Difference Between NLSAT, LNAT, and NLAT

Overview: If you’ve been researching law entrance exams, you’ve probably come across names like NLSAT, LNAT, and NLAT. They sound similar, right? But each one is completely different in purpose, level, and scope.

Whether you plan to study law in India or abroad, it’s important to understand what sets these three exams apart; so you can choose the one that truly aligns with your career goals.

Let’s break them down in simple, human terms.

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Understanding the Three Law Entrance Exams

Exam Name	Full Form	Conducting Body	Purpose	Level of Admission
NLSAT	National Law School Admission Test	National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore	Admission to 3-Year LL.B. Program at NLSIU	Postgraduate (for graduates)
LNAT	Law National Aptitude Test	LNAT Consortium, UK	Admission to undergraduate law programs in UK universities (and select Indian institutions)	Undergraduate (for Class 12 students)
NLAT	NMIMS Law Aptitude Test	Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	Admission to 5-Year Integrated Law Programs (BA LL.B / BBA LL.B)	Undergraduate (for Class 12 students)

1. What is NLSAT?

The National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) is conducted by NLSIU Bangalore for its prestigious 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) program.

Introduced in 2022, this test is meant for graduates from any stream who wish to enter the field of law; a program that has quickly become one of the most sought-after postgraduate law degrees in India.

NLSAT 2026 Highlights

• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper)
• Duration: 150 minutes
• Total Marks: 150
• Sections:
  • Part A: Objective (Comprehension, Reasoning, Current Affairs)
  • Part B: Subjective (Analytical and Legal Writing)

Read more: All in one Book for NLSAT Preparation

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Minimum 45% marks (General) / 40% (Reserved)
• Final-year students can apply

Why It Matters

NLSAT is India’s only independent postgraduate law entrance exam for a general LLB. Unlike CLAT PG, it doesn’t require prior legal knowledge, just strong reasoning and comprehension skills.

Key takeaway: NLSAT = Best for graduates aiming to study law at India’s #1 law university, NLSIU Bangalore.

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2. What is LNAT?

The Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is an international-level entrance exam used by top UK law schools and some Indian universities to assess candidates’ aptitude for legal studies.

It focuses on logical reasoning, critical thinking, and essay writing, not on rote learning or prior legal knowledge.

LNAT 2026 Highlights

Feature	Details
Conducting Body	LNAT Consortium (UK)
Mode	Computer-based (at Pearson VUE Centres)
Duration	2 hours 15 minutes
Sections	1. 42 MCQs 2. Essay Writing
Eligibility	Class 12 completed or appearing
Score Validity	One academic year
Accepted By	Oxford, King’s College London, LSE, UCL, and O.P. Jindal Global University (India)

What LNAT Tests

• Critical reading: Understanding complex passages
• Logical reasoning: Analyzing arguments
• Essay writing: Expressing opinions clearly

Why it’s popular: LNAT opens doors to globally recognized law programs and is a benchmark of international legal aptitude.

Checkout Test Series for NLSAT by LegalEdge

3. What is NLAT (NMIMS LAT)?

Here’s where it gets interesting, when we say NLAT, we now refer to the NMIMS Law Aptitude Test (NMIMS LAT), conducted by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS).

Even though its official name is NMIMS LAT, students and online platforms often use the term NLAT as shorthand.

This test is designed for Class 12 students aspiring to join NMIMS’s prestigious 5-year integrated law programs, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), offered across NMIMS campuses in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh.

NLAT 2026 Highlights

Feature	Details
Full Name	NMIMS Law Aptitude Test (NMIMS LAT)
Also Referred As	NLAT
Conducting Body	Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
Exam Mode	Online (Computer-based)
Duration	120 minutes
Sections	English, Current Affairs, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques
Eligibility	Class 12 passed/appearing with 50% aggregate marks
Programs Offered	BA LL.B (Hons.) and BBA LL.B (Hons.)
Campuses	Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Bengaluru, Chandigarh

Why Students Choose NLAT (NMIMS LAT)

• Multiple test attempts: You can appear for NMIMS LAT up to three times in one admission year, with your best score counted.
• Flexible scheduling: Conducted in multiple windows from January to May.
• High-quality faculty: NMIMS’s School of Law has built a strong reputation for blending law with business education.
• Industry exposure: The program emphasizes internships, moot courts, and real-world legal training.

In short: NLAT (NMIMS LAT) is perfect for school students who want a modern, industry-oriented law degree at one of India’s top private universities.

NLSAT vs LNAT vs NLAT (NMIMS LAT)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make it easier:

Feature	NLSAT	LNAT	NLAT (NMIMS LAT)
Conducting Body	NLSIU Bangalore	LNAT Consortium, UK	NMIMS University
Level	Graduate (3-year LLB)	Undergraduate (5-year LLB)	Undergraduate (5-year LLB)
Exam Mode	Offline	Online	Online
Duration	150 minutes	135 minutes	120 minutes
Sections	MCQs + Subjective	MCQs + Essay	5 Objective Sections
Legal Knowledge Required	No	No	Basic awareness helpful
Accepted By	NLSIU Bangalore	Global Law Schools + Jindal	NMIMS Law Campuses
Attempts Allowed	Once a year	Once a year	Up to 3 attempts
Focus Areas	Analytical, Legal Writing	Critical Thinking	Legal & Logical Aptitude

Which Exam Should You Choose?

If you are…	Best Exam to Choose	Why
A graduate wanting to enter law	NLSAT	Only route to 3-year LL.B. at NLSIU Bangalore
A Class 12 student dreaming of studying law abroad	LNAT	Accepted by Jindal, top UK and international law schools
A Class 12 student aiming for a modern Indian law degree	NLAT (NMIMS LAT)	Offers flexibility, strong placements, and multiple campuses

Conclusion

Each of these exams, NLSAT, LNAT, and NLAT (NMIMS LAT), opens doors to very different kinds of law schools and experiences.

• NLSAT is for graduates seeking the finest Indian legal education.
• LNAT is for global thinkers aiming for world-class law universities.
• NLAT (NMIMS LAT) is for young aspirants wanting a dynamic, business-integrated legal career.

So, before you pick one, ask yourself:

👉 “Do I want to study in India or abroad?”

👉 “Am I ready for law right after school or after graduation?”

Once you know that, your path, whether it’s NLSAT, LNAT, or NLAT, will become crystal clear.

No matter which test you choose, remember, success in law isn’t about memorizing statutes; it’s about thinking logically, reading deeply, and writing clearly. Start early, stay consistent, and your dream law school will be within reach.