The idea gained strength in the Legal Education Committee of the Bar Council of India and eventually the BCI demanded a deemed University status from the University Grants Commission.

The co-operation of the Karnataka Government, the Bangalore University and the initiatives of senior members of the Bar Council of India as well as that of Karnataka State Bar Council gave the project distinct possibilities of realization over the years. The idea gained more supporters in course of time within the Council and outside who worked at different levels to establish the institution in the interest of better legal education and higher standards of legal research and training. The promoters of the institution finally, succeeded after thirteen long years of suspense and uncertainty, when the Karnataka Government established on August 29, 1987 through a Gazette Notification, the National Law School of India University at Bangalore under the National Law School of India Act (Karnataka Act 22 of 1986).
                           A large number of retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as well as Senior Advocates have offered to assist the NLSIU in its teaching and research programmes making education at NLSIU a rare and exciting experience to the student body. The NLSIU started its journey in 1987 under the stewardship of its Founder Director, Dr. N.R. Madhava Menon. The first batch of students joined on July 1, 1988 in the integrated five year B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) Course. The NLSIU started its courses in the premises of the Central College , Bangalore University . The NLSIU moved to its own premises at the present address in 1992.
                      The National Law School of India University also provides for academic programmes, in distance education mode, to enable people who are interested in learning more and equipping themselves with legal knowledge, with an urge to meet the new challenges. There is no age limit, it is open for any graduate of any recognized University. Those who have appeared for the final year degree exam and are awaiting results, may also apply.