LSAT Exam DATES 2026: Complete Guide 2026 (Official LSAC Schedule, Deadlines, Score Release & Planning Tips)

LSAT Exam DATES 2026

Planning your law school timeline starts with one thing: locking in the right test window. The LSAT exam dates 2026 matter not only for the exam day itself, but also for registration cutoffs, scheduling windows, LSAT Argumentative Writing availability, and score release timing—all of which directly affect when you can submit strong, complete applications.

This guide compiles the official LSAC schedule for 2026, explains each deadline in simple terms, and helps you choose the best test date based on your application goals. All key date data below is drawn from LSAC’s official “LSAT Dates, Deadlines, and Score Release Dates” and administration detail pages.

Why LSAT Dates Matter More Than You Think

Many test takers focus only on the “exam date,” but LSAC runs a timeline with multiple moving parts:

• Registration deadline: last day to sign up (and often the last day for some policy-linked requests).

• Scheduling opens: after registration, you still must schedule your exact date/time (via Prometric) for remote or in-person testing.

• LSAT Argumentative Writing opens: writing is separate, online, and unscored—yet still important for your file completeness at many schools.

• Score release date: determines when you can confidently submit applications (or decide on a retake).

When you plan around all of these dates—not just exam day—you reduce stress and protect your chances.

LSAT Exam Dates 2026 (Official LSAC Schedule: U.S./Canada)  

Below is the official LSAC table for the main 2026 administrations (U.S./Canada). LSAC publishes these dates and uses Eastern Time (ET) for deadlines.

LSAT Administration (2026)	Primary Test Dates	LSAT Argumentative Writing Opens	Registration Deadline	Scheduling Opens	Score Release
January 2026	Jan 7–10, 2026	Dec 30, 2025	Nov 28, 2025	Dec 18, 2025	Jan 28, 2026
February 2026	Feb 6–7, 2026	Jan 29, 2026	Dec 23, 2025	Jan 20, 2026	Feb 25, 2026
April 2026	Apr 9–11, 2026	(Listed on LSAC dates page)	Feb 26, 2026	Mar 24, 2026	(Listed on LSAC dates page)
June 2026	Jun 3–6, 2026	(Listed on LSAC dates page)	(Listed on LSAC dates page)	(Listed on LSAC dates page)	(Listed on LSAC dates page)

Notes that matter:

• The LSAC “dates/deadlines” page is the single source of truth for the cycle, including writing opens and score release.

• Administration detail pages can sometimes include important scheduling notices (example: special scheduling deadline updates).

• For April 2026, LSAC’s administration page also lists scheduling close deadlines for in-person vs remote testing—useful for last-mile planning.

International LSAT Dates 2026 (What to Know)

LSAC also posts international administration windows on the same LSAT dates page (with different date lines under “International”). Always confirm your specific region on LSAC before registering because international availability can differ from U.S./Canada windows.

LSAT 2026: Test Format Basics (So You Know What You’re Scheduling)

Even though this post focuses on LSAT exam dates 2026, your date strategy should match the current test structure:

• The multiple-choice LSAT includes three scored sections and one unscored section.

• The unscored section can be Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension and appears anywhere in the test.

• The LSAT fee for the 2025–2026 testing year is $248 (LSAC).

This matters because the LSAT is not just “one day”—you’re also managing writing completion, score release, and possibly a retake path.

How LSAT Scheduling Works (Registration ≠ Scheduled Test Time)

A common mistake: thinking you’re done once you pay the registration fee.

Step 1: Register by the deadline

If you miss it, you typically must wait for the next administration.

Step 2: Schedule your date/time when scheduling opens

Scheduling is done through the testing vendor (Prometric), and LSAC lists a clear “Scheduling Opens” date for each administration.

Step 3: Watch scheduling close deadlines (especially for April/others)

LSAC administration pages can specify the last day to schedule for test centers vs remote testing.

Pro tip: If you want a specific day/time (especially weekends and popular time slots), schedule as soon as the scheduling window opens.

Best LSAT Exam Date to Choose in 2026 (Simple Decision Rules)

Choosing the “best” date depends on your application cycle, preparedness, and retake strategy. Here are practical rules that work for most students:

If you want a strong “buffer” for retakes

• Choose April 2026 first, then keep June 2026 as a backup retake window.

• Why it works: you get score feedback early enough to adjust, without rushing.

If you’re ready and want a score early in the year

• January 2026 gives a score release on Jan 28, 2026, which can be useful for certain timelines and scholarship planning.

If you started prep late

• June 2026 can be a realistic choice if you need more time to build consistency (timed sections + full tests).

If you’re balancing college + work

Pick a date that allows:

• 10–14 weeks of prep minimum

• 6–10 full practice tests (with deep review)

• A final 2-week phase focused on stamina and accuracy

Key Deadlines Explained (In Plain Language)

Here’s what each key date really means:

• Registration deadline: last day to enroll for that administration.

• LSAT Argumentative Writing opens: earliest date you can complete the separate writing task for that administration.

• Scheduling opens: date you can select your actual test appointment.

• Score release: official score publication date (important for applications and deciding on retakes).

Fees Snapshot for LSAT 2026 Planning

LSAC confirms that for the 2025–2026 testing year, the LSAT fee is $248.

Other common application-related costs are listed on LSAC’s fees pages (including CAS fees). If you’re building a budget, check the official LSAC fee table before paying.

Retake Limits: Plan Dates Without Wasting Attempts

LSAC sets limits on how many times you can take the test:

• Five times within the current reportable score period (since June 2020)

• Seven times over a lifetime 

That’s why choosing the right LSAT exam dates 2026 (and postponing if unready) can be smarter than rushing into an attempt.

Quick Timeline Examples (So You Can Copy a Plan)

Example A: Target April 2026 (with June backup)

• Register by Feb 26, 2026

• Schedule when it opens Mar 24, 2026

• Take the test Apr 9–11

• Get score (per LSAC score release line)

• If needed, register for June 2026 as retake

Example B: Target January 2026 (fast early-year score)

• Register by Nov 28, 2025

• Scheduling opens Dec 18, 2025

• Test Jan 7–10, 2026

• Score release Jan 28, 2026 

FAQ: LSAT Exam Dates 2026

1) What are the official LSAT exam dates 2026?

The official LSAT exam dates 2026 for U.S./Canada include January 7–10, February 6–7, April 9–11, and June 3–6, 2026, with deadlines and score release dates listed by LSAC.

2) When do LSAT 2026 scores come out?

LSAC publishes a score release date for each administration (for example, January 2026 scores release on Jan 28, 2026 and February 2026 scores release on Feb 25, 2026).

3) Is LSAT Argumentative Writing on the same day as the test?

No. LSAC lists LSAT Argumentative Writing as a separate online component, with a specific “writing opens” date for each administration.

4) Can I change my test date after registering?

Policies vary by administration and timing (refunds/changes). LSAC directs candidates to official refund policy and administration details—so always check your specific test page before making changes.

5) How many times can I take the LSAT?

LSAC states you can take the LSAT five times within the current reportable score period (since June 2020) and seven times over a lifetime.

CTA: Confirm Your LSAT Dates and Register (Official Links)

Use only official sources to confirm deadlines and register:

LSAT Dates, Deadlines & Score Release (Official LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates
Register for the LSAT (Official): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat
LSAT & CAS Fees (Official): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat/lsat-cas-fees
Limits on Repeating the LSAT (Official): https://www.lsac.org/about/lsac-policies/limits-on-repeating-lsat
January 2026 LSAT details (Official): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines/january-2026-lsat
April 2026 LSAT details (Official): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines/april-2026-lsat
Types of LSAT Questions (Official format overview): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/prepare/types-lsat-questions
LSAT FAQs (Official): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/frequently-asked-questions-about-lsat