National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru Announces the Launch of the New NLS BA (Hons.) Programme for 2025

Bengaluru : In a significant development, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, announced the launch of its new 3-year BA (Hons.) Programme with an option for an additional 4th year. The first cohort of students for this program will be admitted in July 2025.

The details of the programme were unveiled today at an event held at the Bangalore International Centre, attended by distinguished speakers including Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor of NLSIU; Dr. Atreyee Majumder, Head of the BA (Hons.) Programme Committee; and Dr. Saurabh Bhattacharjee, Dean of Academics at NLSIU.

Overview of the Programme

NLSIU, a pioneering institution in legal education, has now expanded its academic offerings with the introduction of the NLS BA (Hons.) Programme, which draws on the university’s 35 years of experience in delivering the 5-year BA LLB (Hons.) Programme. As NLSIU evolves into a multidisciplinary university, this new programme aims to combine academic rigor with professional engagement, mirroring the success of its existing legal education framework.

Prof. Krishnaswamy, in his inaugural address, noted that the new BA programme is designed to nurture students with an academic foundation in the social sciences and humanities, while also providing a professional orientation. He emphasized that the programme is a terminal degree, equipping graduates to immediately enter the workforce, unlike traditional academic pathways that lead to further study.

“The NLS BA will combine academic excellence with practical engagement, ensuring that students not only understand theory but are also prepared to succeed in professional environments from day one,” said Prof. Krishnaswamy.

The university’s focus on holistic learning will also be strengthened by creating synergies between students of the BA (Hons.) and the BA LLB (Hons.) programmes, fostering an environment where learning and intellectual exchange transcend disciplinary boundaries.

Key Features of the NLS BA (Hons.) Programme:

1. Common Core Foundational Courses
   All first-year students will engage in shared foundational courses that will build a strong academic base, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the BA or BA LLB programme.
2. Majors and Minors
   Students can choose from a variety of majors and minors, initially focusing on History, Sociology & Anthropology, Economics, and Politics. Plans to expand to Philosophy, Literature, Environmental Studies, and Data Analytics will be explored as the university diversifies its faculty base.
3. Open Electives
   Over three years, students will have the opportunity to take 36 credits of open electives, offering them the chance to explore subjects outside their major/minor areas.
4. Indian Language Learning
   An integral component of the curriculum, offering students the chance to learn selected Indian languages, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity.

Admissions Process

The NLS BA (Hons.) Programme will admit a maximum of 60 students for the academic year 2025-26. Admission will be based on performance in the NLSAT-BA (National Law School Admission Test for BA), which will consist of two parts:

• Part A: A 75-mark multiple-choice section covering Reading & Comprehension, Reasoning, and Quantitative Analysis.
• Part B: A subjective question section, also worth 75 marks.

Only the top 60 candidates based on their cumulative scores will be offered admission. The selection will be in accordance with the applicable reservations policy.

Important Dates:

• Release of Registration of Interest Form: December 10, 2024
• Applications Open: First week of January 2025
• Application Deadline: March 23, 2025
• NLSAT-BA Exam Date: April 27, 2025
• Final Admission List: End of May 2025
• Classes Begin: July 1, 2025

For more information and detailed instructions regarding the programme and the admission test, candidates can visit the official website: nls.ac.in/programme/3-year-b-a-hons/.

Excerpts from Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy’s Speech:

“We aim to develop a programme that is responsive to the needs of 2025 and beyond. The NLS BA will equip students with a blend of academic rigor and professional engagement, ensuring they are ready for a dynamic world of work upon graduation,” said Prof. Krishnaswamy.

He further emphasized the connection between the BA and the BA LLB programmes, highlighting the collaborative environment it creates, where students across disciplines learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.

“The new NLS BA will not only focus on theoretical learning but will also encourage practical engagement with the world of work. This synergy between academic learning and professional practice is key to our approach,” he added.

The introduction of the NLS BA (Hons.) Programme marks a bold step for NLSIU as it broadens its academic horizons. With a focus on multidisciplinary learning, professional development, and holistic education, the programme is poised to be a game-changer in India’s undergraduate education landscape.

For further queries, prospective students can reach out via email at admissions.ba@nls.ac.in.