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NLSAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Here [Official] Part A & Part B

Author : Samriddhi Pandey

January 22, 2026

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If you are preparing for NLSIU Bengaluru’s 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) entrance, this guide covers the complete NLSAT Syllabus 2026 in a clear, exam-ready format. The NLSAT 2026 Syllabus is officially divided into Part A (MCQs) and Part B (Subjective). Below, you’ll get a syllabus-at-a-glance table, section-wise topics, marking scheme highlights, and direct official references so your preparation stays organised from day one.

NLSAT 2026 Syllabus: Official Structure

The official NLSAT-LLB question paper has two parts: Part A (Multiple-Choice Questions) and Part B (Subjective questions). Candidates must attempt both parts.

  • Part A: Reading & Comprehension, General Awareness, Critical Reasoning
  • Part B: Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (problem-based) + Analytical Ability (essay)

NLSAT Syllabus 2026 at a Glance

Part What it tests Skills to focus on Preparation priority
Part A (MCQ) Reading & Comprehension, General Awareness, Critical Reasoning RC accuracy, inference, argument evaluation, fast recall of news & basics Daily practice + timed drills
Part B (Subjective) Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (short answers) + Analytical Ability (essay) Issue spotting, structured writing, balanced arguments, clarity + examples 2–3 written responses weekly

NLSAT 2026 Marking Scheme & Paper Facts

  • Total duration: 150 minutes
  • Part A: 75 MCQs | 75 marks | 1 mark each
  • Negative marking: -0.25 for each wrong answer (and as per official wording, for each unanswered question too)
  • Part B: Subjective | 75 marks (Legal reasoning short answers + essay)

Tip: Don’t treat this like a “topic list” exam. NLSAT rewards reading depth, reasoning clarity, and writing structure more than rote memorisation.

Part A Format in NLSAT Syllabus 2026

A common mistake aspirants make is preparing Part A like three separate sections. In reality, Part A is built around General Comprehension (GC) passages, and the questions combine elements of Reading & Comprehension, General Awareness, and Critical Reasoning. This is an important detail of the NLSAT Syllabus 2026.

  • Passages: Part A typically contains 8–10 GC passages.
  • Passage length: Each passage is approximately 500 words.
  • Total MCQs: Part A has 75 MCQs.
  • Mixed questioning: Questions may blend RC, awareness, and reasoning within the same passage set.
  • Indicative split (sample-based): Often described as roughly 25 questions from each of the three areas.

Important Note on Negative Marking

Since Part A may penalise unanswered questions as well, your approach to attempts changes. Blind skipping can reduce your score. Prioritise elimination-based attempts and avoid random guessing.

  • Wrong answer: -0.25 marks
  • Unanswered question: -0.25 marks

NLSAT 2026 Syllabus: Detailed Section-wise Topics

Part A (MCQs): NLSAT Syllabus 2026

1) Reading & Comprehension

This is the backbone of the NLSAT Syllabus. You’ll read passages and answer questions that test comprehension, inference, tone, and reasoning based on text.

  • Reading comprehension: main idea, tone, purpose, author’s viewpoint
  • Inference & implication: what must be true / what is strongly supported
  • Argument within passage: assumptions, conclusions, evidence quality
  • Vocabulary in context: meaning from usage, not dictionary memorisation
  • Grammar basics (supportive): sentence clarity, common errors, syntax awareness

Practice sources: editorials, long-form articles, legal/social issue explainers, and timed RC sets.

2) General Awareness

The NLSAT 2026 Syllabus expects awareness of the world around you. Keep it issue-based, not just headline-based.

  • National & international events: government decisions, major global developments
  • Polity & governance basics: constitutional bodies, major schemes (overview level)
  • Economy (basics): inflation, GDP, budget highlights, policy changes
  • Science & tech (awareness): major innovations, digital policy, AI/tech developments (overview)
  • Legal & civic awareness: landmark judgments/issues (high-level), rights & responsibilities

Preparation habit: one daily news source + weekly revision notes + monthly issue recap.

3) Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning in the NLSAT Syllabus tests how you think—not how much you remember. Expect argument-heavy questions.

  • Assumptions: identifying missing premises
  • Strengthen/Weaken: what supports or breaks an argument
  • Inference: what logically follows
  • Flaws: causation vs correlation, sampling issues, overgeneralisation
  • Paradox: resolving contradictions
  • Conclusion: identifying what the author is proving
  • Principle-based reasoning: applying a rule to a new situation

Part B (Subjective): NLSAT Syllabus 2026

Part B in NLSAT 2026 Syllabus: Answer Writing Rules & Evaluation Criteria

Part B rewards structured reasoning and tight writing. This section is a core part of the NLSAT Syllabus 2026.

Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (Problem-based Short Answers)

  • Word limit: Answer each question in 150 words or fewer.
  • No prior legal knowledge expected: evaluation is based on reasoning and application.
  • How answers are evaluated: strength of reasoning, cogency of arguments, and a clear conclusion supported by reasons.

Analytical Ability (Current Affairs Essay)

  • Word limit: 500 words or fewer.
  • What evaluators look for: breadth of knowledge, engagement with different viewpoints, well-supported arguments, and independent judgment.

1) Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (Problem-based)

In Part B, legal aptitude is tested through problem situations. You’ll write short, structured answers. Prior knowledge of law is not expected—what matters is clarity and application.

  • Issue spotting: identifying the legal/civic issue in the problem
  • Applying a principle: rule → facts → conclusion
  • Reasoned outcome: balanced logic, not “guesswork”
  • Writing discipline: short paragraphs, clear reasoning chain, no fluff

2) Analytical Ability (Essay)

You may be required to write an essay to demonstrate your understanding of an issue, ability to form cogent arguments, and write a well-structured response—this is a high-impact part of the NLSAT 2026 Syllabus.

  • Essay types: argumentative, analytical, issue-based, policy/social topics
  • Structure: introduction → thesis → 2–4 argument blocks → counterpoint → conclusion
  • Evaluation focus: clarity, coherence, examples, balanced reasoning
  • Writing quality: simple language, no jargon dumping, strong transitions

Practice: 1 essay/week initially → 2 essays/week closer to exam; always review structure and argument quality.

How to Use the NLSAT Syllabus 2026 to Plan Your Preparation

The fastest way to finish the NLSAT Syllabus 2026 is to treat it like a weekly skill cycle. Use this simple structure for the NLSAT 2026 Syllabus:

Weekly Skill Cycle (Recommended)

  • Reading & Comprehension: 5 days/week (timed passages + error log)
  • Critical Reasoning: 4 days/week (assumptions, strengthen/weaken, inference)
  • General Awareness: daily 30–40 minutes + weekly revision sheet
  • Part B Writing: 2 tasks/week (1 short-answer set + 1 essay)

Non-negotiables (because of the marking scheme)

  • Avoid excessive “unanswered” in Part A unless absolutely necessary.
  • For Part B, practise writing within limits: 150 words (short answers) and 500 words (essay).

Part B Templates (Write Faster, Score Higher)

A) Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (150-word structure)

  1. Issue: Identify the core conflict in 1 line.
  2. Rule/Principle: State the governing norm in plain language.
  3. Application: Apply the rule to the facts (2–4 lines).
  4. Conclusion: Give a clear outcome + 1 reason.

B) Essay (500-word structure)

  1. Intro: Context + your position (2–3 lines)
  2. Argument 1 & 2: Claims + examples
  3. Counter-view: Acknowledge and respond
  4. Conclusion: Clear judgement + way forward

NLSAT Syllabus PDF Download

For the most reliable reference, use the official programme page for NLSIU’s 3-Year LL.B. (Hons.) admissions, where the Part A & Part B syllabus structure is published.

Official Website: https://nlsatadmissions.nls.ac.in/

Official Sample Questions for NLSAT 2026

If you want to understand the real “feel” of the NLSAT Syllabus, practise using the official sample question PDF. It shows the passage style, question framing, and Part B writing instructions clearly.

Recommended Pages to Pair with This NLSAT Syllabus 2026

Conclusion

The best way to master the NLSAT Syllabus 2026 is to prepare it exactly the way the exam is designed: Part A for accuracy + reasoning under time pressure, and Part B for structured, high-quality writing. Use the NLSAT 2026 Syllabus above as your checklist, and keep your preparation consistent with timed practice and weekly writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the NLSAT syllabus?

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How can I download the NLSAT syllabus PDF?

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How should I prepare for the General Knowledge section of the NLSAT?

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Is there any specific legal knowledge required for the NLSAT 3-year LLB syllabus?

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How can I manage time effectively while preparing for the NLSAT?

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About the Author

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Samriddhi Pandey

Content Writer

A seasoned content writer with 2 years of hands-on experience in SEO content writing across diverse domains including CLAT, AILET, CLAT PG, Judiciary, AIBE, UGC NET Law, & Banking and Legal Officer Exams. Additionally, I am proficient in Technical writing, Email writing, Proofreading, and Editing.... more