India's first national law university, ranked #1 by NIRF, pioneering legal education reform since 1986.
NLSIU offers a comprehensive range of programmes across multiple levels. Undergraduate offerings include the flagship 5-year BA LLB (Hons) and the newer 3-year BA (Hons) with majors in History, Sociology & Anthropology, Economics, and Politics. Postgraduate programmes include the 3-year LLB (Hons), 2-year Master's in Public Policy (MPP), and 1-year LLM. Research-focused candidates can pursue PhD in Law or PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities and Public Policy. Additionally, PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) offers online and hybrid postgraduate degrees and diplomas for working professionals and career-changers.
The university occupies a sprawling 23-acre campus in Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru, housed within the Bengaluru University campus. The campus features a state-of-the-art library, multiple academic centres, student housing facilities, and essential amenities. The university is undergoing campus redevelopment from 2025–2027. Students have access to sports facilities, student clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and mental health support. The Writing Centre (TWC) provides academic writing support.
Admission pathways vary by programme. The 5-year BA LLB (Hons) and 1-year LLM use the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) administered by the Consortium of NLUs. The NLS BA (Hons), 3-year LLB (Hons), 2-year MPP, and PhD programmes use NLSIU's own National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT). International students have dedicated admission pathways through NLSAT-International. The university also offers admission for Karnataka students through specific FAQs and guidelines. Admissions are merit-based and open to graduates from all disciplines for postgraduate programmes.
The Career Services Office (CSO) facilitates internships, graduate recruitment, and industry engagement across all programmes. Internships are integrated into academic curricula with structured formats and assessment frameworks, typically lasting one month during trimester breaks (February, June, October). Graduates pursue diverse careers with leading law firms, corporates, financial institutions, consulting firms, policy organisations, multilateral agencies, think tanks, and civil services. The university maintains long-term partnerships with employers and hosts recruiter presentations, alumni interactions, and sector-specific talks to support career development.