AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Check Age Limit, Marks Required, No of Attempts, Important Factor

Updated By Aarushi Jain on 10 Jan, 2026 16:44

To qualify for AIBE 21 2026, ensure you hold a three-year or five-year LLB from a BCI-approved institution, possess or secure a state bar enrollment certificate, and face no age limit. Final-year students without backlogs may also apply, needing 45% marks for general/OBC or 40% for SC/ST/PwD to pass. Submit self-attested documents during online registration.

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AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria Overview

The Bar Council of India sets the rules for who can take the AIBE 21 2026 exam, a key test that all aspiring lawyers must pass to get their Certificate of Practice. You need a three-year LLB or five-year integrated LLB from a BCI-approved school, and final-year students now qualify too, following a Supreme Court ruling. No age cap applies, and you do not even require prior enrollment with a state bar council to register. Aim for at least 45% marks if you belong to the general or OBC category, or 40% for SC, ST, and PwD groups, to clear it. The AIBE 21 2026 exam occurs on June 7, 2026, so review these standards on the official site early to ensure you meet them fully.

Related Questions

Why is it crucial for AIBE 21 2026 candidates to thoroughly check and meet the eligibility criteria set by the Bar Council of India?

Candidates appearing for AIBE 21 2026 need to understand the importance of eligibility criteria, as those who do not fulfil the same will not be considered for the exam, or their candidature will be considered invalid later on, which can affect their law career negatively. It is very crucial to satisfy the eligibility criteria of AIBE XXI, as aspirants will know what changes have been introduced before completing all the admission formalities. If a candidate is unable to fulfil the eligibility criteria, then his/her admission will be cancelled at a later stage. Therefore, it is advisable to go through the eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Bar Council.

Who are exempted from the AIBE exam as per the BCI eligibility criteria?

BCI has set eligibility criteria for candidates exempted from the AIBE exam, details of which are mentioned below:

  • Law graduates who have passed the three-year LLB or five-year LLB degree before 2009-2010 do not need to take the AIBE exam. 
  • These law graduates can thus practice law in India without the CoP.

How many attempts are allowed to be taken in the AIBE exam?

BCI has made it clear to all law graduates the details regarding the number of attempts for the AIBE exam, which are as follows.

  • They can attempt the AIBE examination multiple times until they qualify. 
  • They can attempt AIBE even after they fail several times.

Therefore, attempts for the AIBE examination are unlimited till they qualify as per the minimum marks required. However, please note that the aspirants have to clear the AIBE examination within two years after graduation. If the aspirants fail to achieve so, they will have to register again with the State Bar Council to appear for the AIBE exam.

Highlights of AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Here are a few of the important pointers or highlights of the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria.

  • Only law graduates are eligible to apply for AIBE 21.

  • Age is no bar to appearing for the exam.

  • Registration with the State Bar Council is mandatory.

  • AIBE is conducted to examine the capability of an individual to practice law in India.

  • No minimum marks criteria are mentioned to appear for the AIBE XXI 2026.

AIBE XXI 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

Candidates must consider some of the essential components of the AIBE eligibility requirements mentioned in the table below:

Parameter

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifying exam

A three-year or five-year LLB or a two-year full-time LLM degree from a recognised institute

Minimum marks in the qualifying exam

For academic eligibility purposes, there is no set minimum mark requirement for the AIBE 21 2026 exam.

Age limit for the AIBE exam

There is no maximum or minimum age restriction for participation in the AIBE XXI 2026 exam.

State Bar Council Registration/Enrollment 

It is necessary to have an enrollment ID issued by the State Bar Council.

Colleges Accepting Exam AIBE :

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Final-Year Law Students (Without Backlogs)

The key details related to the AIBE exam eligibility criteria 21 2026 for final-year students without backlogs include:

  • You must not have backlogs from any previous semesters of the law degree programme.

  • You must be in the final semester of a 5-year/ 3-year LLB degree course, provided that you are pursuing the course at a BCI-recognised university/ institution.

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Law Graduates Who Have Not Obtained Their Degree

Law graduates seeking AIBE 21 2026 eligibility without a degree certificate must meet specific BCI standards. Recent Supreme Court rulings confirm final-year students from BCI-approved institutions qualify, provided they clear all subjects post-exam.​

Key requirements include:

  • A completed 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB from a BCI-recognised university or college, even if the certificate awaits issuance.​

  • Provisional applications are allowed for those pending degree conferral, but submit the final LLB certificate to secure your Certificate of Practice upon qualifying.​

  • No minimum marks or age limit apply; unenrolled candidates or those who surrendered prior enrollment remain eligible.​

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Graduates With Their Degree

Some of the crucial points related to the AIBE eligibility criteria 21 2026 for graduates who have received their law degree but do not have/ have the enrollment certificate with them:

  • The law degree must be from a recognised university/ college by the Bar Council of India.
  • You must have enrolled with a State Bar Council and possess the certificate.
  • If you had enrolled with a State Bar Council but have surrendered your enrollment certificates for employment purposes, you can also fill out the AIBE form. 
  • If you do not have the enrollment certificate, your AIBE application will still be considered.

AIBE 21 2026 Exam Eligibility Criteria: Undertaking and Documents Required

Below is the list of documents required to prove the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria. These documents/ certificates must be self-attested and submitted in scanned format during registration. Make sure to go through the guidelines carefully in the official portal before completing the process.

Document Submission (Marksheets of 5-Year/ 3-Year LLB)

Final Semester Candidates of 5-Year/ 3-Year LLB

  • For 3-Year LLB, self-attested and scanned copies of the marksheets of each semester (Semester I to Semester V).
  • For 5-Year LLB, self-attested and scanned copies of the marksheets from Semester I to Semester IX.
  • Photos of the marksheets will not be accepted.

Law Graduates Without a Degree 

  • For a 3-Year LLB degree, marksheets from Semester I to VI.
  • For a 5-Year LLB degree, marksheets from Semester I to X.

Undertaking Submission

For undertaking submission, please refer to the official website and ensure you follow the exact format provided by the conducting authority.

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria For Disabled / Physically Challenged Candidates

Candidates with disabilities can access key accommodations if they meet these criteria:

  • Obtain a valid disability certificate from a recognised medical authority, such as a government hospital.

  • Ensure the certificate confirms at least 50% disability in categories like blindness, low vision, locomotor issues (e.g., amputated limbs), or hearing impairment—aligned with RPWD Act 2016 standards.

  • Request 20 extra minutes per hour of exam time, totalling one additional hour for the full three-hour paper, upon verification.

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining COP

Candidates who appear for the AIBE 21 2026 exam have to obtain minimum qualifying marks as set by BCI to be eligible for issuing a Certificate of Practice. The minimum marks requirement for AIBE COP Eligibility is given below,

  • Candidates belonging to the General / OBC category must obtain at least 40% marks from the total scores of the AIBE exam. 
  • Candidates belonging to the SC / ST / PWD category must obtain at least 35% marks in the AIBE examination. 

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Nationality

We have presented some elements related to the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria for the age limit and nationality.

Age Limit

  • There is no specified higher age limit for attempting the AIBE examination. 
  • Regarding the lower age limit for AIBE, please validate once.

Nationality

  • The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

AIBE 21 2026 Eligibility Criteria Important Features

Some important features related to the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria are:

  • The AIBE applications of those who have completed or are currently enrolled in the law degree programme from a law school/ university that is not accredited by the Bar Council of India will be rejected. 
  • It is the duty of the applicant to confirm that their law college is a certified institution by the concerned authorities. Non-compliance in this regard will result in disqualification from the application process.
  • If you are not sure about your college’s approval status, you can reach out to the officials/ help desk of the BCI for more information.

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FAQs about AIBE Eligibility

What is the significance of the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria?

You must meet the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria to qualify for the Certificate of Practice under the Advocates Act 1961. These ensure you hold a BCI-recognised LLB degree, with no age bar, allowing final-year students without backlogs to appear. Qualifying opens your path to legal practice across India.

Who issues the AIBE exam eligibility?

The Bar Council of India issues the AIBE exam eligibility criteria. You qualify if you hold a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a BCI-recognised institution, including final-year students. No age limit applies, and the criteria remain consistent per official trends.

Where can I find the details of the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria?

You can find AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria on the Bar Council of India official website at allindiabarexamination.com. Check the notifications section for the latest PDF notice. Past trends show it requires an LLB degree and enrollment with a State Bar Council.

What happens if my college is not BCI-approved as per the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria?

If your college lacks BCI approval under the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria, you cannot appear for the exam. You remain ineligible to practice law even if you pass, as only graduates from BCI-recognised institutions qualify. Verify your college status on the BCI website and consider valid alternatives promptly. 

Is the law degree certificate compulsory to apply as per the AIBE eligibility criteria 2026?

No, the law degree certificate is not compulsory as per the AIBE eligibility criteria 2026 to apply for the examination. However, before obtaining the Certificate of Practice (COP), you will have to prove your eligibility and will be required to furnish the degree certificate of the 3-year or 5-year LLB course.

Will my application be considered for AIBE if I have backlogs as per the AIBE XXI eligibility criteria?

Your application will not be considered for AIBE if you have backlogs as per the AIBE XXI eligibility criteria. You have to submit the marksheets for all the semesters to prove that you do not have any backlogs.

What happens if I do not meet the AIBE 21 eligibility criteria?

If someone does not meet the AIBE 21 eligibility criteria, then their application forms will be withdrawn by the authorities and they will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

What are the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria for final-year law students?

The AIBE exam eligibility criteria for final year-law students mention that they must submit self-attested and scanned copies of the necessary documents, such as marksheets, etc. For the 3-year LLB, they must upload marksheets from Semester I to V. For the 5-year LLB, they must submit marksheets from Semester I to IX.

Can I apply for AIBE if I do not have the enrollment certificate?

Yes, you can apply for AIBE, even if you do not have the enrollment certificate. However, before awarding the Certificate of Practice, the enrollment certificate must be provided.

What are the AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria for law graduates?

The AIBE 21 2026 eligibility criteria for law graduates mention that they must have completed a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree. They must have pursued the law degree programme from a BCI-accredited university/ college. 

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