NLSAT 2026 goes live: registration open — aspirants urged to apply early for best shot at law-school seats

The National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT 2026) registration is currently open for the highly coveted 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program at NLSIU, Bengaluru. The application deadline is March 23, 2026, with the exam scheduled for April 26, 2026. This rigorous exam, featuring both objective (Part A) and subjective (Part B) sections, demands thorough preparation. Aspirants who hold a Bachelor's degree must apply immediately, as competition is fierce for the limited 120 seats at India's top-ranked law university.

For graduates across all disciplines—be it Arts, Science, Commerce, or Engineering—who harbor the ambition of pursuing a world-class legal career, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, offers the pinnacle of opportunity: the 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program. The gateway to this prestigious course is the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026, and the registration window is wide open.

​This is a critical announcement for all prospective law aspirants: the deadline to submit the online application form is March 23, 2026, with the entrance examination scheduled for April 26, 2026. Given that the NLSIU 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program admits only 120 students annually, competition is exceptionally high. Aspiring lawyers are strongly urged to complete their registration well in advance of the deadline, securing their attempt at joining India's top-ranked law university. The NLSAT stands out by rigorously assessing not just knowledge, but also the crucial analytical and writing skills essential for legal practice, making early application and strategic preparation absolutely vital.

​ NLSAT 2026: Application Essentials and Key Dates

​The NLSAT 2026 application process is entirely online, managed directly by NLSIU. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding with the fee payment and final submission.

​Important Dates to Note

• ​Registration Opening: November 2025 (Ongoing)
• ​Application Deadline: March 23, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
• ​Exam Date: April 26, 2026
• ​Admission Intake: A total of 120 seats are available, with reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and a significant 25% horizontal reservation for Karnataka Students.

​Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

​The program is a postgraduate professional degree, welcoming graduates from diverse educational backgrounds:

• ​Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized national or international university.
• ​Minimum Marks: 
  • ​General/EWS/OBC-NCL: A minimum of 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
  • ​SC/ST/PwD: A minimum of 40% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
• ​Final Year Students: Students who are currently in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply provisionally, provided they successfully complete their degree with the required minimum marks by the stipulated date (typically December 31, 2026).
• ​No Age Limit: The NLSAT adheres to the Bar Council of India norms and does not impose an upper age limit, making it an ideal choice for career changers and working professionals.

​ Decoding the NLSAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

​The NLSAT is renowned for its unique structure, combining objective and subjective assessments to provide a holistic measure of a candidate’s legal aptitude. The exam duration is 150 minutes (2.5 hours).

​Dual-Part Examination Structure

​The test is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) and consists of two compulsory parts, each accounting for 75 marks, totaling 150 marks:

• ​Part A: Objective Section (75 Marks)
  • ​Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​Syllabus Areas: Comprehension, Current Affairs & General Knowledge, and Critical Reasoning (includes Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning). Each section typically carries 25 marks.
  • ​Marking: 1 mark for every correct answer. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect or unanswered question. This section serves as the initial screening stage.
• ​Part B: Subjective Section (75 Marks)
  • ​Format: Descriptive/Written Answers.
  • ​Evaluation Criteria: Part B is only evaluated for candidates shortlisted based on their performance in Part A (typically in a ratio of 1:5 per available seat).
  • ​Content: 
    • ​Legal Reasoning/Aptitude (60 Marks): Consists of problem-based questions requiring short answers (approx. 200-250 words each). No prior legal knowledge is required; the test assesses analytical and ethical reasoning skills.
    • ​Analytical Ability/Essay (15 Marks): One essay question (max 500 words) on a contemporary issue to assess coherent argument formation and analytical writing.

​The combination of MCQ-based aptitude screening and written argumentation makes the NLSAT a truly rigorous test of the skills needed in the modern legal profession.

​ Strategic Preparation and Admission Advantage

​Given the limited number of seats and the demanding two-part exam structure, aspirants need a finely tuned strategy to maximize their chances.

​Tips for a Top NLSAT Score

• ​Master Part A for Shortlisting: Since Part A acts as a filter, candidates must secure a high score here. Focus on speed and accuracy in Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, as these are high-scoring, skill-based sections. Regular reading of national and international news is non-negotiable for the Current Affairs section.
• ​Hone Writing and Analytical Skills: Practice writing structured arguments for the Part B Legal Reasoning and Analytical Essay sections. Utilize the provided mock scenarios to practice applying logical common sense and ethical frameworks to legal problems. The difference between a qualified and an admitted student often lies in the depth of their subjective answers.
• ​Focus on NLSIU's Unique Offering: The NLSIU 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program is an interdisciplinary, full-time postgraduate professional degree. It is designed to produce practitioners, scholars, and policy-makers by integrating theoretical study with experiential learning through moot courts, clinical interventions, and extensive internships. Securing a seat here provides an unparalleled launchpad into any legal career path.
• ​Early Registration: The recommendation to apply early is not just administrative; it helps the university manage logistics for a high-stakes exam and avoids any last-minute technical glitches on the application portal.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the NLSAT 2026 registration marks the beginning of a highly competitive race for the 120 seats in NLSIU's prestigious 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program. With the final deadline set for March 23, 2026, and the exam scheduled for April 26, 2026, time is a critical factor. Aspirants must waste no time in completing their application, understanding the dual-part exam structure, and dedicating the next few months to rigorous, skill-based preparation. Securing admission to this program means securing a legal education from India's best, making the NLSAT the most crucial step in a graduate's journey toward becoming an elite legal professional.

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