NLSAT 2026 Registration Portal Open Until March 23
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru has officially opened the NLSAT 2026 registration window for its prestigious 3-year LLB, Master’s in Public Policy, and PhD programs. Eligible graduates must complete their online applications and fee payments by March 23, 2026. This comprehensive report covers the vital eligibility criteria, the dual-stage examination structure, and the critical deadlines for aspirants seeking a premier legal education.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru has confirmed that the registration portal for the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2026 remains fully operational. The university is inviting applications for its highly sought-after 3-Year LLB (Hons.), Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), and various PhD tracks. This entrance exam serves as the exclusive gateway for graduates from any discipline—including engineering, humanities, and management—to enter India’s top-ranked law school.
- Timeline: The portal became active on November 15, 2025, and is scheduled to accept submissions until 11:59 PM on March 23, 2026.
- Examination Date: The NLSAT 2026 is officially set to take place on April 26, 2026, in an offline, pen-and-paper format across several national centers.
- Application Fees: General category candidates are required to pay a fee of ₹2,500, while those from SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD/EWS categories must pay ₹2,000 during the registration phase.
- Support: For any technical or login issues encountered while using the portal, the university has provided a dedicated helpdesk at nlsat.query@nls.ac.in.
Eligibility Standards and Documentation Requirements
The eligibility for the NLSAT 2026 is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. To ensure a valid application, candidates must verify their educational credentials and prepare the necessary digital files for upload before the March deadline. The university maintains a rigorous standard for admission, often reflecting a selection rate of less than 2% of the total applicant pool.
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized national or international university.
- Minimum Marks: General category applicants must have graduated with at least 45% aggregate marks, while SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD candidates require a minimum of 40% to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Final Year Students: Those currently appearing for their final year exams are also allowed to apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion by December 31, 2026.
- Required Files: Applicants must upload a passport-sized photograph, signature, scanned ID proof, and a current CV (not exceeding two pages) as part of the formal submission process.
NLSAT 2026 Admission Cycle Milestones
| Event | Important Date | Status as of Jan 20 |
| Application Portal Opening | November 15, 2025 | Active |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | March 23, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 (Expected) | Pending |
| NLSAT 2026 Exam Date | April 26, 2026 | Scheduled |
| Final Admissions List | End of May 2026 | Pending |
| Commencement of Classes | July 1, 2026 | Pending |
Conclusion
The 2026 admission session at NLSIU Bengaluru marks a critical period for graduates aiming to transition into the legal profession. With the registration window closing on March 23, proactive candidates are encouraged to complete their submission early to avoid potential technical hurdles during the final hours. The NLSAT remains one of the most intellectually demanding law entrances in the country, testing not just knowledge but analytical depth and structured reasoning. As the university prepares for the April examination, students must focus on mastering the dual-stage test pattern to secure a spot in the elite 120-seat cohort for the 3-Year LLB program.
