Premier private law universities across India are currently accepting applications for the 2026 intake. Aspirants can apply for B.A. LL.B. and BBA LL.B. programs at institutions like Jindal Global Law School, NMIMS, and Symbiosis through independent entrance portals. Ensure you track the upcoming phase-wise deadlines and merit scholarship opportunities.

The landscape of legal education in India remains highly active as private-legal-entities across the country continue to invite applications for their five-year integrated programs. As of today, January 20, 2026, while national-level counseling for government NLUs is well underway, top-tier private institutions have kept their independent portals open to accommodate students seeking global exposure and specialized curricula. This ongoing intake-window offers a crucial opportunity for aspirants who wish to secure seats in prestigious law schools that operate outside the centralized allotment framework.

Major Private Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines

Several high-ranking private-legal-entities have established a multi-phase testing system, allowing candidates to attempt exams in different windows for score improvement.

• Jindal Global Law School (JGLS): The second phase of early admissions is currently active, with a looming deadline of February 28, 2026. Applicants must take the LSAT—India 2026 to be considered for this intake-window.
• NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law: The registration for NMIMS-LAT 2026 is operational, with the first phase of exams expected to conclude by March.
• Symbiosis Law Schools (SLS): While the primary SLAT 2026 was held in December, several campuses are accepting registrations for the subsequent selection rounds and enrollment-phases based on merit scores.
• Christ University: The second session for CULEE 2026 has opened its portal, with the final date for online submission set for March 30, 2026.

Academic Standards and Campus Specializations

Choosing between different private-legal-entities requires a careful analysis of the academic specializations and the global tie-ups offered by each school.

• Integrated Degree Options: Most universities provide a choice between B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and BBA LL.B. (Hons.), with the latter gaining popularity among students interested in corporate law.
• Global Exchange Programs: Premier schools like Jindal and Symbiosis have utilized the current intake-window to highlight their semester-exchange programs with renowned law schools in the UK and USA.
• Skill-Based Learning: The curriculum for the 2026 session emphasizes clinical legal education, including mandatory moot court participation and mediation workshops as part of the enrollment-phases.
• Eligibility Benchmarks: Candidates generally require a minimum of 45% to 50% in their Class 12 examinations to qualify for admission, though competitive cut-offs for top branches remain much higher.

Fee Structure and Merit Scholarship Comparison

The financial commitment for private law education varies significantly, but most institutions offer substantial scholarships during the early enrollment-phases.

• Hostel and Amenities: In addition to tuition, students should factor in residential costs, which typically range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per annum at these private-legal-entities.
• Early Bird Advantage: Applying during the current intake-window often grants students priority in campus selection, particularly for universities with multiple branches like NMIMS.
• Document Readiness: Aspirants are advised to keep their Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category certificates, and a recent passport-size photo ready for the enrollment-phases to avoid technical delays.

Conclusion

As the 2026 admission season enters its second major phase, the diversity of options available at private-legal-entities provides a robust alternative to national law schools. The current intake-window is the ideal time for students to finalize their applications, especially for those targeting scholarship-heavy early rounds. By monitoring the official university websites and completing the required enrollment-phases before the March deadlines, candidates can ensure a smooth transition into their professional legal journey. The competition for seats in specialized corporate law branches is expected to intensify as the final board exam season approaches.