BCI Introduces Entrance Test for Practicing Law

New Delhi: Recently, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued an ordinance making it mandatory for aspiring lawyers to undergo an entrance test exam before actually practicing it. The law will come into effect from this September, according to which, all the law degree graduates would have to first appear for the examination before dressing in that black robe.

In its proposal, the Directorate of Legal Education set up by the BCI stated that, the Directorate has initiated steps to conduct a qualifying bar examination in August-September 2010, to ensure maintenance of standards in the legal profession. Framing appropriate rules for the smooth conduction of the exam is being done.

While verifying the progress, Directorate Chief, Professor V. B. Coutinho said that, they hope to implement the decision within next four months, while the announcement is expected anytime. As per sources, the move towards maintaining standards while imparting legal education came with the suggestions provided by the Supreme Court, asking the BCI to take care of the level of legal education and the profession. Moreover, last year, a three-member panel was formed by the SC to look into the issue.

Presently, for getting registered as a lawyer, an aspirant has to have a law degree from a recognized university or a law institute, after which, the respective state bar councils affiliated to the BCI grant licences. According to the latest figures, there are over 10 lakh registered lawyers with the BCI.