
The Bar Council of India (BCI) is set to close the registration portal for the All India Bar Examination XXI (AIBE 21) very soon. Aspiring advocates must complete their AIBE 21 registration 2026 by the official deadline of April 30, 2026. This national-level examination is the mandatory gateway for law graduates to obtain the Certificate of Practice (CoP), enabling them to represent clients in Indian courts.
With the countdown beginning, the BCI has clarified that no offline applications will be entertained. Candidates are advised to complete the AIBE 21 form online immediately to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the official website.AIBE 21 Application Fees 2026 (Category-wise)
The BCI has structured the application fee to be paid exclusively through online modes (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking).
Critical Update: Final year law students who do not have any backlogs from previous semesters are eligible to appear for the exam as per the latest BCI guidelines and recent Supreme Court observations regarding exam eligibility.
Follow these verified steps to ensure your application is successful and avoid rejection:
Official Portal: Navigate to the official BCI exam website at allindiabarexamination.com.
Initial Signup: Click on the ‘Register’ link and enter your unique State Bar Council Enrollment Number.
Form Filling: Carefully enter personal details, educational qualifications (LLB 3-year or 5-year), and preferred exam centers.
Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photo, signature, and Enrollment Certificate in the specified PDF/JPG format.
Online Payment: Pay the AIBE 21 application fee based on your specific category via the secure gateway.
Final Submission: Review all entered details for accuracy, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future use.
The AIBE XXI (21) will be an offline, OMR-based test consisting of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Candidates have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the paper.
No Negative Marking: Every correct answer earns 1 mark; no marks are deducted for incorrect responses.
Qualifying Marks: General/OBC candidates must score 45%, while SC/ST/PWD candidates require 40%.
Syllabus Coverage: The exam covers 19 core legal subjects including Constitutional Law, IPC (BNS), CrPC (BNSS), and Evidence Act.
Q1: What is the last date for AIBE 21 registration 2026? The last date to fill the AIBE 21 (XXI) application form is April 30, 2026. The payment portal closes shortly after on May 1.
Q2: Can I apply for AIBE 21 offline or via speed post? No, the Bar Council of India strictly accepts applications through the online portal only. Physical documents sent to the BCI office will not be processed.
Q3: Is the AIBE 21 exam still an open-book test? The "Open Book" format was discontinued years ago. However, candidates are permitted to carry Bare Acts without notes or comments into the examination hall.
Q4: When will the AIBE 21 Admit Card 2026 be released? The BCI is expected to release the AIBE 21 admit cards on May 22, 2026, for the exam scheduled to take place on June 7.
Q5: What should I do if there is an error in my AIBE 21 application form? Candidates can use the Correction Window, which will remain open until May 3, 2026, to rectify errors in their name, enrollment number, or exam center preference.