National law School of India University

About

National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is a premier public university for legal education and research located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Established in 1986 under the National Law School of India Act, Karnataka Act 22 of 1986, NLSIU was the first National Law University established in India. The institution was founded with the vision of reforming legal education and strengthening the connection between legal scholarship, professional practice, public institutions and policy. NLSIU pioneered the five-year integrated undergraduate law programme in India, with its first batch commencing in 1988. Over the years, the university has developed a multidisciplinary academic environment covering law, public policy, social sciences and humanities. Its academic portfolio includes the five-year BA LLB (Hons) programme, the three-year LLB (Hons) programme, postgraduate law programmes, Master’s in Public Policy, doctoral programmes and undergraduate study in the liberal arts. Research and public policy engagement are central to NLSIU's academic mission. The university hosts specialized research centres working across areas such as constitutional law, environmental law, health law, human rights, public policy, technology and law, intellectual property, labour and social justice. Through research, publications, policy engagement, conferences and collaborations, NLSIU contributes to legal and institutional development in India. The university follows an academically rigorous and interdisciplinary approach that combines classroom learning with case-based study, research, writing, discussion and experiential learning. Its Bengaluru campus provides academic facilities, libraries, research infrastructure, student residences and spaces for academic and extracurricular activities. NLSIU has consistently maintained a leading position in Indian legal education. In NIRF 2025, it secured Rank 1 in the Law category for the eighth consecutive year, continuing its position at the top of the national law rankings from 2018 through 2025. The university's alumni include judges, senior advocates, academics, policymakers, civil servants and professionals working across India and internationally. With its strong academic heritage, multidisciplinary research environment and emphasis on legal education, public policy and social transformation, NLSIU continues to play a significant role in shaping legal scholarship and professional education in India.