About National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru is India’s first National Law University and the undisputed leader in legal education. Established in 1986, NLSIU was created to reform legal education and strengthen India’s constitutional values of freedom, equality, and social justice through teaching, research, and policy engagement.
Backed by a unique collaboration between legal academia, the Bar, the Bench, and the Government of Karnataka, NLSIU has consistently remained at the forefront of legal education in India. The University has secured the No. 1 position in the NIRF Law Rankings for seven consecutive years, making it the most preferred destination for CLAT toppers.
NLSIU Bengaluru Campus & Infrastructure
Nagarbhavi Campus Overview
NLSIU shifted to its permanent 23-acre Nagarbhavi campus in 1991. The campus features:
- Modern academic blocks with upgraded classrooms
- Separate residence halls for men and women
- Health centre and canteens
- Faculty and staff housing
- Sports facilities including a FIFA-standard football field, gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts
Revised Master Plan & Redevelopment
Since 2022, NLSIU has been implementing a Revised Master Plan focused on sustainable growth and student well-being. Major upgrades include:
- New Academic Block
- Renovated residence halls
- Redeveloped common spaces
- Enhanced accessibility and safety across campus
Shri Narayan Rao Melgiri Memorial National Law Library
The NLSIU library is one of the largest law libraries in India.
Key Highlights
- Over 70,000 books and journals
- Built-up area of 30,000 sq. ft.
- Seating capacity increased from 250 to 600 students
- Fully redeveloped in AY 2022-23
The library precinct now includes collaborative learning zones, digital access infrastructure, courtyards, a cafeteria, and an open-air amphitheatre with a seating capacity of nearly 500 people. The redevelopment was supported by the Infosys Foundation and the Government of Karnataka.
Academic Programmes at NLSIU (CLAT 2026)
BA LL.B. (Hons.) – Five-Year Integrated Programme
NLSIU pioneered the five-year BA LL.B. (Hons.) programme in India. For Academic Year 2026–27, the intake is 310 seats.
Curriculum Structure
- Trimester system (3 trimesters per year)
- Minimum 60 courses over 5 years
- Strong interdisciplinary foundation
Key Components
- Common Core Courses
- Major in Humanities
- Foundational Law Courses
- Electives
- Mandatory Internships
Common Core Courses
In the first year, students complete six interdisciplinary common core courses drawing from law, philosophy, history, sociology, politics, and literature. These courses are shared with BA (Hons.) students to encourage interdisciplinary engagement.
Majors Offered
Students must choose one major after the first year:
- Economics
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology & Anthropology
Each major requires 10 courses, including core and elective subjects.
Internships
Students must complete at least one compulsory internship every year, with increasing professional exposure as they progress through the programme.
LL.M. Programme (One-Year)
NLSIU offers a one-year LL.M. programme with a restructured, flexible curriculum.
LL.M. Concentrations
Students may opt for concentrations in:
- Criminal Law
- Commercial Law
- Law and Technology
Each concentration has a maximum intake of 30 students, with a dissertation mandatory in the final trimester.
Seat Intake & Reservation (AY 2026–27)
BA LL.B. (Hons.) Seat Matrix – Total 310 Seats
- General: 121
- SC: 45
- ST: 23
- OBC-NCL: 81
- EWS: 30
- Karnataka Students (additional): 10
Horizontal Reservations
- Women: 30%
- Persons with Disabilities: 5%
- Karnataka Students: 25% (compartmentalised)
Eligibility Criteria for CLAT 2026 at NLSIU
BA LL.B. (Hons.)
- 45% marks in Class 12 (General/OBC/EWS/PWD)
- 40% marks for SC/ST candidates
- No upper age limit
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are eligible
LL.M.
- 50% marks in LL.B. (General/OBC/EWS/PWD)
- 45% marks for SC/ST candidates
- No upper age limit
Fee Structure (AY 2026–27)
BA LL.B. (Hons.)
- General Category: ₹5,00,000
- SC/ST Category: ₹4,95,000
LL.M.
- General Category: ₹5,56,600
- SC/ST Category: ₹5,52,000
Fees include refundable deposits and are subject to revision.
Faculty, Research & Academic Excellence
NLSIU has 100+ core faculty members, many of whom are alumni of Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cambridge, Columbia, NYU, and Max Planck Institutes.
Research Focus Areas
- Labour & Work
- Climate Justice
- State Capacity & Governance Reform
- Access to Justice
- Law, Technology & Society
NLSIU publishes 9 academic journals, several of which have been cited by the Supreme Court of India.
Student Life, Mooting & Welfare
- First Indian university to win the Philip C. Jessup Moot (1999)
- Winners of multiple international moots including Oxford Price Moot and Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot
- Four University Colleges: Andromeda, Aquila, Orion, Phoenix
- Comprehensive mental health and counselling services
Why NLSIU Is the Top Choice in CLAT 2026
- No. 1 NIRF Law Ranking (7 consecutive years)
- Highest academic credibility among NLUs
- Strong research, policy, and judicial exposure
- Elite faculty and rigorous curriculum
- Excellent internship and career pathways
NLSIU remains the first preference for top CLAT rankers aiming for excellence in law, policy, academia, or the judiciary.