The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially announced the schedule for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI (21st) 2026. This national-level certification exam is mandatory for law graduates who wish to practice law in India and obtain the 'Certificate of Practice' (COP). According to the latest notification, the online application process for AIBE 21 commenced on 11th February 2026, and the window for submission remains open until 30th April 2026.

Exam Overview and Importance

AIBE is designed to assess the basic capabilities and analytical skills of advocates. Candidates holding a Bachelor Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university are eligible to appear. The examination evaluates a candidate's knowledge across various legal subjects including Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Code, and more. It is essential for candidates to score a minimum qualifying percentage (45% for General/OBC and 40% for SC/ST) to pass the examination.

Key Dates and Admit Card Information

The AIBE XXI Admit Card is scheduled to be released on 22nd May 2026. Registered candidates can download their hall tickets from the official website using their login credentials. The written examination is slated to take place on 7th June 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully check the details on their admit card, such as the exam center, reporting time, and specific instructions for the exam day.

• Application Fee: General/OBC candidates must pay ₹3500, while SC/ST candidates are required to pay ₹2500.
• Documents Required: Applicants need to upload their Enrollment Certificate, Law Degree, and category certificates in PDF format (under 1 MB).
• Mode of Exam: The test is typically conducted in an offline (OMR) format across various cities in India.