NLSIU Bengaluru: Litigation Fellowships 2026 (30 Fellows Nationwide) – Early-Career Litigators (LL.B. + AIBE Cleared, Age ≤30); ₹30,000/Month Stipend; 2-Year Programme; Apply Online by 19 April 2026

Table of Contents

• Fellowship Objectives & Structure
• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Process (Online)
• Selection Framework
• Strategic Application Roadmap
• SOP Framework (500 words)
• Ideal Profile Template
• Fellowship Benefits & Impact
• Career Acceleration Post-Fellowship
• Priority Cohorts
• Why NLSIU Litigation Fellowship?

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru – India’s premier law school (NIRF #1), launches Litigation Fellowships 2026 supporting 30 early-career litigators nationwide with ₹30,000 monthly stipend, professional mentorship, and skill-building for 2 years. Open to law graduates (55%+) enrolled with State Bar Council + AIBE cleared (age ≤30 years), prioritising first-generation lawyers from marginalised communities. Online applications close 19 April 2026, 5 PM IST via nls.ac.in.

Fellowship Objectives & Structure

NLSIU addresses barriers faced by young litigators – inadequate mentorship, financial instability, skill gaps. Fellows receive:

• Financial Support: ₹30,000/month stipend.
• Mentorship: Senior advocates, judges.
• Training: Workshops on drafting, advocacy, ethics.
• Networking: NLSIU alumni/judiciary ecosystem.
  Cohort works with practising lawyers/law offices across Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata (now nationwide).

Eligibility Criteria

Academic:

• 3/5-year LL.B. with minimum 55% or equivalent CGPA.
• Final-year students graduating 2026 eligible (must complete enrolment/AIBE before start).

Professional:

• Enrolled with State Bar Council.
• Passed All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
• Secured position with practising lawyer/law office.

Demographic:

• Age ≤30 years (as on application deadline).
• Graduation ≤5 years ago.
• Commitment to litigation advancing rule of law/constitutional values.

Application Process (Online)

Portal: nls.ac.in → Litigation Fellowships → Apply Now.

Requirements:

1. Online Application Form.
2. Statement of Purpose (articulate litigation vision).
3. Proof of employment with lawyer/law office.
4. Academic transcripts, Bar enrolment, AIBE certificate.
5. Recommendation letter (optional).

Deadline: 19 April 2026, 5 PM IST (extended from initial date).

Selection Framework

Holistic Evaluation:

1. Academic Merit (LL.B. marks, institutional ranking).
2. Professional Commitment (SOP quality).
3. Diversity (first-generation, marginalised communities).
4. Employment Confirmation.

No written exam – merit-based cohort selection.

Strategic Application Roadmap

SOP Framework (500 words)

1. Personal Narrative (50 words): First-generation journey
2. Practice Secured (100 words): Chamber/office details
3. Litigation Vision (200 words): Rule of law focus
4. NLSIU Value-Add (150 words): Mentorship/training goals

Ideal Profile Template

LL.B.: NLSIU/NALSAR (65%+) – 2023
AIBE: Cleared June 2024 (Score 70/100)
EMPLOYER: Sr. Advocate [Name], Karnataka HC – PILs
SOP THEME: Access to justice for marginalised litigants

Fellowship Benefits & Impact

Total Value: ₹7.2 lakh + intangible career boost.

Career Acceleration Post-Fellowship

Success Metrics: 80% fellows secure independent briefs within Year 2.

Priority Cohorts

Outreach Focus:

• First-generation lawyers.
• Women litigators.
• Marginalised communities.
• Non-metro court practitioners.

Geographic Expansion: Nationwide (corrigendum 2026).

Why NLSIU Litigation Fellowship?

Competition: High (pan-India talent pool).

Launch Elite Litigation Career: Secure NLSIU Litigation Fellowship 2026