Updated By Debanjalee Sen on 15 Oct, 2025 11:42
The NLSAT exam pattern must be known to the aspirants preparing for the test. There are 2 papers - Part A and Part B and you have to attempt both. Those who secure more than zero marks in Part A will qualify for the assessment of the second part.
Your Ultimate Exam Preparation Guide Awaits!
NLSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: The NLSAT 2026 exam pattern is specified by the conducting body and highlights the format of the test. The total mark is 150. There are 2 parts in the NLSAT question paper. Part A has 75 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark each, while Part B has 6 subjective questions, with overall 75 marks. Negative marking is applicable in the 1st paper of NLSAT.
A rank list is prepared initially based on the marks obtained in the 1st paper of NLSAT LLB. To be considered for the 2nd paper evaluation, you must have secured more than zero marks in Part A. Afterwards, a combined updated rank list will be released by NLSIU Bengaluru based on the performance in both parts. For comprehensive preparation, students must have a proper idea about the NLSAT 2026 syllabus.
Read through the sections on this page to learn more about the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern.
Before taking the NLSAT exam, students need to understand the exam pattern, exam duration, and question format. Knowing the trend will help them plan correctly and boost their chances of success.
Check the following table to know the highlights of the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern.
Event | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Pattern | Offline |
Duration | 150 Minutes |
Language | English |
Question Type | Objective and Subjective Questions |
Total Number of Questions | Section A will have Multiple Choice Questions, worth 75 points. Section B will have subjective questions worth 75 points. |
Marking Scheme | Part A (Objective section) - 1 mark for each question. 0.25 marks minus for each incorrect answer Part B (Subjective Section) - 5 questions of 12 marks each (total 60 marks) Essay Type Questions - 1 question for 15 marks (overall 60 marks + 15 for essay = 75 marks) |
The major sections related to the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern for Paper 1 are as follows.
Below are the segments for the subjective paper (Paper 2).
The NLSAT consists of a single question paper divided into Part A and Part B. Aspirants have 150 minutes to complete both sections.
Part A | Multiple Choice Questions |
|---|---|
Part B | Subjective Type Questions |
Section | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
English Comprehension | 25 | 25 |
Current Affairs | 25 | 25 |
Critical Reasoning (includes logical reasoning and legal aptitude) | 25 | 25 |
Section | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Legal Aptitude/ Reasoning | 10 Questions (5 marks each) | 50 |
Current Affairs | 1 Questions | 15 |
The NLSAT 2026 exam follows a two-stage process for selection. Students have to clear both Part A and Part B to qualify for the admission process. A final rank list will be prepared based on the overall performance in Part A and Part B.
Stage | Details | Total Intake Capacity |
|---|---|---|
Part A | Aspirants will be shortlisted for Part B in a ratio of 1:5 (for each seat) | 120 |
Part B | Those who clear the Part A exam will be considered for evaluation in this section |
Take a look at the mode of the NLSAT 2026 exam:
Mode | Offline |
|---|---|
Duration | 150 minutes |
Here's an outline of the NLSAT 2026 marking scheme.
Response | Marks Per Question |
|---|---|
Correct Answer for MCQs | +1 Marks |
Correct Answer for Subjective Questions | +12 Marks |
Correct Answer for Essay | +15 Marks (approximately) |
Incorrect Answer | - 0.25 Marks for each wrong answer |
Unattempted Answer | 0 Marks |
Want to know more about NLSAT
Yes, all students are eligible to appear for Part B of the NLSAT examination. However, for their Part B paper to be evaluated, you must have secured a non-zero score in Part A of the NLSAT examination.
6 questions are asked in Part B according to the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern. 5 questions will require short answers of 200 to 250 words, and 1 will be an essay of within 500 words.
The total mark of NLSAT 2026 as per the exam pattern is 150.
The important subjects of Part B of NLSAT as per the exam pattern are Legal Aptitude / Reasoning and Analytical Ability. Questions of Part B of the Legal Aptitude or Reasoning are problem-based ones, while there are essay-based questions for the Analytical Ability section.
The major subjects of Part A of NLSAT as per the exam pattern are Comprehension, Current Affairs, and Critical reasoning.
Yes, negative marking is applicable in NLSAT 2026 as per the exam pattern. 0.25 marks will be deducted per wrong answer.
Part A as per the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern has a total of 75 marks. Each question will have one mark. Zero marks will be subtracted for not attempting any question.
As per the NLSAT exam pattern 2026, Part A of the question paper will have multiple choice questions and Part B will consist of subjective questions.
The NLSAT question paper includes 2 sections - Part A and Part B. Aspirants are required to attempt both parts of the NLSAT question paper.
The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, will issue the NLSAT 2026 exam pattern.
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