AIBE (21) Exam 2026 – Registration | Syllabus | Exam Pattern
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- 7 Min Read
- By Taxmann
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- Last Updated on 18 February, 2026
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The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is the gateway between law school and professional practice. For every law graduate, clearing this qualifying exam is the decisive step that transforms academic learning into a recognised legal career.
Table of Contents
- Overview of AIBE XXI (21) 2026
- AIBE 2026 Highlights (Quick Facts)
- AIBE XXI 2026 Important Dates (Official Schedule)
- Registration Process (Step-by-Step) & Documents Required
- Eligibility – Who Can Apply for AIBE 2026?
- AIBE 2026 Exam Fees
- Admit Card, Exam Day Instructions & What to Carry (Open-Book Rules)
- AIBE (21) Exam 2026 Pattern (Questions, Marking, Duration)
- AIBE (21) Exam 2026 Syllabus (Subject-wise Weightage) & What to Prioritise
- Best Books & Resources (With Smart Internal Linking Points)
- Preparation Strategy (Study Plan + Revision + Mocks)
- Previous Year Papers + How to Use Them
- After AIBE – Answer Key, Result, Rechecking & Certificate of Practice (CoP)
- FAQs (Practical Doubts Candidates Actually Have)
1. Overview of AIBE XXI (21) 2026
The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a national-level certification examination conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to assess whether a law graduate possesses the minimum professional competence required to practise law in India.
Unlike university examinations that test academic learning, AIBE focuses on the practical application of law, understanding of core legal principles, and familiarity with statutory provisions that an advocate is expected to use in real-life practice. Clearing the AIBE is mandatory to obtain the Certificate of Practice (CoP), which authorises an advocate to practise law in courts, tribunals, and other legal forums across the country.
For candidates planning to appear in AIBE XXI (21) 2026, it is important to understand that while the broad structure of the examination remains consistent with previous editions, certain aspects, such as dates, eligibility interpretation, criminal law references, and preparation strategy, need to be aligned with the current legal and examination framework. This guide has been updated accordingly to reflect the latest available information for 2026.
2. AIBE 2026 Highlights (Quick Facts)
The table below provides a concise snapshot of the key features of AIBE XXI (21) 2026, helping candidates quickly understand the nature and scope of the examination.
Exam Name – All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
| Edition | AIBE XXI (21) |
| Conducting Authority | Bar Council of India |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Nature of Exam | Open-book (Bare Acts permitted) |
| Purpose | Eligibility to obtain Certificate of Practice |
The open-book nature of the exam often creates the misconception that preparation is unnecessary. In practice, AIBE rewards candidates who understand legal concepts, identify issues, and navigate Bare Acts quickly, rather than those who rely solely on carrying books into the examination hall.
3. AIBE XXI 2026 Important Dates (Official Schedule)
As per the latest available schedule for AIBE XXI (21) 2026, candidates should take note of the following important dates. These dates are crucial for planning registration, preparation, and exam-day readiness.
| Event | Date |
| Start of Online Registration | 11 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 30 April 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 1 May 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | 3 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 22 May 2026 |
| AIBE XXI (21) Exam Date | 7 June 2026 |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date to complete registration, as errors in details such as enrolment number, category, or document upload may require time to rectify during the correction window.
4. Registration Process (Step-by-Step) & Documents Required
The registration process for AIBE XXI (21) 2026 is conducted online through the official AIBE portal. Candidates must ensure that all details entered in the application form are accurate and match their enrolment records.
4.1 Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official AIBE registration portal and create a login using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal details, academic details, and State Bar Council enrolment information as required.
- Upload scanned copies of the prescribed documents in the specified format.
- Review the application form carefully before final submission.
- Pay the examination fee online and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.
4.2 Documents Generally Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Enrolment certificate issued by the State Bar Council (or applicable undertaking, where permitted)
- Category certificate (for SC/ST candidates, if applicable)
Accuracy in document upload is critical, as discrepancies may lead to rejection or delays in admit card issuance.
5. Eligibility – Who Can Apply for AIBE 2026?
To appear for AIBE XXI (21) 2026, a candidate must have completed a 3-year or 5-year LL.B programme from a recognised law institution and be enrolled with a State Bar Council.
In recent editions, the Bar Council of India has also introduced conditional eligibility provisions for certain categories of candidates, such as:
- Final-year or final-semester law students (subject to conditions and undertakings)
- Candidates whose enrolment or degree formalities are pending but permitted under specific notifications
Such candidates must carefully read the eligibility instructions provided on the official portal at the time of registration, as permission is granted subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
6. AIBE 2026 Exam Fees
The examination fee structure for AIBE XXI (21) 2026 is as follows:
| Category | Examination Fee |
| General/OBC | ₹3,500 |
| SC/ST | ₹2,500 |
The fee is payable online, and candidates should note that bank charges or applicable taxes, if any, may be levied in addition to the base examination fee.
7. Admit Card, Exam Day Instructions & What to Carry (Open-Book Rules)
The AIBE (21) Exam 2026 admit card is expected to be released approximately two weeks before the examination date. Candidates must download the admit card from the official portal and carry a printed copy to the examination centre.
The AIBE is conducted as an open-book examination, but this does not mean unrestricted access to materials.
Candidates are permitted to carry:
- Bare Acts without notes, commentary, or annotations
Candidates are not permitted to carry:
- Notes, guides, commentaries, or question banks
- Mobile phones, smart devices, calculators, or electronic gadgets
- Loose papers or handwritten material
Understanding how to use Bare Acts during the exam efficiently is an essential part of AIBE preparation, as time constraints limit extensive referencing.
8. AIBE (21) Exam 2026 Pattern (Questions, Marking, Duration)
The structure of the AIBE (21) Exam 2026 examination is designed to test practical legal understanding rather than rote memorisation.
| Component | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Marks per Question | 1 |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Duration | As specified on the admit card |
| Passing Criteria | 45% (General/OBC), 40% (SC/ST & PwD) |
The absence of negative marking allows candidates to attempt all questions; however, accuracy and time management remain critical for clearing the examination.
9. AIBE (21) Exam 2026 Syllabus (Subject-Wise Weightage) & What to Prioritise
The AIBE syllabus broadly covers core subjects taught in the LL.B curriculum. While the official syllabus does not prescribe an exact question-wise breakup, past trends indicate varying weightage across subjects.
| Subject Area | Expected Weightage | Priority Level |
| Constitutional Law | High | Very High |
| Criminal Law (Updated Codes) | High | Very High |
| CPC | Medium–High | High |
| Law of Evidence | Medium–High | High |
| Contract Law | Medium | High |
| Professional Ethics & BCI Rules | Medium | High |
| Family Law | Medium | Moderate |
| Property Law | Medium | Moderate |
| Other Subjects (Torts, Labour, Company, etc.) | Low–Medium | Selective |
Candidates should note that criminal law questions are aligned with the new criminal law framework, and preparation should be done using the currently applicable statutes rather than repealed laws.
10. Best Books & Resources (With Smart Internal Linking Points)
Choosing the right study material is crucial for AIBE preparation, especially given the exam’s open-book nature.
For candidates with limited preparation time, Bare Acts covering core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, CPC, Evidence, Contract Law, and Professional Ethics form the foundation.
Candidates aiming for broader coverage may supplement core Bare Acts with:
- Subject-wise Bare Acts for family law, labour law, company law, and consumer protection
- Consolidated AIBE preparation books that include practice MCQs and summaries
Previous year question papers are among the most effective preparation tools, as they help candidates understand question framing and the topics that are frequently tested.
11. Preparation Strategy (Study Plan + Revision + Mocks)
Effective AIBE preparation requires a balanced approach that combines conceptual clarity with exam-oriented practice.
A structured preparation strategy may be divided into three phases:
Phase 1 – Conceptual Revision
-
- Focus on understanding core subjects and identifying frequently tested provisions. This phase should emphasise reading Bare Acts alongside conceptual explanations.
Phase 2 – Practice and Familiarity
-
- Solve previous year questions and practice MCQs to develop familiarity with question patterns. This phase helps candidates improve speed and accuracy.
Phase 3 – Mock Tests and Final Revision
-
- Attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Analyse mistakes and revise weak areas. In the final days, focus on quick navigation of Bare Acts and high-yield topics.
Candidates should remember that success in AIBE depends not on memorising sections, but on knowing where to find the relevant law quickly and applying it correctly.
12. Previous Year Papers + How to Use Them
The previous year’s AIBE question papers are a valuable resource for understanding the exam’s practical orientation.
Candidates should use previous year papers to:
- Identify important subjects and recurring themes
- Practise applying legal principles to problem-based questions
- Improve speed and confidence in an exam-like environment
When used alongside Bare Acts, previous year questions help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and exam performance.
13. After AIBE – Answer Key, Result, Rechecking & Certificate of Practice (CoP)
After the examination, the Bar Council of India releases a provisional answer key, followed by a final answer key after considering any objections. The results are declared thereafter.
In certain cases, candidates may be given the option to apply for rechecking or verification of OMR sheets, subject to payment of the prescribed fees.
Candidates who successfully pass the AIBE are issued a Certificate of Practice (CoP). The CoP is mandatory for practising law in India and remains valid provided it is complied with the applicable professional requirements.
14. FAQs (Practical Doubts Candidates Actually Have)
FAQ 1. Is AIBE an open-book exam?
Yes, AIBE is an open-book examination; however, only Bare Acts without notes or commentary are permitted.
FAQ 2. Is there negative marking in AIBE (21) Exam 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the AIBE.
FAQ 3. Can final-year law students apply for AIBE XXI (21)?
Certain categories of final-year students may be permitted, subject to conditions specified by the Bar Council of India at the time of registration.
FAQ 4. How many times can a candidate attempt AIBE?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for AIBE.
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My photo is not uploading in online form so what should I do?
Hello manish,
You can download the Adobe photo editing and do in ratio of 4.5cm*3.5cm and just crop it , after that it will upload.
This has worked for a lot of other people
In AIBE Form, I Belong to OBC but Don’t Have an NCL Certificate — Should I Apply Under General Category?
If you belong to the OBC category but do not have a valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, you should apply under the General category in the AIBE form. Only candidates with an active NCL certificate are eligible for OBC benefits.
Can I apply for AIBE while in the 5th semester of a 3-year LL.B. from DU with pending backlogs?
No. You are not eligible to apply for AIBE while in the 5th semester of a 3-year LL.B. or if you have uncleared backlogs. You must complete the full LL.B. program and clear all papers before you can register for AIBE.
Do I Need to Upload the Original Caste Certificate or the Caste Validity Certificate for AIBE Registration?
Can BCI Postpone the Exam After Registration Closes on 28 October? Has It Happened Before?
There is a slight possibility that the AIBE 20 exam scheduled for 30 November 2025 may be postponed, as the BCI has changed exam dates in the past—however, no official confirmation has been issued yet.
Do I Need to Submit the Undertaking If I Have a Provisional Enrollment Certificate but Not the Final One?
If you already have your provisional enrollment certificate, you do not need to submit the undertaking. The undertaking is required only for final-year students or graduates who have not yet enrolled with any State Bar Council.