Major Relief for Law Students: Final-Year Students Can Appear for AIBE, Exam to Be Held Twice a Year
In a significant development, the Bar Council of India informed the Supreme Court today that it has formally notified the BCI Rules, 2026, introducing two crucial changes to the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
Key changes announced:
1. Final-Year Eligibility
Final semester law students will now be permitted to appear for the AIBE, subject to clearing their final university examinations. This ends long-standing uncertainty for graduating students who earlier had to wait for their degree results before registering.
2. Increased Frequency
The AIBE will now be conducted at least twice a year, reducing delays in enrolment and commencement of legal practice.
The submission was made before a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, leading to the closure of a writ petition filed in 2024.
The move is in line with the Constitution Bench ruling in Bar Council of India v. Bonnie Foi Law College, which had recommended allowing students to appear for the examination before graduation to avoid loss of time and professional setbacks.
This reform is expected to streamline the transition from law school to legal practice and bring much-needed clarity for aspiring advocates.