AIBE Alternative Dispute Redressal 2025: Important FAQs, Prep Tips, Syllabus, Important books

ADR is one of the most dynamic and practical subjects in the AIBE 20 syllabus. It reflects the legal system's shift toward efficient and amicable dispute settlement. With a structured strategy, proper understanding of bare acts, and regular practice of MCQs, you can easily score full marks in this section. Read further to know more.

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a mandatory certification test conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for law graduates seeking to practice law in Indian courts. AIBE 20 Exam will be held on 30 November 2025. The BCI has announced the AIBE Exam Dates 2025 online. 

Among the 19 subjects of the AIBE syllabus, Alternative Dispute Redressal is both practical and scoring. With courts facing case backlogs and delays, it has become preferred for dispute resolution in India.

Latest Update:

• [Soon] AIBE 20 Exam Analysis 2025 Live- Check Difficulty Level, Questions Paper, Review & Cutoff
• [PDF] AIBE 20 Answer Key 2025 Live: Provisional Answer Key Download Link @allindiabarexamination.com

AIBE 2025: Topic-wise AIBE 20 Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) Syllabus

Candidates can check the topic-wise breakdown of the AIBE 20 ADR syllabus to prepare for the AIBE exam below:

1. Arbitration (Sections 1 to 36 of Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996)

Meaning and Scope of Arbitration:

• Arbitration Agreement (Section 7).
• Composition of Arbitral Tribunal (Section 10 to 15).
• Jurisdiction of Arbitral Tribunal.
• Conduct of Arbitral Proceedings (Sections 18 to 27).
• Making of Arbitral Award (Section 31).
• Setting Aside Arbitral Award (Section 34).
• Finality and Enforcement (Sections 35 and 36).

Also Read: AIBE 20 Evidence Act 2025: 50 MCQs From Previous Year’s Question Paper, Prep Tips, Syllabus

2. Conciliation (Part III of the Act)

• Definition and Nature.
• Appointment of Conciliators.
• Role of Conciliator.
• Procedure for Conciliation.
• Settlement Agreement (Conciliation Award).

3. Mediation (Court-Referred Mediation)

• Concept and Scope of Mediation.
• Differences between Mediation, Conciliation, and Arbitration.
• Court-annexed Mediation (Section 89 of CPC).
• Role of Mediators.
• Voluntary and Compulsory Mediation.

Also Read: AIBE 20 Code of Civil Procedure Law 2025

4. Negotiation

• Basics of Negotiation in Dispute Resolution.
• Key Principles and Process.
• Types of Negotiation (Distributive vs. Integrative).

5. Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (LSA Act)

• Establishment of Legal Services Authorities.
• Functions of Lok Adalats.
• Permanent Lok Adalats.
• Free Legal Aid (Article 39-A of Constitution).

6. Section 89 of CPC (Civil Procedure Code)

• Statutory Provision for ADR Mechanisms.
• Reference of Cases by Courts to ADR.

Also Read: AIBE Vs Judicial Services Exam: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & More

How to prepare for AIBE 20 Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR)?

To score high in ADR, follow a smart and tested preparation strategy. Read below to get an idea on how you should complete the AIBE Preparation for ADR below:

Read the Bare Acts Thoroughly

• Focus on Sections 7 to 36 of the Arbitration Act.
• Learn key definitions and procedures.
• Use markers and sticky notes for major sections in your open-book material.

Also Read: Bare Acts for AIBE 20 (XX) Exam: Bare Acts, Preparation Tips, Mistakes to Avoid

Create Comparative Tables

• Make comparison charts between:
• Arbitration vs. Conciliation vs. Mediation
• Negotiation vs. Mediation
• Lok Adalat vs. Court-Annexed Mediation
• This helps in answering tricky MCQs that focus on distinctions.

Solve Past Year AIBE MCQs

• Attempt previous 5-year ADR questions.
• Look for repeating patterns, e.g., questions on Section 34, Lok Adalat, or role of conciliator.
• Practice mock papers under time pressure.

Also Read: 

• Last 15 years AIBE Question Papers With Answers free PDF Download
• AIBE Exam Mock Test 2025

Memorise Key Provisions & Terms

• Understand Section 89 CPC (court referral to ADR).
• Memorise terminology: arbitral tribunal, award, conciliator, mediator, negotiation techniques.
• Learn section numbers where possible.

Watch Online Videos / Attend Webinars

• Many legal education platforms offer free/paid AIBE video classes.
• Focus on practical examples and short case studies to solidify your understanding.

Also Read: Effective Preparation Strategies for AIBE 20: Tips and Tricks to Crack AIBE Exam

Best Books for AIBE 20 Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR)

Here is a carefully curated list of bare acts, guides, and practice AIBE books for ADR preparation:

Title	Author	Why Recommended
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Bare Act)	Universal/CLA	Must-have for open-book exam
Universal’s Guide to AIBE	LexisNexis/Universal Law	Covers all 19 subjects with solved MCQs
Alternative Dispute Resolution	Dr. Avtar Singh	Ideal for deeper conceptual understanding
MCQs on ADR for AIBE & Judiciary	Singhal’s	Practice-focused workbook for MCQs
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (Bare Act)	CLA/Universal	Lok Adalats & Legal Aid
AIBE Solved Papers with Explanations	LexisNexis / Bhardwaj	Understand ADR trends from past papers
AIBE Solved Papers with Explanations	LexisNexis / Bhardwaj	Understand ADR trends from past papers

Also Read: AIBE Vs Judicial Services Exam

Topics to Revise One Week Before AIBE

Candidates can check the checklist they should definitely go through before the exam below:

• Definition of Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation.
• Section 7: Arbitration Agreement.
• Section 34: Setting Aside an Award.
• Section 89 CPC.
• Lok Adalat under LSA Act.
• Differences between ADR methods.
• Enforcement of Award (Sec. 36).

Also Read: AIBE 20 Syllabus: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita VS Indian Penal Code

Candidates can check Multiple-Choice Questions and their correct answers on ADR based on the previous year AIBE question papers. These questions reflect the style, language, and focus areas of AIBE exams and are crucial for your AIBE 20 (2025) revision.

What is the minimum number of arbitrators permissible under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996?

a) One

b) Two

c) Three

d) Four

Correct Answer: a) One

Under which section of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act is “Arbitration Agreement” defined?

a) Section 6

b) Section 7

c) Section 8

d) Section 10

Correct Answer: b) Section 7

Also Read: AIBE 20 Code of Civil Procedure Law 2025

The award of the Lok Adalat is:

a) Not binding

b) Binding and enforceable as a court decree

c) Subject to appeal

d) Advisory in nature

Correct Answer: b) Binding and enforceable as a court decree

Who can be appointed as an arbitrator?

a) Only retired judges

b) Only advocates

c) Any independent and impartial person

d) Government officers only

Correct Answer: c) Any independent and impartial person

What is the time limit to file an application for setting aside an arbitral award?

a) 60 days

b) 30 days

c) 3 months

d) 6 months

Correct Answer: c) 3 months

What is the role of a conciliator?

a) Act like a judge

b) Pass binding awards

c) Facilitate settlement

d) Record witness statements

Correct Answer: c) Facilitate settlement

Which section deals with the finality and enforcement of arbitral awards?

a) Section 32

b) Section 33

c) Section 35 & 36

d) Section 28

Correct Answer: c) Section 35 & 36

Which of the following is not a method of ADR?

a) Mediation

b) Conciliation

c) Arbitration

d) Appeal

Correct Answer: d) Appeal

Can a party appeal against an award of Lok Adalat?

a) Yes, in High Court

b) Yes, in Supreme Court

c) No, unless fraud or coercion is proved

d) Always

Correct Answer: c) No, unless fraud or coercion is proved

Also Read: How to fill AIBE XX (20) Application Form 2025

Under which Act is Permanent Lok Adalat constituted?

a) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

b) Civil Procedure Code

c) Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

d) Indian Penal Code

Correct Answer: c) Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

Section 89 of the CPC provides for:

a) Bail and bonds

b) Execution of decrees

c) Reference of disputes to ADR

d) Amendment of pleadings

Correct Answer: c) Reference of disputes to ADR

Also Read: AIBE 20 (XX) 2025: परीक्षा तिथि, पंजीकरण, कार्यक्रम, परीक्षा पैटर्न और पाठ्यक्रम

What is the nature of an arbitral award?

a) Recommendation

b) Interim order

c) Binding decision

d) Non-binding advice

Correct Answer: c) Binding decision

Which of the following is a voluntary ADR process?

a) Mediation

b) Litigation

c) Tribunal

d) Appeal

Correct Answer: a) Mediation

Mediation typically involves:

a) A judge issuing orders

b) Cross-examination of witnesses

c) A neutral third party facilitating communication

d) Public hearings

Correct Answer: c) A neutral third party facilitating communication

Which of the following is true about arbitration?

a) Arbitrator gives legal advice

b) Award is not enforceable

c) Parties are bound by the arbitrator's decision

d) It is conducted in open court

Correct Answer: c) Parties are bound by the arbitrator's decision

Also Read: AIBE Previous Year Question Papers (GUJARATI) with Answers: Download For Free

Can criminal matters be referred to arbitration?

a) Yes

b) No

c) Only if parties consent

d) Only in High Court

Correct Answer: b) No

An arbitration agreement must be:

a) Oral

b) Written

c) Implied

d) Not necessary

Correct Answer: b) Written

Conciliation differs from arbitration in that:

a) Conciliator gives judgment

b) Conciliator assists parties in settlement

c) Conciliator has powers of court

d) Conciliator can pass interim orders

Correct Answer: b) Conciliator assists parties in settlement

Also Read: AIBE 20 Constitutional Law 2025: Key Topics, Preparation Tips, Governing Bodies

The person conducting mediation is called:

a) Arbitrator

b) Judge

c) Mediator

d) Advisor

Correct Answer: c) Mediator

Legal Aid and Lok Adalats are provided under:

a) Indian Evidence Act

b) Arbitration Act

c) Legal Services Authorities Act

d) CPC

Correct Answer: c) Legal Services Authorities Act

What is a Permanent Lok Adalat?

a) Regular court

b) Informal committee

c) Quasi-judicial body for pre-litigation disputes

d) Legal advisory board

Correct Answer: c) Quasi-judicial body for pre-litigation disputes

In conciliation, if parties reach agreement, the outcome is:

a) Arbitral award

b) Mediation settlement

c) Conciliation settlement agreement

d) Court decree

Correct Answer: c) Conciliation settlement agreement

Also Read: Family Law for AIBE

Under Section 89 CPC, court may refer matter to:

a) High Court

b) Civil Court

c) ADR mechanism

d) Criminal Court

Correct Answer: c) ADR mechanism

Negotiation in ADR is:

a) Binding

b) Conducted by a judge

c) Informal discussion between parties

d) Governed by Supreme Court

Correct Answer: c) Informal discussion between parties

Who appoints arbitrators if parties fail to do so?

a) Chief Justice of India

b) President of India

c) Court

d) Parliament

Correct Answer: c) Court (under Section 11)

Arbitration award must be:

a) Oral

b) Secret

c) In writing

d) Telephonic

Correct Answer: c) In writing

Is arbitration confidential?

a) No

b) Yes, unless otherwise agreed

c) Always public

d) Only if ordered by court

Correct Answer: b) Yes, unless otherwise agreed

Also Read: AIBE (20) 2025 Exam Fees: Check Category-wise AIBE Application Fee

What happens if a party does not cooperate in arbitration?

a) Arbitration is cancelled

b) Court steps in

c) Arbitrator may continue ex-parte

d) No decision is taken

Correct Answer: c) Arbitrator may continue ex-parte

Which of the following disputes is generally not arbitrable?

a) Commercial disputes

b) Partnership disputes

c) Family disputes like divorce

d) Construction disputes

Correct Answer: c) Family disputes like divorce

The Arbitration and Conciliation Act was enacted in:

a) 1956

b) 1987

c) 1996

d) 2005

Correct Answer: c) 1996

ADR is one of the most dynamic and practical subjects in the AIBE 20 syllabus. It reflects the legal system's shift toward efficient and amicable dispute settlement. With a structured strategy, proper understanding of bare acts, and regular practice of MCQs, you can easily score full marks in this section.

Read More:

• Topics for AIBE
• Lowest Weightage Topics for AIBE Syllabus: No. of Questions, Best Books & More