• Home
  • NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage & Pattern | NLTI
NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage & Pattern
December, 19 2025

Table of contents

  1. What is NLSAT? Understanding the Exam Before the Syllabus
  2. NLSAT Pattern 2026: Exam Structure at a Glance
  3. NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Overall Structure
  4. Part A: Objective Section (75 Marks)
  5. 1. NLSAT English & Reading Comprehension Syllabus
  6. 2. NLSAT Logical & Critical Reasoning Syllabus
  7. 3. NLSAT General Knowledge & Current Affairs Syllabus
  8. Part B: Subjective Section (75 Marks)
  9. 4. NLSAT Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning Syllabus (60 Marks)
  10. 5. Analytical Essay Writing Syllabus (15 Marks)
  11. Complete NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Weightage Summary
  12. How to Prepare Using the NLSAT Syllabus 2026
  13. FAQs: NLSAT Syllabus 2026
  14. Conclusion: Master the NLSAT Syllabus to Master the Exam

The NLSAT syllabus 2026 is the single most important roadmap for aspirants aiming to secure admission into the prestigious 3-Year LLB (Hons.) programme at NLSIU Bengaluru. Unlike other law entrance exams, the NLSAT pattern is deliberately designed to test reading ability, reasoning depth, analytical writing, and legal aptitude, rather than rote memorisation.

A clear understanding of the NLSAT syllabus, along with a precise grasp of the NLSAT subject wise syllabus and weightage, can dramatically improve your preparation efficiency and exam performance.

This guide explains the complete NLSAT syllabus 2026, the NLSAT pattern, section-wise weightage, and preparation insights in a structured, exam-oriented manner.

Check Out NLSAT Online Coaching and Mentorship

What is NLSAT? Understanding the Exam Before the Syllabus

The National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) is conducted by NLSIU Bengaluru exclusively for admission to its 3-Year LLB programme. The exam is known for its high difficulty level, analytical focus, and subjective evaluation, making syllabus clarity absolutely critical.

Unlike CLAT, the NLSAT syllabus prioritises:

  • Deep reading comprehension

  • Logical and critical reasoning

  • Legal problem-solving

  • Analytical writing

This makes understanding the NLSAT subject wise syllabus and NLSAT pattern non-negotiable for serious aspirants.

Read More: NLSAT Prep in Tamil Nadu: English Writing & GK Tips

NLSAT Pattern 2026: Exam Structure at a Glance

Before diving into the NLSAT syllabus, it is essential to understand the NLSAT pattern, as the syllabus is closely aligned with the exam structure.

NLSAT Exam Pattern Overview

Feature

Details

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Total Duration

150 minutes

Total Marks

150

Sections

Part A (Objective) + Part B (Subjective)

Part A Marks

75

Part B Marks

75

Negative Marking

Yes (Only Part A)

Evaluation Rule

Part B evaluated only for shortlisted candidates

Only candidates qualifying Part A in a 1:5 ratio have their Part B answers evaluated, making Part A performance decisive.

Read More: Balancing MH CET Law and NLSAT Preparation Tips

NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Overall Structure

Part

Type

Skills Tested

Marks

A

Objective (MCQs)

Reading, reasoning, awareness

75

B

Subjective

Legal reasoning, analytical essay

75

The NLSAT syllabus 2026 is therefore divided into two clearly defined components, each requiring a different preparation approach.

Part A: Objective Section (75 Marks)

Part A evaluates comprehension, reasoning, and awareness through multiple-choice questions. The NLSAT subject wise syllabus for Part A is outlined below.

Part A – Subject-Wise Weightage

Subject

Key Focus

Approx. Weightage

Reading Comprehension

Inference, vocabulary, argument structure

High

Critical Reasoning

Logic, assumptions, conclusions

High

Current Affairs & GK

National, international, legal developments

Moderate


Part A Marking Scheme

Response Type

Marks Awarded

Correct Answer

+1

Incorrect Answer

-0.25

Unattempted Question

-0.25

Due to negative marking, accuracy and selective attempts are essential under the NLSAT pattern.

Read More: NLSAT Prep in Delhi NCR: Coaching & Time Strategy

1. NLSAT English & Reading Comprehension Syllabus

The English component of the NLSAT syllabus focuses on your ability to read complex material and interpret it accurately.

Topics Covered

  • Long and short reading passages

  • Vocabulary in context

  • Tone and author intent

  • Central idea and inference

  • Logical flow of arguments

Ideal Reading Sources

Source Type

Examples

Newspapers

Editorials and opinion columns

Essays

Political, legal and social essays

Non-fiction

Analytical and argumentative texts

Strong reading habits directly improve performance across the NLSAT subject wise syllabus.

ching and MentorshipCheck Out NLSAT Online Coa

2. NLSAT Logical & Critical Reasoning Syllabus

Logical and critical reasoning carries one of the highest weightages in the NLSAT syllabus 2026.

Critical Reasoning Topics

  • Assumptions

  • Strengthening and weakening arguments

  • Inference and conclusions

  • Cause–effect relationships

  • Paradox questions

  • Course of action

  • Fact vs opinion

  • Bold-faced arguments

Analytical Reasoning Topics

Area

Examples

Logical Sets

Syllogisms, Venn diagrams

Analytical Skills

Series, patterns

Situational Reasoning

Blood relations, direction sense

Consistent practice is essential to master this section of the NLSAT subject wise syllabus.

Read More: NLSAT Prep in Delhi NCR: Coaching & Time Strategy

3. NLSAT General Knowledge & Current Affairs Syllabus

The GK section of the NLSAT syllabus 2026 emphasises understanding and relevance rather than factual recall.

Key Areas Covered

  • National and international events (last 6–12 months)

  • Constitutional developments

  • Judiciary and landmark judgments

  • Governance, economy, and policy

  • Legal current affairs

  • Books, authors, and awards

Daily newspaper reading is central to success under the NLSAT pattern.

Part B: Subjective Section (75 Marks)

Part B is what truly differentiates NLSAT from all other law entrance examinations. This section of the NLSAT syllabus assesses legal reasoning depth and analytical writing skills.

Read More: NLSAT Previous Year Papers Analysis: Trends, Question Types & Scoring Insights

4. NLSAT Legal Aptitude & Legal Reasoning Syllabus (60 Marks)

Structure of Legal Reasoning Section

Component

Details

Number of Questions

5

Marks per Question

12

Word Limit

200-250 words


Skills Tested

  • Application of legal principles

  • Issue identification

  • Logical structuring of answers

  • Precision and clarity

No prior legal knowledge is required, making reasoning ability the heart of the NLSAT subject wise syllabus.

5. Analytical Essay Writing Syllabus (15 Marks)

Essay Parameters

Aspect

Requirement

Number of Essays

1

Word Limit

Up to 500 words

Topics

Legal, political, social, ethical issues


Evaluation Criteria

  • Argument clarity

  • Logical flow

  • Depth of analysis

  • Language and coherence

Essay writing plays a crucial role under the NLSAT pattern, testing higher-order thinking skills.

Read More: Top NLSAT 2026 Preparation Books & Resources: Expert Study Guide

Complete NLSAT Syllabus 2026: Weightage Summary

Section

Part

Marks

Primary Skill Tested

Reading Comprehension

A

Included in 75

Reading and inference

Critical Reasoning

A

Included in 75

Logical analysis

Current Affairs

A

Included in 75

Awareness and relevance

Legal Reasoning

B

60

Legal problem solving

Analytical Essay

B

15

Writing and analysis


How to Prepare Using the NLSAT Syllabus 2026

Preparation Strategy Aligned to NLSAT Pattern

  • Build daily reading habits

  • Practice reasoning questions consistently

  • Maintain a current affairs notebook

  • Write one to two essays every week

  • Solve previous NLSAT papers and mocks

Consistency across the NLSAT subject wise syllabus is the key to success.

FAQs: NLSAT Syllabus 2026

1. What is included in the NLSAT syllabus 2026?
The NLSAT syllabus includes reading comprehension, current affairs, critical reasoning, legal aptitude, and analytical essay writing.

2. Is the NLSAT syllabus subject wise?
Yes, the NLSAT subject wise syllabus is clearly divided between Part A (objective) and Part B (subjective).

3. Does the NLSAT pattern include negative marking?
Yes, under the NLSAT pattern, Part A includes negative marking for incorrect and unattempted questions.

4. Is legal knowledge required for NLSAT?
No, the NLSAT syllabus tests legal reasoning ability, not prior legal knowledge.

5. Which section has the highest weightage in NLSAT?
Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and legal reasoning collectively carry the highest weightage under the NLSAT pattern.


Conclusion: Master the NLSAT Syllabus to Master the Exam

The NLSAT syllabus 2026, when understood strategically, becomes your strongest preparation tool. With its unique NLSAT pattern, emphasis on reasoning, and analytical depth, success depends on skill development rather than memorisation.

By mastering the NLSAT subject wise syllabus, aligning preparation with weightage, and practicing consistently, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of securing admission to NLSIU Bengaluru.

If your goal is NLSAT 2026, start with the syllabus—and let everything else follow.


Recent Blogs

Fill in Your Details & Get Free Mock Questions & Weekly Study Guides