About NLS:
The National Law School of India University was established in 1986 to pioneer legal education
reform and anchor the transformation of the Indian legal system through research and policy
interventions. We are dedicated to the realization of core constitutional values through a vital
democracy committed to freedom and social justice. The University rests on a unique
collaboration between legal academics, the Bar, the Bench and the State Government of
Karnataka. This strong coalition has ensured that the University has remained the undoubted
leader in legal education in India for the last three decades.
About FIVE YEAR B.A., LL.B. (HONS.) PROGRAMME:
The University pioneered the 5 year integrated B.A., LL.B (Hons) programme in India. This
programme remains the flagship degree at NLSIU.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-21:
Since inception, admission to the B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) Degree Programme has been purely on the basis of merit as assessed through a common entrance exam. The University conducted its own All-India entrance examination until 2008, when the Common Law Admission Test was conceived. In 2018, the Consortium of National Law Universities comprising the Vice Chancellors of 22 National Law Universities was formed to establish a Permanent CLAT Secretariat for the conduction of the CLAT.
The Covid-19 pandemic has however caused unforeseen difficulties and delays in the conduct of CLAT 2020. The repeated postponement of the examination has resulted in uncertainty for students, parents and the participating Universities. NLSIU is uniquely disadvantaged as it follows a trimester system where every academic year is made up of three terms of 90 days duration. Moreover, each term must accommodate 60 hours of classroom instruction in each course and adequately provide for examination and evaluation processes. Further, the academic offering for the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of the B.A., LL.B programme as well as the LL.M programme is fully integrated and requires a common academic calendar.
Hence, if NLSIU is unable to complete admissions before the end of September 2020 it will inevitably result in a ‘Zero Year’ with no admission. This will deprive law students of the opportunity to pursue their studies this year at India’s premier law university. We are fully committed to ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity to study at NLSIU this Academic Year. Hence, NLSIU is compelled by the current circumstances to conduct a separate admissions process for the B.A., LL.B and LL.M programmes for the Academic Year 2020-21.
This matter was considered at length at a Faculty Meeting at the University on August 6th, 2020 where the Faculty unanimously resolved that NLSIU needed to take all measures necessary to avoid a ‘Zero Year.’ The Executive Council of the University, at its 91st Meeting held in two sessions on 12th August 2020 and 18th August 2020 met to consider the matter and unanimously resolved to authorize the University to develop an alternative admissions process in the event that CLAT 2020 was not conducted on September 7th 2020.
On August 28th the Executive Committee of the Consortium of National Law Universities postponed CLAT 2020 from September 7th to September 28th 2020. A Faculty Sub-Committee was constituted to develop a revised admission procedure. The Sub-Committee considered all available options and concluded that a common entrance test conducted online at the earliest and with the lowest possible application fee would be a fair, transparent and accessible admissions process. This procedure was discussed at a Faculty Meeting held on 31st August, 2020. After taking into account the suggestions and revisions necessary, a Revised Admission Notification for Academic Year 2020-21 is hereby notified.
REVISED ADMISSIONS NOTIFICATION 2020-21
The Admissions Notification outlined below exclusively governs all admissions to the B.A.,LL.B
(Hons) Programme of NLSIU for the year 2020-21. Any student who seeks admission to NLSIU
must apply directly to the University and complete the NLAT UG 2020 Entrance examination.
The University will not accept CLAT 2020 scores for admission to Academic Year 2020-21.
Eligibility of Candidates
All candidates must have secured an unconditional pass and the minimum percentage of marks
in the qualifying examination (10+2 or its equivalent examination) as specified below:
i. Aggregate percentage of 45% or its equivalent grade in case of General Category and
PWD students.
ii. Aggregate percentage of 40% or its equivalent grade in case of SC/ST.
Note: There is no upper age limit to apply.
The Online Application portal will open on 3 rd September, 2020 and will close at Midnight on 10th September, 2020.
For more details, click HERE