48% Students Prefer AIBE Exam in Open-Book Format, Reveals Shiksha Polls

Bar Council of India conducts the AIBE Exam in pen-and-paper mode. The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) was conducted in an open-book format until AIBE XVI (16), which took place in 2021. The BCI made this shift to ensure that aspirants have conceptual clarity rather than relying on books for answers.

48% Students Prefer AIBE Exam in Open-Book Format, Reveals Shiksha Polls

A recent survey conducted by Shiksha Polls has revealed that 48 per cent of law aspirants prefer the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to be conducted in an open-book format. The poll highlights growing concerns among candidates about the exam’s difficulty and the need for practical legal application rather than rote memorisation. 

The AIBE exam, conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI), tests candidates’ legal knowledge before granting them a certificate of practice. Until AIBE XVI, the exam followed an open-book format, but was later shifted to a closed-book structure. Many aspirants believe that an open-book system aligns better with real-life legal practice, where lawyers refer to legal texts and precedents.

Also Read: AIBE 19 Result 2024 (SOON) LIVE: XIX Result @allindiabarexamination.com, Qualifying Status & COP

Key Findings of the Poll:

• 48% Feel it will make the exam easier
• 20% Feel that the books should be allowed in the AIBE Exam Hall as before
• 17% Feel that it should not be made open-book to keep the competition equal
• 15% feel that current format is fine

Despite the growing demand, the BCI has not announced any changes to the AIBE format. However, experts suggest that a hybrid model, allowing reference to select legal resources, could be a balanced approach. The BCI conducts the AIBE to assess the legal knowledge and professional competence of law graduates before granting them the Certificate of Practice (COP).

Purpose of the AIBE Exam:

• Legal Practice Eligibility: It is a mandatory qualification for law graduates to practice in Indian courts.
• Assessment of Legal Knowledge: Tests candidates' understanding of legal principles, professional ethics, and case laws.
• Standardisation of Legal Profession: Ensures that only competent individuals enter the legal field.
• Certificate of Practice (COP): Those who pass the exam receive the COP, allowing them to practice as advocates in India.

AIBE 19 was conducted on December 22, 2024. The BCI published the AIBE 19 Final Answer Key on March 6, 2025. The BCI is expected to announce the AIBE 19 Result 2025 anytime soon.