Introduction
Reviewed by Rajni Bala, Assistant Professor of Law | Academic Review Panel
Last Updated: February 20, 2026
AIBE XXI registration begins February 11, 2026, and the examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 7, 2026, as officially announced by the Bar Council of India.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) conducts the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to assess whether a law graduate is eligible to practice as an advocate in India. Understanding the latest AIBE Exam Pattern 2026 is crucial because the examination follows a unique open-book format. . Unlike most competitive exams, AIBE focuses more on practical application rather than rote memorisation. Therefore, knowing the exact structure in advance gives candidates a clear advantage.
This guide explains the exact paper structure, marking scheme, subjects, duration, qualifying marks, and open book rules as prescribed by BCI.
If you are appearing for AIBE after enrolment with your State Bar Council, this page gives you the complete blueprint of the paper.
Official Authority for AIBE Exam Pattern
The Bar Council of India officially prescribes and updates the AIBE exam pattern on the official portal. As per the latest notification, AIBE XXI registration starts from February 11, 2026, and the examination will be held on June 7, 2026.
Official Website: http://www.allindiabarexamination.com
AIBE Exam Pattern 2026 – At a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Nature of Exam | Open Book Examination |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Registration Start Date | February 11, 2026 |
| Exam Date | June 7, 2026 |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Language Options | 11 Regional Languages + English |
| Qualifying Nature | Pass/Fail (No Rank) |
What Does “Open Book Exam” Mean in AIBE?
AIBE is not a memory-based exam. BCI allows candidates to carry:
- Bare Acts (without handwritten notes)
- Printed study material
- Notes without written commentary
This tests your ability to find the correct law quickly rather than memorising sections. In other words, the exam evaluates your practical understanding of Bare Acts. Therefore, familiarity with indexing and structure becomes extremely important.
Important Note: Handwritten notes inside Bare Acts are not allowed.
Marking Scheme of AIBE 2026
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Wrong Answer | 0 Mark |
| Unattempted | 0 Mark |
There is no negative marking, making smart attempt strategy important.
Subject Distribution in AIBE Paper
The questions are asked from core law subjects studied during LL.B.
| Subject | Weightage (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 10 |
| Indian Penal Code | 8 |
| Criminal Procedure Code | 10 |
| Civil Procedure Code | 10 |
| Evidence Act | 8 |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution | 4 |
| Family Law | 8 |
| Public Interest Litigation | 4 |
| Administrative Law | 3 |
| Professional Ethics & Cases | 4 |
| Company Law | 2 |
| Environmental Law | 2 |
| Cyber Law | 2 |
| Labour Law | 4 |
| Law of Tort | 5 |
| Miscellaneous | Remaining |
These subjects align with BCI’s prescribed LL.B curriculum.
Time Duration & Strategy
- Total Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
- 100 MCQs → Approx 2 minutes per question
Since the examination follows an open-book format, time management becomes critical. Although candidates can refer to Bare Acts, they must know exactly where each provision is located. Otherwise, valuable minutes may be lost.
Qualifying Marks in AIBE
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | 45 Marks out of 100 |
| SC / ST | 40 Marks out of 100 |
The Bar Council of India prescribes this qualifying criteria.
Languages Available in AIBE
BCI conducts AIBE in multiple languages, including:
English, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Assamese.
OMR Based Offline Examination
BCI conducts the examination in pen-paper mode using an OMR sheet. Candidates must carefully fill bubbles using a black/blue ball pen.
Important Rules You Must Remember
- No electronic devices allowed
- Only printed Bare Acts permitted
- No handwritten material
- Reach centre 1 hour early
- Carry enrolment certificate and admit card
Why Understanding Exam Pattern is Crucial for AIBE Success?
Unlike other competitive examinations, AIBE primarily checks practical readiness for legal practice. Specifically, it evaluates:
- Practical application of law
- Ability to locate provisions quickly
- Understanding of Bare Acts
- Basic professional legal knowledge
Therefore, candidates must focus on clarity of concepts rather than excessive theory reading. If you understand the pattern, AIBE becomes one of the easiest law examinations to clear.
Related Pages You Should Explore
If you are preparing for UGC NET Law 2026, these selected guides on Law section are designed to enhance your preparation, improve your understanding of related exams, and provide clear direction for your legal career. These pages are thoughtfully interlinked to show how various law exams, certifications, and higher study options are connected.
- Law Exams Hub – Complete guide to all major law entrance and eligibility exams in India.
- UGC NET Law Main Page – Eligibility, exam dates, application process, and preparation roadmap.
- AIBE Exam Guide – Understand how AIBE certification is mandatory after LL.B for law practice in India.
- Study Law Abroad – Explore LL.M and Ph.D. in Law options abroad after qualifying UGC NET/JRF.
Final Conclusion
The AIBE Exam Pattern 2026, with registration beginning on February 11 and the examination scheduled for June 7, 2026, is designed to ensure that every enrolled advocate possesses minimum practical legal knowledge before starting practice. With an open-book format, no negative marking, and straightforward MCQs, success depends more on Bare Act familiarity and time management than rote learning.
Always follow updates published by the Bar Council of India on the official AIBE portal.
Official References & Citations
- Bar Council of India – AIBE Guidelines
http://www.allindiabarexamination.com - Advocates Act, 1961 – Certificate of Practice requirement
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