As the dream of joining India’s premier law schools takes shape, the AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of aspiring legal professionals. If you are gearing up for AILET 2026, you have likely got a mix of excitement and curiosity about what lies ahead.
From understanding the exam structure to acing preparation strategies, every detail counts when aiming for success in this highly competitive entrance exam. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or retaking the exam to secure a coveted spot at National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi), this guide is here to simplify the journey. Let’s dive in and pave the way to achieving your law school aspirations!
About AILET 2026
The All India Law Entrance Test is a prestigious national-level examination conducted annually by the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi). This exclusive test serves as the sole pathway for admission to NLU Delhi’s undergraduate (BA LLB), postgraduate (LLM), and doctoral (PhD) law programs. Unlike most other National Law Universities that accept CLAT scores, NLU Delhi relies entirely on AILET for its selection process.
Renowned for its challenging nature, the AILET 2026 exam evaluates candidates’ proficiency in English, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge at the undergraduate level. For postgraduate aspirants, the test delves into legal principles, reasoning, and comprehension. Typically held in an offline, pen-and-paper format, AILET attracts thousands of law aspirants from across the country, making it a highly competitive examination.
Securing a spot at NLU Delhi requires rigorous preparation, as the university is renowned for its limited intake and exceptional academic standards. AILET is designed to identify candidates with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, linguistic skills, and a solid grasp of legal concepts. Success in this exam not only grants access to a world-class legal education but also lays a strong foundation for a flourishing career in law.
AILET 2026: Overview
Look at the essential details about the AILET 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Exam | All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) |
| Conducting Body | National Law University, Delhi |
| Type of Exam | National Level Entrance Exam |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based) |
| Duration of Exam | 120 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Total Number of Questions | 150 |
| Marking Scheme | – +1 for correct answer – -0.25 for incorrect answer |
| Sections | 1. English 2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs 3. Logical Reasoning (including Legal Reasoning) |
AILET 2026 Notification
The official notification for AILET 2026 is anticipated to go live on NLU Delhi’s website by the last week of May 2025. This announcement will include all essential details, such as eligibility requirements, application steps, and important deadlines.
Aspiring candidates should keep an eye on the university’s website to stay informed and ensure they meet all prerequisites.
AILET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Refer to the table below for key events and dates associated with the All India Law Entrance Test:
| Particulars | Details |
| AILET 2026 Registration Date | August 2025 |
| AILET 2026 Registration Last Date | November 2025 |
| AILET 2026 Admit Card Release Date | Last week of Nov 2025 |
| AILET 2026 Exam Date | First half of December 2025 |
| AILET Provisional Answer Key 2026 | Within a day of exam date |
| AILET Final Answer Key 2026 | December 2025 (a week after exam date) |
| AILET Result 2026 Release Date | December 2025 (a week after exam) |
| AILET Counselling 2026 Registration | December 2025 – January 2026 |
Note:
The exact date for the AILET 2026 exam will be announced via an official notification on NLU Delhi’s website. Candidates must frequently visit the website for updates and focus on thorough preparation to secure admission to these esteemed programs.
AILET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Based on previous years, the eligibility criteria for each program are as follows:
Undergraduate (BA LLB) Eligibility
- Candidates should have successfully completed their Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or its equivalent, with a minimum aggregate of:
- 45% for General category
- 42% for OBC
- 40% for SC/ST/PwD
- Students awaiting their 10+2 results can also apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements by the specified deadline.
- Foreign Nationals must achieve at least 65% in their 10+2 or equivalent examination.
Postgraduate (LLM) Eligibility
- Applicants should have an LL.B. degree or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum aggregate of:
- 50% for General category
- 45% for SC/ST/PwD
Doctoral (PhD) Eligibility
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Law or a related field from a recognized university. The official notification will detail additional eligibility specifics.
These requirements are critical for candidates aiming to join one of India’s most prestigious law institutions.
Also Read: CLAT vs AILET vs LSAT India
AILET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus for UG
The AILET 2026 for the undergraduate program assesses candidates’ aptitude and skills through a structured examination format. Here are the details:
Exam Format
- Total Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 150
- Duration: 120 minutes
Section-wise Distribution
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
| English Language | 50 | 50 |
| Current Affairs & General Knowledge | 30 | 30 |
| Logical Reasoning | 70 | 70 |
Note:
The Logical Reasoning section may include questions based on legal principles to evaluate logical aptitude. However, no prior legal knowledge or technical understanding is required.
Negative Marking
- AILET 2026 includes negative markings.
- For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be reduced.
- Four wrong answers result in a deduction of 1 mark.
Seat Distribution
| Program | Total Seats | AILET Merit Seats | Foreign Nationals Seats | OCI/PIO Seats | Supernumerary Seats |
| B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) | 110 + 10 | 110 | 5 | 5 | 1 for Kashmiri Migrants, 2 for Jammu & Kashmir residents |
| B.Com.LL.B. (Hons.) – Non-Residential | 50 + 10 | 50 | 5 | 5 | 1 for Kashmiri Migrants, 2 for Jammu & Kashmir residents |
Tiebreaker Rules
If two or more candidates achieve the same marks:
- Logical Reasoning Scores: The candidate with higher marks in the Logical Reasoning section will be ranked higher.
- Age Preference: If the tie persists, the older candidate will be given preference.
- Draw of Lots: If the tie remains unresolved, a computerized draw of lots will be conducted.
This pattern ensures a comprehensive evaluation and a fair merit-based selection process.
AILET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus for PG
The AILET 2026 entrance test for the LL.M. program is structured to evaluate candidates’ knowledge across various branches of law. Below are the key details:
Exam Format
| Particulars | Details |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Syllabus | Various branches of Law |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
Negative Marking
- Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
- For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be reduced.
- Four wrong answers result in a deduction of 1 mark.
Seat Distribution
| Program | Total Seats | AILET Merit Seats | Foreign Nationals Seats | OCI/PIO Seats | Supernumerary Seats |
| LL.M. | 70 + 10 | 70 | 5 | 5 | 1 seat for Kashmiri Migrants |
Tiebreaker Rules
In the event of two or more candidates scoring the same marks:
- Age Preference: The older candidate will be ranked higher.
- Draw of Lots: If the tie remains, a computerized draw of lots will determine the merit.
This scheme ensures a fair evaluation process and emphasizes thorough preparation across the diverse areas of law.
AILET 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Ph.D.
The AILET 2026 entrance test for the Ph.D. program is designed to evaluate candidates’ research aptitude and knowledge in their field of study. Below are the details of the exam pattern and composition:
Exam Pattern and Composition
| Component | Details |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | As per the official guidelines |
| Test Sections | – Research Methodology: 50 MCQs – Law (for Ph.D. in Law): 50 MCQs |
Negative Marking
- The exam includes negative markings.
- For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be reduced.
- Four wrong answers result in a deduction of 1 mark.
Seat Distribution
| Program | Total Seats | Seat Distribution |
| Ph.D. | 25 + 2 | – UGC-JRF: 8 seats – AILET Merit: 16 seats – Fellowship: 1 seat – Foreign Nationals: 2 seats |
Exemptions
- JRF Holders: Candidates with a valid Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are exempted from the entrance test.
- Foreign Nationals: Applicants with foreign nationality are also exempt from the test.
This structured exam ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment for candidates pursuing advanced research opportunities.
How to Apply for AILET 2026 Exam?
The AILET 2026 application process is conducted entirely online. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete your AILET application form:
1. Access the Official Website
Visit the official NLU Delhi website at https://nationallawuniversitydelhi.in/.
2. Register Yourself
Provide essential details such as your name, contact number, email ID, parents’ names, and date of birth to initiate the registration process.
3. Receive Login Credentials
Once registered, you will receive a system-generated User ID and password.
4. Log In
Use your User ID and password to log in to your account.
5. Complete the Application Form
Fill out all necessary fields, including personal information, educational qualifications, category, and religion.
6. Select Exam Center
Choose your preferred exam center from the available options and proceed to the next step.
7. Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified format.
8. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the fee online or offline to complete your application.
Ensure you double-check all the details before submitting your form to avoid errors.
AILET 2026 Registration Fee
Pay the application fee using various methods such as debit/credit cards, net banking, UPI, and more. Once the payment is successfully processed, an acknowledgment receipt will be generated. You can access this receipt through your AILET login portal.
Refer to the table below for the application fee details based on your category:
| Category | AILET Registration Fee 2026 |
| Gen/OBC and all others | ₹3500 |
| SC/ST/PWD | ₹1500 |
| BPL SC/ST/PWD | No fee |
AILET 2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket
The AILET 2026 admit card, also referred to as the hall ticket, is a crucial document that must be carried to the examination center. Here’s a step-by-step guide to download your AILET admit card:
- Visit the official NLU Delhi website: nationallawuniversitydelhi.in.
- Navigate to the Candidate Login section.
- Enter your registration ID and password to log in.
- In your candidate portal, find and click on the AILET 2026 Admit Card link.
- Download the admit card and print a copy for future reference.
The National Law University Delhi issues admit cards for candidates who complete their registration for the AILET 2026. To prevent any last-minute complications, be sure to download your hall ticket ahead of time.
AILET 2026 Exam Centers
While filling out the AILET registration form, candidates will have the option to choose any three AILET 2026 exam centers they prefer. They will be able to edit the exam centers through their login. The designated AILET exam centers 2026 will be mentioned in each candidate’s admit card.
| Bengaluru | Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) | Bhopal | Chandigarh | Chennai |
| Cochin | Cuttack | Dehradun | Delhi | Gandhinagar |
| Ghaziabad | Greater Noida | Gurugram | Guwahati | Hyderabad |
| Jabalpur | Jaipur | Jammu | Jodhpur | Kanpur |
| Kolkata | Kota | Lucknow | Madurai | Mumbai |
| Nagpur | Patna | Pune | Raipur | Ranchi |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Shimla | Siliguri | Varanasi | Visakhapatnam |
AILET 2026 Answer Key
The AILET 2026 Answer Key will be released shortly after the exam, around the second week of December 2026. Candidates can access it on the official website of NLU Delhi.
By comparing their responses with the official answer key, candidates can estimate their scores, offering a clear picture of their performance and preparing them for the next phases of the admission process.
AILET 2026 Result
The AILET 2026 result will be available by the third week of December 2026. Candidates will be able to view their results online on the NLU Delhi official website.
The result will include scores for BA LLB (Hons.), LLM, and PhD programs. Candidates who meet the qualifying criteria will proceed to the subsequent stages, including counseling and seat allocation.
AILET 2026 Cutoff
The AILET 2026 cutoff marks will likely be released shortly after the results are declared. These marks represent the minimum required score for candidates to advance in the admission process.
The cutoff will be determined based on factors like exam difficulty and the total number of candidates. It is important to note that the cutoff may vary each year for different categories such as General, OBC, and EWS.
Check NLU Delhi Cut-Off
AILET 2026 Counseling
The AILET 2026 counseling process will begin in December 2026, following the release of the results. Only candidates who qualify for the exam will be eligible to participate in the counseling process.
During counseling, seats for various undergraduate and postgraduate law programs at NLU Delhi will be allocated based on merit and candidates’ preferences. Ensure you follow the official instructions and complete your registration to secure a place in the counseling process.
AILET 2026 Preparation Tips
Below are some essential tips to effectively prepare for the AILET 2026 exam:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Format:
Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern to guide your study efforts.
Create a Study Plan:
Develop a realistic timetable and ensure consistent revision.
Solve Past Papers:
Practice previous year’s question papers to gain insights into question types and improve time management
Attempt Mock Tests:
Regular mock tests will help assess your progress, identify weak areas, and fine-tune your preparation.
Stay Updated:
For the General Knowledge section, make sure to stay current with the latest news and events.
By following these tips, you can streamline your preparation and improve your chances of success in AILET 2026.
FAQs on AILET 2026 Exam
AILET is the entrance exam conducted by NLU Delhi for admission to its law programs.
The exam date will be announced by NLU Delhi. It is typically held in May or June.
Visit the NLU Delhi website to complete the online application, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements.
The fee is usually around ₹3,500 for general candidates and ₹1,500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
Focus on improving English, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge while practicing previous years’ papers.
Results are typically declared within 3–4 weeks of the exam date.
AILET is considered more challenging due to fewer seats and a slightly different exam pattern.