AIBE 2025: Exam Dates, Registration & Eligibility Guide

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a pivotal milestone for law graduates in India. Conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI), this exam allows aspirants to earn the Certificate of Practice and legally appear in Indian courts. In 2025, all eyes are on AIBE 20 (XX) — its schedule, pattern, registration process, eligibility criteria, and more.

In this guide, you’ll get an up-to-date, in-depth understanding of AIBE 2025: what it is, how to prepare, key dates, and what aspirants frequently ask.

What is AIBE?

AIBE stands for All India Bar Examination. It is a certification exam meant to assess whether an advocate (law graduate) can practice law in India.

Some key features:

It is conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

Passing AIBE grants a Certificate of Practice, which is mandatory to represent clients in Indian courts.

Historically, AIBE was an open-book test. However, from 2022 onwards, BCI banned carrying commentaries or reference materials — only Bare Acts (without commentary) are permitted in the exam hall.

Why is AIBE Important?

1. Mandatory for practice — Without passing AIBE and obtaining a Certificate of Practice, an advocate cannot legally appear in court.
2. Quality check — The exam ensures that law graduates have a basic, consistent understanding of core legal subjects and professional ethics.
3. Uniform standard — It creates a nationwide benchmark for legal practice competence.

AIBE 2025: Notification & Key Dates

Notification Release

The official notification for AIBE 20 (2025) is expected soon. Some reports anticipated it in September 2025.

Exam Date

According to the Indian Express, AIBE 20 is scheduled for November 13, 2025. However, other pages still list a December tentative date, based on past patterns.

Registration Window & Deadlines

• As per the Indian Express article:

• Registration begins: September 29, 2025

• Registration ends: October 28, 2025

• Last date to pay fees: October 29, 2025

• Correction window: October 31, 2025

• Admit card issue date: November 15, 2025

Do note: these are based on the Indian Express notification — always verify from the BCI / official AIBE site before acting.

Eligibility Criteria for AIBE 2025

• To sit for AIBE 20, candidates must satisfy the following:

• Must have completed a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a recognized institution.

• Must be enrolled with a State Bar Council.

• Final year students may participate only if they have no backlogs.

• No upper age limit.

Application / Registration Process

Here is a step-by-step process to apply:

1. Visit the official AIBE site (allindiabarexamination.com).
2. Click on “Register” / “Apply for AIBE XX”.
3. Fill in personal, educational, and contact details.
4. Upload scanned documents (enrolment certificate, LLB degree/marksheets, ID proof, photographs).
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. Submit the application and keep a copy/printout for your records.

After submission, in the correction window, candidates may edit minor mistakes (before the cutoff).

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Pattern

• AIBE 20 is expected to be offline, pen-and-paper, with 100 multiple-choice questions.

• Each correct answer carries 1 mark.

• There is no negative marking.

• Duration: 3 hours.

• Language: Candidates can choose among 23 languages.

Syllabus & Subject Weightage

• Subjects typically covered (with approximate question counts):

• Constitutional Law

• Indian Penal Code & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

• Criminal Procedure Code & related statutes

• Code of Civil Procedure

• Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam

• Alternative Dispute Resolution / Arbitration

• Family Law

• Public Interest Litigation

• Administrative Law

• Professional Ethics & Bar Council Rules

• Company Law

• Environmental Law

• Cyber Law

• Labour & Industrial Law

• Law of Contract, Specific Relief, Property Law, Negotiable Instruments Act

• Land Acquisition & Intellectual Property

(These match prior years’ pattern and expectations for AIBE 20)

Passing Criteria & Result

For General / OBC candidates: minimum 45% marks required.

For SC / ST / differently-abled categories: 40% cutoff.

The result declares Pass / Fail status; no ranking or percentile is published.

After clearing, candidates must apply for their Certificate of Practice (CoP) through their respective State Bar Council.

An example: For AIBE 19, after withdrawal of some questions, the total was adapted to 93 from 100, and the passing mark was recalibrated accordingly.

Preparation Tips & Strategy

Here are tactics you can use to improve your chances:

Map out the syllabus and allocate time

Break down by subject, set a weekly plan. Don’t ignore weaker areas.

Focus on core statutes / bare acts

Since commentary isn’t allowed in hall, knowing bare legal texts inside out is crucial.

Practice previous year papers

Get hold of past AIBE question papers and simulate exam conditions.

Take mock tests

Time yourself and build speed & accuracy.

Revision & summaries

Make short notes, flowcharts, or memory aids for quick last-minute reference.

Stay updated

Watch for notifications from BCI / AIBE’s official site, and any last-minute instructions.

People Also Ask

Q1. When will AIBE 20 registration begin?

A1. According to Indian Express, registration for AIBE 20 starts September 29, 2025.

Q2. Is AIBE mandatory to practice law in India?

A2. Yes. Clearing AIBE and obtaining a Certificate of Practice is required to represent clients in Indian courts.

Q3. What is the passing marks for AIBE 20?

A3. For General / OBC: 45%. For SC / ST / differently-abled: 40%.

Q4. Will there be negative marking in AIBE 20?

A4. No. The exam is designed to have no negative marking.

Q5. Can final year law students apply?

A5. Yes, provided they have no backlogs at the time of application.

FAQs

What is the official website for AIBE 2025?

The official portal is allindiabarexamination.com. All notifications, admit cards, results, and updates are published there.

How many attempts are allowed for AIBE?

There is no limit on the number of times a candidate can attempt AIBE. You may retake until you pass.

When will the AIBE 20 result be declared?

The exact date is not yet confirmed. In past years, results have been announced a few months after the exam.

Can I carry books or commentary inside the exam hall?

No. Only Bare Acts (text without commentary) are permitted. Commentaries or reference books are banned.

What happens if I fail AIBE?

You may reapply for the next edition. Until you clear AIBE, you cannot get the Certificate of Practice, and thus can’t represent clients in court.

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