The National Law School Admission Test (NLSAT) is the entrance exam for the 3-year LLB program at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
It is designed for graduates from any discipline who aspire to pursue a career in law.
Unlike traditional 5-year integrated law programs, the NLSAT is tailored for individuals who already hold a
bachelor’s degree and wish to transition into the legal profession.
Also Read: Understanding Part B of NLSAT
The exam is known for its rigorous two-part structure:
Part A:
Objective-type questions to assess legal aptitude, general knowledge, and logical reasoning.
Part B:
Subjective questions focusing on problem-based legal reasoning and an essay to test analytical ability.
Given the high competition and the institute’s reputation, NLSAT demands a deep understanding of legal concepts, reasoning skills, and strong writing ability.
For NLSAT 2025, there has been a significant revision in Part B of the exam pattern:
NOTE: In NLSAT 2022 there used to be 10 problem-based questions then it got reduced to 6 and now 5. This can be seen as a response to several concerns raised by students that doing proper justice to all 6 questions by writing structured answers is not humanly possible
The changes in NLSAT 2025 Part B primarily affect the problem-based legal reasoning questions and the word limit for responses.
Let’s break down these modifications and their implications:
Previously, candidates had to attempt 6 problem-based questions worth 10 marks each.
Now, they will answer 5 questions, but each carries 12 marks.
Implication: While the total marks for problem-based questions remain almost the same, the focus shifts to fewer but more in-depth answers.
Candidates must demonstrate strong legal reasoning, argumentation, and structured thinking in each answer.
Earlier, candidates had 350 words to answer each problem-based question.
Now, the word limit has been reduced to 200-250 words per answer.
Implication: The examiners want candidates to focus on clarity, precision, and logical structure rather than writing lengthy responses.
Answers must be concise yet impactful, ensuring that key legal points are well-articulated without unnecessary elaboration.
This will also require a careful appreciation of the facts, instead of simply copying them from the problem question.
The essay question (15 marks) remains unchanged.
This means aspirants still need to develop strong argumentative and analytical writing skills to score well.
The recent changes in NLSAT 2025 Part B suggest a strategic shift in the evaluation approach,
moving away from lengthy responses to a more concise, analytical, and structured answer format. Here’s why:
Earlier, candidates had more problem-based questions (6) and a higher word limit (350 words), which often led to long-winded answers filled with unnecessary details.
Now, with fewer questions (5) and a reduced word limit (200-250 words), candidates must focus on articulating key legal points effectively within limited space.
The change ensures that clarity, reasoning, and structured arguments take precedence over excessive writing.
Legal aptitude is not just about writing a lot; it’s about writing well.
The new pattern forces candidates to engage more deeply with each legal problem and present structured, well-reasoned arguments rather than just blindly describing and applying legal principles.
This aligns with the real-world demands of law practice, where lawyers must present clear, logical, and persuasive arguments in limited time and space.
Since candidates now have fewer opportunities to score (5 questions instead of 6), each answer must be highly structured, legally sound, and error-free.
With a lower word limit, examiners will likely evaluate responses more critically, ensuring that every sentence adds value.
Candidates can no longer rely on filling space with generic legal concepts they must demonstrate deep understanding and precise application of law.
With the changes in NLSAT 2025 Part B, aspirants must rethink their preparation strategy to align with the new pattern.
Since the focus has shifted to concise, high-quality answers, candidates need to develop precision, structured reasoning, and analytical depth in their writing.
Since the word limit for problem-based questions has been reduced to 200-250 words, candidates must learn to eliminate unnecessary information and prioritize clarity and logic.
Instead of elaborate explanations, aspirants should focus on:
Identifying key legal issues quickly.
Applying relevant legal principles directly.
Using precise language to convey arguments effectively.
The reduction in the number of questions (from 6 to 5) but an increase in marks (from 10 to 12 per question) means each answer must be well-structured and legally sound.
The IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) becomes even more important:
Issue:
Identify the legal problem in 1-2 sentences.
Rule:
State the relevant legal principle or precedent concisely.
Application:
Apply the rule to the given problem with logical reasoning.
Conclusion:
Provide a clear, decisive answer.
While the essay component remains unchanged, a sharper focus is needed because evaluators may be stricter in assessing coherence, argumentation, and depth of analysis.
Candidates should:
Avoid lengthy introductions get straight to the argument.
Support arguments with real-life legal examples or landmark cases.
Use a clear structure (Introduction, Argument 1, Argument 2, Counterargument, Conclusion).
With a limited word count and fewer questions, effective time management is crucial in NLSAT 2025 Part B.
Candidates must learn to allocate time wisely between problem-based questions and the essay while ensuring clarity and structure.
Divide Your Time Wisely –
Allocate 10-12 minutes per problem-based question and 15-18 minutes for the essay to maintain a balanced approach.
Plan Before You Write –
Spend 2-3 minutes outlining key points to ensure structured, concise responses rather than rewriting answers.
Practice Under Timed Conditions –
Solve past papers and mock tests within the actual exam time limit to build speed and confidence.
Avoid Overwriting –
Stick to the word limit and focus on legal reasoning rather than lengthy explanations.
The NLSAT 2025 Part B pattern change signals a shift towards more structured, analytical, and concise responses, emphasizing depth of reasoning over sheer word count. With fewer problem-based questions (5 instead of 6) and a reduced word limit (200-250 words), aspirants must focus on clarity, precision, and well-structured legal arguments.
The evaluation is likely to be stricter, making it essential to develop a refined approach to problem-solving and essay writing.
Adapting to this new format requires strategic preparation, including: Mastering the IRAC method for problem-based reasoning.
Practicing concise and impactful legal writing.
Refining essay structure for clarity and depth.
Solving past papers with a focus on structured responses.
Navigating these changes can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
NLTI’s expert-led NLSAT coaching provides:
Comprehensive Study Materials –
Designed as per the updated NLSAT 2025 Part B pattern for focused preparation.
Mock Tests & Answer Evaluations
Practice real exam-style questions with expert feedback.
Legal Reasoning Workshops
Enhance analytical and problem-solving skills through interactive sessions.
Expert Mentorship
Get personalized guidance to refine essay writing and legal reasoning techniques.
Crack NLSAT 2025 with the right preparation! Join NLTI’s NLSAT Coaching Today and get ahead of the competition.
