
The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI (21) is a certification exam mandatory for practicing law in Indian courts. The Bar Council of India (BCI) will conduct the AIBE XXI Examination on June 7, 2026. The AIBE 21 Exam Dates 2026 were announced in the official notification. The AIBE 21 Notification also carried important information like exam schedule, fee structure, exam pattern, etc.
The online registration for AIBE 21 will begin on February 11, 2026. Candidates must note that the last date to fill the AIBE 21 Application Form 2026 is on or before April 30, 2026. Candidates who are planning to give the AIBE 21 must understand the AIBE exam pattern 2026.
The AIBE 21 Exam Pattern 2026 provides for the structure and format of exam including, the mode of AIBE exam, the marking scheme, language options, and other details. The AIBE exam used to be conducted as an open-book exam, but AIBE 16 session onwards, only Bare Acts without short notes are allowed. As per the AIBE exam paper pattern there will be 100 multiple choice questions. Read the complete article to know about the details regarding the AIBE paper pattern, such as types of questions, number of questions asked, marking schemes, etc.
Also Read: Family Law for AIBE
- AIBE 21 (XXI) Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
- AIBE XXI (21) 2026 Exam Pattern
- AIBE 21 (XXI) Marking Scheme 2026
- AIBE 21 (XXI) Preparation Tips 2026
- AIBE 2026 Qualifier's Preparation Strategy
- AIBE 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
AIBE 21 (XXI) Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
The exam paper pattern gives candidates all details like mode, total number of questions, marking scheme and duration of the paper. Check highlights about the AIBE 21 exam pattern below
| AIBE Exam Features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the exam |
AIBE qualification is considered as a minimum benchmark for the practice of law. |
| Difficulty level |
MODERATE.
|
| Skills tested |
|
| Exam mode |
Offline, pen-and-paper exam |
| Exam type |
Certification exam
|
| Exam duration |
3 hours (20 minutes extra provided to candidates with more than 50% disability) |
| Subjects |
19 law subjects |
| Total questions |
100 questions |
| Type of questions |
MCQs |
| Marking Scheme |
One mark per question No negative marking in case of wrong attempts |
| Language options |
The candidate can choose from any of the following language options:
|
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
AIBE Exam difficulty level is generally moderate. However, it totally depends on the individual's preparation. Candidates must prepare well for the exam to clear it in first go. Candidates must check the pattern before starting preparation for AIBE Exam.
The AIBE 2026 will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode. The exam will be held for three hours thirty minutes. There will be 100 MCQs. Candidates must note that the question paper will be from 19 subjects and there is no negative marking. Candidates will be allowed to carry bare acts without notes.
The AIBE Exam will be held for three hours and thirty minutes. Candidates must note that there is no negative marking in the exam.
AIBE XXI (21) 2026 Exam Pattern
According to AIBE 21 syllabus, there are 19 topics (law) from which questions will be framed in the certification exam. Note that the weightage carried by these topics is unequal. For example, Constitutional Law will contribute 10 questions (or 10% weightage), whereas topics like Intellectual Property Law will only contribute only 2 questions. This means the candidate mustn't spend disproportionate time preparing for topics with little weightage but use their preparation time judiciously. As per the revised AIBE Exam Pattern, AIBE is not an open-book exam. As per the new exam pattern, candidates are allowed to carry Bare Acts without notes.
| AIBE Subjects |
No. of Questions per Subject |
|---|---|
| 10 |
|
| AIBE Indian Penal Code |
8 |
| AIBE Criminal Procedure Code |
10 |
| AIBE Code of Civil Procedure |
10 |
| AIBE Evidence Act |
8 |
| AIBE Alternate Dispute Redressal Including Arbitration Act |
4 |
| AIBE Family Law |
8 |
| AIBE Public Interest Litigation |
4 |
| AIBE Administrative Law |
3 |
| AIBE Professional Ethics and Cases of Professional Misconduct under BCI Rules |
4 |
| AIBE Company Law |
2 |
| AIBE Environmental Law |
2 |
| AIBE Cyber Law |
2 |
| AIBE Labour and Industrial Laws |
4 |
| AIBE Law of Tort including Motor Vehicles Act and Consumer Protection Law |
5 |
| AIBE Law of Contract, Specific Relief, Property Laws, Negotiable Instrument Act |
8 |
| AIBE Law-Related Taxation |
4 |
| AIBE Land Acquisition Act |
2 |
| 2 |
|
| Total |
100 |
Commonly asked questions
The best books for the All India Bar Examination as suggested by experts are Bare Acts, All India Bar Examination's previous years solved papers, commentaries, and short notes on case laws. Books:
1- Guide to All India Bar Examination by Universal
2- Sure Success AIBE & JCJ by DV Rao
3- All India Bar Examination Guide by Shambhu Prasad Choudhary
4- The Constitution of India Bare ACT with short notes by Universal
For more details, you may visit the Shiksha AIBE exam page
You can check the AIBE syllabus on the official Bar Council of India (BCI) website, allindiabarexamination.com, where they release the PDF, or on educational portals like Shiksha that provide direct download links and subject-wise weightage for subjects like Constitutional Law, IPC, CPC, and Evidence Act.
AIBE 21 (XXI) Marking Scheme 2026
There is no negative marking in the exam. But one mark is given for every correct answer. In case you leave any questions unanswered, nothing will be deducted.
AIBE Marking Scheme 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Negative Marking | No |
| Number of questions | 100 |
| Marks per question | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
Also Read: AIBE Qualifying Marks
Commonly asked questions
Yes you can appear for the All India Bar Examination even if you have not fully completed your syllabus. But only if you are a final year student with no backlogs. You can also appear if you have passed but are waiting your degree.
No, there is no negative marking in the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). For each correct answer, one marks will be given. But for wrong or unattempted question no marks will be deducted.
Candidates should give equal time to all the chapters and topics given in the syllabus. Candidates can also practice the syllabus and mock test. Applicants have to start preparing the topics with high weightage, followed by other topics.
AIBE 21 (XXI) Preparation Tips 2026
To prepare efficiently for AIBE 2026 candidates must follow a good study plan. Some of the other tips & tricks to keep in mind while preparing for AIBE include
- Checking the syllabus and AIBE 21 exam pattern 2026 thoroughly
- Choosing limited but the right study material and books for AIBE
- Do not forget Bare Acts; it forms the most part of AIBE exam preparation
- Prepare a well-thought-out study plan and adhere to it strictly
- Attempt as many past year AIBE question papers and sample papers as possible
- Keep a track of all the recent important law cases and judgements
Commonly asked questions
To qualify for the AIBE exam in 2026, general/OBC candidates typically need to secure at least 40% to 45% of the total 100 marks. Candidates from SC/ST/PwD categories require a minimum of 35% to 40%, though exact cutoffs can slightly vary by session.
The AIBE exam includes 100 objective-type, multiple-choice questions on 19 subjects. The exam is split into Category-I and Category-II (allied, low-weightage) areas. Key sections include Constitutional Law, IPC/BNS, CrPC/BNSS, CPC, Evidence Act/BSA, Family Law, Professional Ethics, and Environmental Law.
AIBE 2026 Qualifier's Preparation Strategy
Knowing how the previous years' AIBE exam qualifiers had prepared for the paper helps a great way. Click on the links below to know the AIBE preparation strategy of previous years' exam qualifiers:
Commonly asked questions
No. As per the BCI rules, candidates can not practice in the court of law until they have a certificate of practice. The CoP will be issued only to those who clear the AIBE Exam.
While filling the AIBE Application Form, candidates will have an option to select the language they wish to appear in. The AIBE Exam will be held in 23 languages, including English. Candidates can select the language as per their choice before the application process is over.
For the AIBE exam, the best books are bare acts (without comments) for core subjects like the new BNS, BNSS, BSA, CPC, and others, alongside comprehensive guides like Universal's or Taxmann's publications, and subject-specific texts like Durga Das Basu for the Constitution or C.K. Takwani for CPC, focusing on recent editions with the latest legal changes.
AIBE 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates can check important AIBE 21 Frequently Asked Questions below
The AIBE syllabus is considered moderate in difficulty, focusing on fundamental legal concepts rather than complex, specialised knowledge. However, since it is no more the open-book exam, candidates have huge syllabus to cover.
If you have topped while pursuing law there is still some chance. But if you were an average student who have not prepared even once for the exam, it is next to impossible to prepare for the exam in one month.
The Bar Council of India conducts the All India Bar Examination. The exam is held to award the Certificate of Practice to law graduates. The BCI handles all aspects of the exam, including the syllabus, exam pattern, and registration, which is available on allindiabarexamination.com.
AIBE Exam
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
You can find it on many platforms, such as Lawprep Tutorial and Shiksha itself, but I'm a Law Prep student, and I found their format of solutions better.
P
Beginner-Level 1
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can raise objection on AIBE Answer Key. Based on the objections received, the AIBE Final Answer Key will be released. The AIBE Result is declared based on the final answer key.
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
There is no negative marking in the exam. But one mark is given for every correct answer. In case you leave any questions unanswered, nothing will be deducted.
AIBE Marking Scheme 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Negative Marking | No |
| Number of questions | 100 |
| Marks per question | 1 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
The AIBE provisional answer key will be released soon after the exam. It will be published on allindiabarexamination.com. The objection window will open thereafter for candidates to challenge discrepancies.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Candidates who will successfully pass the AIBE exam will be issued the CoP by BCI. The qualified candidates will have to collect their Certificate of Practice from their respective State Bar Councils. It is a mandatory document to practice Law in India.
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No, you cannot submit challenges against the AIBE answer key offline. Objections must be submitted online only through the official website, allindiabarexamination.com.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No, you cannot email objections for the AIBE answer key to the Bar Council of India. Objections must be submitted online through the AIBE PORTAL by logging in with your credentials, paying the required fee of INR 500 per question, and uploading supporting documentation.
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
AIBE Exam is held in 22 languages, including English. So, the question paper will be in the language choosen by the candidate while filling the application form.
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
If you don't get your chosen AIBE test city, the BCI gives you the next the nearest center that has space left. The details will show on your hall ticket, so check it carefully.
You have to go to the center that's given to you, since changing it later is mostly not allowed. The exam is important and
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students appearing for the AIBE exam must carry a coloured copy of the AIBE admit card. They must paste a recent coloured passport size photograph on the admit card. They must also carry a blue or black ball point pen to the exam centre. They must not carry any other stationery item to the AIBE test
P
Contributor-Level 8
1 Institutes accepting AIBE
Karnataka State Law University
Hubli • Public
- ₹ 31,200
- 3 years
- |
- Full Time
Registration - 11 Feb '26 - 30 Apr '26
From where can I download CLAT Previous Year Papers?