NLS BA (Hons.): An Unusual Interdisciplinary Programme at NLU Bangalore

NLSIU, Bangalore, recognised as among the best in legal education, has initiated a unique BA (Hons.) curriculum intended to offer a broad and dynamic interdisciplinary education. It will not be of the traditional type of law degrees, where mixed studies curricula exist, but will still preserve the UNESCO characteristic of educating a polished NLSIU student.

A Future-oriented Programme

The NLS BA (Hons.) programme entails a reasonably flexible compilation of study courses, allowing students to cut across various disciplines while getting diversified views on critical thinking and the practice of research.

1. Core Foundational Courses

Students of the BA (Hons.) commence with foundational courses in their first year, taken with the BA LLB (Hons.) students. These manifest as an important scholarly foundation among disciplines, whereby students will get a wider reach.

2. Major-Minor Adaptation or Double Major

Students can offer a variety of combinations for their major-minor programs or can double-further, according to BA LLB (Hons.) offered presently:

• History

• Sociology

• Anthropology

• Politics

Philosophy, Literature, Environmental Studies, Migration Studies, and Data Analytics will follow in time as these field disciplines become enabled with professional expertise.

3. Open Electives

To promote free and critical inquiry, students will take 36 credits in open electives, in which they may study topics outside their major and minor fields.

4. Language

One of the vital forms of learning in the BA (Hons.) programme will be to learn Indian languages, thus promoting cultural competence and linguistic ability.

5. Hands-on Learning

The programme focuses on imparting hands-on training through practice courses in such emerging fields as:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Filmmaking

• Business Consulting

• User Experience Research

• Digital Journalism

• Creative Writing

• Entrepreneurship

• Policy Advocacy & Analysis

6. Internships to Provide Real Experience

Students have to take internships at least one month long every year so that they build a foundation of real-time experience and insight on industry affairs. 

7. Fourth-Year Research Track (optional).

High-achieving students from the regular BA programme might be invited into a special Fourth Year, which comprises the following criteria for evaluation:

• Develop a dissertation of 20,000 words, based on Original Research.

• Work as a Teacher/Research Assistant with different faculty members/research centres at NLSIU.

Successful candidates will graduate with a BA (Hons. with Research) degree to further enhance one’s credentials.

Admission to NLS BA (Hons.)-NLSAT-BA 2025

Admission to the BA (Hons.) Programme takes place through the NLSAT-BA Entrance exam, consisting of the following parts:

PART A: Objective type questions-Multiple choice, having Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, and Quantitative Analysis, carrying 75 Marks. There is a negative marking of -0.25 per question getting wrong.

PART B: In this part, the candidate will be evaluated with the help of subject questions carrying 75 Marks designed for the analytical and writing skills assessment.

Important Dates for NLSAT-BA 2025:

Application closure: March 23, 2025 (by 11:59 PM)

Exam Date: April 27, 2025 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM).

Typically, the examination will be conducted at various centres across India.

Why choose the NLS BA (Hons.)?

The NLS BA (Hons.) Programme offers an interdisciplinary learning experience comprised of social sciences, humanities, and emerging current fields; exposure to research and practical work through internships, hands-on courses, and research; a great global outlook because of curriculum adherence to academic standards abroad; and a gateway to careers in academia, policy-making, consulting, journalism, entrepreneurship, and others.

NLS BA (Hons.), Bengaluru at NLSIU is the place to be for those hungry for an intellectually exciting degree that is research-based and feathered for the future.

🚀 Apply now and begin an enduring and transformational academic journey at the premier institution in the Country!