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NLSAT 2026 Essay Writing Guide – Format, Tips & Structure
July, 14 2025

Table of contents

  1. NLSAT 2026 Essay Writing Where It Fits in the Exam
  2. Essay Format in NLSAT 2026
  3. What NLSIU Looks for in Your Essay
  4. Ideal Essay Structure for NLSAT 2026
  5. Sample Essay Topics for Practice
  6. How to Master Essay Writing for NLSAT 2026
  7. NLSAT Essay Writing Final Checklist
  8. Resources to Practice Essay Writing

The Analytical Essay in Part B of the NLSAT 2026 is a key differentiator for aspirants targeting admission

into the prestigious 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) program at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.

This subjective component tests your ability to write persuasively, argue logically, and express legal and societal insights with clarity and structure.

In this guide, you'll learn the format, structure, expectations, and sample examples to master the NLSAT 2026 essay section.

NLSAT ONLINE COACHING 2026

NLSAT 2026 Essay Writing: Where It Fits in the Exam

The NLSAT is divided into two parts:


Section

Type

Marks

Key Focus

Evaluation

   Part A


     Objective 


      75

Comprehension, Reasoning, GK


For All

  Part B


    Subjective

     

      75 

Legal Reasoning + Essay Writing

Only for shortlisted candidates (top 1:5)

Essay writing falls under Part B and is worth 15 marks.

You will be asked to write one analytical essay (up to 500 words) on a contemporary legal, political, or societal issue.

Essay Format in NLSAT 2026

  • Word Limit: 450–500 words

  • Marks Allotted: 15

  • Time Suggested: 30 minutes (within 75-minute Part B section)

  • Topic Type: Open-ended issues related to law, society, politics, or ethics

  • No legal background required, but critical thinking and structured writing are essential.

Read More: Master Logical Reasoning for NLSAT 2026

What NLSIU Looks for in Your Essay


Criteria

What It Means

Clarity of Thought

Logical flow of ideas without ambiguity

Structured Argument

Clear introduction, body (with arguments/examples), and conclusion

Analytical Depth

Balanced viewpoints, deeper understanding of the issue

Legal Sensitivity

Awareness of rights, justice, and social order—even if not law-trained

Grammar & Style

Formal, coherent, and concise expression

Ideal Essay Structure for NLSAT 2026

A well-structured essay should follow this format:

Introduction (Approx. 60–80 words)

  • Define the issue

  • Present the central question

  • Offer a brief thesis or position

Context/Background (Optional  50–70 words)

  • Provide historical/legal/societal background

  • Mention relevant events, debates, or constitutional principles


Main Body (Approx. 300–350 words)

  • Paragraph 1: Strong argument with example or logic

  • Paragraph 2: Supporting argument or a second angle

  • Paragraph 3: Address opposing views (with rebuttal if applicable)

Conclusion (Approx. 50–70 words)

  • Reinforce your position

  • Suggest a balanced way forward

  • End with a thought-provoking closing statement

Read More:Top NLSAT Resources: NLTI Textbook & Modules Guide

Sample Essay Topics for Practice

Here are some likely essay themes based on past trends and NLSAT focus areas:

  1. "Should the death penalty be abolished in India?"

  2. "Right to Privacy vs. National Security: Where should the line be drawn?"

  3. "Uniform Civil Code: A step toward equality or forced uniformity?"

  4. "Social Media and Freedom of Speech: Boon or Bane?"

  5. "Judicial activism and democracy: A necessary check?"

How to Master Essay Writing for NLSAT 2026 

Consistent, deliberate practice is key to writing impactful essays. Here’s how to structure your preparation:

  1. Weekly Writing Goals

    • Write 1 full essay every week from Month 2 of your preparation

    • Increase to 2–3 essays per week in the final 2 months

    • Alternate between legal, political, and current affairs topics

  1. Peer & Mentor Feedback Join NLSAT oriented peer groups or online platforms like NLTI

    • Request structured feedback based on clarity, argument strength, and structure

    • Revise essays based on critiques to refine your expression

  1. Timed Practice Use 30-minute timers to simulate exam pressure

    • Practice writing clear introductions and conclusions quickly

    • Build endurance for handwritten exams (since NLSAT is offline)

  1. Topic Bank Creation Maintain a notebook or document with 30+ essay-worthy topics

    • Categorize topics under Law, Politics, Society, and Ethics

    • Note down 3–5 key points, examples, or references for each topic

  1. Essay Rubric Self-Evaluation 

    • Score your essays using a 5-point scale for each of these:

      • Clarity of argument (0–5)

      • Structure and flow (0–5)

      • Depth of analysis (0–5)

      • Grammar and expression (0–5)

      • Relevance and examples (0–5)

    • Aim for a minimum score of 20/25 before moving to new essay themes.

  1. Model Essays & Benchmarking Read high quality essays from editorials (e.g. The Hindu, Indian Express)

    • Analyze how arguments are framed and evidence is introduced

    • Mirror these styles in your own writing

NLSAT Essay Writing: Final Checklist

  • Clear and structured intro-body-conclusion

  • Relevant examples or facts used 

  • At least one counterargument included 

  • Word count within 450–500 

  • No spelling or grammar errors 

  • Argument is logical, not emotional 

  • Demonstrates awareness of law/society without jargon

Read More: NLSAT 2026 English Key Comprehension Topics & Tools

Resources to Practice Essay Writing


Resource

Use Case

The Hindu Editorials

Learn formal writing style and structure

PRS Legislative Research

Get data and arguments for legal essays

NLTI Essay Workshops

Peer-reviewed writing practice

Past NLSAT Mocks

Simulate real exam conditions

Landmark Judgments Digest

Include in essays for deeper analysis

Conclusion: Write to Reflect, Argue, and Impress

The essay section of NLSAT 2026 is not just a test of writing it’s a test of reasoning, empathy, and perspective.

Whether you're from a law, science, or humanities background, your success hinges on your ability to articulate

arguments clearly, logically, and persuasively.

With structured preparation, current affairs awareness, and regular practice, you can turn this section

into your strength and stand out to the NLSIU evaluators.




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