Home / Education / NLSIU Student Heads to Oxford as Rhodes Scholar
NLSIU Student Heads to Oxford as Rhodes Scholar
6 Dec
Summary
- Manhar Bansal, NLSIU student, selected as Rhodes Scholar for 2026.
- He will pursue a Master of Studies in Comparative Literature at Oxford.
- Bansal aims to build an accessible academic career for young people.

Manhar Bansal, a distinguished final-year BA LLB (Hons.) student at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has earned a significant academic honor. He has been named among the six Rhodes Scholars-Elect from India for the 2026 cohort, marking him as the 26th recipient from NLSIU. Bansal is set to commence his studies at the University of Oxford in October 2026.
His academic pursuits at Oxford will center on a Master of Studies in Comparative Literature and Critical Translation, a path he chose to deepen his engagement with literature, language, and humanistic studies. Bansal's work often explores the interplay between individual identity and socio-historical contexts. His contributions have been recognized by esteemed bodies like the Society for Humanistic Anthropology.
Beyond his academic achievements, Bansal has been actively involved in university life, serving as chief editor of a student journal and leading a peer academic support program. He is also dedicated to making humanistic education accessible, aspiring to forge an academic career that bridges scholarly disciplines with public engagement, especially for young audiences.



