
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially released the schedule for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI, setting the exam date for June 7, 2026. Law graduates across the country can now begin their application process to secure the mandatory Certificate of Practice (COP) required to practice law in Indian courts.
With the registration window now open, candidates have until April 30, 2026, to complete their submissions through the official portals.
Aspiring advocates must keep a close watch on the following timeline to ensure their eligibility:
| AIBE 21 Registration: Important Dates and Deadlines | |
| Event | Date |
| Registration Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 1, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Until May 3, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | May 22, 2026 |
| AIBE 21 Exam Date | June 7, 2026 |
The BCI has streamlined the application process via the official website. Follow these steps to register:
Visit the Official Portal: Go to allindiabarexamination.com or barcouncilofindia.org.
Account Registration: Create a new account by entering basic login credentials and a valid email ID.
Fill Application Details: Enter personal information, contact details, and educational qualifications (3-year or 5-year LLB).
Upload Documents: Ensure you have digital copies of your graduation certificate and photo ID ready.
Payment: Complete the application fee payment by May 1.
Submit: Review all entries and click submit. Save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
The AIBE XXI will follow its traditional offline, OMR-based format. While it is conducted as an open-book style examination, it remains a rigorous test of a candidate's analytical skills and legal knowledge.
The examination will cover 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) spanning various legal domains, including:
Constitutional Law & Administrative Law
Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
Civil Procedure Code (CPC) and Evidence Act
Family Law and Property Laws
Professional Ethics and Cyber Law
Intellectual Property and Taxation Law
To qualify for the Certificate of Practice, candidates must meet the minimum passing percentage set by the BCI:
General/OBC Candidates: 45%
SC/ST and Differently-Abled Candidates: 40%
The exam is open to law graduates and final-semester students of 3-year or 5-year LLB programs. Clearing this exam is a legal prerequisite for appearing in any court or tribunal across India.
The BCI has emphasized strict adherence to rules at exam centers to avoid disqualification:
Mandatory Documents: Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID.
Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches, are strictly banned.
Materials Allowed: As an open-book exam, candidates are typically allowed to carry Bare Acts without notes or comments (subject to specific BCI guidelines).
The announcement comes on the heels of the AIBE 20 results, which saw a qualifying rate of 69.21%. Out of the 2,51,968 candidates who appeared, 1,74,386 successfully qualified. Notably, male candidates represented a larger share of the appearing and qualifying pool, though the legal profession continues to see a steady rise in female practitioners.