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LSAT Exam Fee Structure 2026: Complete Cost Breakdown (LSAT + CAS + Hidden Fees + Budget Examples)


LSAT Exam
LSAT Exam


If you’re planning law school admissions in 2026, knowing the LSAT Exam Fee Structure is just as important as knowing the syllabus. Why? Because the real cost isn’t only the test registration—students often spend extra on services like CAS (Credential Assembly Service), test date changes, score services, and (sometimes) law school application fees.

This guide explains the latest official LSAT costs for the 2025–2026 testing year (covering 2026 test dates) and helps you estimate a realistic total budget using clear tables and examples.



What “LSAT” Are We Talking About in 2026?

In 2026, the LSAT most students mean is the LSAC-administered LSAT used mainly for U.S. and Canada JD admissions (and sometimes other regions depending on school policies). LSAC’s official pages confirm the LSAT fee is $248 for the 2025–2026 testing year, which includes 2026 administrations.


Important note for India (LSAT—India)

Multiple education portals report that LSAT—India has been discontinued starting from the 2025 session (meaning it may not be available as a national admission test in the same way). If you’re applying to Indian law schools, always verify the current admission test accepted by your target colleges.


LSAT Exam Fee Structure 2026 (Official LSAC Fees)

Below is the cleanest breakdown of what you’ll pay to LSAC for the LSAT process in 2026.

1) Core LSAT fees (the must-know numbers)

Cost Component (LSAC)

2026 Amount

Notes

LSAT Registration Fee

$248

Same for first-time and repeat test takers

Score Preview (Optional)

$45–$85

Optional add-on; price varies by timing/policy shown by LSAC

LSAC also lists upcoming LSAT timelines and deadlines—e.g., April 2026 LSAT registration ends Feb 26, 2026 (useful because missing deadlines can create extra costs).


CAS Fees (Big Part of Your Total Cost)

If you are applying to U.S./Canada JD programs, many schools require CAS (Credential Assembly Service), which collects transcripts, letters, and sends a standardized report to each law school.


2) CAS (Credential Assembly Service) costs

CAS Component

Cost

Notes

CAS Subscription

$215

Subscription remains active for five years

CAS Report (per law school)

$45 each

You pay this per school you apply to

Why this matters: The LSAT test fee is $248, but CAS + reports often cost more than the exam once you apply to multiple schools.



Auxiliary Fees: Changes, Reschedules, and Other Add-Ons

These are the fees that surprise students—especially if plans change.

3) Test date change fees (official LSAC policy)

LSAC’s test date change policy generally works like this:

  • Free through your administration’s registration deadline

  • $150 for a limited period after the deadline

  • $248 later (up to the night before the test window begins, per LSAC policy language)

Practical tip: If you even might need to move your exam, check your specific administration’s deadlines early. (Deadlines differ by test date.)

LSAT Exam Fee Structure: Real Total Cost Scenarios (2026 Budget Examples)

Here are realistic “all-in” cost examples so you can budget like a pro.

Scenario A: Minimal spend (1 LSAT + 3 law schools)

Assumptions:

  • You take LSAT once

  • You buy CAS subscription

  • You apply to 3 schools

  • You do not change the test date

Total

  • LSAT: $248

  • CAS subscription: $215

  • CAS reports: 3 × $45 = $135✅ Estimated LSAC total = $598

All these values come directly from LSAC fee pages.


Scenario B: Typical applicant (1 LSAT + 8 law schools)

  • LSAT: $248

  • CAS: $215

  • CAS reports: 8 × $45 = $360✅ Estimated LSAC total = $823 


Scenario C: Plan changed (test date change after deadline)

Let’s say you miss the free change window and need a paid change:

  • Add $150 (or potentially $248 depending on timing)

So Scenario B ($823) could become:

  • $973 (if +$150), or

  • $1,071 (if +$248)


What About Law School Application Fees?

Separate from LSAC fees, many law schools charge their own application fee, paid to the school (not LSAC). These vary widely and change frequently—so you must check each school’s admissions page.

LSAC confirms that CAS reports are required “for each law school to which you are applying,” but school application fees are not included in LSAC’s CAS report price.


LSAT Fee Waivers (How Some Students Pay Much Less)

LSAC notes that financially under-resourced candidates can apply for an LSAC fee waiver that can cover many costs related to applying to law school, including the LSAT registration fee.

If budget is a concern, this can be the biggest “cost reducer” available—so it’s worth checking eligibility early.


LSAT Exam Fee Structure 2026 for India: What You Should Know

Many candidates in India search “LSAT fee” expecting an India-based entrance test. However, LSAT—India is reported as discontinued starting from 2025, so candidates should:

  1. Confirm whether a target college still uses an LSAT-branded test or has shifted to other exams

  2. Check the college’s official admissions portal for the latest accepted test and fees

Some third-party sites still mention older LSAT India fees (like ₹3,999 per session) for past years, but for 2026 planning, treat such pages as historical unless your college explicitly confirms LSAT-based admissions.


Smart Ways to Reduce Your Total LSAT Costs

  • Avoid paid test date changes by registering only after checking your calendar and deadlines.

  • Apply strategically: CAS reports are $45 each, so finalize your shortlist before sending reports.

  • Consider fee waivers if eligible (can significantly reduce costs).

  • Plan test attempts: since the LSAT registration cost is the same for retakes, avoid unnecessary retakes by preparing properly.



FAQ: LSAT Exam Fee Structure (2026)


1) What is the LSAT Exam Fee Structure for 2026?

The official LSAC costs for the 2025–2026 testing year (covering 2026 exams) include: $248 LSAT registration, optional Score Preview $45–$85, CAS subscription $215, and $45 per CAS report sent to each law school.


2) Is the LSAT fee the same for retakes?

Yes. LSAC states the cost of the LSAT is the same for first-time and repeat test takers.


3) How much does CAS cost and do I need it?

CAS costs $215 for the subscription and $45 per law school report. Many U.S./Canada JD programs require CAS, so check each school’s requirement.


4) How much does it cost to change my LSAT test date?

LSAC indicates it can be free through the registration deadline, then $150 for a limited period, and later $248 depending on when you request the change.


5) What’s a key 2026 deadline I should know?

Example: Registration for the April 2026 LSAT ends February 26, 2026, per LSAC’s registration page.



CTA: Next Steps (Official Links)

Use these official resources to confirm your exact costs and deadlines before paying:

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