NLSAT 2026 Registration Process Remains Open Ahead of April Examination

The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, continues to accept applications for NLSAT 2026.Graduates and final-year students across all disciplines can apply for the 3-year LLB, BA (Hons), and MPP programs.The registration portal will remain active until March 23, with the offline entrance test scheduled for April 26, 2026.Aspiring candidates must ensure they meet the 45% aggregate requirement and upload their CVs before the deadline.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is currently facilitating the registration-portal for the NLSAT 2026, the mandatory entrance examination for its flagship postgraduate and multidisciplinary programs. As of February 2026, the application window remains active for individuals aiming to secure one of the highly competitive seats in the 3-year LLB (Hons), the new BA (Hons), or the Master’s in Public Policy (MPP). The university has confirmed that the registration-portal will remain open until March 23, 2026, providing ample time for candidates to complete their digital submissions.

Eligibility and Inclusive Academic Standards

NLSIU has maintained a diverse eligibility framework to attract talent from various academic backgrounds. For the 3-year LLB and MPP programs, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The minimum marks requirement is set at 45% aggregate for General and EWS categories, while a relaxed threshold of 40% applies to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD candidates. Final-year students are also encouraged to apply, provided they complete their degree requirements by the time of admission in July 2026.

• Stream Neutrality: The NLSAT 2026 is open to graduates from any field, including engineering, humanities, and sciences, allowing for a professional pivot into law.
• Document Checklist: In addition to academic transcripts, every candidate must upload a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages.
• International Category: A separate International Admissions portal is active for non-Indian citizens, with a slightly different timeline and fee structure.

Dual-Stage Examination Pattern

The NLSAT 2026 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in a traditional offline (pen-and-paper) format. The examination is designed to be a rigorous 150-minute assessment divided into two distinct parts that evaluate different skill sets.

• Part A (Objective): Consists of 75 multiple-choice questions focusing on English comprehension, current affairs, and critical reasoning. This section acts as a primary filter, with negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect or unanswered questions.
• Part B (Subjective): Includes 10 short-answer legal reasoning questions and one analytical essay. This part is only evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cutoff, typically in a 1:5 ratio per available seat.
• Final Selection: Admission offers are made based on the cumulative performance in both parts, with the final merit list expected by the end of May.

Application Fee and Submission Steps

To successfully register, candidates must visit the official NLSAT website and create a user profile. The non-refundable application fee is ₹2,500 for General category applicants and ₹2,000 for those in reserved categories. Given the high stakes and the meticulous nature of the 2-part test, early registration is advised to avoid potential technical issues as the March 23 deadline approaches.

Conclusion

The NLSAT 2026 registration process offers a unique gateway for graduates to enter India's premier legal institution. With the April 26 examination date set, candidates have a clear timeline to balance their professional or academic responsibilities while preparing for the dual-stage test. Adhering to the March 23 deadline and ensuring all documents, particularly the CV and transcripts, are accurately uploaded is essential for a successful application. This remains a critical step for those aspiring to join the transformative legal environment at NLSIU Bengaluru.