Most Frequently Asked Questions for NLSAT

The National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) is the exclusive entrance exam for admission into the prestigious 3-Year LL.B. program at NLSIU Bengaluru, India’s top-ranked law school. Since its launch, NLSAT has attracted graduates from diverse academic backgrounds seeking to pivot into a top-tier legal career.

In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the NLSAT, clear up common myths, and provide detailed guidance based on verified information and NLTI's mentorship experience.

Also Read: NLSAT 2026 Full Guide

NLSAT Explained: What Is It?

Q1. What is the NLSAT?

NLSAT stands for National Law School Admission Test. It is the entrance exam conducted by NLSIU Bengaluru for its 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) program.

Q2. Is NLSAT the same as CLAT PG or DU LLB entrance?

No. NLSAT is completely separate from CLAT PG or CUET PG DU LLB. It is an independent entrance exam conducted by NLSIU only for its own program.

NLSAT Eligibility Criteria

Q3. Who is eligible to appear for NLSAT?

To apply for NLSAT, you must have:

A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (minimum 3 years)

At least 45% marks (General/OBC) or 40% marks (SC/ST)

No age limit

Q4. Can final-year undergraduate students apply?

Yes. Final-year students can apply, subject to passing the degree exam before admission.

Also Read: How to Prepare for NLSAT 2026 from Scratch

NLSAT Exam Structure and Pattern

Q5. What is the structure of the NLSAT exam?

The NLSAT is conducted in two parts in a single paper:

Part Type Subjects Duration

Part A Objective (MCQs) English, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning 75 minutes Part B Descriptive Legal Aptitude, Argumentative Writing, Essay 75 minutes

Q6. Is there a negative marking?

Yes. In Part A, there is +1 for correct answers and –0.25 for incorrect/unattempted answers.

Q7. Is legal knowledge required for Part A?

No. Legal aptitude is only tested in Part B. However, reading legal content helps in essay writing and comprehension.

Also Read: NLSAT 2025: Part A vs Part B Differences

NLSAT Selection and Cut-Offs

Q8. How many students are selected for admission?

As of 2025, 120 seats are available for the 3-Year LL.B. program, with reservations for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PWD, and Karnataka domicile candidates.

Q9. How many students are shortlisted for Part B?

Only the top 5% of candidates in Part A are invited for Part B evaluation.

Q10. What is the cut-off for selection?

There is no officially declared cut-off, but based on previous years:

General candidates typically need 85–90 percentile

Reserved categories need around 70–80 percentile

The expected total score for selection ranges from 88–91 for General category candidates

NLSAT Placements and Career Outcomes

Q11. What kind of jobs do NLSIU 3-Year LL.B. graduates get?

The first graduating batch (2025) saw:

Median package: ₹18 LPA

Top law firms: CAM, SAM, AZB, Khaitan, JSA

In-house legal teams: Reliance, Tata, HDFC

Other career paths: UPSC, Judiciary, LL.M., MBA, Litigation

Q12. Are placements guaranteed?

No. But NLSIU has a robust recruitment system, and most students who actively seek placements get offers from top law firms.

Application and Registration Process

Q13. When does the NLSAT application open?

Applications typically open in November or December, and the exam is held in April.

Q14. How do I apply for NLSAT?

You need to:

• Visit the official NLSIU website: https://admissions.nls.ac.in

• Create an account

• Fill in personal, academic, and category details

• Upload documents

• Pay the application fee (₹2500 General, ₹2000 SC/ST/OBC/EWS)

Q15. What is the mode of the NLSAT exam?

It is conducted offline at multiple test centres across India.

NLSAT 2026 Preparation Strategy

Q16. How much time is needed to prepare for NLSAT?

A 6–9 month focused preparation plan is ideal. Serious aspirants typically follow a structured timetable covering:

• English comprehension and grammar

• Static and current affairs

• Logical reasoning and analytical aptitude

• Essay and legal writing practice

Q17. What are the best resources to prepare for NLSAT?

• NCERTs and newspapers for GK

• LSAT and CLAT prep books for logic

• Editorials and judgments for legal writing

• NLTI’s mock tests and mentorship programs

Miscellaneous FAQs

Q18. Is NLSIU’s 3-Year LL.B. recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI)?

Yes. The program is BCI-approved and equivalent to other 3-Year LL.B. degrees for litigation and legal practice.

Q19. Is NLSAT conducted for the 5-Year B.A. LL.B. program too?

No. The 5-Year B.A. LL.B. program at NLSIU admits students through CLAT UG.

Q20. How can I stay updated about NLSAT notifications?

Visit the official NLSIU admission portal

Follow verified pages like National Legal Training Institute (NLTI)

Join telegram group for latest Updates

Final Thoughts

The NLSAT is a gateway to India’s most elite 3-Year LL.B. program, and cracking it requires strategy, clarity, and dedication. With just one college and one exam, there’s zero margin for error but 100% reward for those who succeed.

Whether you’re from engineering, commerce, humanities, or science, NLSIU Bengaluru can be your launchpad into the legal profession—if you approach the exam smartly and systematically.

Need mentorship? Join NLTI’s NLSAT Program 2026 for access to past toppers, live classes, mocks, and expert feedback.