LSAT
The International LSAT, administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is the global benchmark for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and an increasing number of other countries. While the domestic LSAT-India has been discontinued as of 2024–25, Indian students targeting elite global programs or specific Indian institutions like Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) must now pivot to this international version.
🌍 International LSAT 2026: Core Profile
The International LSAT is a rigorous, reading-intensive examination that evaluates high-level cognitive skills. Unlike domestic tests, it does not assess mathematical ability or rote legal knowledge.
I. Examination Pattern
The 2026 cycle utilizes a revised format where the "Analytical Reasoning" (Logic Games) section has been removed, shifting the focus entirely to logical analysis and reading.
Feature | Specification |
Duration | ~2 hours 30 minutes |
Sections | 4 Sections (3 Scored + 1 Unscored Experimental) |
Question Count | ~100 Multiple Choice Questions |
Scoring Scale | 120–180 |
Writing Task | Mandatory, unscored Argumentative Writing sample |
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II. Sectional Breakdown
The exam is designed to simulate the types of complex reading and reasoning required in a first-year law school curriculum.
Section | Content & Key Skills |
Logical Reasoning (2 Sections) | Evaluates the ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments. Tasks include identifying flaws, strengthening/weakening claims, and detecting assumptions. |
Reading Comprehension | Features dense, scholarly passages on law, social sciences, and natural sciences. Tests the ability to determine authorial tone and draw subtle inferences. |
Argumentative Writing | A 35-minute proctored essay. While unscored, it is sent to law school admissions committees to evaluate your persuasive writing style. |
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📋 Eligibility and Selection
The International LSAT has no fixed age limit, but its utility depends heavily on your academic background.
Academic Requirements: Most candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree (in any field) as it is primarily an entrance for the Juris Doctor (JD) program. For 5-year programs in India (like JGLS), a 10+2 qualification is sufficient.
Essential Documentation: A valid Passport is a non-negotiable requirement for registration and identity verification during the proctored session.
Selection Process: Admissions are holistic. Scores are sent to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which compiles your LSAT results, GPA transcripts, and Letters of Recommendation for law schools.
🗓️ 2026 Important Dates & Fees
The exam is held multiple times a year. Registration usually closes six weeks before the test date.
Test Month | Registration Deadline | Primary Test Dates |
January 2026 | November 28, 2025 | January 9, 2026 |
April 2026 | February 26, 2026 | April 10, 2026 |
June 2026 | April 21, 2026 | June 5, 2026 |
Registration Fee: Approximately USD 248.
💡 Strategic Preparation
Logic over Law: Do not memorize legal statutes. Focus on the mechanics of formal logic (e.g., Modus Ponens, Modus Tollens).
The Experimental Section: One of the four sections is an unscored "variable" section used by LSAC to test future questions. You will not know which one it is, so you must treat every section with equal intensity.
Retake Limits: LSAC enforces strict limits—you can only take the test 3 times in a single testing year and 7 times in a lifetime.