research legal education at India's top-ranked law school.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, continues to facilitate the nationwide registration for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026 today, February 16. As the admission cycle for the 2026-27 academic session progresses, the university has kept its specialized digital portal live for graduates from all disciplines. Unlike the undergraduate CLAT, the NLSAT remains the exclusive entrance for the prestigious 3-year LL.B. (Hons.), Master's Programme in Public Policy (MPP), and various PhD tracks. With the application window set to close at 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026, candidates are now entering the final five weeks of the foundational enrollment phase. Aspiring legal professionals are encouraged to finalize their submissions on the official NLSIU admissions portal to avoid the typical end-of-window technical traffic.

Detailed Examination Schedule and Pattern

The NLSAT 2026 is officially scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The university has maintained a rigorous testing structure designed to assess the analytical and reasoning capabilities of postgraduate aspirants.

• Single Sitting Format: The test consists of two parts, Part A and Part B, which must be completed in a single continuous sitting of 150 minutes. According to the official 3-Year LLB programme details, both parts are mandatory for all candidates.
• Objective Screening (Part A): This section comprises 75 Multiple-Choice Questions covering English Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical Reasoning. It serves as the primary filter; Part B is only evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cut-off (typically in a 1:5 ratio per seat).
• Subjective Evaluation (Part B): This section tests Legal Aptitude and Analytical Ability through short-answer questions and an essay. No prior legal knowledge is required, as the focus is on the cogency of arguments and structured thinking.
• Marking Scheme: Part A includes a negative marking of -0.25 for every incorrect or unanswered question. Part B carries 75 marks and focuses on descriptive writing quality.

Eligibility and Fee Submission Guidelines

The NLSIU administration has established clear eligibility benchmarks to ensure a high standard of intake for its 120-seat 3-year LLB program. The registration process requires a one-time non-refundable fee payment.

• Academic Requirements: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD). Final-year students are eligible to apply provided they submit proof of degree completion by December 31, 2026.
• Application Fees: The fee is set at ₹2,500 for General/EWS candidates and ₹2,000 for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD categories. Payments must be processed online through the NLSIU registration gateway.
• Center Preferences: During the registration phase, candidates can select up to three preferred cities for the offline examination. The university reserves the right to allocate centers based on logistics.
• Mandatory Documents: Applicants must upload a current CV (not exceeding 2 pages), a passport-sized photograph, and relevant academic transcripts during the registration process.

NLSAT 2026: Vital Admission Milestones

Conclusion

The NLSAT 2026 registration phase represents a critical window for graduates looking to transition into the legal profession at India's top-ranked law school. As the March 23 deadline approaches, the university encourages candidates to complete their profiles early to avoid technical congestion on the official NLSIU website. The upcoming April 26 examination will officially decide the merit list for the 120 seats available in the 3-year LLB program. By maintaining a focus on current affairs and analytical writing, aspirants can successfully navigate the dual-part structure of the NLSAT. For further clarification on the syllabus or technical queries, candidates may contact the helpdesk at nlsat.query@nls.ac.in.