National Law School of India University Bangalore
(NLSIU)Last Updated: Jul 07, 2026
Established
1987
Campus Size
23.00 Acres
Total Students
800
Faculty
50
Student-Faculty
16:1
Recent Updates
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CLAT-PG 2026 LLM General category Round 1 closing rank at NLSIU Bangalore is 87 - 26 Jun 2026
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CLAT 2026 Round 2 BA LLB General category closing rank at NLSIU Bangalore is 108 - 26 Jun 2026
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NLSAT 2026 conducted April 26, 2026; application deadline was extended; new academic year from July 1, 2026 - 13 Jun 2026
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NLSIU launching new BA (Hons.) undergraduate programme for academic year 2026-27 - 13 Jun 2026
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NLSIU retains NIRF rank 1 in Law category with score 82.97; NIRF 2026 median package reported at Rs 19 LPA - 13 Jun 2026
NLSIU Latest Updates
09 Mar 2026
NLSIU Bangalore Retains NAAC A++ Grade; QS World Rankings Place It Among Top 50 Law Schools in Asia
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore has successfully retained its NAAC A++ accreditation following a rigorous peer review process conducted in late 2025. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council commended the institution for its research output, faculty qualifications, and student support infrastructure across its sprawling 23-acre campus in Nagarbhavi, Bangalore.Separately, the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 placed NLSIU among the top 50 law schools in Asia, a first for any Indian law school in the ranking's history.
14 Feb 2026
NLSIU Bangalore Reports Record Placement Season with 98% Student Placement
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore concluded its 2025-26 campus placement season with record-breaking outcomes, achieving a 98% placement rate for its graduating batch. Top-tier law firms including AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, and Trilegal extended offers to students across corporate, litigation, and policy practice areas.The highest package reported stood at ₹32 LPA from a leading Mumbai-based corporate law firm, while the median compensation crossed ₹18 LPA - both figures representing a significant uptick from the previous year.
28 Nov 2025
NLSIU Launches Centre for Technology Law and Policy Amid Surge in Digital Governance Research
National Law School of India University, Bangalore has formally inaugurated its Centre for Technology Law and Policy (CTLP), positioning itself at the forefront of legal scholarship on artificial intelligence regulation, data privacy, and digital competition law. The centre, funded in part through a grant from the Department of Science and Technology, will host interdisciplinary research involving collaboration with IISc Bangalore and leading global universities.The CTLP will offer a new specialisation module within NLSIU's LLM programme beginning the 2026-27 academic year, covering subjects such as algorithmic accountability, platform liability under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, and emerging frameworks for AI governance.
What is National Law School of India University Bangalore?
National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore is a government (public) law university established in 1987 (incorporated under the National Law School of India University Act, 1986), located on Gnana Bharathi Road in the Nagarabhavi area of Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is India's first National Law University, recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and accredited with an 'A' grade by NAAC. NLSIU is best known for being ranked India's No. 1 law school in NIRF Law for eight consecutive years (most recently NIRF Law 2026, Rank #1), its pioneering five-year BA LLB (Hons.) programme, and one of the country's largest legal libraries.
Spread across a roughly 23-acre campus with a residential student strength of approximately 935, NLSIU pioneered the integrated law degree model that every later NLU adopted. For an aspirant beginning their research, NLSIU is the benchmark against which Indian legal education is measured.
National Law School of India University Bangalore Key Facts (2026)
The table below summarises the core identity of NLSIU Bangalore at a glance: when it was founded, its governance type, its regulatory approvals and its scale. It answers the first question every applicant asks - "what exactly is this institution and is it properly recognised?" Read it top to bottom for a quick factual snapshot before diving into courses and placements.
| Parameter | Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1987 (Act of 1986); India's first National Law University |
| Type | Government / Public university |
| Affiliation & Approvals | UGC recognised, Bar Council of India (BCI) approved, NAAC 'A' grade accredited |
| Campus Size | Approximately 23 acres, Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru |
| Total Courses | BA LLB (Hons.), LLB, LLM, BA (Hons.), PhD (plus Master of Public Policy) |
| NIRF / NAAC Status | NIRF Law 2026 Rank #1; NAAC 'A' grade |
| Student Strength | Approximately 935 (residential) |
The takeaway: NLSIU carries every approval an aspirant should verify (UGC, BCI, NAAC) and sits at the very top of the NIRF Law ranking in 2026. Its relatively compact campus and student body of around 935 reflect a deliberately selective, residential model rather than a high-volume institution, which is part of why its outcomes are so strong.
Why Choose National Law School of India University Bangalore?
NLSIU Bangalore stands apart on measurable outcomes, not reputation alone. Here are the institution-specific reasons aspirants choose it:
- Undisputed No. 1 ranking: NLSIU held Rank #1 in NIRF Law in 2026, 2025 (score 82.97) and 2024 (score 90.10), and Rank #1 in India Today Law in 2025 (score 95.00) and 2024 (score 94.60) - the most consistent top-ranked law school in India.
- Strong, improving placements: The 2025 placement cycle delivered an average package of ₹21.00 LPA and a highest package of ₹45.00 LPA, with 91.44% of students placed across 65 recruiters - a clear rise from ₹19.00 LPA average in 2024.
- Pioneering flagship programme: The five-year BA LLB (Hons.), with 310 seats, is the original integrated law degree that set the template for legal education across India.
- Elite recruiters: Top law firms and employers including Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal and Deloitte recruit at NLSIU.
- New BA (Hons.) launch for 2026-27: NLSIU is expanding beyond pure law with a new 3-year BA (Hons.) programme commencing July 1, 2026, broadening its multidisciplinary offering.
- Research and library depth: NLSIU houses one of India's largest legal libraries and runs PhD programmes spanning law, social sciences and public policy.
Courses, Fees & Rankings at a Glance
This section summarises NLSIU's flagship programmes alongside their indicative total fees and the university's top ranking position, so applicants can weigh cost against course length and seats in one view. Fees shown are the total programme fees as recorded for the latest cycle; entrance routes are noted in the placement section. For detailed year-wise fee breakups, seat matrices and eligibility, refer to the dedicated Courses and Fees tabs on this page.
| Programme | Duration | Seats | Indicative Total Fee | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 years | 310 | ₹22.55 lakh | CLAT UG |
| LLB (Hons.) | 3 years | 120 | ₹15.57 lakh | NLSAT-LLB |
| LLM | 1 year | - | ₹5.57 lakh | CLAT PG |
| BA (Hons.) | 3 years | 60 | ₹9.55 lakh | NLSAT |
| PhD | 5 years | - | ₹1.55 lakh | NLSAT-PhD |
Across these programmes, NLSIU's top NIRF Law 2026 Rank #1 applies institution-wide. The fee gradient is notable: the flagship five-year BA LLB (Hons.) at ₹22.55 lakh is the most substantial investment, while the one-year LLM (₹5.57 lakh) and PhD (₹1.55 lakh) are far lighter. Eligibility for the BA LLB (Hons.) is 10+2 with a minimum 45% aggregate (42% OBC, 40% SC/ST/PwD); the 3-year LLB requires a bachelor degree with minimum 45% (40% SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD). The new BA (Hons.) for 2026-27 lets students choose majors and minors across History, Sociology and Anthropology, Economics, and Politics, with an optional fourth-year research track, admitted through the NLSAT-BA test (55% in 10+2 for general, 45% for SC/ST).
Placement & Admission Snapshot
In the 2025 placement cycle, NLSIU Bangalore recorded an average package of ₹21.00 LPA and a highest package of ₹45.00 LPA, with 91.44% of eligible students placed. Admission to its flagship five-year BA LLB (Hons.) is entrance-based, primarily through CLAT UG, while the 3-year LLB uses NLSAT-LLB, the LLM uses CLAT PG, and the new BA (Hons.) and PhD use NLSAT-BA and NLSAT-PhD respectively.
The table below compares the two most recent placement cycles so applicants can read the trajectory rather than a single snapshot. It answers "how reliable and how rich are NLSIU placements year on year?" Each figure is tagged to its exact cycle.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Average Package | ₹21.00 LPA | ₹19.00 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹19.00 LPA | ₹16.00 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹45.00 LPA | ₹45.00 LPA |
| Students Placed | 91.44% | 84.00% |
| Total Offers | 181 offers across 65 companies | 147 offers across 60 companies |
The trend is clearly upward: between 2024 and 2025, the average package rose from ₹19.00 LPA to ₹21.00 LPA, the median climbed from ₹16.00 LPA to ₹19.00 LPA, and the placement rate jumped from 84.00% to 91.44%, with offers expanding from 147 to 181 and recruiters from 60 to 65. The highest package held steady at ₹45.00 LPA across both years. For an applicant, this signals deepening employer demand and improving placement breadth at NLSIU Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions: National Law School of India University Bangalore Overview 2026
Is National Law School of India University Bangalore good?
Yes - NLSIU Bangalore is widely regarded as India's best law school, ranked #1 in NIRF Law 2026, 2025 (score 82.97) and 2024 (score 90.10), and #1 in India Today Law 2025 (score 95.00) and 2024 (score 94.60). Established in 1987 as India's first National Law University, it is UGC recognised, BCI approved and NAAC 'A' accredited. Its 2025 placements (average ₹21.00 LPA, 91.44% placed) reinforce its standing among aspirants and recruiters alike.
What is NLSIU Bangalore known for?
NLSIU Bangalore is known for being India's first National Law University and the pioneer of the five-year integrated BA LLB (Hons.) degree, which now has 310 seats. It has topped NIRF Law for eight straight years, holding Rank #1 in 2026. It is also recognised for one of India's largest legal libraries, elite law-firm recruitment (Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co., Trilegal), and a strong research culture spanning law, social sciences and public policy.
What courses does NLSIU Bangalore offer?
NLSIU Bangalore offers the five-year BA LLB (Hons.) (310 seats), a 3-year LLB (Hons.) (120 seats), a one-year LLM, a PhD, and a new 3-year BA (Hons.) programme launching for the 2026-27 academic year on July 1, 2026, with majors and minors across History, Sociology and Anthropology, Economics, and Politics. It also runs a Master of Public Policy. Admission is through CLAT UG, NLSAT-LLB, CLAT PG, NLSAT-BA and NLSAT-PhD depending on the programme.
What is the total fee at NLSIU Bangalore?
The total fee for NLSIU Bangalore's flagship five-year BA LLB (Hons.) is approximately ₹22.55 lakh. The 3-year LLB (Hons.) costs about ₹15.57 lakh, the one-year LLM about ₹5.57 lakh, the new 3-year BA (Hons.) about ₹9.55 lakh, and the PhD about ₹1.55 lakh. These are total programme fees for the latest cycle; for year-wise breakups and hostel charges, refer to the official Fees tab on this page.
What is the NIRF and NAAC status of NLSIU Bangalore?
NLSIU Bangalore holds NIRF Law 2026 Rank #1, continuing its run as the top-ranked law school (Rank #1 in 2025 with score 82.97 and 2024 with score 90.10). It is accredited with an 'A' grade by NAAC and is recognised by the UGC and Bar Council of India. It also topped India Today Law in 2025 (score 95.00) and 2024 (score 94.60), making it the most consistently top-ranked law institution in India.
What is the average package at NLSIU Bangalore?
The average package at NLSIU Bangalore in the 2025 cycle was ₹21.00 LPA, up from ₹19.00 LPA in 2024. The median package rose from ₹16.00 LPA (2024) to ₹19.00 LPA (2025), while the highest package stood at ₹45.00 LPA in both years. In 2025, 91.44% of students were placed with 181 offers from 65 companies, compared with 84.00% and 147 offers from 60 companies in 2024.
Is NLSIU Bangalore admission merit or entrance based?
NLSIU Bangalore admission is entrance-based. The flagship five-year BA LLB (Hons.) admits primarily through CLAT UG, while the 3-year LLB uses NLSAT-LLB, the one-year LLM uses CLAT PG, the PhD uses NLSAT-PhD, and the new BA (Hons.) for 2026-27 uses the NLSAT-BA test. Minimum eligibility for the BA LLB (Hons.) is 10+2 with 45% aggregate (42% OBC, 40% SC/ST/PwD); for the new BA (Hons.), general applicants need 55% and SC/ST need 45% in 10+2.
Recent Updates (2026)
A new 3-year BA (Hons.) programme with an optional 4th-year research track will commence July 1, 2026. Students can choose majors and minors from four disciplines: History; Sociology and Anthropology; Economics; and Politics. Admission is through the NLSAT-BA entrance test. General category applicants need 55% marks in 10+2; SC/ST need 45%.
About NLSIU
National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is one of India's premier legal education institutions, established in 1987 in Bangalore, Karnataka. With NAAC A++ accreditation and recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bar Council of India (BCI), NLSIU stands as a beacon of legal excellence and academic rigor in the Indian higher education landscape. The institution's commitment to imparting quality legal education and fostering critical legal thinking has earned it a stellar reputation across the legal fraternity and beyond.
The university operates on a sprawling 23-acre campus that provides an ideal environment for academic and intellectual development. With a student body of approximately 800 and a dedicated faculty of around 50 accomplished legal scholars and practitioners, NLSIU maintains an optimal student-to-teacher ratio conducive to personalized learning. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities including a well-stocked law library, moot courts, and a functional legal aid clinic that bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application.
NLSIU's pedagogical approach extends beyond textbooks, emphasizing experiential learning through moot court competitions, legal aid clinics, and internships with leading law firms and government institutions. The institution maintains an extensive alumni network comprising distinguished judges, senior advocates, corporate counsel, legal academics, and policy makers who have significantly contributed to Indian legal systems and governance. The university publishes a prestigious law review that serves as a platform for faculty and student scholarship, contributing to legal discourse and jurisprudential development.
Student life at NLSIU is enriched by residential campus facilities, collaborative academic spaces, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. The institution's location in Bangalore, a major IT and educational hub, provides students with exposure to contemporary legal practice, emerging technologies in law, and vibrant professional networks. NLSIU continues to evolve as an institution dedicated to producing legally skilled, ethically grounded, and socially conscious professionals who serve the Indian legal system and society at large.
NLSIU Key Highlights
NLSIU at a Glance
| Type | Government Institute |
| Established | 1987 |
| Accreditation | NAAC (A++) |
| Approved By | UGC, BCI |
| Campus Size | 23 Acres |
| Total Students | 800 |
| Total Faculty | 50 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Hostel | Available |
| Exams Accepted | CLAT |
NLSIU Courses & Fees 2026
View All →| Course | Duration | Total Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA LLB Full Time | 5 Years | ₹2,255,000 | 10+2 with min 45% aggregate (42% OBC, 40% SC/ST/PwD). |
| LLB Full Time | 3 Years | ₹1,557,000 | Bachelor degree in any discipline with min 45% aggregate (40% SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD). |
| LLM - Corporate & Commercial Law Full Time | 1 Years | ₹556,600 | LL.B. or equivalent with min 45% aggregate. |
| LLM - Criminal Law Full Time | 1 Years | ₹556,600 | LL.B. or equivalent with min 45% aggregate. |
| LLM - Public Law Full Time | 1 Years | ₹556,600 | LL.B. or equivalent with min 45% aggregate. |
| LLM - Law & Technology Full Time | 1 Years | ₹556,600 | LL.B. or equivalent with min 45% aggregate. |
+ 2 more courses. See all
NLSIU Admissions 2026
View Details →Eligibility Criteria
Programme-wise Admission Overview
| Level | Programmes | Entrance Exam(s) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (2) | BA LLB, LLB | CLAT UG, NLSAT-LLB | 10+2 with min 45% aggregate (42% OBC, 40% SC/ST/PwD). |
| Postgraduate (1) | LLM | CLAT PG | LL.B. or equivalent with min 45% aggregate. |
| Doctoral / Research (1) | PhD | NLSAT-PhD | Master degree in Law with min 55%. |
BA LLB (5-Year Program): Candidates must have passed 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board with English as a subject. There is no specific age limit, though candidates are typically expected to be around 16-18 years at the time of admission. NLSIU follows merit-based admission; candidates may be selected based on their 12th standard marks and performance in a qualifying entrance examination where applicable.
LLM (Postgraduate Program): Applicants must hold an LLB degree (Bachelor of Laws) from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of typically 50-55% marks. Both Indian and foreign law graduates are eligible to apply. Selection is generally based on merit, and some specializations may require an entrance examination or interview-based assessment.
Candidates with disabilities and from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) are entitled to applicable concessions as per government guidelines. Detailed eligibility criteria for specific programmes should be verified on the official NLSIU website, as requirements may vary by programme and admission cycle.
Application Process
- 1 Visit the official NLSIU website and complete the online application form with required personal and academic details.
- 2 Submit your application by the announced deadline along with supporting documents (10th/12th marksheets, domicile proof, caste certificate if applicable).
- 3 Your application is evaluated based on merit (12th standard marks) and/or performance in the entrance exam where applicable.
- 4 Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview/counselling session to assess aptitude and communication skills.
- 5 Document verification is conducted to authenticate all submitted credentials and eligibility.
- 6 Final merit list is released based on academic performance, entrance exam score (if applicable), and interview performance.
- 7 Selected candidates are allotted seats; confirm your admission by submitting the acceptance form and paying admission fees within the deadline.
- 8 Complete registration and report to the college for orientation and commencement of classes.
Important Dates
| Event | Programme | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | All Programmes | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | BA LLB | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | LLM | To be announced |
| Merit List Release | BA LLB | To be announced |
| Interview/Counselling | BA LLB | To be announced |
NLSIU Placements 2025
View Details →Highest Package
₹45.00 LPA
Average Package
₹21.00 LPA
Median Package
₹19.00 LPA
Placed
91.44%
Companies Visited
65
Total Offers
181
NLSIU Top Recruiters
View Placements →NLSIU Rankings 2026
View Details →| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Law | #1 | - | 2026 |
| India Today | Law | #1 | 95.0 | 2025 |
NLSIU Cutoff 2026
View All →Top cutoff closing ranks and scores.
| Exam | Year | Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| CLAT | 2026 | 108 |
| CLAT | 2025 | 112 |
| CLAT | 2025 | 239 |
| CLAT | 2024 | 102 |
NLSIU Campus & Facilities
library
academic
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hostel
other
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NLSIU — Frequently Asked Questions
View All →Disclaimer: The information about National Law School of India University Bangalore provided on this page - including courses, fees, eligibility, cutoffs, placements and admission details - has been compiled from official sources and publicly available data for informational purposes only. FreeJobAlert.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by NLSIU. Data may change without prior notice. Candidates are advised to verify all details directly from the official NLSIU website before making any academic or financial decisions.