The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially set the stage for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI (21). For law graduates across India, this is the most critical milestone to transition from a student to a licensed advocate.
Below is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about AIBE 21, from registration timelines to the updated syllabus.
AIBE 21: Key Highlights & Important Dates
The BCI released the official notification on January 7, 2026. If you are planning to appear, mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | February 11, 2026 |
| Registration Closes | April 30, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 1, 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | May 3, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 22, 2026 |
| AIBE 21 Exam Date | June 7, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To sit for the AIBE 21 exam, candidates must fulfill the following:
Educational Qualification: Must possess a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a BCI-recognized university.
State Bar Enrollment: It is mandatory to be enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council.
No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the exam.
Final Year Students: Students in their final semester (without backlogs) are also eligible to apply based on recent BCI guidelines.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
AIBE 21 remains an offline, pen-and-paper (OMR) examination. It is a “certification” exam, meaning you only need to pass to receive your Certificate of Practice (CoP).
Mode: Offline (OMR Sheet)
Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Negative Marking: None (No marks are deducted for wrong answers).
Passing Marks: * General/OBC: 45% (45 Marks)
SC/ST/PwD: 40% (40 Marks)
Detailed Syllabus & Weightage
The syllabus has been updated to include the new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) alongside the older acts.
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 10 |
| Cr.P.C / BNSS | 10 |
| C.P.C (Code of Civil Procedure) | 10 |
| I.P.C / BNS | 8 |
| Evidence Act / BSA | 8 |
| Family Law | 8 |
| Law of Contract, Specific Relief, Property Laws | 8 |
| Law of Tort (incl. Motor Vehicle Act & Consumer Protection) | 5 |
| Professional Ethics & BCI Rules | 4 |
| Alternative Dispute Redressal (ADR) | 4 |
| PIL (Public Interest Litigation) | 4 |
| Labour & Industrial Laws | 4 |
| Taxation Law | 4 |
| Administrative Law | 3 |
| Company, Environmental, Cyber, IPR, Land Acquisition | 2 each |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to allindiabarexamination.com.
- Registration: Click on the “AIBE XXI Registration” link (available from Feb 11).
- Upload Documents: You will need a scanned photo, signature, and your State Bar Enrollment Certificate.
- Fee Payment: * General/OBC: ~₹3,500
- SC/ST: ~₹2,500
- Submit & Print: Review your details and keep a printout of the confirmation page.
Important Links
Official AIBE Website: allindiabarexamination.com
Bar Council of India: barcouncilofindia.org
Direct Registration Link: (Will be active on Feb 11, 2026)