AIBE to Be Held Twice a Year; Final-Semester LLB Students Eligible, BCI Tells Supreme Court

By Team Indian Law Press / January 22, 2026

Supreme Court of India

In a major relief for law students across the country, the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) will now be conducted twice a year, and final-semester LL.B. students will be eligible to appear for the exam, the Bar Council of India (BCI) informed the Supreme Court.

AIBE to be Conducted Twice a Year

The development was recorded by a Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta while hearing a writ petition filed in 2024 seeking permission for final-semester law students to appear for the AIBE. Taking note of the BCI’s submission, the Court disposed of the plea.

BCI Frames New Rules

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the Bar Council of India submitted that the decision has been formalised through the BCI Rules, 2026.

Eligibility for Final Semester Students

Under the new framework, final-semester LL.B. students will be permitted to appear for the AIBE, subject to clearing their final university examinations.

The BCI also confirmed that the AIBE will now be conducted twice every year, addressing long-standing concerns regarding delays in professional enrolment.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Student Relief

The move follows a series of judicial interventions aimed at preventing academic and professional setbacks for law students.

2024 Direction of the Supreme Court

In September 2024, the Supreme Court directed the BCI to allow final-year LL.B. students to appear for the AIBE, observing that students should not be “left in the lurch” or forced to lose an entire year due to procedural restrictions.

Earlier Observations in 2023

On February 10, 2023, the apex court upheld the BCI’s authority to conduct the AIBE while endorsing the suggestion that final-semester students may be permitted to appear upon producing proof of eligibility.

Background of the Legal Challenge

The plea before the Supreme Court challenged a BCI notification that barred final-year LL.B. students from appearing in the AIBE.

Petitioners’ Argument

The petitioners argued that clearing the AIBE is mandatory for enrolment as advocates with State Bar Councils, and the restriction would cause unnecessary delay in beginning legal practice.

AIBE XXI (21) 2026 Schedule

Important Dates

Registration Begins: February 21, 2026
Last Date to Apply: April 30, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment: May 1, 2026
Correction Window Closes: May 3, 2026
Admit Card Release: From May 22, 2026
AIBE XXI Exam Date: June 7, 2026

Why This Matters

Passing the AIBE is mandatory for law graduates who wish to enrol as advocates and practice law in India. Allowing final-semester students to appear and conducting the exam twice a year will streamline the transition from law school to legal practice.