NLSIU Bangalore: Complete Guide to Seats, Courses, and Admission Process
- Kanishka Makhijani
- Dec 17, 2024
- 5 min read
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU Bangalore) is widely regarded as the premier law school in India. Established in 1986, it holds the distinction of being the first National Law University (NLU) in the country. Over the years, NLSIU has set benchmarks for excellence in legal education, producing some of the brightest legal minds who have gone on to excel in various fields, including litigation, corporate law, academia, and public service.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the NLSIU Bangalore seats, the various courses offered, the admission process, and a detailed overview of the NLSIU Bangalore fees structure.

Overview of NLSIU Bangalore
NLSIU Bangalore is located in Nagarbhavi, Bangalore, and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and exceptional faculty. It consistently ranks at the top of various law school rankings in India and remains a dream institution for law aspirants preparing for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test).
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in law, catering to the evolving demands of the legal profession.
Courses Offered at NLSIU Bangalore
NLSIU Bangalore provides a variety of programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These include:
1. B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5-Year Integrated Program
This is the flagship program at NLSIU Bangalore. It is a five-year integrated course that combines the study of humanities and law. The curriculum focuses on building strong foundational knowledge in law while integrating subjects like political science, economics, and sociology.
Eligibility: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) with a minimum aggregate score of 45%.
Admission Process: Selection is based on the candidate's performance in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
Duration: 5 Years
2. LL.M. – Master of Laws (One-Year Program)
The LL.M. program is designed for students who wish to specialize in specific areas of law. NLSIU Bangalore offers specialization in the following fields:
Business Laws
Human Rights Laws
Eligibility: Candidates must have completed an LL.B. degree (3-year or 5-year) with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
Admission Process: Selection is based on CLAT (PG).
Duration: 1 Year
3. M.P.P. – Master of Public Policy (Two-Year Program)
This interdisciplinary program aims to train students in public policy analysis, governance, and policymaking. It integrates legal knowledge with social science research and policymaking frameworks.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
Admission Process: Based on an entrance test conducted by NLSIU Bangalore.
Duration: 2 Years
4. Ph.D. in Law
The doctoral program is meant for candidates who wish to pursue advanced research in various areas of law.
Eligibility: A Master's degree in Law (LL.M.) with a minimum aggregate score of 55%.
Admission Process: Written test and interview conducted by NLSIU Bangalore.
Duration: 3-5 Years
NLSIU Bangalore Seats
The availability of NLSIU Bangalore seats for its flagship and other programs is highly competitive due to the university's prestige and limited intake. Below is the detailed breakdown of seats for various programs:
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) – 5-Year Integrated Program
Total Seats: 240 (Starting from 2022, as per the revised intake policy)
Reservation Policy:
General Category: 50%
Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 5%
LL.M. – Master of Laws
Total Seats: 75
Specializations:
Business Laws: 35 seats
Human Rights Laws: 40 seats
M.P.P. – Master of Public Policy
Total Seats: 50
Ph.D. in Law
Total Seats: Varies each year based on faculty availability and research areas.
The competitive nature of NLSIU Bangalore seats highlights the need for exceptional performance in the respective entrance examinations.
NLSIU Bangalore Admission Process
Admission to NLSIU Bangalore is primarily based on the performance of candidates in national-level entrance examinations like CLAT and CLAT PG. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the admission process:
Admission to B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
Appear for CLAT: Candidates must register and appear for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), conducted annually.
Meet Cut-Off Scores: Based on the CLAT scores, candidates must meet the required cut-off rank released by NLSIU.
Counseling Process: Shortlisted candidates are called for counseling, where seats are allocated based on merit and reservation criteria.
Final Admission: Admission is confirmed upon payment of fees and submission of necessary documents.
Admission to LL.M. Program
Appear for CLAT PG: Candidates must take the CLAT PG examination.
Meet the Cut-Off Rank: Based on performance, candidates are shortlisted for counseling.
Counseling and Seat Allocation: Seats are allocated based on rank and specialization preference.
Confirm Admission: Complete the admission process by paying fees and submitting required documents.
Admission to M.P.P.
Entrance Test: Candidates must appear for the entrance exam conducted by NLSIU Bangalore.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview.
Final Selection: Based on the combined performance in the entrance test and interview.
Admission to Ph.D. Program
Written Test: Applicants are required to take a written entrance test.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
Proposal Review: Selection is based on the research proposal and performance in the test and interview.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees
The NLSIU Bangalore fees structure is relatively higher compared to some other NLUs due to its comprehensive academic and infrastructural facilities. Below is the fee structure for different programs at NLSIU Bangalore:
B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
Annual Tuition Fee: INR 2,75,000
Admission Fee (One-Time): INR 10,000
Other Fees (Library, Exam, etc.): INR 45,000
Total Annual Fee: Approximately INR 3,30,000
LL.M. – Master of Laws
Annual Tuition Fee: INR 2,00,000
Admission Fee (One-Time): INR 10,000
Other Fees (Library, Exam, etc.): INR 35,000
Total Annual Fee: Approximately INR 2,45,000
M.P.P. – Master of Public Policy
Annual Tuition Fee: INR 1,80,000
Admission Fee (One-Time): INR 10,000
Other Fees: INR 30,000
Total Annual Fee: Approximately INR 2,20,000
Ph.D. in Law
Annual Fee: INR 1,00,000 (Approx.)
Research and Library Fees: Additional charges apply based on research requirements.
The NLSIU Bangalore fees may seem high, but the university provides merit-based scholarships, financial aid, and fee waivers to deserving students.
Life at NLSIU Bangalore
Apart from academic excellence, NLSIU Bangalore offers a vibrant campus life that fosters holistic development. Here’s what makes life at NLSIU unique:
World-Class Infrastructure: The university is equipped with modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, moot court halls, and hostels.
Moot Court Culture: NLSIU students regularly participate in national and international moot court competitions, honing their advocacy skills.
Student Societies: There are numerous student-run societies for debates, cultural events, legal aid, and research activities.
Internships and Placements: NLSIU boasts excellent placement opportunities, with top law firms, corporates, and government organizations recruiting from the campus.
Final Thoughts
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU Bangalore) remains the pinnacle of legal education in India. With a limited number of NLSIU Bangalore seats and a competitive admission process, aspiring candidates must prepare diligently for the CLAT examination to secure a place in this prestigious institution.
While the NLSIU Bangalore fees may appear substantial, the quality of education, world-class infrastructure, and unparalleled career opportunities justify the investment. Whether it’s the flagship B.A. LL.B. program, the specialized LL.M. course, or the M.P.P. program, NLSIU provides its students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the legal profession.
For any law aspirant, gaining admission to NLSIU Bangalore is a dream come true and the first step toward a successful legal career.
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