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NLSAT Exam Pattern 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Author : Samriddhi Pandey

April 11, 2025

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Overview: The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is very renowned in India. To enter its 3-year LLB course, you must perform well in the National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT).

Knowing the NLSAT exam pattern is crucial for success in this highly competitive entrance test.

Whether you are preparing for the exam in 2025 or beyond, learning the NLSAT 3-year exam pattern 2025, marking scheme, and paper pattern will give you a significant advantage in your preparation strategy.

What is the NLSAT?

NLSAT is an entrance test carried out by NLSIU Bangalore, for admissions into its 3-year LLB course.

The test analyses candidates based on their law study aptitude, awareness of current affairs, and capability to interpret and apply law principles.

The pattern of the NLSAT test has been kept such that it can analyze several skills, such as critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and general awareness.

This blog will discuss the NLSAT exam pattern 2025, the NLSAT 3-year exam pattern 2025, and the NLSAT marking scheme 2025 in detail so that you understand everything you need to excel in the exam.

NLSAT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview

The NLSAT 2025 comprises Part A (Objective Type) and Part B (Subjective Type). Both parts have been designed to assess different skill sets, making the NLSAT a comprehensive test for aspiring law students.

All candidates applying for the program are required to take the NLSAT 2025 exam. The exam structure is as follows:

  1. Exam Structure: The NLSAT 2025 will consist of a single question paper divided into two parts:

    • Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (75 marks)
    • Part B: Subjective Questions (75 marks)
  2. Attempt Requirement: All candidates must attempt both Part A and Part B of the question paper.

  3. Exam Duration: The total duration of the examination is 150 minutes.

Part A

  • Question Format:

    • Part A will consist of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
    • The total marks for this section are 75.
    • Each question carries 1 mark.
  • Marking Scheme:

    • 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
    • 0.25 marks will also be deducted for each unanswered question.
  • Content Areas:

    • Comprehension: Questions will assess your ability to understand and interpret written passages.
    • Current Affairs: Questions will cover recent events and important national and international news developments.
    • Critical Reasoning: Questions will test your logical reasoning skills, focusing on your ability to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions.

Part A's NLSAT exam pattern 2025 emphasizes quick thinking and accurate decision-making.

Read More: NLSAT Eligibility Criteria

Part B

Part B of the NLSAT exam 2025 will include subjective questions and will be scored out of a maximum of 75 marks. The section will test candidates in two main areas:

  1. Legal Aptitude/Reasoning (60 marks):

    • This section will consist of problem-based questions designed to assess candidates' legal reasoning abilities.
    • Candidates are expected to write short answers for each question, with responses in the 200-250 word range.
    • There will be 5 questions, each worth 12 marks.
    • No prior knowledge of law is required for this section.
  2. Analytical Ability (15 marks):

    • In this section, candidates will be required to write an essay of no more than 500 words.
    • The essay will test the candidate's knowledge of the issue, ability to make coherent and logical arguments, and skill in writing a well-structured essay.
    • This section focuses on analytical skills, and knowledge of the law is not expected.

The short descriptive questions assess your ability to respond concisely to legal issues, while the essay question tests your ability to argue coherently on a legal or current affairs topic.

The NLSAT paper pattern 2025 for Part B ensures that candidates can showcase their understanding of legal concepts and their ability to express their thoughts clearly and effectively.

Important Note: Selection for Part B: Top candidates move forward in a 1:5 ratio per seat based on Part A performance. (Your Part B will only be checked if you have met this requirement)

NLSAT Exam Pattern 2025: A Closer Look

For the students choosing the 3-year LLB course, it is necessary to realize the NLSAT 3-year pattern 2025 so that a specific study plan can be made accordingly. The 3-year pattern of the test is mainly akin to the standard NLSAT pattern but with an intensified effort in terms of question types being asked.

Breakdown of the NLSAT 3-Year Exam Pattern 2025:

  • Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen and Paper-Based Test)
  • Total Duration: 150 minutes (75 minutes for Part A and 75 minutes for Part B)
  • Total Marks: 150
    • Part A: 75 marks (Objective Type)
    • Part B: 75 marks (Subjective Type)
  • Negative Marking: Yes, in Part A only
  • Number of Questions: 86 questions in total

This NLSAT 3-Year Exam Pattern ensures that candidates are tested for their aptitude and ability to apply legal knowledge.

Learn More: NLSAT Application Form

NLSAT Marking Scheme 2025: How Are Marks Awarded?

One of the most critical aspects of the NLSAT exam pattern is understanding the NLSAT marking scheme, as it can significantly impact your test-taking strategy. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Part A: Objective Questions

  • Correct Answer: +1 mark
  • Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
  • Unanswered Question: No marks awarded

The negative marking system in Part A encourages candidates to be cautious with their answers. Guessing may not always be the best strategy, especially when unsure of the correct answer.

Part B: Subjective Questions

  • Short Descriptive Questions (Legal Aptitude/Reasoning): Each question is worth 12 marks.
  • Essay Question (Analytical Reasoning): Worth 15 marks.
  • No Negative Marking: Part B has no penalty for incorrect or incomplete answers. However, your responses should be well thought out and structured to earn maximum marks.

The NLSAT marking scheme 2025 in Part B allows for a more relaxed approach than Part A, but your ability to express legal reasoning and provide a structured argument is crucial.

Read More: Best Books for NLSAT Prep

NLSAT Paper Pattern 2025: Analyzing the Structure

The NLSAT paper pattern 2025 is designed to challenge candidates on multiple fronts, from reading comprehension to logical reasoning and general awareness. Here is a comparative breakdown of the NLSAT paper pattern:

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Part A (Objective)

75

1

75

Part B (Subjective)

Legal Reasoning/Aptitude 6
Analytical Reasoning 1
Legal Reasoning/Aptitude 12
Analytical Reasoning 15

75

Total

86

150

Key Preparation Tips Aligned with the NLSAT Exam Pattern 2025

Preparation for the NLSAT 2025 calls for the correct understanding of the pattern, marking scheme, and structure of the exam. Tips to guide you through cracking the exam are presented below:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus

Understanding the NLSAT Syllabus is the secret to preparation success. Improve your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and general awareness.

  1. Practice Mock Tests

Mock tests are priceless to prepare for the NLSAT exam pattern. Practice on a daily basis will make you familiar with the pattern and time limits of the main examination.

  1. Focus on Current Affairs

Current affairs form a significant component of the NLSAT 3-year exam pattern. Stay current with national and international news, particularly on legal issues.

  1. Develop Your Writing Skills

Part B of the exam tests your writing ability, so practising writing essays and short descriptive answers on different topics is essential.

  1. Review Previous Year's Papers

Solving past year's NLSAT question papers will make you well aware of the NLSAT paper pattern and the kind of questions that usually come.

  1. Time Management

Time management during the exam is essential, especially when confronted with the NLSAT marking scheme. Practice answering questions within the time limits assigned to enhance your efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the NLSAT exam pattern, NLSAT 3-year exam pattern, NLSAT marking scheme, and NLSAT paper pattern is essential for success in this highly competitive exam.

By familiarizing yourself with the exam structure, focusing on the key areas, and adopting effective study strategies, you can boost your chances of securing admission to the prestigious NLSIU.

Preparation is key, so start early, stay consistent, and remain focused on your goal of joining the NLSIU legacy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NLSAT, and what does it test?

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What is the eligibility criteria for the NLSAT 3-Year LLB program?

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How is the NLSAT exam structured?

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What is the admission process for the NLSIU 3-Year LLB program?

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How can I apply for NLSAT?

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