LSAT Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide 2026 (Section-wise Topics, Skills Tested, Exam Pattern & Official Dates)

LSAT Syllabus 2026

If you’re preparing for law school admissions, the first thing you should lock in is the lsat syllabus 2026—because the LSAT doesn’t test “law knowledge.” It tests skills: argument analysis, careful reading, and evidence-based reasoning. Once you understand what’s actually tested (and what’s not), your prep becomes faster, more focused, and much less stressful.

This guide is based on LSAC’s latest official information for the 2025–2026 testing cycle, including the current exam structure (two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored variable section), the separate LSAT Argumentative Writing component, and official 2026 test dates.

What “LSAT Syllabus” Really Means in 2026

Unlike school exams, the LSAT syllabus is not a chapter list. It’s a skill blueprint—the types of reading, reasoning, and question tasks you’ll face under strict time limits.

In 2026, LSAC’s official description makes it clear that the multiple-choice LSAT measures your ability to:

• read and understand complex texts

• evaluate arguments and evidence

• draw valid inferences

• spot flawed reasoning and assumptions

LSAT Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern (Latest Structure)

Before you study topics, you must understand what’s scored.

Multiple-choice test structure (2026)

LSAC states the standard LSAT is composed of:

• Four 35-minute multiple-choice sections

• One Reading Comprehension (scored)

• Two Logical Reasoning (scored)

• One unscored variable section (either LR or RC)

Important: The unscored section is not labeled, looks exactly like scored sections, and can appear at any point in the exam.

Quick pattern table

Component	Sections	Time per section	Scored?
Logical Reasoning	2	35 minutes each	Yes
Reading Comprehension	1	35 minutes	Yes
Variable (LR or RC)	1	35 minutes	No
Total MCQ	4	140 minutes	3 scored

Source: LSAC “Specifications” + “Types of LSAT Questions.”

LSAT Argumentative Writing (2026): Part of the Syllabus, Not the Score

LSAC confirms that for the 2025–2026 testing cycle, LSAT Argumentative Writing:

• remains unscored

• is administered exclusively online

• is proctored, on-demand using secure software installed on your computer

Also, LSAC notes you only need one writing sample on file for your LSAT to be considered complete (if you already have a prior writing sample, you may not need to do it again).

Syllabus takeaway: You still need to prepare for writing—because it’s part of your application file and must meet LSAC requirements.

Official LSAT Exam Dates 2026 (U.S./Canada): Real Dates Table

LSAC publishes the official schedule with registration deadlines, scheduling opens, and score release dates (all in Eastern Time).

2026 Administration	Primary Test Dates	Registration Deadline	Scheduling Opens	Score Release
January 2026	Jan 7–10, 2026	Nov 28, 2025	Dec 18, 2025	Jan 28, 2026
February 2026	Feb 6–7, 2026	Dec 23, 2025	Jan 20, 2026	Feb 25, 2026
April 2026	Apr 9–11, 2026	Feb 26, 2026	Mar 24, 2026	Apr 29, 2026
June 2026	Jun 3–6, 2026	Apr 21, 2026	May 19, 2026	Jun 24, 2026

Source: LSAC dates/deadlines page.

LSAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Topics and Skills

1) Logical Reasoning (LR) Syllabus 2026

Logical Reasoning tests your ability to understand arguments and evaluate them logically. You’ll read short passages (stimuli) and answer questions that ask you to analyze, strengthen, weaken, infer, or describe reasoning.

Core LR skills (what you must master):

• Identify conclusion vs premises

• Find assumptions (missing links)

• Detect logical flaws (cause/effect errors, sampling errors, etc.)

• Evaluate evidence relevance and sufficiency

• Draw valid inferences

• Recognize common argument structures (conditional reasoning, analogies, generalizations)

High-frequency LR question tasks (your “syllabus checklist”):

• Main conclusion / main point

• Strengthen / Weaken

• Necessary assumption / Sufficient assumption

• Flaw / Reasoning error

• Inference / Must be true

• Resolve the paradox

• Method of reasoning (describe how the argument works)

• Parallel reasoning / Parallel flaw

• Role of a statement (function)

• Principle questions (apply or justify a principle)

How to prepare using official LSAC materials:LSAC provides question-type guidance and sample questions, and it also notes that drill sets for LR/RC are available through LawHub (with performance reports and explanations).

2) Reading Comprehension (RC) Syllabus 2026

Reading Comprehension tests how well you read dense material and answer questions based strictly on what the passage supports.

What RC passages typically feel like (skills, not subjects):

• complex structure and viewpoints

• author tone and purpose

• evidence and inference from text

• comparing perspectives (comparative reading sets)

Core RC skills (your must-do list):

• Identify the main idea and purpose of the passage

• Track structure paragraph-by-paragraph (what each paragraph does)

• Spot author attitude (neutral, skeptical, supportive, critical)

• Distinguish facts vs opinions vs hypotheses

• Answer from textual proof (line support), not general knowledge

• Handle comparative sets: map each passage first, then compare

LSAC provides RC sample questions and notes practice/drill support through LawHub.

3) Variable (Unscored) Section Syllabus 2026

This section is part of the test experience and must be treated like it counts.

LSAC clearly states:

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

• the unscored section can be LR or RC

• it can appear at any point in the test

Syllabus implication: You must build stamina for four full sections, not three.

4) LSAT Argumentative Writing Syllabus 2026 (What to Prepare)

LSAT Argumentative Writing is designed to evaluate your ability to:

• take a clear position

• support it with reasons and evidence

• respond to a counter-position logically

• write in a structured, persuasive way (without requiring outside facts)

LSAC states it remains unscored and is delivered online in a proctored on-demand environment for 2025–2026.

Practical prep checklist:

• Learn a reliable structure: Thesis → 2–3 reasons → counterargument → rebuttal → conclusion

• Keep examples simple and logical (avoid niche facts you can’t verify)

• Practice clarity: short paragraphs, direct reasoning, no filler

LSAT Scoring (2026): What Counts and What Your Target Means

LSAC confirms:

• Your score is reported on a 120–180 scale.

• A “raw score” (questions correct) is converted to a scaled score for comparability across administrations.

How this changes your study strategy:Because scaled scores come from correct answers, your fastest improvement often comes from:

• reducing careless mistakes in LR

• improving RC evidence tracking

• mastering time management so you reach every question

A Simple Study Plan Based on the LSAT Syllabus 2026 (12–16 Weeks)

Here’s a practical plan aligned with the syllabus you just saw.

Weeks 1–4: Build fundamentals (accuracy first)

• LR: argument parts (conclusion/premise), assumption basics, common flaws

• RC: passage mapping + main point + proof-based answers

• Practice: 3–4 timed mini-sets per week (not full tests yet)

Weeks 5–10: Syllabus mastery (question-type training)

• LR: drill by question type (strengthen, weaken, assumption, flaw, inference)

• RC: 2–3 passages/day + review wrong answers by “why wrong”

• Add: 2–3 full timed sections/week

Weeks 11–16: Full tests + review cycles (score stabilization)

• 1–2 full practice tests/week

• Deep review the next day (this is where score gains happen)

• Practice LSAT Argumentative Writing once weekly until confident

For realistic practice, LSAC highlights LawHub practice/drill tools and explanations.

FAQ: LSAT Syllabus 2026

1) What is the lsat syllabus 2026?

The lsat syllabus 2026 includes skills tested in Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, plus one unscored variable section (LR or RC). The exam also includes LSAT Argumentative Writing, which is unscored and taken separately online.

2) How many sections are there in the LSAT 2026 exam pattern?

LSAC states the standard LSAT has four 35-minute multiple-choice sections (1 RC, 2 LR, 1 unscored variable).

3) Is LSAT Argumentative Writing scored in 2026?

No. LSAC confirms LSAT Argumentative Writing remains unscored for the 2025–2026 testing cycle and is delivered online in a proctored on-demand format.

4) What is the LSAT score range?

LSAC reports the LSAT score scale as 120 to 180.

5) Where can I practice official-style questions for this syllabus?

LSAC provides official information on question types and also notes drill sets and practice resources through LawHub.

CTA: Confirm Your Syllabus + Dates and Start Official Prep (Links)

Use official LSAC pages to verify the latest updates and start prep the right way:

LSAT Dates, Deadlines & Score Release (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates
Types of LSAT Questions (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/prepare/types-lsat-questions
Specifications of the LSAT (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat/accommodations/specifications-lsat-and-lsat-argumentative-writing
LSAT Argumentative Writing (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/about/lsat-argumentative-writing
Reading Comprehension Sample Questions (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/test-format/reading-comprehension/reading-comprehension-sample-questions
Logical Reasoning Sample Questions (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/test-format/logical-reasoning/logical-reasoning-sample-questions
LSAT Scoring (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-scoring
Register for the LSAT (LSAC): https://www.lsac.org/lsat/register-lsat