AIBE Exam: Bar Council Of India Releases Important Notification Regarding All India Bar Examination, Check Details

In a major relief to many law students the BCI has come up with a new rule that allows the candidates to clear the All India Bar Examination within the three years of graduation. The decision, announced through an official notification issued allows fresh law graduates to continue practicing in courts without having to immediately clear the AIBE, which is mandatory for obtaining a Certificate of Practice. Read further to know more.

AIBE Exam: Bar Council Of India Releases Important Notification Regarding All India Bar Examination, Check Details

AIBE Exam: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has extended the deadline to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) by one more year. The decision, announced through an official notification issued allows fresh law graduates to continue practicing in courts without having to immediately clear the AIBE, which is mandatory for obtaining a Certificate of Practice.

Extension Applies to 2023-24 Law Graduates

The move aims to benefit the batch of advocates who graduated in 2023–24 and are facing time constraints or logistical challenges in appearing for the AIBE within the earlier stipulated timeline. Previously, newly enrolled advocates were required to pass the AIBE within two years of enrollment, failing which they would be barred from practicing until the exam was cleared. With the new extension, this period has been relaxed to three years.

The BCI stated that the decision was taken given persistent disruptions caused by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, university delays in issuing law degrees, and increased burden on examination centers. Several state bar councils and law graduate associations had made representations to the BCI requesting more time for AIBE compliance, citing administrative and practical difficulties.

“The Council has taken a considerate view of the hardships faced by new advocates. The extension aims to ensure that no young lawyer is unduly prevented from continuing legal practice solely due to procedural delays,” the BCI stated.

What This Means for New Lawyers

With this relaxation, law graduates enrolled with their respective State Bar Councils will now have up to three years to successfully pass the AIBE. During this period, they can continue practicing law and appear in court proceedings. However, the Certificate of Practice will still only be issued upon passing the exam. Advocates who fail to clear the AIBE within the extended deadline will face temporary suspension from practice until they clear the exam.

Positive Response from Legal Community

The extension has been welcomed by young lawyers, legal aid organisations, and academic institutions. Many have called it a progressive step that acknowledges the evolving challenges faced by legal professionals in their formative years.

“Many young advocates come from non-metropolitan areas where access to preparatory resources and exam centers is limited. This extension gives them a fair chance to settle into practice and prepare adequately,” said Advocate Renu Sharma, a member of the Delhi Bar Council.