Question 1

What is AIBE (All India Bar Examination)?

Accepted Answer

AIBE is a national-level certification exam conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) under the Advocates Act, 1961. It is mandatory for all enrolled advocates to qualify before they can practice law in Indian courts. Passing AIBE grants the advocate a Certificate of Practice (CoP).

Question 2

Is AIBE compulsory for all lawyers in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every law graduate enrolled with a State Bar Council must qualify AIBE to practice law in India. Without the Certificate of Practice, an advocate cannot appear in any court, tribunal, or authority in India.

Question 3

Who conducts AIBE?

Accepted Answer

AIBE is conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The examination is administered across multiple centres nationwide.

Question 4

How many times has AIBE been conducted?

Accepted Answer

AIBE XXI (21) is the most recent edition. The examination has been conducted annually or semi-annually since AIBE I in 2010.

Question 5

Who is eligible to appear for AIBE?

Accepted Answer

Any advocate who holds a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. degree from a BCI-recognised university and is enrolled with a State Bar Council is eligible. There is no upper age limit.

Question 6

How many attempts are allowed in AIBE?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for AIBE as many times as needed until they qualify.

Question 7

Can a fresh law graduate appear for AIBE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the candidate is enrolled with a State Bar Council before the AIBE registration closes. Enrollment can be done simultaneously with or just before applying for AIBE.

Question 8

What happens if I fail AIBE?

Accepted Answer

You can re-appear in the next edition. There is no ban or cooling-off period. Failing AIBE does not affect your enrollment status — you remain an enrolled advocate but cannot practice until you qualify.

Question 9

Is AIBE an open-book examination?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AIBE is an open-book exam. Candidates are permitted to carry bare acts, printed study material, and notes to the exam hall. However, electronic devices are strictly prohibited.

Question 10

What is the exam pattern for AIBE XXI?

Accepted Answer

AIBE XXI consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 1 mark each. The duration is 3 hours 30 minutes. There is no negative marking.

Question 11

What are the passing marks for AIBE?

Accepted Answer

General and OBC candidates must score 45 out of 100 (45%). SC, ST, and PwD candidates must score 40 out of 100 (40%).

Question 12

In which languages is AIBE conducted?

Accepted Answer

The question booklet is available in 11 languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, and Punjabi.

Question 13

What is the mode of examination?

Accepted Answer

AIBE is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper). Answers are marked on an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet using a ballpoint pen.

Question 14

What is the Certificate of Practice (CoP)?

Accepted Answer

The Certificate of Practice is an official certificate issued by the State Bar Council to advocates who have qualified AIBE. Without CoP, an advocate is not authorised to practice law in any court or tribunal in India.

Question 15

How do I get the Certificate of Practice after passing AIBE?

Accepted Answer

After the AIBE result is declared, qualified candidates must apply to their respective State Bar Council with proof of qualification. The CoP is issued following verification of documents.

Question 16

Is the Certificate of Practice valid for life?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once issued, the Certificate of Practice does not expire and is valid for the advocate's lifetime, provided their enrollment with the State Bar Council remains active.

Question 17

Can I practice law while waiting for my CoP after qualifying AIBE?

Accepted Answer

Technically, you require the CoP to practice. However, in practice, the BCI has issued clarifications in the past allowing qualified candidates to practice while CoP processing is pending. Check the current BCI guidelines for the latest position.

Question 18

What is the AIBE application fee?

Accepted Answer

The application fee is determined by BCI for each edition. It is paid online through the official AIBE portal. Fee details are published in the official notification.

Question 19

What subjects are covered in the AIBE syllabus?

Accepted Answer

AIBE covers approximately 20 subjects including CPC, CrPC, IPC, Indian Evidence Act, Constitution of India, Transfer of Property Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Specific Relief Act, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Consumer Protection Act, and others. View the complete syllabus for the full list.

Question 20

Where can I download the AIBE admit card?

Accepted Answer

The admit card is available for download on the official AIBE portal (allindiabarexamination.com) using your registration credentials. It is typically released 2–3 weeks before the examination date.

Question 21

When is AIBE XXI result declared?

Accepted Answer

Results are typically declared 8–12 weeks after the examination. The result is published on the official AIBE portal and candidates can check their score using their roll number.

AIBE 2025 — Frequently Asked Questions

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