As of February 1, 2026, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore continues to accept applications for the NLSAT 2026 through its official portal. Aspirants for the 3-Year LLB (Hons), MPP, and PhD programs have until March 23 to complete their online registration and fee payment. The entrance test, which remains the sole gateway to the country’s top-ranked law school, is scheduled for April 26 in an offline format. Candidates are encouraged to finalize their submissions early to avoid the last-minute rush as the university prepares for its 2026-27 academic session.

The application window for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026 is currently operational, providing a significant opportunity for law aspirants across the nation. As of February 1, 2026, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore has confirmed that the registration portal will remain open until March 23, 2026. This entrance exam is the exclusive pathway for admission into the university's prestigious 3-Year LLB (Hons), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Various PhD programs.

Key Registration Timelines and Fee Structure

The NLSAT 2026 Application Process is conducted entirely online, with the university setting clear deadlines to ensure a smooth examination cycle. Prospective students are currently in the middle of the four-month application period that began in November 2025.

• Final Deadline: The portal will accept new registrations and fee payments until 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026.
• Examination Date: The NLSAT 2026 is officially scheduled to take place on April 26, 2026, in a single afternoon shift.
• Application Charges: General category candidates are required to pay a fee of 2,500 INR, while a concessional fee of 2,000 INR is applicable for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD applicants.

Eligibility Criteria and Seat Intake

NLSIU Bangalore maintains rigorous standards for its postgraduate and professional law programs. The 2026 session sees a continued focus on attracting diverse academic backgrounds into the legal fold.

• Academic Requirements: For the 3-Year LLB (Hons), candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories).
• Final Year Students: Applicants currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements by the end of 2026.
• Intake Capacity: The university has a capped intake of 120 seats for the 3-Year LLB (Hons) program, making it one of the most competitive law entrances in the country.

Examination Pattern and Evaluation

The NLSAT Syllabus for 2026 remains divided into two distinct parts, designed to test both objective aptitude and subjective analytical skills in a single 150-minute sitting.

• Part A (Objective): Consists of 75 multiple-choice questions covering English comprehension, current affairs, and critical reasoning. This section carries negative marking.
• Part B (Subjective): Includes legal aptitude questions and an analytical essay. This part is only evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cutoff (typically a 1:5 ratio per seat).
• Mode of Test: The university will conduct the exam in an offline, pen-and-paper format across major cities in India.

Conclusion

The NLSAT 2026 registration process is currently in its peak phase as the March 23 deadline approaches. By February 1, NLSIU Bangalore has ensured that the portal remains accessible for all eligible graduates and final-year students aiming for a seat in the 2026-27 academic year. With the exam date set for April 26, the conclusion of the registration window next month will mark the final step for candidates before the issuance of admit cards and the commencement of intensive revisions.