All India Bar Examination

The first All India Bar Examination, to be conducted on December 5, 2010 is intended to test an advocate’s ability to practice the profession of law in India. As this is the first time that this examination will be conducted, it will assess capabilities at a basic level, and is intended to set a minimum standard for admission to the practice of law; it addresses a candidate’s analytical abilities and basic knowledge of law. All students graduating from academic year 2009-10 onwards need to clear the All India Bar Examination in order to practice law in India. Students who graduate in 2009-10 can take the All India Bar Examination scheduled on December 5, 2010.

One can apply to take the All India Bar Examination only after being enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council. There is no limit to the number of times one can appear for the All India Bar Examination.The All India Bar Examination will be conducted on a bi-annual basis every year in April and November. The Bar Council of India will notify dates for these examinations. In the event of not clearing the All India Bar Examination in the first attempt, one can appear for it the next time and clear it to obtain the Certificate of Practice.The advocate  can work as a trainee advocate with an advocate or firm.  The advocate can continue with such assistance and learning, but will not be allowed to actually practice law themselves (file a vakalatnama, issue opinions etc.) till they clear the All India Bar Examination.

           Advocates who have registered for the All India Bar Examination may bring in any reading materials or study aids that they choose, such as the preparatory materials provided for the All India Bar Examination, textbooks and treatises, and even handwritten notes. Advocates may not bring in any electronic devices, such as laptop computers, mobile phones, or any device equipped with a radio transceiver (such as pagers) to the examination centre.The minimum required score to clear the All India Bar Examination is 40% (that is, 40 out of 100).