The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a crucial step for law graduates aspiring to practice law across India. The upcoming AIBE 21 (XXXI) scheduled for 2026 is designed to assess the legal knowledge and competence of aspiring advocates, ensuring they meet the standards set by the Bar Council of India (BCI). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects of AIBE 21, including important dates, eligibility criteria, registration process, fee structure, and other necessary details to help candidates prepare effectively for the examination.
AIBE 21 Overview 2026
The All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI) is a national-level qualifying exam conducted by the BCI, which signifies a candidate’s readiness to practice law in Indian courts. Achieving the Certificate of Practice through AIBE is mandatory for enrolment as an advocate. The exam is held in offline mode, using traditional pen-and-paper formats, emphasizing objective multiple-choice questions covering core legal subjects.
Key Highlights of AIBE 21
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Offline (pen-and-paper) |
| Number of Questions | 100 objective-type questions |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Subjects Covered | Core law subjects as per BCI guidelines |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Qualifying Criteria | Minimum 40% (General/OBC), 35% (SC/ST) |
| Certificate of Practice | Mandatory for legal practice and enrolment |
| Official Website | AIBE Official Site |
Important Dates for AIBE 21 2026
The dates mentioned are tentative and subject to official confirmation. Candidates are advised to stay updated by regularly visiting the official AIBE website.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application form release & registration start | 11 February 2026 |
| Last date for application submission | 30 April 2026 |
| Last date for payment of application fee | 1 May 2026 |
| Application correction window opens | Until 3 May 2026 |
| Exam date | 7 June 2026 |
| Admit card release | Late May 2026 (expected) |
Registration Fee Structure for AIBE XXI 2026
The fee varies based on the candidate’s category, payable online through multiple methods. The fee is non-refundable.
Fee Breakdown
| Category | Fee (INR) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | 3,500 | Bank charges included |
| SC / ST | 2,500 | Bank charges included |
Eligibility Criteria for AIBE 21
To appear in AIBE 21, candidates must meet specific educational and registration prerequisites outlined below:
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have completed a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a recognized university or law college accredited by the BCI.
- Final-year students of LLB are eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlogs, and are expected to qualify before the exam.
Enrollment Status & Other Requirements
- Open to law graduates already enrolled with any State Bar Council.
- Candidates awaiting enrollment or holding provisional certificates can also apply.
- No upper age limit for candidates.
- No restriction on the number of attempts; candidates may appear as many times as needed to qualify.
- Must be Indian citizens.
Additional Notes
For the latest updates on eligibility or policies, candidates should consult the official notification available on the AIBE portal.
Documents Required for AIBE 21 Registration
Ensure that scanned copies of the following documents are prepared in appropriate formats ( JPG/JPEG, 100–500 KB size):
Mandatory Documents
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background preferred).
- Scanned signature (blue or black ink on white paper).
- LLB degree certificate or provisional certificate.
- Semester-wise or year-wise LLB mark sheets.
- State Bar Council enrollment certificate or enrollment number.
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport).
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) or EWS certificate if claiming fee relaxation.
- Disability certificate (for PwD candidates claiming relaxation).
Steps to Fill Out the AIBE XXI 2026 Application Form
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to allindiabarexamination.com.
- Register: Click on “AIBE 21 Registration 2026” or “New Registration.” Provide a valid email ID and mobile number to receive login credentials.
- Login: Use the registered email ID and password to access your account.
- Fill Personal & Academic Details: Enter your name, date of birth, address, educational qualifications, and enrollment details.
- Select Exam Centre: Choose from over 50 cities across India to find the most convenient location for you.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, certificates, and ID proof as per specifications.
- Make Payment: Pay the registration fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Review & Submit: Cross-check entered information, then submit the application form.
- Download Confirmations: Save and print the filled application form and fee receipt for future reference.
Application Correction Window
Candidates can make necessary corrections to their application details until 3 May 2026 through the correction window provided on the official portal.
Preparation Tips for AIBE 21
Since the AIBE exam tests core law knowledge through objective questions, thorough preparation is essential. Here are some tips:
Focus Areas
- Revise fundamental legal principles and core subjects such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Family Law, and Constitutional Law.
- Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern.
- Stay updated with current amendments, landmark judgments, and recent legal developments.
Time Management
Allocate sufficient time for each subject and practice solving questions within the exam duration to improve speed and accuracy.
Utilize Resources
- Access online mock tests, available free or paid, to gauge your preparation level.
- Refer to standard textbooks, legal guides, and BCI-recommended resources.
- Join online or offline coaching classes if needed for focused guidance.
Result and Certification
After the exam, the BCI will release results on the official website. Candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks will be awarded the Certificate of Practice, which is essential for practicing law in Indian courts.
Important Points
- The certificate is valid across all states in India.
- No negative marking means candidates should attempt all questions confidently.
- Candidates can check their results and download their certificate online after the official announcement.
Additional Resources & Links
- Official AIBE 21 Notification & Updates: Official Portal
- Sample Question Papers & Mock Tests: Visit educational platforms or the official website.
- Guidelines & FAQs: Available on the official site for detailed instructions and clarifications.
- Download Official Notification PDF: AIBE 21 Notification PDF
Preparing diligently for AIBE 21 is essential for aspiring advocates. Stay updated with official notifications, gather the necessary documents, and practice regularly to enhance your chances of success. Good luck!