AIBE exam will now be conducted twice a year, the Bar Council of India informed the Supreme Court. The council also confirmed that final semester law students will be allowed to appear for the All India Bar Examination, subject to eligibility conditions. As per the official update, AIBE 21 Exam 2026 will be held on 7 June 2026.
AIBE 21 Exam 2026 Important Dates
The Bar Council of India has announced the schedule for the upcoming AIBE 21 examination. Candidates will be required to complete the application process within the notified timeline.
- AIBE 21 application form 2026 starts: 11 February 2026
- Last date to apply: 30 April 2026
- AIBE 21 exam date: 7 June 2026
The application process will be conducted online as per the prescribed procedure.
AIBE to Be Conducted Twice a Year
The Bar Council of India informed a Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta that the AIBE will now be held at least twice every year instead of once annually. Following this submission, the Supreme Court disposed of the related plea, noting that the issues raised had been addressed.
The court recorded that AIBE Rules 2026 have already been framed by the BCI, covering the conduct of the examination and eligibility conditions.
Final Semester Law Students Allowed to Appear
As per the updated rules, final semester law students will be permitted to appear for the AIBE. However, this permission is strictly subject to clearing the final semester law examination. Candidates who fail to pass their final semester will not be considered eligible for enrolment.
This decision aims to save valuable time for law graduates. It will allow them to enrol as advocates and begin legal practice immediately after graduation, without waiting for the next AIBE cycle.
Background of the Supreme Court Plea
The plea was filed by final year law students of Delhi University. The petition challenged a previous BCI notification that barred students from appearing in the AIBE before completing graduation. The petitioners argued that the restriction caused unnecessary delays in professional enrolment.
The court observed that the purpose of the writ petition had been served, as the BCI has now permitted final semester students to appear and revised the examination frequency.
Importance of AIBE Qualification
Clearing the All India Bar Examination remains mandatory to practise law in Indian courts. Only candidates who pass the AIBE and fulfil enrolment requirements will be eligible to practise as advocates across India.