The Bar Council of India (BCI), the main body that oversees lawyers and legal education in India, has recently shared important updates regarding upcoming examinations. The next All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI), which all law graduates must pass to practice law, is now planned for June 2026 . In addition, the BCI has announced a special qualifying examination for Indian citizens who have completed their law degrees from universities outside India. This specific exam will take place from December 15 to December 20, 2025 . These crucial dates were announced by the BCI during proceedings at the Delhi High Court.
Understanding the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is a very important test for anyone wishing to become a lawyer in India. It is a compulsory exam that checks if a law graduate has the basic knowledge and skills needed to practice law. Passing the AIBE is a must to get a 'Certificate of Practice' from the BCI. This certificate allows a lawyer to work in courts across the country. The BCI conducts this exam regularly to maintain high standards in the legal profession.
New Exam for Indian Students with Foreign Law Degrees
Indian students who study law abroad face a slightly different path to practice law in India. Until now, after getting their foreign law degree, they often had to complete a special "bridge course" in India, designed to help them understand Indian laws. Now, the BCI has set a clear date for an additional qualifying exam for these students. This exam will be held over several days, from December 15 to December 20, 2025 .
This new exam became a point of discussion in the Delhi High Court. A law graduate, who had already completed the BCI’s bridge course after getting a foreign law degree, filed a petition. They asked the court if they could skip this new extra qualifying exam and directly appear for the AIBE. The student argued that the bridge course was already meant to prepare them, and adding another exam felt unnecessary and against the purpose of the bridge course.
Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court observed that with these new exam schedules, a candidate might face a long wait, possibly almost a year, before they could take the main AIBE. This long wait could be a concern for students eager to start their careers.
Key Exam Dates
| Exam Name | Scheduled Dates |
| All India Bar Examination (AIBE XXI) | June 2026 |
| Qualifying Exam for Foreign Law Graduates | December 15 – December 20, 2025 |
What This Means for Law Students and New Lawyers
The BCI also provided some clarity in court about what happens while students wait for these exams. It stated that once a law graduate receives a temporary, or 'provisional', registration from their local State Bar Council, they are allowed to start practicing law right away. This provisional registration is usually valid for up to two years . During this two-year period, the candidate is expected to clear the All India Bar Examination. This rule helps ensure that new lawyers can gain practical experience in courts while also working towards fulfilling all official requirements to become a fully registered lawyer.
Therefore, while there are specific new exam dates, the process allows aspiring lawyers to enter the profession faster with temporary registration. This gives them valuable time to prepare for and pass the necessary tests. Students who are affected by these new rules, especially those with foreign law degrees, should carefully watch the official BCI website. The website will provide all the detailed notifications, application forms, and further instructions for both the AIBE XXI and the special qualifying exam. Staying informed from official sources is crucial for planning your legal career path.
