The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has announced admissions for the academic year 2027–28 through the National Law School Admission Test NLSAT 2027. The university is inviting applications for its B.A. (Hons.), 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP), and Ph.D. programmes.
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According to the admission notification dated 9 October 2026, the NLSAT 2027 examination will be conducted on 25 April 2027 (Sunday) at designated examination centres across India. The last date to submit the online application form is 23 March 2027, up to 11:59 PM IST.
Among the programmes offered, the NLS B.A. (Hons.) is a three-year undergraduate programme with an optional fourth year for students interested in pursuing the research track. The programme offers an interdisciplinary academic structure covering History, Sociology and Anthropology, Politics, and Economics.
Candidates interested in studying at NLSIU should check the programme-wise eligibility criteria, examination pattern, important dates, reservation policy and application procedure before submitting their applications.
NLSAT 2027: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) 2027 |
| Conducting University | National Law School of India University (NLSIU) |
| University Location | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Academic Session | 2027–28 |
| Programmes | BA (Hons.), 3-Year LLB (Hons.), MPP and PhD |
| Examination Date | 25 April 2027 |
| Examination Mode | As specified by NLSIU |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Last Date | 23 March 2027 |
| BA (Hons.) Intake | 60 Seats |
| Academic Session Commencement | 1 July 2027 |
| Official Website | https://www.nls.ac.in/ |
| Application Portal | https://nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in/ |
NLSIU Admissions 2027: Programmes Offered
NLSIU has announced admissions to four major programme categories through NLSAT 2027.
1. B.A. (Hons.) Programme
The NLS B.A. (Hons.) is a three-year undergraduate degree programme with an option to pursue an additional fourth year in the research track.
The programme follows an interdisciplinary curriculum consisting of:
- Common Core Foundational Courses
- Majors and Minors
- Open Electives
- Languages
- Practice Courses
- Internships
Students can explore four major academic disciplines: History, Sociology and Anthropology, Politics, and Economics.
The maximum intake for the academic year 2027–28 is 60 students.
2. 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) Programme
The three-year LL.B. (Hons.) is a full-time postgraduate professional degree programme designed for graduates from all academic disciplines.
The programme combines interdisciplinary legal studies with experiential learning and practical legal training. It fulfils the requirements prescribed by the Bar Council of India and qualifies graduates for admission to legal practice, subject to applicable requirements.
Admission is based on the National Law School Admission Test for the LL.B. programme (NLSAT-LLB).
3. Master’s Programme in Public Policy (MPP)
NLSIU also offers a two-year Master’s Programme in Public Policy for students and professionals holding a graduate degree in any discipline.
The programme focuses on the relationship between public policy, law, social sciences and governance. Its curriculum includes research methods, field engagement, internships, experiential learning and dissertation projects.
It is designed to prepare students for careers in public policy research, governance, administration and policy development.
4. Ph.D. Programmes
NLSIU offers two doctoral programmes:
- Ph.D. in Law
- Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Humanities and Public Policy
These programmes provide opportunities for advanced research and academic engagement. Candidates may also get opportunities to participate in teaching and ongoing research activities at the university.
NLSAT 2027 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements differ according to the programme selected by the applicant.
Eligibility for B.A. (Hons.)
Candidates who have successfully completed their Higher Secondary education (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or school of education are eligible to apply.
The eligibility information provided for the programme specifies the following minimum aggregate marks:
| Category | Minimum Aggregate |
|---|---|
| General Category | 55% |
| SC/ST Category | 45% |
Students currently appearing in their final year of higher secondary education are also eligible to apply.
However, their admission will remain provisional until they successfully complete the qualifying examination and submit the required mark sheet or transcript.
The proof of completion of the qualifying examination must be submitted no later than 31 December 2027. Candidates who fail to submit the required documents will lose their right to be considered for admission.
Eligibility for 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.)
The three-year LL.B. (Hons.) programme is open to graduates from all academic disciplines. Candidates must fulfil the educational qualification and other requirements specified in the separate LL.B. admission notification.
Eligibility for MPP
Candidates holding a graduate degree in any discipline can apply for the Master’s Programme in Public Policy.
Eligibility for Ph.D.
Applicants interested in doctoral programmes must satisfy the programme-specific academic and research eligibility requirements prescribed by NLSIU.
Candidates should refer to the individual admission notifications for the detailed eligibility conditions.
NLSAT-BA 2027 Exam Pattern
Candidates applying for the B.A. (Hons.) programme must appear for the National Law School Admission Test for Bachelors of Arts (NLSAT-BA).
The examination will consist of a single question paper divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.
Candidates must attempt both sections.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | NLSAT-BA 2027 |
| Total Duration | 150 Minutes |
| Total Parts | 2 |
| Part A | Multiple-Choice Questions |
| Part A Questions | 75 |
| Part A Maximum Marks | 75 |
| Part B | Subjective Questions |
| Part B Maximum Marks | 75 |
| Total Maximum Marks | 150 |
Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions
Part A will contain 75 multiple-choice questions, carrying one mark each. The maximum marks for this section will be 75.
The section will assess candidates in the following areas:
- Reading and Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Critical Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning will assess skills such as calculations involving formulae, percentages, drawing inferences and interpreting basic datasets.
Negative Marking: The examination notification specifies a deduction of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer and also for each unanswered question in Part A.
Candidates should therefore read the examination instructions carefully before attempting questions.
Part B: Subjective Questions
Part B will carry a maximum of 75 marks and will consist of subjective questions designed to evaluate candidates’ analytical and writing abilities.
It includes two major components:
1. Short Answers – 50 Marks
Candidates will be provided with extracts or passages from contemporary texts, followed by questions or prompts requiring short written responses.
Each short-answer question will carry a maximum of 12.5 marks.
The evaluation will focus on the candidate’s ability to:
- Critically analyse the given passage.
- Develop and explain a clear position.
- Identify missing or flawed assumptions.
- Present alternative explanations.
- Construct logical and relevant arguments.
2. Essay Writing – 25 Marks
Candidates will be required to write an essay based on a given prompt or keyword.
The essay will assess:
- Understanding and interpretation of the given topic.
- Knowledge of relevant facts and arguments.
- Ability to establish logical connections.
- Clarity and strength of written arguments.
- Organisation and structure of the essay.
NLSAT-BA Marking Scheme
| Section | Question Type | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | 75 MCQs | 75 |
| Part B | Short Answers | 50 |
| Part B | Essay | 25 |
| Total | 150 |
Admission offers will be made based on the cumulative performance of candidates in Parts A and B.
Important: The above examination pattern relates specifically to NLSAT-BA. Candidates applying for LL.B., MPP and Ph.D. programmes should consult their respective admission notifications for programme-specific selection requirements.
NLSAT 2027 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the following dates to avoid missing any important admission-related deadlines.
| Events | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| NLSAT 2027 Admission Notification | 9 October 2026 |
| Live Information Session for BA Candidates | 1 November 2026 |
| BA Campus Visit Day | 29 November 2026 |
| Application Forms Availability | November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 23 March 2027 |
| NLSAT 2027 Examination | 25 April 2027 |
| Final Admission List | By the end of May 2027 |
| Commencement of Academic Year | 1 July 2027 |
The examination will be conducted on Sunday, 25 April 2027, at specified centres across the country.
The final admission list is expected to be published by the end of May 2027. Provisional admission will become final only after verification of original documents and payment of the prescribed fees.
NLS B.A. (Hons.) Admission 2027: Intake and Reservation
The maximum intake for the NLS B.A. (Hons.) programme for the academic year 2027–28 is 60 students, covering all four academic disciplines.
The reservation policy is as follows:
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% Horizontal |
| Women | 30% Horizontal |
| Karnataka Students | 25% Horizontal (Compartmentalised) |
The applicable reservation policy will be implemented at each stage of the admission process.
Karnataka Students Category
NLSIU provides a horizontal reservation for eligible Karnataka students.
Candidates who have studied for at least seven years in a recognised educational institution in Karnataka are eligible to be considered under this category.
Candidates who have not completed seven years of education in Karnataka may also qualify under specific circumstances, including:
- Children of defence personnel or ex-servicemen who declared Karnataka as their hometown when joining service and served outside the state during the corresponding period of the candidate’s education.
- Children of Karnataka State Government employees who have served or are serving outside Karnataka during the corresponding period of the candidate’s education.
- Children of serving or retired Karnataka-cadre All India Services officers (IAS, IFS or IPS) who have served outside Karnataka during the corresponding period.
- Children of serving or retired Central Armed Police Force employees who declared Karnataka as their hometown when joining service and served outside the state during the corresponding period.
Candidates claiming eligibility under these provisions must provide the required supporting documents.
Applicants should also keep their school study certificates and other relevant documents ready for submission during counselling or admission.
How to Apply Online for NLSAT 2027?
Candidates interested in admission to NLSIU Bengaluru can submit their applications through the official NLSAT admission portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official application website: https://nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in/.
- Open the NLSAT 2027 admission application.
- Register using the required personal details and contact information.
- Log in to the application portal using the registered credentials.
- Select the programme for which you wish to apply.
- Enter your educational qualifications and other required details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Review the application form carefully.
- Pay the applicable application fee through the available payment facility.
- Submit the application form and save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates must complete the online application process by 11:59 PM IST on 23 March 2027.
The application fee and programme-specific document requirements should be checked on the official admission portal before submission.
NLSAT 2027 Admission and Selection Process
Admission to the programmes offered by NLSIU will be based on the prescribed NLSAT selection criteria.
For the B.A. (Hons.) programme, candidates must appear for both Parts A and B of NLSAT-BA.
The final admission offers will be based on the cumulative performance in both sections, subject to the applicable reservation policy.
For other programmes, candidates must follow the respective admission and selection requirements mentioned in their official notifications.
The final admission list is expected by the end of May 2027.
Selected candidates must complete the document verification process and pay the prescribed admission fees to confirm their admission.
NLSAT 2027: Important Links
| Particulars | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for NLSAT 2027 | https://nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in/ |
| NLSIU Official Website | https://www.nls.ac.in/ |
| BA (Hons.) Admission Notification | https://www.nls.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Notification-BAHons.-Programme.pdf |
| 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) Programme | https://www.nls.ac.in/programme/3-year-llb-hons/ |
| Master’s Programme in Public Policy | https://www.nls.ac.in/programme/master-of-public-policy/ |
| Ph.D. Programmes | https://www.nls.ac.in/programmes/ |
| Admission Queries | [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on NLSAT 2027
Q1. What is NLSAT 2027?
NLSAT 2027 is the National Law School Admission Test conducted by the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, for admission to its BA (Hons.), 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.), Master’s in Public Policy and Ph.D. programmes for the academic year 2027–28.
Q2. When will NLSAT 2027 be conducted?
The NLSAT 2027 examination is scheduled for 25 April 2027 (Sunday) at designated centres across India.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for NLSAT 2027?
The last date to submit the online application form is 23 March 2027, up to 11:59 PM IST.
Q4. What is the eligibility for NLS BA (Hons.) Admission 2027?
Candidates who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent qualification from a recognised board are eligible to apply, subject to the prescribed minimum aggregate marks and other admission conditions.
Q5. What is the total intake for the NLS BA (Hons.) programme?
The maximum intake for the academic year 2027–28 is 60 students.
Q6. What is the duration of the NLS BA (Hons.) programme?
The programme is three years long, with an option to pursue an additional fourth year in the research track.
Q7. What is the duration of NLSAT-BA 2027?
The NLSAT-BA examination will be conducted for 150 minutes.
Q8. How many marks are there in NLSAT-BA 2027?
The examination carries a total of 150 marks, divided equally between Part A and Part B, with 75 marks each.
Q9. Is there negative marking in NLSAT-BA 2027?
Yes. A deduction of 0.25 marks is specified for each wrong answer and each unanswered question in Part A.
Q10. When will the NLSIU academic session 2027–28 begin?
The academic year is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2027.
Q11. Where can candidates apply for NLSAT 2027?
Candidates can submit their applications through the official admission portal: https://nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in/.
Q12. How can candidates contact NLSIU for admission-related queries?
Candidates can email their queries to [email protected].
