Introduction
Reviewed by Rajni Bala, Assistant Professor of Law | Academic Review Panel
Last Updated: February 20, 2026
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially announced that AIBE XXI registration begins on February 11, 2026, and the examination will be conducted on June 7, 2026.
Every year, thousands of law graduates apply for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). However, many applicants do not clearly understand the eligibility rules laid down by the Bar Council of India (BCI). As a result, this confusion often leads to application rejection, document issues, or disqualification during verification.
AIBE is not an entrance exam. Instead, it is a certification exam that grants the Certificate of Practice (CoP) to law graduates, allowing them to practice law in Indian courts.
Therefore, this guide provides a verified, updated, and simplified explanation of AIBE 2026 eligibility as per BCI rules and the latest official notification for AIBE XXI.
What is AIBE and Who Conducts It?
AIBE is conducted by the Bar Council of India to assess whether a law graduate possesses the minimum knowledge required to practice law.
After clearing AIBE, candidates receive the Certificate of Practice, which is mandatory for appearing in courts across India. Your can read detailed and complete guidance of AIBE Exam on Lawsection.in’ s official “AIBE Full Guide” hub page.
Official Authority: Bar Council of India
AIBE XXI (2026) Important Dates
- Registration Begins: February 11, 2026
- Exam Date: June 7, 2026
- Conducting Body: Bar Council of India
Candidates must complete registration within the official deadline announced by BCI on the AIBE portal. Therefore, applicants should regularly check the official website for updates.
Who is eligible to appear for AIBE 2026?
Any law graduate (3-year LL.B or 5-year integrated LL.B) who is enrolled with a State Bar Council and holds a valid enrollment certificate is eligible to appear for AIBE.
Primary Eligibility Criteria for AIBE 2026
To appear in AIBE, a candidate must satisfy all the following conditions:
1. Law Degree (LL.B)
Candidate must have completed either:
- 3-Year LL.B after graduation
or - 5-Year Integrated LL.B after Class 12
Additionally, the university must be recognized by the Bar Council of India.
2. Enrollment with State Bar Council (Mandatory)
This is the most important eligibility condition.
Before applying for AIBE, the candidate must be enrolled as an Advocate with any State Bar Council in India.
Without enrolment number → You cannot apply for AIBE.
3. Enrolment Certificate / Advocate ID
Candidate must possess:
- State Bar Council Enrollment Certificate
- Enrollment Number
- Advocate Identity proof (as issued by State Bar Council)
4. No Age Limit
BCI has not prescribed any upper or lower age limit for appearing in AIBE. Therefore, candidates of any age can apply once they meet other eligibility conditions.
5. Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for AIBE. Hence, candidates can reappear until they qualify.
Can Final-Year LL.B Students Apply for AIBE?
As per the latest eligibility framework informed by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to the Supreme Court, final-semester LL.B students are now eligible to appear for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) — provided they satisfy specific conditions:
- Final-year (final semester) LL.B students are permitted to apply and sit for AIBE before graduating.
- This eligibility is subject to them clearing their final semester/examinations before AIBE results and practice enrollment.
- BCI has framed rules (2026) to allow this option and the Supreme Court recorded this submission during a recent hearing.
Documents Required for AIBE Application
Candidates must keep the following documents ready:
- LL.B Degree / Provisional Certificate
- State Bar Council Enrollment Certificate
- Enrollment Number
- Photo ID proof
- Passport size photograph & signature
Why State Bar Council Enrolment is Mandatory?
As per BCI rules, AIBE is meant only for enrolled advocates. The purpose of AIBE is to test whether an enrolled advocate is fit to practice law.
Therefore, enrolment is a pre-condition, is not optional.
AIBE Eligibility for Foreign Law Graduates
Candidates who obtained LL.B from a foreign university must:
- Get their degree recognized by BCI
- Complete required equivalency process
- Enroll with State Bar Council
Only then they can apply for AIBE.
Common Mistakes That Lead to AIBE Rejection
- Applying without enrolment
- Incorrect enrolment number
- Degree from non-BCI approved college
- Uploading wrong or Incomplete documents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for AIBE without State Bar Council enrollment?
No. Enrollment is mandatory.
2. Is there any age limit for AIBE?
No age limit prescribed by BCI.
3. Can final year LL.B students apply for AIBE?
Yes — Final-year LL.B students can now appear for AIBE. However, they must clear their degree and later complete State Bar Council enrolment) before their Certificate of Practice can be issued.
4. How many attempts are allowed?
Unlimited attempts until you pass.
5. Is AIBE compulsory to practice law in India?
Yes. Without AIBE clearance, you cannot get Certificate of Practice.
Final Conclusion
With AIBE XXI registration starting from February 11, 2026, and the exam scheduled for June 7, 2026, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Overall, AIBE eligibility is straightforward but strictly enforced. The key requirement is State Bar Council enrollment after completing LL.B. Once enrolled, candidates can apply for AIBE any number of times until they qualify.
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Our editorial team curates these guides after reviewing official exam notifications, admission updates, and verified education sources to help law aspirants make informed decisions. Always cross-check final dates and rules from the official notification of the concerned year.
This content is prepared after reviewing:
- Official AIBE notifications issued by the Bar Council of India
- Enrollment rules of various State Bar Councils
- Historical AIBE eligibility guidelines followed in previous years
Candidates must always verify final notices from the official BCI website before applying.