Difference Between AIBE and Judiciary Exams for Law Aspirants

The AIBE and Judiciary Exams might both come after law school, but honestly, they are super different. Not only in what they test, but also what they lead to. AIBE is kinda like your entry ticket to the real legal world. You have to clear it before you can even start representing people in court. Read further to know about AIBE vs Judiciary Exams.

AIBE Vs Judicial Services Exam

Law in India offers multiple career paths that allow you to not only argue cases in court, but also a chance to become a legal advisor, teach, or even become a judge. Two important milestones that young law graduates come across are the AIBE (All India Bar Exam) and the Judiciary Exams. While they both test your legal knowledge, they're not at all the same thing.

Let’s start with what the AIBE Exam is. This exam is conducted for law graduates who want to practice law in court. Once you pass the AIBE, you get a “Certificate of Practice,” and that gives you the license to appear in court as an advocate.

On the other hand, the Judiciary Exams are held by various State High Courts or State Public Service Commissions. These exams are for people who want to become judges in lower courts (entry-level civil judges). Recently, a major change has been announced regarding the Judicial Services Exam. The Supreme Court has made it clear that you now need at least 3 years of legal practice before you can apply for any judicial service exam in India.

So now the line between AIBE and judiciary exams isn’t just academic you must clear the AIBE and actually practice law before even thinking about becoming a judge. Read further to know more about both the exam.

What’s the difference between AIBE and Judiciary Exams?

Also Read: AIBE 20 Exam Date 2025: Upcoming All India Bar Exam 2025 Schedule, Latest Update

AIBE vs Judiciary Exam: Eligibility Criteria

Before deciding how want to pursue your career in law, it is best, to understand both exams eligibility crtieria.

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

AIBE Syllabus 2025

AIBE is not too tough, but knowing the AIBE Syllabus will help you to prepare well and improve your chances of clearing the AIBE Exam. 

Core Subjects in AIBE Exam:

Take a look at the complete AIBE Syllabus and weightage for each topic below for reference:

AIBE Exam Pattern

Candidates can check AIBE Exam Pattern below:

• Type of Paper: Objective (MCQs)
• of Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 100
• Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
• Pass Marks: 40 per cent for Gen, 35 per cent for SC/ST
• Negative Marking: Nope
• Open Book: No! But you can carry bare acts with short notes
• Mode: Offline (pen & paper based)
• Languages: Available in 20+ languages, including Hindi & English

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

Judiciary Exam Syllabus

This one’s more serious. If you’re aiming to be a judge, you’ll need a solid understanding of substantive law, procedural law, state laws, general knowledge, and even judgment writing.

Subjects Included:

1. Substantive Law:

• Constitution
• Contract Act
• Transfer of Property Act
• Specific Relief Act
• Indian Penal Code (IPC)
• Hindu & Muslim Laws

2. Procedural Law:

• Civil Procedure Code (CPC)
• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
• Evidence Act
• Limitation Act

3. Other Areas:

• Local State Laws (like Rent Control, Land Revenue, etc.)
• Essay Writing (legal + general)
• English Grammar & Translation
• General Knowledge / Current Affairs
• Computer Knowledge (some states ask this too)
• Judgment Writing (Different states may add/remove subjects based on their law system.)

Judiciary Exam Pattern

Almost every state follows this 3-stage structure, but the difficulty varies a LOT.

1. Prelims (Objective):

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Questions from GK, Constitution, IPC, CPC, CrPC, etc.
• Just qualifying — scores not added in final merit

2. Mains (Written/Descriptive):

• Long answers (no MCQs)
• Multiple papers like:

Civil Law Paper

Criminal Law Paper

Language Paper (Essay, Precis, Grammar)

• Judgment Writing

Marks from here are added in final merit

3. Interview / Viva:

• Personality check + legal knowledge test
• 25–100 marks depending on the state

 Also Read: AIBE 20 Notification 2025: Important Dates, Notification PDF, Exam Date, Registration

AIBE vs Judiciary Exam: Marking Scheme

AIBE Vs Judiciary Exam: Fees

Candidates must understand the AIBE Exam Fees and Judiciary Exam Fees before appearing for any of them.

Note: Judiciary fees depend on which state you apply in. The fee is a small part, but make sure you’re financially and mentally ready for a long prep process, especially for the judiciary.

Also Read: AIBE 20 (XX) 2025: Exam Date, Notification, Application Process, Exam Pattern & Syllabus

AIBE Vs Judiciary Exam: Preparation Tips

Candidates looking forward to appearing in the AIBE or Judiciary Exam are advised to check the preparation tips below:

AIBE Preparation Tips:

• Focus on bare acts, especially the Constitution, IPC, CPC, etc.
• Don’t ignore legal ethics and advocate conduct rules.
• Practice past years’ MCQs.
• Learn how to navigate your books quickly — it’s open book, not open brain!

Judiciary Exam Preparation Tips:

• Build strong conceptual clarity in procedural and substantive laws.
• Regularly write answers and judgments for practice.
• Stay updated with current affairs and legal developments.
• Use state-specific preparation material if applying for a particular High Court.

AIBE is something you can prep in 1-2 months. Judiciary needs commitment, maybe 1-2 years depending on your background.

Also Read: Landmark Judgements & Important Cases for AIBE 20 Preparation 2025

The AIBE and Judiciary Exams may both be post-law school exams, but they’re wildly different in goals and difficulty. AIBE is now your gateway to legal practice. You must pass it before starting in court. And if your goal is to become a judge, you now have to practice law for three years first, as ruled by the Supreme Court in 2025.

This means that every judge will now be someone who’s seen the courtroom from the advocate’s side a move that many believe will improve the overall quality of justice delivery in India. So if you’re stepping into law, start with AIBE. And if you're aiming for the bench, be ready for the long game.

Read More:

• AIBE 20 Books: Top 10 Topic-wise AIBE Preparation Books
• AIBE 20 Passing Marks 2025: Category-wise Qualifying marks, Factors effecting AIBE Cut-off