AIBE (XXI) 2026: All You Need to Know About the Exam, Eligibility, Dates, Process, and More
If you’re planning to practice law in India, qualifying the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is mandatory. Conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI), AIBE (XXI) 2026 will be the 21st edition of this national-level certification exam. Clearing this examination grants candidates the Certificate of Practice, authorizing them to practice law in any court across India.
AIBE (XXI) 2026 : Complete Details
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all essential details about AIBE 2026, including its application process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.
What is AIBE (XXI) 2026?
AIBE is an open-book exam that tests a law graduate’s analytical skills and knowledge of basic legal concepts. AIBE (XXI) 2026 conducted in offline mode and includes questions from various legal subjects taught in LLB courses. The main objective of this exam is to evaluate whether an advocate possesses the minimum required knowledge to practice law.
AIBE 2026 Application Form
The application process for AIBE (XXI) 2026 will commence in the first week of September 2026 through the official website. Candidates must register online by providing their personal, academic, and enrollment details.
Steps to Apply:
1. Visit the official AIBE website.
2. Register with your email ID and phone number.
3. Fill in the application form with required details.
4. Upload scanned documents: photograph, signature, and enrollment certificate.
5. Choose three preferred exam centers.
6. Generate SBI Challan and pay the application fee offline.
7. Submit the form and download a copy for future use.
Application Correction Window will be open around November 2026, allowing candidates to edit specific fields.
AIBE 2026 Application Fee
The application fee must be paid only via SBI Challan in offline mode:
- General/OBC candidates: ₹3500 + bank charges
- SC/ST candidates: ₹2500 + bank charges
- Fees are non-refundable, even in case of withdrawal or rejection.
Eligibility Criteria for AIBE (XXI) 2026
To apply for AIBE, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
Must have completed 3-year or 5-year LLB from a recognized university.
Should be enrolled with any State Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Final year law students cannot apply unless they have already graduated.
There is no upper age limit for applying.
AIBE 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)
- Application Begins: 1st week of September 2026
- Application Ends: 1st week of November 2026
- Correction Window: 4th week of November 2026
- Admit Card Release: 3rd week of December 2026
- AIBE 2026 Exam Date: 4th week of December 2026
- Answer Key (Provisional): Last week of December 2026
- Final Answer Key: 1st week of March 2027
- Result Announcement: 3rd week of March 2027
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change based on the official schedule.
AIBE (XXI) 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)
- Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 100
- Duration: 3 hours
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer, no negative marking
- Language: Available in 11 languages including English and Hindi
- Qualifying Marks: 40% (35% for SC/ST)
Earlier editions were open-book, but since AIBE 2021, candidates are allowed only bare acts without notes inside the examination hall. AIBE 2026 may follow the same format.
AIBE 2026 Syllabus
The AIBE syllabus covers subjects from the LLB curriculum, designed to test core understanding and practical knowledge. Key subjects include:
- Constitutional Law
- Indian Penal Code (IPC)
- Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
- Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
- Evidence Act
- Family Law
- Environmental Law
- Company Law
- Intellectual Property Rights
- Professional Ethics and Cases of Professional Misconduct
- Public Interest Litigation
- Taxation Law
- Labour & Industrial Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Candidates should focus on bare acts and landmark case laws for each topic.
AIBE 2026 Preparation Tips
1. Understand the Exam Structure: Know the number of questions, subjects, and how marks are distributed.
2. Revise Bare Acts: Since this is an open-bare-act exam, familiarize yourself thoroughly with all relevant acts.
3. Practice Past Papers: Solving previous years’ question papers improves speed and accuracy.
4. Use Highlighters & Tabs: Mark important sections and use tabs for quick access during the exam.
5. Time Management: Practice completing mock tests within the allotted 3-hour time.
6. Focus on Professional Ethics: This section carries significant weight and is often scoring.
AIBE 2026 Exam Centers
AIBE is conducted in multiple cities across India. Some prominent exam centers include:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Bangalore
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Ahmedabad
- Patna
- Bhopal
- Jaipur
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Pune
Candidates can choose three preferences during the application process. The final allotment depends on availability.
AIBE 2026 Admit Card
The admit card for AIBE (XXI) 2026 will be released online in the third week of December 2026. It is a mandatory document for entering the exam hall.
Details Mentioned:
- Candidate’s Name
- Roll Number
- Exam Date & Time
- Exam Center Address
- Photo & Signature
Candidates must carry a valid photo ID along with the admit card on the day of examination.
AIBE 2026 Answer Key
Provisional Answer Key will be released in the last week of December 2026.
Candidates can raise objections within a stipulated time.
After reviewing all challenges, the final answer key will be published in March 2027.
AIBE 2026 Results
The results of AIBE (XXI) 2026 are expected to be declared by the third week of March 2027. Candidates can check their results on the official website by entering their roll number and date of birth.
Those who qualify will be marked as “Pass” and will proceed to receive the Certificate of Practice.
Cut-Off Criteria
General/OBC candidates: 40 marks out of 100
SC/ST candidates: 35 marks out of 100
Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off will be eligible for certification.
Certificate of Practice (COP)
Upon qualifying, candidates receive their Certificate of Practice from the Bar Council of India. This document legally authorizes them to practice law in courts across India.
Candidates must collect the certificate from their respective State Bar Council or follow the online distribution process, depending on BCI’s official guidelines.
Related Links
Application Form AIBE (XXI) 2026
Conclusion
AIBE (XXI) 2026 is a crucial certification exam for law graduates in India. It not only tests theoretical knowledge but also determines practical readiness to serve in the legal profession. With the right preparation strategy, understanding of legal concepts, and proper use of bare acts, one can clear this examination successfully.
Stay updated with the official website/ DTechtag.in for exact dates and notifications. Clearing AIBE opens the door to a promising legal career, and the Certificate of Practice is your first step toward that journey.
