LSAT International 2026: The Complete Guide for Indian Aspirants

LSAT International 2026: The Complete Guide for Indian Aspirants

⚠️ Critical 2026 Update: The LSAT—India is dead. If you are targeting Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) or foreign universities this year, your only route is the LSAT International or the LNAT (UK). Do not confuse the old syllabus with this new global standard.

The LSAT International 2026 cycle has officially begun. If you are an Indian aspirant shifting from the old domestic exam to this global standard, the learning curve is steep. The registration fee is significantly higher ($248), the “Logic Games” section has been removed, and the Passport requirement is non-negotiable.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We analyze the new January, April, and June 2026 testing windows, the hidden costs of the CAS system, and why the new LNAT vs. LSAT choice is the most important decision you will make this year.

Watch: LSAT  New Info – Everything You Need to Know

(Note: Please refer to the official LSAC website for the latest updates.)

Overview

Conducted By Law School Admission Council (LSAC) – USA
Category LSAT International 2026
Test Law School Admission Test (International)
Status Active (LSAT-India is Discontinued)
Purpose of Exam Admission to Law Schools in USA/Canada & select Indian Global Schools
Mode of Exam Online Live Remote Proctored or Prometric Test Centers
Score Validity 5 Years

LSAT Eligibility 2026

The LSAC (exam body) has no specific eligibility criteria. However, individual law schools require specific qualifications. Therefore, below we have listed the standard academic requirements.

For the BA LLB course (5-Year)

Qualifying Exam 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized board.
Minimum Marks Indian Law Schools: Typically min. 45% (BCI rule).
US/Canadian Law Schools: Evaluate applicants based on GPA and holistic profile, with no fixed minimum percentage.

For LLB courses (3-Year)

Qualifying Exam: Bachelor’s degree in any subject.
Minimum Marks: Minimum 45% marks in aggregate in the qualifying exam (for India).

Age Limit:

There is no age limit to register for the law school entrance exam. You can check the specific age limit listed by the individual colleges to which you wish to apply.

LSAT International Exam Pattern 2026

The LSAT International 2026 consists of four 35-minute sections (three scored, one experimental) totaling approx. 100 multiple-choice questions. Unlike the discontinued LSAT-India, this version includes a mandatory, unscored Argumentative Writing sample.

Sections Questions (Approx) Duration of Exam
Logical Reasoning (Section 1) 24-26 35 Minutes
Logical Reasoning (Section 2) 24-26 35 Minutes
Reading Comprehension 24-27 35 Minutes
Experimental Section (Unscored) 24-26 35 Minutes
Total ~100 questions 2 hours and 30 minutes

Basic Guideline

  • Mode of Exam: The LSAT International 2026 offers both Remote Proctored (from home) and Prometric Test Center options.
  • Sections: There are 4 sections (3 scored + 1 experimental). Note: You will not know which section is experimental during the test.
  • Duration of Exam: Duration will be approx 2 hours 30 minutes. 35 minutes will be given for each section.
  • Question Types: The questions will be multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
  • Marking Scheme: Scaled scoring (120-180 band).
  • Negative Marking: There is no negative marking, so candidates are encouraged to attempt every question.

Important: LSAT Argumentative Writing

Unlike the old LSAT-India, the International version includes a mandatory LSAT Argumentative Writing section.

  • Format: A 35-minute online essay (unscored).
  • Requirement: You must complete this writing sample online on your own time (available 8 days before the test).
  • Critical Rule: Your LSAT score will not be released to law schools until your writing sample is completed and approved.

How to Prepare: Official Resources

Do not rely on outdated books. Use these official tools to ensure you are studying the correct format:

  • Khan Academy Official LSAT Prep: 100% Free, personalized study plan with practice questions.
  • LSAC LawHub: Access to official past papers and full-length practice tests (essential for getting used to the interface).

System & Environment Requirements (For Online Exam)

Since the LSAT International 2026 is a Remote Proctored Test, candidates must ensure they meet the following strict requirements:

⚠️ The “Room Scan” Checklist

The #1 reason for test delays or cancellations is a non-compliant room. Ensure you have:

  • Private Room: No one else can enter. No glass walls/doors.
  • Clear Desk: Absolutely nothing on the desk except your ID, permitted scratch paper, and pencils.
  • 360-Degree Scan: You will be required to lift your webcam/laptop and show the proctor every corner of your room, including under the desk.
  • Operating System: Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+.
  • Internet Speed: Minimum 5 MBPS stable connection.
  • Hardware: A working Webcam and Microphone are mandatory.
  • Software: Must install the Prometric ProProctor application.

LSAT Syllabus 2026

Logical Reasoning:

Analyzing arguments, identifying flaws, drawing conclusions, applying principles, and understanding formal logic structures.

Reading Comprehension:

Topics of reading comprehension include Humanities, Social Sciences, Biological/Physical Sciences, and Law-related passages. Candidates must deduce main ideas and infer details.

Analytical Reasoning (Note):

(Note: The Analytical Reasoning “Logic Games” section has been removed from the LSAT starting August 2024. It is replaced by a second Logical Reasoning section.)

LSAT 2026 Registration Fee & Cost Analysis

Since this is an international exam, the fee is paid in USD. Students should be prepared for the higher cost compared to the discontinued LSAT-India.

Fee Type Cost (USD) Estimated INR (Approx)
LSAT Registration Fee $248 USD ~Rs. 21,000/-
CAS (Credential Assembly Service) $215 USD ~Rs. 18,000/-
Score Preview (Optional) $45 – $85 USD ~Rs. 3,800 – 7,000/-

Budget Reality: “While the sticker price is $248, you should realistically budget $600+ (approx ₹50,000) once you add CAS fees and university reporting fees. This catches most Indian parents off guard.”

Scholarship Details

Although LSAT-India is discontinued, colleges like Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) still offer scholarships based on entrance exam scores:

  • O.P. Jindal Outstanding Merit Scholarship: For top scorers in the entrance exam.
  • Savitri Jindal Merit-Cum-Means Fellowship: Covers tuition for meritorious students with financial need.

How to Fill LSAT Application Form 2026?

If you are willing to fill the online application form, follow these instructions:

⚠️ Critical Document Checklist: Passport Required

Unlike LSAT-India which accepted Aadhar Cards, the LSAT International strictly requires a valid Passport for identification in India. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately as it may take weeks to process.

  1. Visit lsac.org, the official LSAT registration site.
  2. Click ‘Register for the LSAT‘ on the homepage.
  3. Create your LSAC JD Account.
  4. Complete the profile with accurate personal details matching your Passport.
  5. Select your preferred Test Date (Jan, April, or June).
  6. Pay the Registration Fee ($248) online via International Credit/Debit Card.
  7. Schedule your test time via Prometric.

LSAT 2026 Important Dates & Retake Limits

  • January Administration: Mid-January 2026
  • April Administration: Early April 2026
  • June Administration: Early June 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Typically 6 weeks before the test date.

Retake Policy Warning: You may take the LSAT a maximum of:

  • 3 times in a single testing year (August to June).
  • 5 times within the current 5-year period.
  • 7 times over a lifetime.

LSAT International vs. LNAT (The Big Change)

With the discontinuation of LSAT-India, many universities (like JGLS) are adopting the LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law). Here is how they compare:

Feature LSAT International LNAT (UK)
Primary Focus Logical Reasoning & Reading Critical Thinking & Essay Writing
Structure All MCQs + Unscored Writing MCQs + Scored Essay
Accepted By US/Canada Law Schools UK Universities & JGLS (2026 onwards)
Difficulty High (Logic intensive) Moderate (Reading intensive)

Participating Colleges

  • Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), Sonipat(Note: JGLS primarily accepts LNAT for 2026; check with admissions for LSAT International acceptance).
  • Overseas Universities: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, McGill, Toronto, etc.

LSAT Admit Card / Scheduling 2026

There is no physical Admit Card. Candidates must complete the Test Scheduling on the Prometric site after registration. You will receive an appointment confirmation email which serves as your entry pass.

FAQs of LSAT 2026 Exam

Is LSAT India 2026 cancelled?

Yes, the specific “LSAT-India” exam is discontinued. Indian students must now take the LSAT International or other exams like LNAT (specifically for JGLS).

Can I use LSAT International scores for JGLS admission?

Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) has shifted focus to the LNAT for the 2026 cycle. While they have historically accepted LSAT International, you must verify with the JGLS admissions office if LSAT International is still valid for your specific program year.

What is the LSAT Score Preview?

First-time test takers can purchase “Score Preview” to see their score before deciding whether to keep it on their permanent record or cancel it. This removes the risk of a low score appearing on your history.

Is there any negative marking in the exam?

No, there is no negative marking in the LSAT 2026 exam.

How is the LSAT score calculated?

LSAT International reports results on a scale of 120 to 180.

Final Verdict: Should You Take the LSAT 2026?

The discontinuation of LSAT-India has raised the stakes. Taking the LSAT International is a significant investment of roughly ₹50,000+ (including prep and reporting fees).

Our Advice: Only register for LSAT International 2026 if:

  • You have a valid Passport in hand.
  • You are targeting US/Canada law schools OR specific JGLS programs that explicitly require it over the LNAT.
  • You are prepared for the “Reading Heavy” format of the new syllabus.

If you meet these criteria, secure your slot immediately. The global slots fill up much faster than the domestic ones did.


Important Reference Links

 

 

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Riya Sharma

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