NLSIU Bangalore fees 2026-27  |  complete fee structure for BA LLB, LLM, 3-Year LLB and MPP programmes including hostel, mess, deposits and scholarship details at India's #1 law school
NLSIU Bangalore Fees 2026-27 | Complete Fee Structure for All Programmes | LawGuru India
⚡ Quick Answer: NLSIU Bangalore Fees 2026-27

The NLSIU Bangalore BA LLB fee for 2026-27 is ₹5,00,000 per year for General category students (₹4,95,000 for SC/ST), covering tuition, on-campus hostel, mess, and refundable deposits. The total 5-year cost is approximately ₹22.93–₹25 lakhs. The LLM fee is ₹5,56,600 in Year 1 (including off-campus housing), and the 3-Year LLB costs ₹5,06,000 in Year 1. NLSIU offers need-based financial aid up to 100% tuition for families with income below ₹5 lakhs, plus the Aditya Birla Scholarship for CLAT top-20 rankers.

💰 BA LLB: ₹5L/yr | Total ₹22.93L 🏠 Hostel Included (BA LLB) 🎓 Need-Based Aid: Up to 100% Tuition 🏛 NIRF Law Rank #1 | 2024
📋 Table of Contents

1. NLSIU Bangalore Fee Overview 2026-27

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore is India's first and most prestigious National Law University, established in 1987 and spread across a 23-acre residential campus in Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru. Ranked #1 in NIRF Law Rankings every year since 2018, NLSIU is the dream destination for law aspirants across the country.

NLSIU Bangalore fees in 2026-27 reflect the university's world-class infrastructure, distinguished faculty, fully residential campus model, and comprehensive student support. Unlike many private law colleges, NLSIU's fee structure is transparent, regulated, and published officially | making financial planning straightforward for prospective students and their families.

📌 Key Facts About NLSIU Fees
  • All fees are per academic year (1 year = 2 trimesters for BA LLB, 2 semesters for LLM/MPP)
  • The first-year fee is higher due to one-time admission charges and refundable security deposits
  • BA LLB is a fully residential programme | on-campus hostel is compulsory
  • LLM, 3-Year LLB, and MPP students have mandatory off-campus housing arranged by the university
  • Fees are subject to modest annual increases (approximately ₹5,000–₹10,000/year)
  • SC/ST students pay slightly lower fees due to reduced refundable deposits

NLSIU Programmes at a Glance | Fees 2026-27

BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Year Integrated Most Popular
Via CLAT UG 310 Seats NIRF Rank #1 On-Campus Residential
India's most prestigious undergraduate law programme. Fees: ₹5,00,000/year (General) | ₹4,95,000/year (SC/ST) | includes tuition, hostel, mess, and deposits. Total 5-year cost: ₹22.93–₹25 lakhs. Admission exclusively through CLAT UG (cutoff ~AIR 101, General).
LLB (Hons.) | 3 Year For Graduates
Via NLSAT-LLB Off-Campus Housing Open to All Graduates
A rigorous 3-year postgraduate law programme for non-law graduates. Fees: ~₹5,06,000/year (Year 1) including tuition and mandatory off-campus housing (₹1,75,000/year). Total 3-year cost: ~₹15 lakhs. Admission via NLSAT-LLB conducted by NLSIU.
LLM | 1 Year Master of Laws Postgraduate
Via CLAT PG 6 Specialisations Off-Campus Housing
1-year intensive LLM with specialisations in Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Law & Technology, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, and International Trade. Fees: ₹5,56,600 (General) | ₹5,52,000 (SC/ST) | includes tuition and off-campus housing. Admission via CLAT PG.
Master in Public Policy (MPP) | 1 Year Policy Track
Via NLSIU MPP Exam Interdisciplinary Off-Campus Housing
India's leading public policy programme at a law university. Fees: ~₹5,06,400 (Year 1) including tuition and mandatory off-campus housing. Total MPP cost: ~₹10.5 lakhs. Open to law and non-law graduates with a strong academic record.
PhD in Law / PhD Interdisciplinary Research
Via NLSAT-PhD 3–5 Year Duration Stipend Available
Research-based doctoral programmes in Law and Interdisciplinary Studies. Fees are significantly lower than taught programmes, and JRF/SRF holders may receive UGC stipend of ₹31,000–₹35,000/month. Contact NLSIU admissions office for the current PhD fee structure and fellowship details.

2. NLSIU Bangalore BA LLB Fees 2026-27 | Detailed Breakdown

The BA LLB (Hons.) programme at NLSIU is the flagship 5-year integrated law degree and India's most sought-after undergraduate law programme. The fee structure is comprehensive and includes everything a student needs to live and study on campus | there are no hidden charges if you plan carefully.

BA LLB Fee Structure | First Year (2026-27)

The first-year fee is higher than subsequent years because it includes a one-time admission fee and a refundable security deposit that is returned when you complete or leave the programme.

Fee Component
General (₹)
SC/ST (₹)
One-Time Charges (First Year Only)
Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable)
13,000
13,000
Refundable Security Deposit
25,000
20,000
Annual Recurring Charges
Tuition & Facilities Fee
3,00,000
3,00,000
On-Campus Hostel Fee
1,13,000
1,13,000
Mess Fee (Meal Plan)
49,000
49,000
Total Payable | Year 1
5,00,000
4,95,000
Less: Refundable Deposit (returned on exit)
–25,000
–20,000
Net Non-Refundable Year 1 Fee
4,75,000
4,75,000
💡 Understanding the Refundable Deposit

The refundable security deposit (₹25,000 for General, ₹20,000 for SC/ST) is held by NLSIU throughout your programme. It is returned to you when you graduate, withdraw, or leave | subject to deduction of any outstanding dues. Think of it as an interest-free security bond, not an expense.

3. NLSIU BA LLB Year-Wise Fee Breakdown | All 5 Years

From Year 2 onwards, the one-time admission charge and refundable deposit are not charged. Students pay only the annual tuition, hostel, and mess fee. Fees typically increase by approximately ₹5,000–₹10,000 per year.

Year
Components
General (₹)
SC/ST (₹)
Year 1
Tuition + Hostel + Mess + Admission Fee + Deposit
5,00,000
4,95,000
Year 2
Tuition + Hostel + Mess (no one-time charges)
~4,62,000
~4,62,000
Year 3
Tuition + Hostel + Mess (+increment)
~4,67,000
~4,67,000
Year 4
Tuition + Hostel + Mess (+increment)
~4,72,000
~4,72,000
Year 5
Tuition + Hostel + Mess (+increment)
~4,92,000
~4,92,000
Total (5 Years)
Approx. (excluding refundable deposit)
~22.93–25L
~22.88–25L

Note: Year 2–5 figures are estimates based on the 2026-27 base fee with an assumed ₹5,000 annual increment. Actual figures may vary. Always check the official NLSIU fee notification for each academic year.

4. NLSIU 3-Year LLB (Hons.) Fees 2026-27

The 3-Year LLB (Hons.) at NLSIU is one of India's most rigorous postgraduate law programmes, designed for graduates from any discipline who wish to enter the legal profession. Unlike the BA LLB, this programme has mandatory off-campus housing arranged by the university at a cost of ₹1,75,000 per year.

Fee Component
General (₹)
SC/ST (₹)
Admission Fee (one-time)
13,000
13,000
Refundable Security Deposit
20,000
15,000
Tuition & Facilities Fee
2,98,000
2,98,000
Off-Campus Housing (mandatory, arranged by NLSIU)
1,75,000
1,75,000
Total Payable | Year 1
~5,06,000
~5,01,000

The total 3-year cost is approximately ₹15 lakhs for General category students, accounting for a modest annual increase after Year 1. The off-campus housing is arranged by NLSIU through a university-empanelled housing coordinator | students do not have to independently search for accommodation.

5. NLSIU Bangalore LLM Fees 2026-27

The 1-Year LLM at NLSIU is among India's most prestigious postgraduate law degrees. The programme is offered in 6 specialisations | Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Law & Technology, Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, and International Trade Law. Admission is through CLAT PG scores.

Like the 3-Year LLB, LLM students have mandatory off-campus housing arranged by the university. However, the off-campus housing cost for LLM is higher (₹2,69,000) as it includes a more comprehensive housing support package.

Fee Component
General (₹)
SC/ST (₹)
Admission Fee (one-time)
10,000
10,000
Refundable Security Deposit
25,000
20,000
Tuition & Facilities Fee
2,21,590
2,21,590
Hostel / Off-Campus Housing Fee
45,000
45,000
Mess Fee
43,575
43,575
Mandatory Off-Campus Housing (arranged by NLSIU)
2,11,435
2,11,435
Total Payable | LLM (1 Year)
5,56,600
5,52,000
📌 LLM Fee | Important Notes
  • Since LLM is a 1-year programme, the total programme cost equals Year 1 fees shown above
  • The LLM is a semester-based programme (2 semesters, July–June)
  • Off-campus housing is mandatory and arranged by NLSIU | students cannot opt out
  • CLAT PG Round 4 cutoff for LLM (AI Quota, General): 93 marks (as of May 2026)
  • LLM specialisation is chosen during the admission process, not after joining

6. NLSIU MPP and PhD Fees 2026-27

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The Master in Public Policy (MPP) is a 1-year interdisciplinary programme that draws students from law, economics, political science, and social sciences. It is designed for professionals and fresh graduates interested in government, regulatory bodies, think tanks, and international organisations. The MPP fee structure mirrors the LLM in its components.

Fee Component
General (₹)
SC/ST (₹)
Total MPP Fee (1 Year, incl. housing)
~5,06,400
~5,01,400
Total MPP Programme Cost
~10.5 Lakhs
~10 Lakhs

PhD in Law & PhD Interdisciplinary

NLSIU offers doctoral programmes in both Law and Interdisciplinary Studies. PhD fees are significantly lower than taught programmes. Doctoral students who qualify for UGC-JRF/SRF fellowships receive a monthly stipend (₹31,000–₹35,000/month as per latest UGC norms), which effectively offsets much or all of the course fee. For current PhD fee figures, candidates should refer to the official NLSIU PhD admission notification on nlsiu.ac.in, as fees vary by cohort and fellowship status.

7. NLSIU Bangalore Hostel & Mess Fees | Detailed Breakdown

NLSIU's residential model is one of its defining strengths. The campus fosters an intense academic community, mooting culture, and lifelong peer networks. Understanding the hostel and accommodation cost is essential for financial planning.

BA LLB | On-Campus Hostel (Compulsory)

All BA LLB students must live on campus. The hostel fee is included in the annual fee of ₹5,00,000 and covers accommodation in shared rooms (typically double or triple occupancy). The campus has separate hostel blocks for male and female students, with 24-hour security, Wi-Fi, study rooms, and sports facilities.

Accommodation Type
Annual Fee (₹)
Included In
On-Campus Hostel (BA LLB | compulsory)
~1,13,000
Annual Fee
Mess / Meal Plan (BA LLB)
~49,000
Annual Fee
Off-Campus Housing (3-Yr LLB | mandatory)
~1,75,000
Annual Fee
Off-Campus Housing (LLM | mandatory)
~2,69,000
Annual Fee
Off-Campus Housing (MPP | mandatory)
~1,75,000
Annual Fee

Additional Living Expenses to Budget For

Beyond the official fees, students at NLSIU should budget for the following additional expenses annually:

  • Books and study materials: ₹10,000–₹20,000/year depending on electives and mooting activities
  • Laptop (if not already owned): ₹40,000–₹80,000 (one-time purchase)
  • Personal expenses and travel: ₹20,000–₹40,000/year
  • Moot court and competition fees: ₹5,000–₹15,000/year for active participants
  • Additional meals outside mess: ₹10,000–₹20,000/year
  • Internship travel expenses: Variable (NLSIU students typically intern in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad)

8. NLSIU Bangalore Fees for International Students

International students at NLSIU pay a different fee schedule, typically denominated in USD and significantly higher than the domestic fee. International students are admitted under the ICCR Scholarship scheme, NRI quotas (where applicable), or direct admission through NLSIU's international admission office.

ICCR-sponsored international students may receive full scholarship coverage of tuition, hostel, and a monthly stipend from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Non-ICCR international students should contact NLSIU's international students office directly at nlsiu.ac.in for the current USD-denominated fee structure, as these figures are updated annually based on exchange rates.

Key points for international applicants: NLSIU offers BA LLB seats to a small number of foreign nationals, the admission process involves both an academic transcript evaluation and an interview, and English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL) may be required for non-English-medium applicants.

9. NLSIU Bangalore Scholarships & Financial Aid 2026-27

NLSIU is deeply committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from accessing India's best legal education. The university operates multiple scholarship and financial aid mechanisms | from its own internal need-based fund to external government and private scholarships.

🏆 Aditya Birla Scholarship
Awarded to students who secure a rank in the top 20 in CLAT. The Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd. grants this scholarship independently | NLSIU is not involved in the selection process. It covers the entire fee including hostel charges (up to ₹1,80,000/year) and continues for the full duration of the BA LLB programme. This is the most prestigious merit scholarship available at NLSIU.
🏛 NLSIU Need-Based Financial Assistance (Internal)
NLSIU's Financial Assistance Committee reviews applications from enrolled students. Students with annual family income below ₹5 lakhs are eligible for fee waivers | up to 100% of tuition in deserving cases. This is completely independent of CLAT rank and is assessed based on family income certificates and supporting documents. Students should apply in the first semester via the student administration office. For students from reserved categories with low family income, the combination of NLSIU assistance plus government scholarships can make NLSIU effectively free.
📋 Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students (NSP)
SC/ST students enrolled at NLSIU are eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | scholarships.gov.in. This covers a significant portion of tuition and hostel fees. NLSIU is registered on NSP, making application straightforward. Annual renewal is required; students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
🌏 ICCR Scholarship (For International Students)
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (Ministry of External Affairs) provides full scholarship coverage | tuition, hostel, and monthly stipend | for international students pursuing law at NLSIU under bilateral exchange agreements. ICCR scholarships are available to students from eligible countries through ICCR's online scholarship portal.
👩 UGC Indira Gandhi Single Girl Child Scholarship
Available to female students who are the only child in their family pursuing higher education. Provides ₹3,100/month as a non-refundable scholarship throughout the programme. Eligible students at NLSIU can apply annually through the NSP. NLSIU is registered on the portal and facilitates the application process.
🏫 State Government Scholarships
NLSIU is registered on state scholarship portals of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Students from these states pursuing reserved category scholarships or Minority scholarships can apply through state portals. The scholarship amounts and eligibility vary by state. Karnataka students, in particular, benefit from state-funded scholarships given NLSIU's location in Bengaluru.
🔶 Colive Scholarship & Other Private Scholarships
Several private corporations and NGOs offer scholarships to NLSIU students, including Colive Scholarship (for students with housing needs) and various law firm-sponsored merit awards. Information on these is circulated through NLSIU's student notice board and career services office after admission.

10. NLSIU Bangalore vs Other Top NLUs | Fee Comparison 2026-27

How does NLSIU's fee compare to other National Law Universities? NLSIU fees are among the higher end of NLUs, but the quality of education, infrastructure, faculty, and placement outcomes justify the premium. Here is a comparison of annual BA LLB fees across India's top NLUs:

National Law University
NIRF Rank
BA LLB Annual Fee (₹)
CLAT Cutoff (General)
NLSIU Bangalore ★ India's #1
#1
~5,00,000
~AIR 101
NALSAR Hyderabad
#2
~2,50,000
~AIR 200
NLU Delhi (NLU-D)
#3
~2,10,000
~AIR 150
WBNUJS Kolkata
#4
~1,80,000
~AIR 350
NLU Jodhpur
#5
~1,50,000
~AIR 500
NLIU Bhopal
#6
~1,20,000
~AIR 800
GNLU Gandhinagar
#7
~1,70,000
~AIR 900

While NLSIU's annual fee of ~₹5 lakhs is significantly higher than most other NLUs, it is important to note that NLSIU's fee includes all hostel and mess charges, whereas many other NLUs quote tuition-only fees and charge hostel and mess separately. On a fully-loaded comparison, the gap is narrower | but NLSIU's placement outcomes (Median CTC: ₹19 LPA, Highest: ₹45 LPA) deliver exceptional ROI.

11. Complete Budget Guide | Total Cost of Studying at NLSIU Bangalore

Here is a realistic, comprehensive budget estimate for the entire BA LLB programme at NLSIU | covering official fees, living expenses, books, travel, and miscellaneous costs:

Budget Category
Per Year (₹)
5 Years Total (₹)
Official University Fees (tuition + hostel + mess)
~4,62,000–5,00,000
~22.93–25L
Books & Study Materials
10,000–20,000
50,000–1,00,000
Laptop & Technology
8,000–15,000 (amortised)
40,000–75,000
Personal Expenses & Travel
25,000–40,000
1,25,000–2,00,000
Moot Courts & Competitions
5,000–20,000
25,000–1,00,000
Internship Travel
10,000–30,000
50,000–1,50,000
Total Estimated Cost (5 Years)
~₹26–₹31 Lakhs
💡 How to Minimise Your NLSIU Fee Burden
  1. Apply for NLSIU need-based aid immediately after admission if family income is below ₹5L/year | waivers up to 100% tuition are possible
  2. Apply for all relevant government scholarships via NSP before the deadline (typically October each year)
  3. Aim for a top-20 CLAT rank to be considered for the Aditya Birla Scholarship (covers all fees)
  4. Explore education loans | most nationalised banks offer collateral-free education loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs for students admitted to NLSIU; higher amounts available with collateral
  5. The refundable deposit (₹25,000) comes back to you on graduation | factor this into your total cost calculation
📊 NLSIU Bangalore Fees 2026-27 | Key Takeaways
BA LLB Per Year
₹5,00,000
All-inclusive (tuition + hostel + mess)
5-Year BA LLB Total
₹22.93–25L
Approx., with annual increments
LLM (1 Year)
₹5,56,600
General | incl. off-campus housing
Need-Based Aid Available
Up to 100%
Tuition waiver for income < ₹5L/yr

12. Frequently Asked Questions | NLSIU Bangalore Fees

Q: What is the NLSIU Bangalore fee for BA LLB 2026-27?
The NLSIU Bangalore BA LLB fee for 2026-27 is ₹5,00,000 per year for General category students and ₹4,95,000 for SC/ST. This all-inclusive fee covers tuition and facilities (₹3,00,000), on-campus hostel (₹1,13,000), mess charges (₹49,000), and a one-time refundable security deposit (₹25,000) in the first year. From Year 2 onwards, only the annual fee (without admission charge and deposit) is payable | approximately ₹4,62,000.
Q: What is the total fee at NLSIU Bangalore for 5 years?
The total NLSIU Bangalore fees for the 5-year BA LLB is approximately ₹22.93 to ₹25 lakhs. This accounts for the Year 1 fee of ₹5,00,000 and reduced annual fees of ₹4.62–₹4.92 lakhs for Years 2–5, factoring in modest annual increments. The refundable security deposit of ₹25,000 is returned upon completion, so the actual out-of-pocket expenditure is slightly less.
Q: Is hostel fee included in NLSIU fees?
Yes, for BA LLB students, hostel fee is fully included in the annual fee of ₹5,00,000. BA LLB is a compulsory residential programme | all students live on campus. On-campus hostel costs approximately ₹1,13,000/year and mess is ₹49,000/year, both included in the total. For LLM, 3-Year LLB, and MPP students, mandatory off-campus housing arranged by NLSIU is also included in the quoted total fee.
Q: Can I get a fee waiver at NLSIU Bangalore?
Yes. NLSIU's Financial Assistance Committee provides need-based waivers | up to 100% of tuition for students with family income below ₹5 lakhs/year. This is independent of CLAT rank. Additionally, SC/ST students can access Post-Matric Scholarships via NSP, and the Aditya Birla Scholarship covers all fees for CLAT top-20 rankers. Combined, these mechanisms can make NLSIU effectively free for low-income students from reserved categories.
Q: What is the CLAT cutoff for NLSIU Bangalore 2026?
The CLAT 2026 cutoff for NLSIU Bangalore is approximately AIR 101 for General category in Round 1. With 310 BA LLB seats and strong demand from top rankers, the cutoff is highly competitive. Seats may open up in Rounds 2–4 as students with multiple offers choose other NLUs. Reserved category cutoffs (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) are lower. Always check the official CLAT Consortium counselling portal for round-by-round cutoffs.
Q: How do placements at NLSIU Bangalore justify the fees?
NLSIU placements are among the best in India's legal education sector. The median CTC for NLSIU graduates is ₹19 LPA, the average is ₹16 LPA, and the highest package reported is ₹45 LPA. India's top tier-1 law firms (AZB, Cyril, Shardul, Khaitan) and MNC legal departments recruit heavily from NLSIU. On a total 5-year investment of ~₹25–30 lakhs, the break-even point at a starting salary of ₹19 LPA is typically under 2 years | making NLSIU's ROI among the strongest of any professional degree in India.
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