NLSAT 2026, conducted by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is one of the most competitive law entrance exams in India. Designed for admission into the prestigious 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) program, this exam tests your comprehension, reasoning, legal aptitude, and essay writing skills. With less than 2% of applicants securing a seat, a disciplined and well-planned preparation strategy is essential.

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This 6-month study plan breaks down your NLSAT 2026 preparation into weekly milestones to help you stay consistent, focused, and ready for both objective and subjective sections of the exam.

NLSAT 2026 Exam Structure: Understand the Blueprint

Before planning your preparation, understand how the exam is structured:

• Negative Marking: -0.25 for incorrect answers in Part A.

• Shortlisting for Part B: Only the top 5 candidates per seat in Part A qualify for Part B evaluation.

Syllabus Overview

Part A:

• Comprehension: Complex reading passages followed by inference and analysis-based questions.

• Current Affairs: Legal, constitutional, and national/international issues.

• Critical Reasoning: Argument evaluation, assumptions, deductions.

Part B:

• Legal Reasoning: Apply legal principles to hypothetical scenarios; prior legal knowledge not required.

• Analytical Essay: A 500–700 word argumentative essay on legal or social issues.

Phase 1 (Months 1–2): Lay the Groundwork

The first two months are for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and building foundational skills.

Weekly Goals

• Weeks 1–2: Analyze the NLSAT syllabus and past papers (if available).

• Weeks 3–4: Begin comprehension practice: 1 editorial and 5 inference questions daily.

• Weeks 5–6: Launch a legal current affairs notebook categorized by topic.

• Weeks 7–8: Attempt beginner-level reasoning questions and write two short essays.

Recommended Study Resources:

Phase 2 (Months 3–5): Strengthen Core Skills

This is the critical phase of your preparation. Focus on depth, structure, and consistency.

Month 3 (Weeks 9–12)

• Practice summarizing two editorials daily.

• Solve 15–20 reasoning questions per week.

• Begin structured legal reasoning using IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion).

• Write 1 essay every 10 days.

Month 4 (Weeks 13–16)

• Continue daily comprehension and legal aptitude alternately.

• Maintain current affairs journals with legal classifications.

• Solve 20 legal reasoning problems and write 1 essay each week.

Month 5 (Weeks 17–20)

• Deepen legal understanding by reading landmark Supreme Court judgments weekly.

• Practice 2 essays weekly with NLTI peer or mentor feedback.

• Take 1 NLTI section test (Part A or B) every week.

Phase 3 (Month 6): Simulate the Exam and Refine

In the final month, shift your focus to full-length mock tests, revision, and self-assessment.

Week-by-Week Final Plan

Mastering Mock Tests: Strategy and Analysis

Mock tests are non-negotiable in NLSAT 2026 preparation. They train you in managing pressure, improving response time, and identifying knowledge gaps.

Why Mocks Matter

• Exam Simulation: Familiarize yourself with the two-part structure and physical test environment.

• Time Allocation: Learn how to balance time between comprehension, reasoning, and essay writing.

• Skill Diagnosis: Discover recurring mistakes and sharpen your weak areas.

• Endurance Building: Build cognitive stamina and decision-making efficiency under exam stress.

How to Use Mocks Effectively

• Start from Month 3: Take one mock every two weeks.

• Increase Frequency: Shift to one full mock every week in the last 6 weeks.

• Analyze Deeply:

• Part A: Review question types, logic traps, and comprehension styles.

• Part B: Use structured rubrics to assess essays (introduction, reasoning, clarity, grammar).

• Track Progress: Maintain a spreadsheet or NLTI dashboard to review score patterns.

Recommended Mock Sources

• NLTI Full-Length Mocks (with detailed subjective evaluations)

• NLTI Sectional Tests for Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and General Knowledge

• Self-curated essays using recent legal issues and editorials

Final Preparation Checklist

• Completed 6 or more full-length NLTI mocks

• Practiced 15+ analytical essays with feedback

• Logged 100+ comprehension and reasoning questions

• Read 20+ major Supreme Court rulings

• Created a categorized current affairs notebook

• Mastered 50+ legal principles and doctrines

Tips for NLSAT 2026 Aspirants

• Consistency Beats Intensity: Study 2–3 hours daily rather than cramming.

• Prioritize Interpretation: The exam assesses analysis, not memory.

• If You Lack Legal Background: Focus more on logic and essay clarity.

• If You Have Legal Exposure: Structure your legal reasoning tightly using case-based patterns.

• Use NLTI Mentorship: Personalized feedback on essays and mocks is invaluable.

• Stay Updated: Follow the official NLSIU portal for the latest notifications and sample papers.

Conclusion

NLSAT 2026 rewards preparation that is analytical, organized, and expression-oriented. This 6-month weekly plan provides you a realistic, high-impact framework to succeed. By building a strong foundation, refining your skills through targeted practice, and embracing feedback from resources like NLTI, you position yourself strongly to crack one of India’s most competitive legal entrance exams.

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