AIBE 21 Registration 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Apply

If you just finished your law degree or are in your final year, you might dream of practicing law in India. The All India Bar Examination, or AIBE, helps make that dream real. It tests your skills and gives you a Certificate of Practice. Great news: AIBE 21 (that’s the 21st edition, also called AIBE XXI) registration kicked off on February 11, 2026.

This blog guides you through everything. We cover dates, who can apply, costs, and more. Let’s dive in with simple steps and tips just for students like you.

What Is AIBE and Why Should You Care?

AIBE stands for All India Bar Examination. The Bar Council of India (BCI) runs it twice a year. Passing it lets you join any state bar council and argue in courts. Without it, you can’t practice law fully. Over 1.5 lakh candidates take it each time, based on past data from BCI reports. For AIBE 21 in 2026, the exam happens on June 7. It’s an open-book test, so you can bring books. But don’t worry-it’s not too hard if you prepare smartly.

This exam checks your knowledge of laws like the Constitution, criminal codes, and ethics. If you pass, you get your certificate in a few months. Many students say it boosts their confidence. Now, with registration open, act fast to avoid last-minute stress.

Key Dates for AIBE 21 2026: Mark Your Calendar

BCI shared the schedule on their site. Here are the main dates in a simple list:

• Registration Starts: February 11, 2026 (It’s already begun!)
• Last Date to Register Online: April 30, 2026
• Final Day to Pay Fees: May 1, 2026
• Time to Fix Mistakes in Your Form: Up to May 3, 2026
• Admit Card Download: May 22, 2026
• Exam Date: June 7, 2026

These dates come straight from official updates. If you miss April 30, you can’t apply. Set reminders on your phone now.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Not everyone qualifies for AIBE 21. BCI sets clear rules. You need these:

• A 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a BCI-approved college.
• If you’re in your final semester, you can apply-but no backlogs allowed.
• No age limit. Fresh grads or older ones, all welcome.
• You must enroll with a state bar council before results, but you can apply first.

About 80% of applicants are recent LLB grads, per BCI stats. If you have an LLM, that’s fine too. Just make sure your college is recognized. Check BCI’s list online if unsure.

How Much Does It Cost? Application Fees Explained

Fees are affordable. They cover exam costs. Pay online via card, net banking, or UPI. Here’s the breakdown:

• General and OBC Categories: Rs 3,500 (plus small bank charges)
• SC and ST Categories: Rs 2,500 (plus bank charges)

No refunds if you cancel. Save your payment receipt. In 2025, BCI collected over Rs 50 crore in fees from AIBE 20, showing how popular it is. Pay by May 1 to confirm your spot.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for AIBE 21 Online

Applying is easy and online-only. Visit allindiabarexamination.com. Follow these steps:

1. Sign Up First: Click “Register” on the homepage. Enter your name, email, phone, and enrollment number (if you have one).
2. Fill the Form: Add details like address, education, and category. Choose your exam center-over 50 cities available.
3. Upload Documents: Scan and upload clear copies. Keep files small (under 1MB each).
4. Pay the Fee: Use the payment gateway. Get a confirmation email.
5. Submit and Print: Double-check everything. Submit, then print your form.

The whole process takes 30-45 minutes. If stuck, call BCI helpline at 011-49225022. They help from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Required Documents: Get Them Ready Before Applying

Don’t forget these. Upload them during application:

• Your photo (passport size, recent)
• Signature (on white paper)
• LLB marksheets or degree certificate
• Enrollment certificate from state bar (if enrolled)
• Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC
• Disability certificate if needed

Scan in JPEG or PDF. Clear copies avoid rejection. BCI rejects about 5% of forms due to bad uploads, so be careful.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect

AIBE 21 is a 3.5-hour test with 100 multiple-choice questions. No negative marks—guess if unsure. You score at least 40% (45% for general) to pass.

The syllabus covers 19 topics. Key ones include:

• Constitutional Law (10 questions)
• Indian Penal Code (8 questions)
• Criminal Procedure Code (10 questions)
• Civil Procedure Code (10 questions)
• Evidence Act (8 questions)
• Family Law (8 questions)
• Professional Ethics (12 questions)

Study from bare acts. Past papers help-download from BCI site. The exam is in 11 languages, pick yours.

Tips to Prepare and Ace AIBE 21

Want to pass on your first try? Follow these points:

• Start early: Read bare acts daily for 2 hours.
• Practice mocks: Solve 5-10 old papers.
• Join groups: Online forums on Reddit or Telegram share tips.
• Focus on ethics: It has the most questions.
• Stay healthy: Sleep well before exam day.

Over 70% pass rate in recent AIBEs. You can do it!

Common Questions: FAQs for AIBE 21

Students ask these often:

• Can I apply offline? No, only online.
• What if I fail? Retake next time, no limit.
• Is AIBE mandatory? Yes, for practicing law.
• How to get results? Check the site 4-6 weeks after the exam.

For more, visit BCI’s FAQ page.

Wrapping Up

AIBE 21 registration is your first step to a legal career. With dates set and process simple, apply soon. Remember, over 10 lakh lawyers in India started like you. Stay focused, prepare well, and you’ll succeed. If you have questions, comment below or contact BCI.

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