NLSIU Bangalore Fees 2026: Complete Fee Structure for All Courses
If you are serious about cracking CLAT and getting into India’s No. 1 law school, you need to know exactly what it will cost you. The NLSIU Bangalore fees structure is transparent and well-defined, but it involves several components that can confuse first-time applicants. This guide breaks everything down so you can plan your finances without surprises.
We cover every programme at the National Law University Bangalore, including tuition, hostel, mess, deposits, off-campus housing, international student fees, scholarships, and the total cost across 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year programmes. This is the most complete resource on NLS Bangalore fee structure available anywhere.
Quick Summary: NLSIU Bangalore Fees at a Glance (2026-27)
| Programme | Annual Fee (General) | Annual Fee (SC/ST) |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | Rs. 5,00,000 | Rs. 4,95,000 |
| 3-Year LLB (Hons.) | Rs. 5,06,000 | Rs. 5,01,500 |
| LLM (1-Year) | Rs. 5,56,600 | Rs. 5,52,000 |
| MPP (2-Year) | Rs. 5,06,000 | Rs. 5,01,500 |
| BA (Hons.) | Rs. 4,54,500 | Rs. 4,50,000 |
| PhD | Rs. 85,000 (at admission, no hostel) | Rs. 85,000 |
Note: The first year fee includes one-time admission charges and refundable security deposits. From the second year onwards, only the recurring annual fee applies.
What is NLSIU Bangalore? A Brief Overview
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is India’s first National Law University, established in 1986 through a collaboration between the Bar Council of India, the Government of Karnataka, and Bangalore University. It sits on a 23-acre campus in Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru.
NLSIU Bangalore consistently ranks No. 1 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Law Rankings. It is home to over 1,700 students, more than 160 faculty members, and 17 programmes covering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and online learning.
For CLAT aspirants, NLSIU is the ultimate goal. Understanding the NLSIU Bangalore fee structure is one of the first steps toward planning for that goal.
NLSIU Bangalore Courses Offered
Before diving into the fees, here is a complete list of NLSIU Bangalore courses so you know which programme applies to you:
| Level | Programme | Duration | Admission Route |
| UG | BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years | CLAT UG |
| UG | BA (Hons.) | 3-4 Years | Separate test |
| PG | 3-Year LLB (Hons.) | 3 Years | NLSAT-LLB |
| PG | LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 Year | CLAT PG |
| PG | Master in Public Policy (MPP) | 2 Years | NLSAT-MPP |
| Research | PhD in Law | Varies | NLSIU Research Test |
| Research | PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities & Public Policy | Varies | NLSIU Research Test |
| Online/Hybrid | PACE Programmes (10 offerings) | Varies | Varies |
The flagship programme is the BA LLB (Hons.), which is what most CLAT aspirants are targeting. The 3-Year LLB (Hons.) and LLM are equally prestigious and competitive.
NLSIU Bangalore Admission Process
Before spending time on fees, it helps to understand the NLSIU Bangalore admission process, because each course has a different route.
For BA LLB (Hons.) – 5 Year Programme
Admission is entirely through CLAT UG, conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. There is no separate application to NLSIU. Your CLAT rank determines everything. Given that NLSIU is ranked No. 1, it consistently attracts the highest CLAT scores in the country during counselling.
Steps:
- Register and appear for CLAT UG
- Secure your rank (the higher, the better your NLSIU chance)
- Participate in the Consortium’s CLAT counselling
- Complete document verification
- Pay the NLSIU Bangalore admission fees to confirm your seat
- Classes begin on July 1 every year
For 3-Year LLB (Hons.)
Admission is through NLSAT-LLB, a test conducted by NLSIU itself, followed by an interview round. This is open to graduates from any discipline.
For LLM
Admission is through CLAT PG, conducted by the Consortium of NLUs. The programme offers specialisations in Commercial Law, Criminal Law, and Law & Technology.
For MPP
Admission is through NLSAT-MPP, followed by an interview and merit-based selection.
For PhD
Admission is through NLSIU’s own research entrance test and interview. Applications open separately each year.
NLSIU Bangalore Entrance Exam: Category-Wise Eligibility
| Criteria | BA LLB (5-Year) | 3-Year LLB (Hons.) |
| Qualifying Exam | 10+2 or equivalent | Bachelor’s in any discipline |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC/PWD) | 45% | 45% |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST) | 40% | 40% |
| Age Limit | No upper limit | No upper limit |
| Entrance Test | CLAT UG | NLSAT-LLB |
Students appearing in their qualifying exam in the year of admission are also eligible, but admission remains provisional until final results are submitted.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees for BA LLB (5-Year Programme)
The NLSIU Bangalore fees for BA LLB is the most searched fee question among CLAT aspirants. Here is the complete breakdown.
First Year Fee Breakdown (2026-27)
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| One-Time Admission Fee | 15,000 |
| Academic Fee (Tuition + Facilities) | 3,30,000 |
| Hostel & Mess Charges | 1,30,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (General) | 25,000 |
| Total First Year (General) | Rs. 5,00,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (SC/ST) | 20,000 |
| Total First Year (SC/ST) | Rs. 4,95,000 |
A few things worth noting here. The admission fee and refundable security deposit are one-time charges paid only in the first year. The hostel and mess charges cover your on-campus accommodation and a full meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an evening snack). BA LLB students live on campus in university hostels and cannot opt for off-campus accommodation.
Why Is There a Difference Between Sources?
If you have seen some websites showing Rs. 4,51,000 or Rs. 4,54,500 as the BA LLB annual fee, that is because they are quoting only the base recurring fee (tuition + housing) without the one-time admission fee and deposit bundled in. The actual first-year outgo is Rs. 5,00,000 for General category students. From the second year onwards, you pay less because the deposit and admission fee are excluded.
NLSIU Bangalore Total Fees for 5 Years (BA LLB)
This is what most students really want to know. The NLSIU Bangalore fees for 5 years after clearing CLAT and securing admission is approximately Rs. 24 to 25 lakhs in total, accounting for a modest annual increase of around Rs. 5,000 per year in the academic and hostel component.
| Year | Approximate Annual Fee (Rs.) |
| Year 1 | 5,00,000 |
| Year 2 | 4,65,000 |
| Year 3 | 4,70,000 |
| Year 4 | 4,75,000 |
| Year 5 | 4,80,000 |
| Total for 5 Years | ~Rs. 24,00,000 |
Remember: The refundable security deposit of Rs. 25,000 (General) or Rs. 20,000 (SC/ST) is returned to you when you graduate or withdraw from the programme, subject to any outstanding dues. So the actual net outgo is slightly lower.
The NLSIU Bangalore total fees for 5 years is competitive when you compare it to private law colleges in India, many of which charge significantly more without the same quality of faculty, infrastructure, or placement outcomes.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees for 3-Year LLB (Hons.)
The 3-year LLB at NLSIU is a postgraduate law programme for graduates from any discipline. Unlike BA LLB students who live on campus, 3-year LLB students are housed in mandatory off-campus accommodation arranged by the university.
First Year Fee Breakdown (2026-27)
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| One-Time Admission Fee | 13,000 |
| Tuition & Facilities Fee | 2,96,000 |
| Off-Campus Housing Fee (mandatory) | 1,75,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (General) | 22,000 |
| Total First Year (General) | Rs. 5,06,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (SC/ST) | 17,500 |
| Total First Year (SC/ST) | Rs. 5,01,500 |
Total Cost for 3 Years
| Year | Approximate Annual Fee (Rs.) |
| Year 1 | 5,06,000 |
| Year 2 | 4,71,000 |
| Year 3 | 4,76,000 |
| Total for 3 Years | ~Rs. 14,53,000 |
The NLSIU Bangalore LLB fees for the 3-year programme come to approximately Rs. 14.5 lakhs for the full programme. Off-campus housing is not optional; every 3-year LLB student is required to live in the university-managed accommodation.
NLSIU Bangalore LLM Fees (1-Year Programme)
The LLM programme at NLSIU Bangalore is one of India’s most competitive and prestigious master’s-level law degrees. Admission is through CLAT PG. The programme runs for one year and offers three specialisations: Commercial Law, Criminal Law, and Law & Technology.
LLM students, like 3-year LLB students, are housed in mandatory off-campus accommodation arranged by NLSIU.
First Year Fee Breakdown (2026-27)
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| One-Time Admission Fee | 15,000 |
| Tuition & Facilities Fee | 3,41,000 |
| Off-Campus Housing Fee | 1,75,600 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (General) | 25,000 |
| Total (General) | Rs. 5,56,600 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (SC/ST) | 20,400 |
| Total (SC/ST) | Rs. 5,52,000 |
The NLSIU Bangalore law fees for the LLM programme are the highest among all courses, primarily because of the tuition component, which reflects the intensive, research-driven nature of the curriculum.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees for MPP (Master in Public Policy)
The MPP is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme that blends law, economics, governance, technology, and data-driven policy analysis. Admission is through the NLSAT-MPP exam followed by an interview. MPP students are also placed in mandatory off-campus housing.
First Year Fee Breakdown (2026-27)
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| One-Time Admission Fee | 13,000 |
| Tuition & Facilities Fee | 2,96,000 |
| Off-Campus Housing Fee | 1,75,000 |
| Refundable Security Deposit (General) | 22,000 |
| Total First Year (General) | Rs. 5,06,000 |
| Total First Year (SC/ST) | Rs. 5,01,500 |
The MPP fee structure is identical to that of the 3-Year LLB, making the total 2-year cost approximately Rs. 10 to 10.5 lakhs.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees for BA (Hons.)
The BA (Hons.) is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate liberal arts programme at NLSIU. Its fee structure is slightly lower than the BA LLB since it is a separate degree track.
| Category | First Year Fee |
| General | Rs. 4,54,500 |
| SC/ST | Rs. 4,50,000 |
NLSIU Bangalore PhD Fees
The PhD programme covers both PhD in Law and PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities & Public Policy. The fee structure is different from all other programmes because there is no hostel fee included in the standard fee schedule.
Fees Payable at Admission
| Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| Registration Fee | 30,000 |
| Course Work Fee | 30,000 |
| Annual Fee (Year 1) | 25,000 |
| Total at Admission | Rs. 85,000 |
Ongoing and Thesis Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) | When Payable |
| Annual Fee (Years 1 to 3) | 25,000 per year | Each year |
| Continuation Fee (after Year 3) | 15,000 per year | If programme extends |
| Fee for Final Presentation | 50,000 | Before viva |
| Examination Fee (Thesis Submission) | 20,000 | At thesis submission |
| Re-Submission Fee (if applicable) | 20,000 | At re-submission |
PhD students are expected to arrange their own accommodation; hostel is not included in the fee structure.
NLSIU Bangalore Hostel Fees: On-Campus vs Off-Campus
The type of housing depends entirely on which programme you are enrolled in. This distinction is one of the most important things to understand about the NLS Bangalore fee structure.
| Programme | Housing Type | Annual Accommodation Cost (Rs.) |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | On-Campus Hostel (mandatory) | 1,30,000 |
| 3-Year LLB (Hons.) | Off-Campus Housing (mandatory) | 1,75,000 |
| LLM (1-Year) | Off-Campus Housing (mandatory) | 1,75,600 |
| MPP (2-Year) | Off-Campus Housing (mandatory) | 1,75,000 |
| BA (Hons.) | On-Campus Hostel | 1,23,500 (approx.) |
| PhD | Not included | Self-arranged |
The housing fee for BA LLB students includes a full meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks. Off-campus housing for PG programmes is arranged and managed by the university, so students do not need to find accommodation independently.
BA LLB students cannot choose to live off-campus. The programme is fully residential and on-campus living is mandatory.
NLSIU Bangalore Fees for International Students
International students are charged a significantly higher fee than domestic students. Here is the full breakdown:
| Programme | Annual Fee (Rs.) | Includes |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 11,50,500 | Tuition + Hostel + Mess + Deposits |
| 3-Year LLB (Hons.) | 12,00,000 | Tuition + Housing + Deposits |
| LLM (1-Year) | 12,00,000 | Tuition + Housing + Deposits |
| MPP (2-Year) | 12,00,000 | Tuition + Off-campus housing + Deposits |
| PhD | 2,55,000 (at admission) | Registration, coursework, deposits, Year 1 annual fee |
International students admitted through the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship receive full fee coverage including hostel.
Fee Comparison: NLSIU Bangalore vs Other Top NLUs
Many CLAT aspirants want to know how NLSIU Bangalore law fees compare to other top National Law Universities. Here is a rough comparison for the BA LLB programme:
| NLU | Approx. Annual Fee (BA LLB) | |
| NLSIU Bangalore | Rs. 5,00,000 | |
| NALSAR Hyderabad | Rs. 3,20,000 to 3,80,000 | |
| NUJS Kolkata | Rs. 2,80,000 to 3,20,000 | |
| NLU Delhi | Rs. 2,10,000 to 2,60,000 | |
| GNLU Gandhinagar | Rs. 2,50,000 to 3,00,000 |
NLSIU has among the highest annual fees across all NLUs. However, it also provides a fully residential, fully inclusive fee structure where hostel and meals are bundled in. When you factor in that NLU Delhi, for instance, does not have a compulsory residential system, the comparison becomes more nuanced.
Additional Costs: What the Fee Schedule Does Not Cover
The NLSIU Bangalore admission fees and annual fees cover tuition, housing, and meals. But there are additional costs every student should budget for:
- Books and study materials: Rs. 10,000 to 20,000 per year depending on electives
- Laptop (if you do not already own one): Rs. 40,000 to 80,000 (one-time)
- Moot court participation expenses (travel, printing, accommodation for external moots)
- Travel costs for mandatory internships during February-March trimester breaks
- Personal expenses, laundry, phone recharge, clothing
- Medical costs not covered by the campus health centre
For PhD students: continuation fees after Year 3 (Rs. 15,000 per year), thesis submission fee (Rs. 20,000), and final presentation fee (Rs. 50,000)
A realistic estimate for total living and academic costs beyond the stated fee is Rs. 80,000 to 1,50,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and how actively you participate in moots and competitions.
Payment Schedule: When Are Fees Due?
NLSIU fees are generally collected on a semester or trimester basis. Here is how it typically works:
- At admission: One-time admission fee + refundable security deposit (first year only)
- Beginning of each academic year: Tuition and facilities fee
- Beginning of each academic year: Housing and mess fee
Students who fail to pay fees on time may be charged a late payment penalty. It is advisable to check the official NLSIU fee circular for the exact payment schedule each year, as dates may vary.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for NLSIU Students
NLSIU has a strong commitment to access and inclusion. Multiple layers of financial support are available, which can significantly reduce the effective cost of studying at NLSIU.
University-Funded Aid
NLSIU directly funds need-based financial assistance for students who demonstrate financial hardship. This is independent of CLAT rank and is assessed based on family income and circumstances.
Government Scholarships
| Scholarship | Ministry/Body | Eligible Students |
| Top Class Education Scheme | Ministry of Social Justice | SC students |
| National Fellowship & Scholarship for Higher Education | Ministry of Tribal Affairs | ST students |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Dept. of Disabilities | PwD students |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities | Ministry of Minority Affairs | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi students |
| Central Sector Scholarship | Dept. of Higher Education | Students with 80%+ in Class 12 |
| NEC Merit Scholarship | NEC/DoNER | North-East state residents |
| PM YASASVI Scheme | Dept. of Social Justice | OBC, EBC, DNT students |
| One-Time Financial Assistance | Karnataka Government | SC/ST students |
All these scholarships are available through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and most require annual renewal.
Private Scholarships
| Scholarship | Benefit | Who is Eligible |
| Aditya Birla Scholarship | Full fee + hostel (up to Rs. 1.8 lakhs/year) | Top 20 CLAT rankers across NLUs |
| ARRA Scholarship (Rosy Blue Foundation) | Full education + living expenses | BA LLB, Top 20 CLAT ranks, family income under Rs. 35 lakhs |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Rs. 1,50,000 per year + mentorship | Meritorious girl students from low-income families |
| Reliance Foundation Scholarship | UG and PG financial support + leadership training | Merit plus need-based |
| Foundation for Excellence (FFE) | Full fee support + skill training | Family income under Rs. 3 lakhs, high merit |
| ICCR Scholarship | Full fee + hostel | International students selected by ICCR |
Education Loans
| Loan Scheme | Key Feature | Who Can Apply |
| PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme | Collateral-free loans up to Rs. 30 lakhs, interest subvention | All NLSIU students, no income limit |
| NDFDC Loan | Up to Rs. 50 lakhs at around 4% interest | Students with disabilities |
| SBI / PNB / Canara / ICICI | Standard education loans | Indian nationals enrolled in degree programmes |
| Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Single-window comparison and application platform | All students needing to compare loan options |
Seat Matrix: How Many Seats Are Available at NLSIU Bangalore?
For the BA LLB (Hons.) programme, total intake for 2025-26 is 310 seats distributed as follows:
| Category | Number of Seats |
| General | 121 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 81 |
| SC | 45 |
| EWS | 30 |
| ST | 23 |
| Additional Karnataka State Seats | 10 |
| Total | 310 |
Horizontal reservations are applied across all vertical categories: Women (30%, 90 seats), Karnataka students (25%, 75 seats), and PwD (5%, 15 seats).
What Happens to the Refundable Deposit?
The refundable security deposit is returned to students when they complete the programme, withdraw, or leave under any other circumstances, subject to deduction of any outstanding dues. The amount is:
- General category (BA LLB, LLM): Rs. 25,000
- SC/ST category (BA LLB, LLM): Rs. 20,000
- General category (3-Year LLB, MPP): Rs. 22,000
- SC/ST category (3-Year LLB, MPP): Rs. 17,500
You should factor this deposit into your Year 1 payment but remember that it comes back to you at the end of the programme.
Important Notes About the NLSIU Bangalore Fee Structure
- All fees are provisional and subject to revision by NLSIU’s governing bodies
- Hostel accommodation is subject to availability; it is not guaranteed for all programmes
- Off-campus housing is mandatory, not optional, for 3-Year LLB, LLM, and MPP students
- The meal plan is included within the hostel/housing fee for all residential students
- Additional costs like travel, books, and internship expenses are not part of the official fee schedule
- Financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions and are purely need-based
- PhD students face a continuation fee from Year 4 onward if the programme extends beyond 3 years
- EWS students pay the same fee as General category students but may be eligible for government scholarships
Placements and Return on Investment
Given the NLSIU Bangalore total fees for 5 years amount to approximately Rs. 24 lakhs, the return on investment is worth examining.
NLSIU graduates regularly go into:
- Top domestic and international law firms (tier-1 firms across India and some global firms)
- Corporate and in-house legal teams at major banks, financial institutions, and startups
- Litigation and senior advocacy
- Civil services, multilateral agencies, and public policy bodies
- Judicial clerkships and judicial services
- Academic positions and research fellowships in India and abroad
- NGOs and public interest organisations
NLSIU’s dedicated Career Services Office (CSO) manages campus recruitment, internship facilitation, and employer partnerships throughout the year. Internships are a core academic requirement, with students completing at least 20 working days of compulsory internship during trimester breaks every year.
While NLSIU does not publish a fixed placement report the way business schools do, the career outcomes for graduates are consistently strong relative to the investment made.
Frequently Asked Questions About NLSIU Bangalore Fees
What is the total NLSIU Bangalore fees for 5 years after clearing CLAT?
The total cost for the BA LLB programme is approximately Rs. 24 to 25 lakhs over 5 years, including tuition, hostel, mess, and all charges. The first-year fee is Rs. 5,00,000 for General category students, which includes a one-time admission fee and refundable security deposit.
What is the NLSIU Bangalore admission fees?
The one-time admission fee is Rs. 15,000 for BA LLB and LLM students, and Rs. 13,000 for 3-Year LLB and MPP students. This is charged only in the first year.
Is hostel compulsory at NLSIU Bangalore?
For BA LLB students, on-campus hostel is compulsory. For 3-Year LLB, LLM, and MPP students, off-campus university-managed housing is also mandatory. You cannot opt out of the housing arrangement for any of these programmes.
Can you opt out of the mess or meal plan?
No. The meal plan is part of the housing fee and cannot be opted out of separately. It covers all three meals and an evening snack.
What is the NLS Bangalore LLB fees for SC/ST students?
For SC/ST students, the BA LLB first-year fee is Rs. 4,95,000 (Rs. 5,000 less than General due to a lower refundable deposit). For 3-Year LLB, SC/ST students pay Rs. 5,01,500.
Does NLSIU offer any fee concessions for EWS students?
EWS students pay the same fee as General category students. However, they are eligible for government scholarships through the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme and the PM Vidyalaxmi loan scheme.
What is the NLSIU Bangalore entrance exam for each course?
BA LLB admission is through CLAT UG. LLM admission is through CLAT PG. 3-Year LLB and MPP admission is through the NLSAT, conducted by NLSIU. PhD admission has its own research entrance test.
Are the NLSIU fees the same every year?
No. Fees typically increase by around Rs. 5,000 per year in the tuition and housing component. One-time charges (admission fee and deposit) are paid only in Year 1.
How do NLSIU Bangalore fees compare to private law schools?
NLSIU’s fees are higher than most other NLUs but significantly lower than top private law schools like Jindal Global Law School, where fees can reach Rs. 7 to 10 lakhs per year. The quality of education and career outcomes at NLSIU are considered superior to most private alternatives.
What is the national law university Bangalore fees structure for PhD?
Total fees payable at PhD admission is Rs. 85,000 (registration fee Rs. 30,000 + coursework fee Rs. 30,000 + Year 1 annual fee Rs. 25,000). Annual fees of Rs. 25,000 apply for Years 1 to 3, after which a continuation fee of Rs. 15,000 per year applies. Thesis submission costs an additional Rs. 20,000.
Final Thoughts
NLSIU Bangalore is, by every metric, the top law school in India. The investment is real and substantial, but so is the return in terms of education quality, peer network, career access, and long-term reputation. The national law university Bangalore fees structure is transparent, and with the wide range of scholarships, government schemes, and education loan options available, financial barriers can be significantly reduced.
If you are preparing for CLAT or CLAT PG, CLATapult’s structured programmes are built to help you secure the rank that gets you through NLSIU’s door. The fees are worth it. The question is whether you can get in. Contact us now for more details.
CLATapult Centers Across Kolkata
We’re based in Kolkata, but students join us from all over India via our online coaching and crash courses.
Gariahat (South Kolkata) Center
161/7 C, Rash Behari Avenue
Kolkata – 700019
Landmark: Gariahat Crossing
Beside Khadim’s and Bank of India
Ph:+91 990 363 55 33
Ultadanga – Salt Lake Center
BD 30, first floor,
near Tank no 4, Sector 1, Bidhannagar,
Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
Ph: +91 990 363 55 33
Call us anytime at +91 9903635533
Or email us: kolkata@clatapult.com