The NLSAT 2026 syllabus and NLSAT 2026 pattern have been officially designed by NLSIU Bengaluru, India’s first National Law University and a consistent NIRF Rank 1 law school. The exam, introduced in 2022, remains the exclusive pathway to the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) programme at NLSIU Bengaluru, which accepts only around 120 students annually.
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The NLSAT 2026 syllabus tests comprehension, reasoning, current affairs, legal aptitude, and essay writing, while the NLSAT 2026 pattern ensures both objective and subjective evaluation, making it one of the toughest and most comprehensive law entrance exams in India.
Conducted by: NLSIU Bengaluru
Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
Duration: 150 minutes
Seats: ~120 (General + Reserved)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Final year eligible)
Read More : Essay Writing for NLSAT 2026 Part B : Master the Art with NLTI’s Syllabus Guide
The NLSAT 2026 eligibility remains inclusive for graduates from all disciplines:
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Minimum Marks:
General Category – 45%
SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD – 40%
Final Year Students: Eligible, subject to proof of completion by admission.
International Students: Must meet additional university criteria.
The NLSAT 2026 pattern is divided into two sections:
Format: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Sections Included:
Comprehension
Current Affairs
Critical Reasoning
Marking Scheme:
+1 for correct answer
-0.25 for incorrect/unanswered
Purpose: Determines who qualifies for Part B evaluation (top 1:5 ratio per seat).
Legal Aptitude/Reasoning: 5 questions × 12 marks each
Analytical Ability Essay: 1 essay = 15 marks
Purpose: Evaluates legal reasoning, structured thinking, and writing skills.
The NLSAT 2026 syllabus covers both objective and subjective skills.
Comprehension:
Reading passages with interpretative questions
Tests critical analysis and contextual understanding
Current Affairs:
National & international news
Politics, economics, law, governance, and sports
Critical Reasoning:
Logical arguments and inference-based analysis
Legal Aptitude/Reasoning:
Application of legal principles
Problem-solving with hypothetical cases
Analytical Ability Essay:
Essay on legal, socio-political, or contemporary issues
Focus on clarity, logical flow, and structured arguments
NLSAT 2026 Cut-Off Trends
Based on past data (2022–2024):
General Category Cut-off Range: 90-95 marks out of 150
Top Score in NLSAT 2024: 108.5/135 (AIR 1)
Last Admitted Score (General, Post-Waitlist): 88.5/150
Expert Insight: Aim for 90+ marks to secure a safe position.
Understand the NLSAT 2026 pattern & syllabus thoroughly.
Develop core skills: comprehension, reasoning, current affairs, and essay writing.
Practice regularly: mock tests, previous year papers, timed essays.
Focus on Part B: clarity, argumentation, and balanced analysis.
Revise smartly: maintain short notes for GK and legal concepts.
Q1. What is the NLSAT 2026 syllabus?
The NLSAT 2026 syllabus includes comprehension, current affairs, critical reasoning (Part A), and legal aptitude plus an analytical essay (Part B).
Q2. What is the NLSAT 2026 pattern?
The NLSAT 2026 pattern has two parts: Part A (objective MCQs worth 75 marks) and Part B (subjective legal reasoning + essay worth 75 marks).
Q3. How much weight does Part B carry in the NLSAT 2026 syllabus?
Part B carries 50% of the total marks (75/150) but is evaluated only for top scorers in Part A.
Q4. Is there negative marking in NLSAT 2026?
Yes, Part A has -0.25 negative marking for incorrect/unanswered answers.
Q5. What kind of essay is asked in the NLSAT 2026 pattern?
The essay tests analytical ability on legal, socio-political, or current issues, focusing on structure and clarity.
Q6. How many seats are available under NLSAT 2026?
Approximately 120 seats, including reservations.
Q7. What is the cut-off for NLSAT 2026?
Based on trends, the cut-off for general candidates will likely range between 95-100 marks out of 150.
Q8. Can non-law graduates apply for NLSAT 2026?
Yes, the exam is open to graduates from any discipline.
The NLSAT 2026 syllabus and NLSAT 2026 pattern establish a rigorous and multi-stage selection process, combining objective aptitude testing with analytical writing and legal reasoning. For aspirants targeting NLSIU Bengaluru’s prestigious 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) programme, understanding the NLSAT 2026 syllabus in depth, mastering the NLSAT 2026 pattern, and consistent practice through mocks and essays will be crucial to success.
