AIBE XXI (21) 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a certification exam conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to assess the basic legal knowledge and practical ability of law graduates. Clearing AIBE is mandatory to obtain the Certificate of Practice (CoP), which allows advocates to practise law in India.

Yes. Clearing AIBE and obtaining the Certificate of Practice (CoP) is compulsory for practising law in India for candidates who graduated in or after the academic year 2009–2010. Practising without CoP may lead to disciplinary action under the Advocates Act.

Eligible candidates include final-year LL.B. students with no backlogs from BCI-recognised institutions, law graduates awaiting their degree, candidates enrolled with a State Bar Council, and graduates who have not enrolled or have surrendered their enrolment certificate.

• Mandatory for Practice – Passing AIBE is compulsory to receive the Certificate of Practice (COP) and begin practising law.
• Skill Assessment – It tests the candidate’s ability to apply basic legal knowledge in practical scenarios.
• Standardisation – Ensures a minimum professional standard for all advocates across India.
• Credibility & Public Trust – Confirms that all practising advocates have baseline legal competence.

The AIBE XXI (21) 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on June 7, 2026, in offline (pen-and-paper) mode at designated exam centres across India.

Applications must be submitted online through the official AIBE website. The process includes:

1. Fill in the registration form.
2. Uploading documents (enrollment certificate, advocate ID, etc.).
3. Paying the registration fee online.

To qualify for AIBE 2026, candidates must score 45% marks (General/OBC) and 40% marks (SC/ST/PwD). The qualifying percentage is calculated based on the final number of valid questions after any exclusions.

For AIBE XXI (21) 2026, the registration fee:

• ₹3,500 for General/OBC candidates
• ₹2,500 for SC/ST candidates

• Focus on Bare Acts (without notes).
• Practice previous year question papers.
• Take mock tests to improve speed.
• Stay updated with new laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA).

Yes. Candidates who have not enrolled or who have surrendered their enrolment certificate are eligible to appear for AIBE, provided they meet the academic eligibility criteria prescribed by BCI.

No. Enrolment with a State Bar Council is not mandatory before appearing for AIBE. However, enrolment is required before applying for the Certificate of Practice after clearing the exam.

The AIBE question paper consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with one mark per correct answer and no negative marking.

The AIBE covers 19 subjects taught during LL.B. The most important include:

• Constitutional Law (10 Qs)
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, replaces IPC) (8 Qs)
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, replaces CrPC) (10 Qs)
• Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) (10 Qs)
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA, replaces Evidence Act) (8 Qs)
• Family Law, Contract Act, Specific Relief, Property Law, Negotiable Instruments
• Labour & Industrial Law, Professional Ethics, PIL, Administrative Law
• Taxation Law, Company Law, Environmental Law, Cyber Law, Tort/Consumer/Motor Vehicles

Yes. Previous year question papers and sample sets are available on the official AIBE website and with trusted publishers like Taxmann.

You can carry Bare Acts only (without notes, commentaries, or explanations). Guides, textbooks, or annotated editions are not allowed.

No. Only Bare Acts without notes, comments, annotations, or highlights are allowed. The permissibility of Bare Acts is subject to verification by invigilators at the exam centre.

On the AIBE XXI (21) 2026 exam day, candidates must carry a printed AIBE admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence). Entry will not be allowed without these documents. It is advisable to carry two printed copies of the admit card to avoid last-minute issues.

PwD candidates eligible for scribe facilities must arrange their own scribe and carry the required disability and medical certificates as per BCI and admit card guidelines. Extra time is provided as per the prescribed norms.

Yes. PwD candidates with 40% or more disability are entitled to 20 minutes of extra time per hour during the AIBE examination, subject to submission of a valid disability certificate as per BCI guidelines.

After qualifying for AIBE, candidates must apply to their respective State Bar Council with the AIBE result, enrolment certificate, ID proof, and photographs to obtain the Certificate of Practice (CoP).

Yes. A valid Certificate of Practice obtained after clearing AIBE is mandatory to practise law in any court in India, including High Courts and the Supreme Court.

The AIBE XXI (21) 2026 result is generally declared within 65 to 107 days from the date of the examination, after the release of the provisional answer key and completion of the objection and evaluation process. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official AIBE website for result updates and notifications.

Bar Council enrolment allows a law graduate to be registered as an advocate, while AIBE certification and CoP determine whether the advocate is eligible to practise law.

No. Until the Certificate of Practice is issued after clearing AIBE, candidates are not authorised to practise law independently in courts.

The AIBE is usually conducted twice a year.

No. As per the Bar Council of India (BCI), there is no limit on the number of attempts for AIBE. Candidates may appear any number of times until they pass and obtain the Certificate of Practice.

Yes. If a candidate does not clear the AIBE, they are allowed to reappear in subsequent AIBE examinations. There is no penalty or restriction for reattempting the exam until the candidate qualifies.