The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, continues to accept online applications for NLSAT 2026 until March 23, 2026.Aspirants for the 3-Year LLB (Hons.), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), and PhD programs must complete their registration and fee payment on the official portal. The all-India entrance examination is scheduled for April 26, 2026, consisting of both objective and subjective components. Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum aggregate marks by the end of the year. Ensuring all documents, including a current CV and academic transcripts, are uploaded correctly is essential for a successful application.

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has confirmed that the application window for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) remains active. This centralized entrance Portal is the exclusive gateway for graduates from any discipline seeking admission to the prestigious 3-Year LLB (Hons.), Master’s in Public Policy (MPP), and various research programs for the 2026-27 academic session. Prospective candidates have until 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026, to finalize their submissions and complete the necessary fee payments. Registration can be completed directly through the Official NLSAT Admissions Portal.

Key Application Deadlines and Exam Schedule

The NLSAT 2026 cycle follows a strict timeline to ensure the academic year commences on July 1. Missing the deadline on the registration Portal will result in the forfeiture of the opportunity to appear for the exam in the current year.

• Application Deadline: March 23, 2026 (11:59 PM).
• Examination Date: April 26, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM).
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper) across various national centers.
• Admit Card Release: To be notified via the candidate dashboard in April.
• Result Declaration: The final admission list is expected by the end of May 2026.

Eligibility and Registration Essentials

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific academic criteria before accessing the NLSAT registration Portal. The university allows final-year undergraduate students to apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of completion by December 31, 2026.

• Degree Requirement: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Mandatory Documents: Candidates must upload a 2-page CV, passport-sized photograph, signature, and relevant academic transcripts.
• Technical Queries: For any issues encountered on the Portal, applicants can contact the helpdesk at nlsat.query@nls.ac.in.
• Detailed eligibility norms are outlined in the NLSIU 3-Year LLB Admission Notification.

Examination Pattern and Selection Process

The NLSAT 2026 remains one of the most rigorous law entrance tests in India. Successfully navigating the application Portal is only the first step; candidates must prepare for a two-part examination that tests both objective aptitude and subjective reasoning.

• Part A (Objective): Consists of 75 MCQs covering English Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical Reasoning. There is a negative marking of -0.25 for incorrect or unanswered questions.
• Part B (Subjective): Includes 10 short-answer questions (Legal Aptitude) and one analytical essay. This part is only evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cutoff (top 1:5 ratio).
• Final Selection: Admission is based on the cumulative score of both parts, provided the candidate scores above zero in each.
• Preparation Resources: Syllabus details and sample questions can be found on the NLSIU Admissions Page.

Conclusion

The NLSAT 2026 application portal remaining open until March 23 offers a significant window for aspiring legal professionals to secure their place at India's top-ranked law school. By maintaining an accessible portal for over four months, NLSIU ensures that a diverse range of graduates and working professionals have ample time to gather the necessary documentation and fulfill the eligibility requirements. As the April 26 examination date approaches, candidates are encouraged to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute technical congestion and focus on the dual-part testing structure. This streamlined admission process reinforces NLSIU's commitment to selecting the most capable leaders for the future of law and public policy in the 2026-27 academic year.