Premier private law universities in India, including Jindal Global Law School and UPES Dehradun, remain open for 2026 undergraduate and postgraduate applications. While national entrance tests like CLAT have moved to the counseling phase, independent institutions are offering secondary pathways through exams like LSAT—India and ULSAT. Aspirants can still secure seats in 5-year integrated BA LLB and BBA LLB programs by meeting early admission deadlines and merit-based criteria. Ensure you track the specific registration windows for institutions like NMIMS and Lloyd Law College to finalize your law school enrollment for the 2026 session.

As of January 29, 2026, the landscape for legal education in India remains highly active as private-institutions across the country continue to accept applications for the 2026 academic session. While the centralized counseling for government law schools is reaching its peak, premier private universities have kept their application-windows open to accommodate the growing number of students seeking specialized legal curricula. Major law schools, including Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) and UPES Dehradun, are currently inviting candidates for their five-year integrated and three-year LLB programs. These private-institutions often provide a critical safety net and a robust alternative for those looking for global faculty exposure and modern infrastructure beyond the National Law Universities.

Leading Universities with Active Portals

Several high-ranking universities have announced their secondary phase of admissions for the 2026 intake, offering multiple entry pathways.

• Jindal Global Law School: The university has set February 28, 2026, as the deadline for its Phase 2 early admissions. Entry to its prestigious programs is based exclusively on LSAT—India or LNAT-UK scores, making it one of the most selective private-institutions in the country.
• UPES Dehradun: The ULSAT 2026 registration is currently live, allowing students to apply for specialized tracks in Energy Law, Corporate Law, and Intellectual Property Rights.
• Symbiosis Law Schools: Although the initial SLAT results were declared on January 15, certain programs and management-quota application-windows across the Pune, Noida, and Hyderabad campuses remain open for late-stage inquiries.

Admission Criteria and Financial Aid

For the 2026 academic year, many universities are moving toward a more holistic selection process that goes beyond entrance scores.

• Merit-Based Eligibility: Most colleges require a minimum of 45% to 50% in Class 12, though competitive private-institutions often set their internal cutoffs much higher based on the volume of applications.
• Scholarship Opportunities: To attract top talent, schools like Lloyd Law College have introduced early-bird scholarship policies that are tied to performance in the application-windows and national-level test scores.
• Entrance Flexibility: While many schools accept CLAT or LSAT scores, several universities are still conducting their own home-proctored entrance tests for students who missed the national windows.

Important Deadlines for Aspirants

Students are encouraged to monitor the specific application-windows for their target colleges, as many are scheduled to close by the end of March.

• NMIMS (LAT): The Kirit P. Mehta School of Law is expected to keep its Phase 1 portal active through March 2026 for its campuses in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
• LSAT—India April Session: For schools that rely on this score, the registration deadline for the April 10 exam is February 26, 2026.
• Direct Admissions: Some emerging private law colleges are offering direct admissions based on Class 12 merit, provided the student meets the Bar Council of India (BCI) age and academic requirements.

Conclusion

The continued availability of applications at top private law universities offers a significant advantage to students aiming for a legal career in 2026. These private-institutions provide a diverse range of specializations and global opportunities that cater to the evolving needs of the legal profession. As the various application-windows approach their spring deadlines, candidates should act swiftly to complete their documentation and secure their seats. Whether opting for a specialized degree at UPES or a globally recognized program at Jindal, the 2026 intake remains a vibrant and accessible pathway for the next generation of lawyers.