The Bar Council of India (BCI) has confirmed that the All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI) will be conducted in June 2026. For Indian nationals holding foreign law degrees, a separate qualifying exam is scheduled between December 15–20, 2025. This announcement clarifies the timeline for law graduates seeking enrolment and practice rights in India, particularly those completing foreign legal education and bridge courses mandated by the BCI.
Separate Exam for Foreign Law Graduates
The BCI informed the Delhi High Court that candidates with foreign law qualifications must clear a separate qualifying examination in December 2025. This is in line with the council’s policy to ensure that foreign-educated candidates meet Indian legal standards before practising. The court case arose from a petition by a law graduate who completed the BCI bridge course, seeking early permission to appear for AIBE XXI without taking the additional exam. The petitioner argued that the separate qualifying test undermines the bridge course’s purpose.
Timeline and Registration Details
Justice Sachin Datta highlighted that the current timetable may result in candidates waiting almost a year to take the main AIBE. In response, the BCI clarified:
- Candidates with provisional registration from the relevant State Bar Council have two years to clear AIBE XXI.
- Candidates may begin practising law in the interim period, even before clearing the exam.
This timeline ensures that law graduates, including foreign-educated candidates, are not unduly delayed in starting their legal careers.
What Candidates Should Know?
The AIBE is a mandatory qualifying test for law graduates to practise in India. The June 2026 AIBE XXI will cover:
- Professional ethics
- Legal aptitude
- Civil and criminal laws
- Constitutional law
For foreign law graduates, the December 2025 qualifying exam will assess knowledge aligned with Indian legal frameworks, bridging gaps from international curricula. Candidates planning to appear for either exam are advised to:
- Complete all registration formalities on the BCI portal.
- Review the bridge course syllabus if holding a foreign law degree.
- Keep track of admit card release dates and exam centres.
The BCI’s structured timeline aims to balance standardisation and candidate convenience, ensuring that all aspirants meet eligibility requirements without delaying professional practice. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
