The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced that registration for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 21 (XXI) 2026 will begin on 11 February 2026. Aspirants aiming to appear for the AIBE 21 exam must visit the official portal allindiabarexamination.com to complete the online registration process within the stipulated dates. This certification exam is a mandatory qualifying test for law graduates seeking the Certificate of Practice (CoP), which enables them to practice law in Indian courts.
AIBE 21 Registration and Important Dates 2026
The registration window for the All India Bar Examination XXI opens on 11 February 2026 and will remain active until 30 April 2026. Candidates are required to complete the registration process and payment of the application fee before the deadline. Admission tickets for the exam will be issued only to those who finish registration correctly. Here are the key dates related to the AIBE 21 cycle:
- Registration starts: 11 February 2026
- Last date to apply: 30 April 2026
- Application fee payment deadline: 01 May 2026
- Form correction window: Early May 2026
- Admit card release: 22 May 2026
- AIBE 21 exam day: 07 June 2026
Candidates must ensure they complete the application process within the timeline, as late submissions are not accepted.
Who Can Apply for AIBE 21 2026?
To be eligible for the AIBE 21 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria set by the Bar Council of India:
- Educational qualification: Must have passed a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB degree from a university recognised by the BCI. Final-year students can also apply provided they do not have any backlogs.
- State Bar Council enrolment: Applicants are typically required to enrol with a State Bar Council, though those without enrollment or those who have surrendered their enrollment certificates may still register and appear in the exam, subject to conditions.
- Age limit: There is no age limit to register for the AIBE 21 exam.
- Attempt limit: There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make.
The test assesses a candidate’s basic knowledge of law and understanding of professional ethics required to practice as an advocate.
How to Register for AIBE 21 2026?
Candidates intending to sit for the AIBE 21 exam must follow these steps once registration opens:
- Visit allindiabarexamination.com.
- Click on the AIBE 21 registration link.
- Fill in personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload required documents such as educational certificates and identity proof.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form before the deadline.
Correct and timely submission is essential, as incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
What Happens After Registration?
After successful registration, candidates will be able to download their AIBE 21 admit card from the official portal once it is released, usually a few weeks before the exam. The All India Bar Examination XXI is typically held in an offline, pen-and-paper mode and covers multiple choice questions across core law subjects. Candidates who successfully clear the exam will be eligible to obtain a Certificate of Practice (CoP)—a mandatory qualification for advocating in Indian courts.