The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially commenced the registration process for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI (21), a mandatory examination for law graduates seeking to practice in India. The online application window for AIBE 2026 opened on February 11, 2026, on the official website allindiabarexamination.com.
AIBE is a qualifying exam for advocates enrolled with State Bar Councils. Clearing it grants the “Certificate of Practice,” allowing lawyers to appear and plead before courts and legal forums across the country. The exam focuses on fundamental legal knowledge, procedural codes, ethics, and professional standards, and is conducted in a pass/fail format without ranking.
AIBE 21 (2026) Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI |
| Conducting Body | Bar Council of India (BCI) |
| Purpose | Grant of Certificate of Practice to advocates |
| Eligibility | LL.B. graduates enrolled with a State Bar Council |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper (Offline) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Passing Marks | 40% for General (45% for some categories as per BCI rules) |
| Languages Available | 23 languages including English and Hindi |
| Official Website | allindiabarexamination.com |
AIBE 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must note the following schedule for AIBE XXI:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Registration | February 11, 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | April 30, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 1, 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | May 3, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | May 22, 2026 |
| AIBE XXI Exam Date | June 7, 2026 |
Also Read: IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Exam Date OUT
AIBE 21 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following conditions to apply for AIBE 2026:
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Educational Qualification: Must possess a 3-year LL.B. or 5-year integrated LL.B. degree from a BCI-recognized law institute/university.
- No Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age limit to appear for AIBE.
- Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
Note: Candidates appearing for the final year/semester of LL.B. are not eligible. Enrollment with a State Bar Council is mandatory before applying.
AIBE 2026 Application Fee
The examination fee is non-refundable and varies based on the category. Payment can be made online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | Rs. 3,500 |
| SC / ST | Rs. 2,500 |
| PwD | Rs. 2,500 |
How to Apply for AIBE XXI (2026)
The application process is completely online. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official AIBE website: allindiabarexamination.com
Step 2: Click on the ‘AIBE XXI Registration’ link.
Step 3: Register using a valid mobile number and email ID to generate login credentials.
Step 4: Log in and fill in the application form with personal, enrollment, and academic details.
Step 5: Upload scanned documents (Photograph, Signature, Advocate Enrollment Certificate, and Category Certificate if applicable) as per prescribed format and size.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online using the available payment modes.
Step 7: Review all details carefully, submit the form, and save/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important: The BCI advises candidates to verify all information before final submission, as corrections will only be allowed during the specified window.
Also Read: CPCT 2026 Registration Opens on February 9, Exam Scheduled for March 13–15
FAQs
Q1. What is AIBE 21?
AIBE 21 (All India Bar Examination XXI) is the 21st edition of the national-level qualifying exam conducted by the Bar Council of India. Passing it is mandatory for enrolled advocates to receive a Certificate of Practice.
Q2. When is the AIBE 2026 exam?
The AIBE XXI exam is scheduled to be held on June 7, 2026.
Q3. I have an LL.B. degree but am not enrolled with a State Bar Council. Can I apply?
No. Enrollment as an advocate with a State Bar Council is the primary eligibility criterion for AIBE.
Q4. Is there negative marking in AIBE?
No, there is no negative marking in the All India Bar Examination.
Q5. When will the admit card be released?
The admit card for AIBE XXI is expected to be available for download from the official website from May 22, 2026.
The post AIBE 21 Registration 2026 Begins: Check AIBE XX Steps, Dates and Eligibility Here first appeared on Karmasandhan.
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