The Bar Council of India (BCI) will conduct the All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI) in June 2026 . This announcement came before the Delhi High Court. The BCI also scheduled a qualifying exam for Indian candidates holding foreign law degrees for December 15-20, 2025 . Justice Sachin Datta received this information from the BCI. A report by Bar and Bench confirmed these dates.
Background to the Decision
The BCI’s announcement follows a plea by a foreign university law graduate. This petitioner sought permission to practice law in India. The Delhi High Court previously directed the BCI to review the exam schedule. The court asked if the qualifying exam could occur before the AIBE. This aims to allow affected graduates earlier AIBE access.
Eligibility for Foreign Law Graduates
Indian nationals with foreign law degrees must meet specific criteria to practice law in India. This includes completing a mandatory "bridge course." After the bridge course, candidates must pass a qualifying exam. They then must also pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The BCI mandates both examinations.
Provisional Practice Allowed
The Delhi High Court clarified a provision for these graduates. Upon provisional registration with a State Bar Council, students can begin legal practice immediately. They have a two-year period from registration to clear the AIBE. During this timeframe, they are not barred from practicing law.
Court Questions BCI Scheduling
The Delhi High Court questioned the BCI about its exam timeline. The court noted the delay faced by foreign law graduates. It stated that a late qualifying exam could waste a year for individuals. The court specifically remarked: "He is a young advocate sitting idle at home… You have created this problem; you only find a solution."
The petitioner holds a law degree from Brunel University in London. This graduate completed a bridge course in Goa. The petitioner challenged the BCI’s dual requirement. The counsel requested the High Court to allow the graduate to appear for AIBE 20. This exam was scheduled for November 30 , without first taking the qualifying exam.
BCI States Eligibility Rules
The BCI’s lawyer opposed the petitioner’s immediate AIBE access. The BCI stated the AIBE is for candidates already enrolled as advocates in India. This position reinforces the BCI’s requirement for foreign graduates. They must pass the qualifying exam and register provisionally before the AIBE.
Summary of Exam Dates
| Exam Name | Target Audience | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Indian nationals with foreign law degrees | December 15-20, 2025 |
| All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI) | Candidates enrolled as advocates in India | June 2026 |