In a significant development for law graduates across India, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has framed new rules that allow final-semester law students to appear for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) before graduation, subject to them passing their final exams. Additionally, the BCI has informed the Supreme Court of India that the AIBE will now be conducted twice a year, instead of the earlier once-a-year schedule.
New Rules Expand Eligibility and Exam Frequency
A Bench of the Supreme Court was hearing a writ petition by law students challenging earlier eligibility restrictions that barred final-semester students from taking the Bar exam. The petitioners argued that this restriction delayed legal careers and created unequal opportunities for students from different universities. During proceedings, the BCI’s counsel confirmed that the organisation has drafted the necessary regulatory changes — the BCI Rules 2026 — to address these concerns. The new rules state that:
- Final-semester law students may appear for the AIBE provided they successfully complete and pass their final LLB exams.
- The AIBE will be conducted at least twice annually, increasing opportunities for students and graduates to sit for the qualifying test.
The Supreme Court recorded these submissions and noted that the purpose of the underlying petition had been met, resulting in the disposal of the plea without requiring further intervention.
What This Means for Law Students?
The All India Bar Examination remains a mandatory qualifying test for law graduates who wish to obtain a Certificate of Practice and enrol as advocates in Indian courts. Under the revised rules:
- Final-semester students no longer have to wait until after graduation before appearing for the AIBE, provided they clear their final exams.
- The biannual schedule is expected to reduce waiting periods between exam cycles, allowing students to plan their transition into professional practice more effectively.
Experts say this move should help avoid unnecessary delays in the early stages of a legal career, especially in jurisdictions where university result schedules vary significantly.
Background of the Change
Earlier, a group of final-semester law students had filed a writ petition arguing that the Bar Council’s former eligibility criteria were arbitrary and contrary to constitutional principles of equality and professional opportunity. The Supreme Court had previously issued interim directions on similar matters and urged BCI to frame definitive rules.With the formal framing of the BCI Rules 2026 and the commitment to conduct the AIBE biannually, regulatory obstacles affecting law graduates have largely been resolved, according to legal analysts.