NLSIU Bangalore 2025-26: All Details About Your Dream NLU
National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore, also known as NLU Bangalore, is one of the premier law institutions in India. Established in 1986, it has consistently ranked as the top law school in the country.
Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, experienced faculty, and excellent placements, NLSIU offers various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs. Located in the heart of Bangalore, the university boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and a vibrant campus life.
Here, we will cover everything you need to know about NLSIU Bangalore, including its courses, fees, admissions, cut-off, seats, and more.
NLSIU Bangalore at a Glance
- Year of Establishment: 1986
- Location: Nagarbhavi, Bangalore
- Campus Area: 23-acre campus
- Type: Public
- Affiliation and Accreditation: Bar Council of India (BCI); National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
- Notable Alumni and Achievements: NLSIU has produced leading legal professionals, judges, and scholars, including Supreme Court judges and senior advocates. The university has been ranked No. 1 in law education in India for seven consecutive years in the NIRF law rankings and has won several national and international moot court competitions.
NLSIU Bangalore Courses
Program | Duration |
BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years |
LLM | 1 Year |
PhD | Variable |
Elective and Clinical Courses | Varies |
1. BA LLB (Hons.) – Five-Year Integrated Program
This flagship program integrates law with humanities and social sciences, providing students with a strong foundation in both legal and interdisciplinary subjects.
Intake: 300 seats for the 2025-26 academic year.
2. LLM (Master of Laws) – One-Year Program
NLSIU Bangalore offers a one-year LLM program with core and elective courses that allow students to specialize in various areas of law.
For the 2024-25 academic year, four concentrations were introduced: Public Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Laws, and Law & Technology.
Intake: 120 seats for the 2025-26 academic year.
3. PhD Program
NLSIU Bangalore also offers a doctoral program for those looking to engage in advanced legal research. The PhD program is aimed at scholars, academicians, and professionals seeking to contribute to legal academia and policy.
4. Elective and Clinical Courses
NLSIU offers over 100 elective courses every year, covering diverse areas of law, public policy, and social sciences.
NLU Bangalore Fees (2025-26)
Below is the overview of the NLSIU Bangalore fee structure for the 2025-26 academic year:
Program | General Category Fees | SC/ST Category Fees |
BA LLB (Hons.) | ₹4,55,000 | ₹4,50,000 |
LLM | ₹4,55,000 | ₹4,50,000 |
The total fee includes:
- Hostel fees
- Tuition and facilities fees
- Mess charges
- Miscellaneous charges such as exam fees, registration fees, and library charges
Refundable Deposits: These fees include refundable deposits.
Financial Assistance: NLSIU offers scholarships and financial aid to ensure that no student discontinues studies due to financial hardship.
Official NLSIU Brochure 2025-26
Scholarships and Financial Aid at NLU Bangalore
- NLSIU offers a scholarship program to ensure that no student discontinues studies due to financial constraints.
- Scholarships are available through endowments, the National Scholarship Portal, and the State Government Scholarship Portal.
- Short-term and long-term loans are also available for students in need of financial assistance.
NLSIU Bangalore Admission Process
Find the NLSIU Bangalore admission process for different courses:
Program | Entrance Exam | Eligibility Criteria |
BA LLB (Hons.) | CLAT | 10+2 with 45% (General) or 40% (SC/ST) |
LLM | CLAT-PG | LLB with 50% (General) or 45% (SC/ST) |
PhD | NLSIU Entrance Test | LLM with 55% marks |
International Students | NLSAT-International | 10 years of education outside India |
Check the full list of NLUs in India.
Tips to Prepare and Stand Out in NLSIU Admission Process
- Master CLAT Syllabus: Focus on sections like English, GK & Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Legal Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take CLAT mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and manage time efficiently.
- Focus on Legal Awareness: Keep yourself updated on current legal and political events, especially those related to constitutional law and public policy.
- Strong Academic Record: Ensure your 10+2 results (for UG) or LLB results (for PG) meet the CLAT eligibility criteria, as they are crucial for admission.
NLSIU Bangalore Cut-Off Marks
Category | Cut-off Ranks (Opening – Closing) |
General | 1 – 102 |
OBC | 107 – 971 |
SC | 372 – 3007 |
ST | 224 – 7487 |
Category | Cut-off Rank (Closing) |
General | 239 |
EWS | 940 |
OBC | 1236 |
SC | 1642 |
ST | 3663 |
Why Pursue Law Education from NLSIU Bangalore?
Top Rankings
NLSIU consistently ranks as the No. 1 law school in India, including top spots in the NIRF rankings for several consecutive years.
Experienced Faculty
The university boasts a highly qualified faculty, including scholars from prestigious institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and Yale.
Strong Alumni Network
NLSIU has a distinguished alumni base, including leading legal professionals, policymakers, and academics across the world.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The interdisciplinary courses integrate law with humanities and social sciences, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Outstanding Placements
With top law firms, corporates, and government bodies recruiting, NLSIU has a track record of high placement rates and competitive packages.
Vibrant Campus Life
The university offers a 23-acre campus with excellent academic and sports facilities, a modern library, and a range of extracurricular activities.
Internships and Externships
Students gain practical experience through internships, externships, and clinical programs, bridging academics with real-world legal practice.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
NLSIU ensures that no student has to discontinue studies due to financial hardship by offering scholarships and financial assistance.
Innovative Learning Environment
With digital infrastructure, online learning platforms, and a state-of-the-art library, NLSIU promotes modern education.
NLSIU Bangalore Campus Life
- The university is located on a sprawling 23-acre campus in Nagarbhavi, Bangalore.
- Key facilities include modern academic blocks, state-of-the-art classrooms, and the Shri Narayan Rao Melgiri Memorial National Law Library, which houses over 70,000 books and offers seating for 600 people.
- Recent upgrades under the Revised Master Plan include a new academic block, a renovated library, an open-air amphitheatre, and improved sports facilities for football, basketball, and tennis.
Student Activities and Events
- Moot Court Competitions: NLSIU is renowned for its strong mooting culture. It was the first Indian team to win the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and continues to excel in national and international moot court events.
- Student Societies: The university hosts several student-run societies, covering diverse interests like debating, legal aid, public policy, and more.
- Annual Fests: NLSIU organizes cultural and academic fests, offering a platform for students to showcase their talents in areas ranging from legal debates to sports.
Hostel Life
- The university offers well-maintained residence halls for men and women. Hostel life is central to student experience, with opportunities to engage in study groups, late-night discussions, and peer interactions.
- Students can access various amenities, including a gymnasium, canteens, and common areas, fostering a supportive living environment.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
- Sports facilities at NLSIU include courts for football, basketball, and tennis, along with a well-equipped gymnasium.
- Students participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including dramatics, music, and arts, ensuring a holistic campus life that goes beyond academics.
NLSIU Bangalore Images
NLSIU Bangalore Seats and Reservation (2025-26)
Let’s know about the NLSIU Bangalore seat intake and reservation policy for the 2025-26 academic year:
1. BA LLB (Hons.) – Five-Year Program
Category | Percentage of Seats | No. of Seats |
General | N/A | 121 |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% | 45 |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% | 23 |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% | 81 |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | 30 |
Horizontal Reservations:
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 5% of total seats (15 seats)
- Women: 30% of total seats (90 seats)
Karnataka Students: 25% of total seats (75 seats).
2. LLM – One-Year Program
Category | Percentage of Seats | No. of Seats |
General | N/A | 48 |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% | 18 |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% | 9 |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% | 33 |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | 12 |
Horizontal Reservations:
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 5% of total seats (6 seats)
- Women: 30% of total seats (36 seats)
- Karnataka Students: 25% of total seats (30 seats).
Karnataka Students Reservation
To be eligible under this category, candidates must have studied for at least 10 years in Karnataka or fulfill specific criteria for children of Karnataka State employees, defense personnel, or other central services.
NLSIU Bangalore Ranking
- NIRF Rankings: NLSIU Bangalore has been ranked No. 1 in India for seven consecutive years by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) under the Ministry of Education.
- Other National Rankings: It consistently secures top positions in various national surveys by magazines like India Today, The Week, and Outlook, further establishing its reputation as the best law school in the country.
NLSIU Bangalore Placements
Average Package
The average package for NLSIU graduates ranges from ₹15-20 lakhs per annum.
This range varies depending on the recruiter and the sector, with corporate law firms and international organizations offering higher packages.
Highest Package Ever
The highest package ever recorded at NLSIU Bangalore is approximately ₹45-50 lakhs per annum, offered by international law firms or top-tier Indian law firms.
Top Recruiters
- Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
- AZB & Partners
- Khaitan & Co
- Tata Group
- Aditya Birla Group
- ICICI Bank
- Government of India
NLSIU Alumni Network
The Notable Alumni of NLSIU Bangalore include:
- Gopal Subramanium: Senior Advocate and former Solicitor General of India.
- Arundhati Katju: Advocate in the landmark Supreme Court case that decriminalized Section 377, a pivotal ruling for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
- Menaka Guruswamy: Senior Advocate who played a key role in the same Section 377 case, and has been recognized globally for her legal work.
- Rohinton Fali Nariman: Former Supreme Court Judge, widely respected for his judicial contributions.
- Amit Desai: Senior Counsel at the Bombay High Court, known for his high-profile criminal cases.
NLSIU Bangalore Location & Contact Details
| Address | Gnana Bharathi Main Rd, opp. NAAC, Teachers Colony, Naagarabhaavi, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560072 |
| Phone No. | 080-23010000, 080-23213160, 080-23160533 |
| contactus@nls.ac.in | |
| Website | www.nls.ac.in |
| Fax | +91 80 2316 0535 |
FAQs About NLU Bangalore
What is the full form of NLSIU?
The full form of NLSIU is National Law School of India University.
Is NLSIU Bangalore the best law school in India?
Yes, NLSIU Bangalore is ranked as the No. 1 law school in India by the NIRF and several other rankings.
What are the courses offered at NLSIU Bangalore?
NLSIU offers BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and PhD programs, along with elective and clinical courses.
How to get admission to NLSIU Bangalore?
Admissions are through the CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) for both BA LLB and LLM programs. PhD candidates must clear an entrance exam conducted by NLSIU.
How many seats are in NLSIU for BA LLB?
There are 300 seats for the BA LLB program.
What is the CLAT cut-off for NLSIU Bangalore?
The cut-off for CLAT varies by year and category, but in 2024, the General category cut-off ranged from rank 1 to 102 for BA LLB.
What is the highest package offered at NLSIU Bangalore?
The highest packages can go up to ₹45-50 lakhs per annum, particularly from international law firms.
Does NLSIU Bangalore offer scholarships?
Yes, NLSIU offers a range of scholarships and financial aid to students based on merit and need.
Are there any hostel facilities at NLSIU Bangalore?
Yes, NLSIU provides well-maintained hostel facilities for both male and female students.
How can international students apply to NLSIU Bangalore?
International students can apply through the NLSAT-International exam, which is conducted specifically for foreign nationals.
What is the duration of the BA LLB program at NLSIU?
The BA LLB (Hons.) is a five-year integrated course.
What is the ranking of NLSIU Bangalore in India?
NLSIU Bangalore has been ranked No. 1 in India for seven consecutive years by NIRF and other rankings.
Who is the faculty at NLSIU Bangalore?
NLSIU has an excellent faculty comprising Rhodes, Chevening, and Commonwealth scholars from prestigious universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Yale.
What is the NLSIU Bangalore library like?
The Shri Narayan Rao Melgiri Memorial Library is a state-of-the-art facility with over 70,000 books, seating for 600 students, and modern research facilities.
Who is the chancellor of NLSIU?
Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Krishnaswamy