Curious about pursuing an education in law after having completed undergraduate studies? Unsure of your options due to the popularity of integrated programs? Don’t look further, as NLSIU, India’s premier hub for legal education, offers a 3-year LLB program with direct entry through NLSAT.
Check Out NLSAT Online Coaching and Mentorship
From dates to results explore the blog as a complete NLSAT 2026 guide: exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, important dates and how to submit the expression of interest for admission to leading programmes at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
The NLSAT 2026 exam is the key gateway for aspirants looking to join distinguished programmes such as the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), BA (Hons.), MPP, and PhD at NLSIU Bengaluru. With intense competition and limited seats, having a clear understanding of the NLSAT 2026 pattern, preparation strategy and admission process is essential.
By following this in-depth NLSAT 2026 guide you’ll be well informed about eligibility, structure, syllabus, dates, and how to fill the expression of interest form to stay updated and ahead.
The NLSAT 2026 is the national entrance exam administered by NLSIU Bengaluru for admission to multiple programmes for Academic Year 2026-27. It evaluates candidates across a blend of comprehension, reasoning, current affairs and legal aptitude skills.
Key features of NLSAT 2026:
Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper) exam.
Duration: 150 minutes (Part A + Part B).
Seats: Approx. 120 for the 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) programme.
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline (or you must complete by the admission time) with minimum required marks.
Read More: NLSAT 2026: 10-Minute Daily Drills for Quick Practice
If you are an aspiring candidate, parent/guardian, teacher or other stakeholder, NLSIU has opened an Expression of Interest form for admissions for 2026-27. Here’s a summary of the required fields:
Full Name (Required)
Email Address (Required)
Mobile Number (Optional for WhatsApp alerts)
Age
Role: Aspiring Candidate / Parent/Guardian / Teacher/Professor / Other
Programme Interest (Choose one):
BA (Hons.)
3-Year LL.B. (Hons.)
Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP)
PhD (Law)
PhD (Social Sciences, Humanities & Public Policy)
Highest Qualification (High School / Undergraduate / Postgraduate / PhD / Other)
City, State, Gender
Invite the outreach team for a school/institution-specific webinar? (Yes/No)
Where did you learn about NLSIU programs? (Website, Teacher, Social Media, Newspaper, Other)
Submitting this form will ensure you receive important updates about NLSAT 2026 and related admission events.
Read More: Top Free Online Resources and Tools for NLSAT Prep
Note: Dates are based on past trends and are subject to change once official notification is released.
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All candidates must attempt both parts. However, evaluation of Part B is limited to top candidates (~1:5 ratio) shortlisted based on Part A performance.
Read More: How to Use IRAC and CRAC in NLSAT Subjective Answers
Format: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Sections Included:
Reading Comprehension (English)
Current Affairs
Critical Reasoning (CR)
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
Core CR Concepts like Assumptions, Conclusions, Strengthening/Weakening Arguments
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
Read More: NLSAT Time Management: Objective vs Subjective Tips
Based on difficulty and previous trends, here’s NLTI’s projection:
Note: These are not official cutoffs. They reflect NLSAT 2025 marks estimates from NLTI’s analysis.
With rising applicants and tougher competition, the NLSAT 2026 cutoff is projected as follows:
More applicants (10–15% increase expected).
Stronger Part B essays with complex legal themes.
Increased awareness of NLSAT strategy among test-takers.
Static seat intake (120 seats) despite rising competition.
Read More: Building Legal Reasoning for Beginners Made Simple
Target NLSAT 2026 Marks:
General Category: 100+ out of 150 (safe zone)
Reserved Categories: 82–90 out of 150
Part A: 55–60 marks (high accuracy in comprehension & reasoning)
Part B: 40+ marks (structured essays & legal reasoning)
Key steps to prepare effectively:
Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
Create a realistic study plan with daily/weekly goals
Prioritise reading editorials, legal-news, and current-affairs for Part A
Practice logical reasoning, puzzles and comprehension passages for speed and accuracy
Write essays regularly; focus on structure, argument clarity and writing fluency
Take full-length mock tests under exam-conditions; analyse performance and work on weak areas
Q1. What is NLSAT 2026?
The NLSAT 2026 is the entrance exam for NLSIU Bengaluru’s programmes (including 3-Year LL.B. Hons.) for AY 2026-27, testing comprehension, reasoning, legal aptitude and writing skills.
Q2. Who is eligible for NLSAT 2026?
Graduates from any discipline with minimum required marks (General: 45%, Reserved: 40%) and/or final year students meeting requirements by admission time.
Q3. What is the exam pattern of NLSAT 2026?
Two parts: Part A (75 marks, MCQs) and Part B (75 marks, subjective). Evaluation of Part B is conditional on clearing Part A cut-off.
Q4. When will NLSAT 2026 be conducted?
Tentative exam is in the last week of April 2026; exact dates will be announced by NLSIU Bengaluru.
Q5. How many seats are offered under NLSAT 2026?
For the 3-Year LL.B.(Hons.) At NLSIU Bengaluru the intake is about 120 seats; other programmes have separate seat pools.
Q6. Is knowledge of law required for NLSAT 2026?
No prior law knowledge is required; the exam emphasises reasoning ability and analytical writing.
Q7. What is the application fee?
General Category: Rs. 2,500; Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/EWS): Rs. 2,000.
NLSAT 2026 is a competitive and demanding test. Achieving success requires disciplined preparation, focus on reasoning and writing skills, and staying updated through the expression of interest. Submit your details, follow the syllabus and pattern, practise with purpose and you’ll be well-placed to secure admission into top law programmes at NLSIU Bengaluru.
Good luck with your NLSAT 2026 preparation journey!
