All India Bar Examination Exam Pattern 2026
All India Bar Examination Exam Pattern
AIBE XXI 2026 Exam Overview
The All India Bar Examination XXI (AIBE 21) 2026 is an offline pen-and-paper OMR test conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying 100 marks total.
The exam duration is 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes). There is no negative marking in AIBE XXI.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | All India Bar Examination XXI (AIBE 21) |
| Conducting Body | Bar Council of India (BCI) |
| Exam Mode | Offline – Pen-and-Paper (OMR-based) |
| Exam Date | June 7, 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Reporting by 11:30 AM) |
| Total Questions | 100 (MCQ) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Languages | 11 (English, Hindi + 9 regional languages) |
| Number of Subjects | 19 |
| Passing Marks | 45/100 (General/OBC); 40/100 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Open Book | Yes – unmarked bare acts permitted |
| Official Website | allindiabarexamination.com |
Key Features of AIBE XXI 2026
AIBE XXI 2026 is a 3.5-hour (210-minute) offline OMR test with 100 MCQs for 100 marks. The exam is scheduled on June 7, 2026.
- The exam covers 19 law subjects, from Constitutional Law and CrPC/BNSS to Intellectual Property and Cyber Law.
- No negative marking applies — every correct answer earns +1 mark; wrong or skipped questions score 0.
- Candidates can carry unmarked, unannotated bare acts into the exam hall. Bare acts with handwritten notes or commentary are not permitted.
- General and OBC students need 45 marks to qualify; SC/ST and PwD students need 40 marks.
- The question paper is available in 11 languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, and Gujarati.
- Constitutional Law, CrPC/BNSS, and CPC each carry 10 questions — together accounting for 30% of the full paper.
AIBE Exam Pattern 2026: Structure
AIBE XXI 2026 follows the same core structure as previous editions — a single-session, offline OMR exam with 100 MCQs across 19 law subjects. There are no separate sections and no sectional time limits.
Candidates attempt all 100 questions in one continuous sitting of 3 hours 30 minutes. Time can be distributed across subjects freely.
Official Website
Visit allindiabarexamination.com for all official updates regarding AIBE XXI 2026.
AIBE Exam Pattern 2026: Key Details
The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI 2026 is a single paper with 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam is held offline using a pen-and-paper OMR sheet. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline – Pen-and-Paper (OMR-based) |
| Question Type | MCQ – Single Correct Answer (four options: A, B, C, D) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes (no sectional time limit) |
| Number of Papers | Single paper |
| Marks per Question | +1 for correct answer |
| Negative Marking | None (wrong or blank = 0 marks) |
| Qualifying Marks | 45/100 (General/OBC); 40/100 (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Open Book Policy | Unmarked bare acts permitted; annotations not allowed |
| Medium | 11 languages – English, Hindi, and 9 regional languages |
| Certificate Issued | Certificate of Practice (mandatory to practise law in India) |
AIBE is the mandatory qualifying exam for all law graduates. You must pass it to legally practise as an advocate in India and receive the Bar Council of India Certificate of Practice.
AIBE 2026 Important Dates
AIBE XXI 2026 is scheduled on June 7, 2026, and has not been held yet as of today. The result date and Certificate of Practice issuance schedule will be announced by the Bar Council of India (BCI) after the exam concludes.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AIBE XXI Exam Date | June 7, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced | Upcoming |
| Certificate of Practice Issuance | After Result | Upcoming |
| Application / Registration | Closed | Over |
| Admit Card Release | May 22, 2026 | Over |
Source: allindiabarexamination.com
AIBE 2026 Subject-Wise Distribution
The AIBE XXI question paper has 100 MCQs spread across 19 law subjects in a single booklet. You darken your answers on an OMR sheet using a ballpoint pen. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) / BNSS | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Civil Procedure Code (CPC) | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) / BNS | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Evidence Act / Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Family Law | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Contract Act, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act & Negotiable Instruments Act | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Law of Torts, Motor Vehicles Act & Consumer Protection Act | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Administrative Law | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Labour & Industrial Laws | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Professional Ethics & BCI Rules of Professional Standards | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Taxation Laws | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Public International Law | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Arbitration, Conciliation & ADR | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Company Law | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Environmental Law | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Cyber Law | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Land Acquisition Act | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Intellectual Property Laws | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 100 | – | 100 marks |
AIBE XXI 2026 integrates India's new criminal codes. Questions on IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act are framed with cross-references to the equivalent BNS, BNSS, and BSA provisions respectively. You must be familiar with both the old and new legal frameworks to answer these questions accurately.
AIBE Marking Scheme 2026
AIBE XXI 2026 uses a simple +1/0 marking scheme with no negative marking of any kind. Every correct answer earns 1 mark. A wrong answer and an unattempted question both earn 0 marks.
Since no marks are deducted for incorrect responses, skipping a question never protects your score. Attempt all 100 questions.
Marking Scheme and Qualifying Criteria
AIBE has no negative marking. Every correct answer earns +1 mark, and wrong or unattempted questions receive 0 marks.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Single Correct Answer) | +1 | 0 | 0 |
Since there is no negative marking, attempting every question is advisable. Even a guess can improve your score.
The qualifying threshold varies by category. AIBE is a pass/fail exam, and there is no rank list or merit ordering for those who qualify.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General | 45 out of 100 | 45% |
| OBC | 45 out of 100 | 45% |
| SC / ST | 40 out of 100 | 40% |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 40 out of 100 | 40% |
There is no rank list or merit list in AIBE. Passing is based solely on meeting the minimum marks threshold for your category. Once you clear the cutoff, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issues a Certificate of Practice that authorises you to legally practise law in India.
AIBE Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
AIBE XXI covers 19 law subjects in a single paper. Three subjects — Constitutional Law, CrPC/BNSS, and CPC — carry the highest weightage at 10 questions each. Four subjects carry 8 questions each, while remaining subjects range from 2 to 5 questions.
High-Weightage Subjects (8–10 Questions Each)
| Subject | Questions | Key Areas to Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 10 | Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Constitutional Amendments, Parliamentary procedure, Judicial review |
| CrPC / BNSS | 10 | Arrest, Bail, Cognizable and non-cognizable offences, Trial procedures, Summons, FIR |
| CPC | 10 | Jurisdiction, Pleadings, Orders and Rules, Execution of decrees, Appeals, Suits |
| IPC / BNS | 8 | General exceptions, Offences against body and property, Cheating, Conspiracy, Punishment including community service |
| Evidence Act / BSA | 8 | Relevancy, Admissibility, Burden of proof, Electronic evidence (now explicitly a ’document’), Confessions, Expert opinion |
| Family Law | 8 | Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim personal law, Christian law, Succession, Divorce, Maintenance, Adoption |
| Contract Act, Specific Relief, Transfer of Property & NI Act | 8 | Offer and acceptance, Void contracts, Breach, Sale of immovable property, Cheque dishonour (Section 138 NI Act) |
Medium-Weightage Subjects (3–5 Questions Each)
| Subject | Questions | Key Areas to Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Law of Torts, Motor Vehicles Act & Consumer Protection | 5 | Negligence, Vicarious liability, Motor accident claims, Consumer forums and redressal |
| Administrative Law | 4 | Delegated legislation, Natural justice, Judicial review, Quasi-judicial bodies |
| Labour & Industrial Laws | 4 | Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, ESI Act, Provident Fund |
| Professional Ethics & BCI Rules | 4 | Duties of advocates, Professional misconduct, Contempt of court, BCI Rules of Professional Standards |
| Taxation Laws | 4 | Income Tax Act, GST fundamentals, Tax tribunals, Appellate procedures |
| Public International Law | 4 | Sources of international law, UN Charter, Treaties, Diplomatic immunity, International Court of Justice |
| Arbitration, Conciliation & ADR | 3 | Arbitration agreement, Arbitral award, Lok Adalat, Mediation, Conciliation procedure |
Lower-Weightage Subjects (2 Questions Each)
| Subject | Questions | Key Areas to Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Company Law | 2 | Companies Act 2013, Incorporation, Directors’ duties, Board meetings, Winding up |
| Environmental Law | 2 | Environment Protection Act, Pollution control boards, National Green Tribunal, Wildlife Protection Act |
| Cyber Law | 2 | Information Technology Act 2000, Cyber offences, Digital signatures, Data protection |
| Land Acquisition Act | 2 | LARR Act 2013, Compensation, Social impact assessment, Rehabilitation and resettlement |
| Intellectual Property Laws | 2 | Patents, Trademarks, Copyright, Geographical indications, Trade secrets |
AIBE Question Types 2026
AIBE XXI 2026 Question Format
AIBE XXI 2026 uses a single question format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options (A, B, C, D) and one correct answer per question. Each question carries 1 mark. There are no numerical-type, fill-in-the-blank, descriptive, or multi-select questions.
Within the MCQ format, questions are designed around several distinct styles that test different aspects of legal knowledge and skill.
Main MCQ Question Styles in AIBE 2026
- Provision-based MCQs: Test direct knowledge of a statutory section — for example, "Under which provision of the BNS is kidnapping defined?" These form the bulk of the paper. A tabbed bare act lets you verify answers quickly without violating the unmarked-only rule.
- Landmark judgement MCQs: Based on Supreme Court or High Court rulings — you must identify the case name and its key holding. These appear most often in Constitutional Law, Evidence, and Torts sections.
- Legal principle application MCQs: A short fact scenario followed by a question on the applicable legal rule or likely outcome. Common in Torts, Contracts, and Family Law — they test whether you can apply a principle to new facts rather than recall a section number.
- New criminal law framework MCQs (AIBE XXI specific): Questions framed under BNS, BNSS, and BSA — the new criminal codes that replaced IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. Some questions cite both old and new provision numbers side-by-side as a reference aid within the question stem.
- Procedural MCQs: Cover court procedures under CPC and CrPC/BNSS — such as filing timelines, appeal hierarchies, limitation periods, and jurisdiction rules. These are consistent scorers for students who know procedural law well.
AIBE is an open-book exam — since you can consult bare acts, questions are drafted to test application and understanding of the law, not rote memorisation of section numbers alone.
AIBE Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
AIBE XXI 2026 retains the same overall structure as AIBE XX — 100 questions, 100 marks, 210 minutes, no negative marking. The most significant change for 2026 is the full integration of India's three new criminal codes — BNS, BNSS, and BSA — replacing IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act in exam questions. Students trained under the old framework must now prepare both the old and new law, as questions may cite both.
| Parameter | AIBE XX (Previous Year) | AIBE XXI 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 | 100 – No change |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 – No change |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes – No change |
| Negative Marking | None | None – No change |
| Number of Subjects | 19 | 19 – No change |
| Criminal Law Framework | IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act | BNS, BNSS, BSA (new codes) with IPC/CrPC/Evidence Act cross-references |
| Question Style | Provision-based and judgement-based MCQs | Same + dual-citation MCQs citing old and new law sections together |
| Key Definitional Changes | 'Document' covered physical records; community service not listed as punishment | 'Document' now explicitly includes electronic records; community service added as a new form of punishment under BNS |
| Open-Book Policy | Unmarked bare acts allowed | Unmarked bare acts allowed – No change |
| Languages Available | 11 | 11 – No change |
| Qualifying Marks | 45% General/OBC; 40% SC/ST/PwD | 45% General/OBC; 40% SC/ST/PwD – No change |
The biggest change in AIBE XXI is the new criminal law integration — questions may reference both the old IPC section and its BNS equivalent in the same question, so you must know the provision mapping between the two frameworks.
How to Prepare Based on AIBE Exam Pattern
The AIBE pattern directly shapes the most effective preparation strategy. Because it is a single-paper OMR test with no negative marking, an open-book policy, and 19 subjects in 210 minutes, your approach should prioritise breadth, smart bare-act use, and strategic time distribution across subjects.
How to Prepare for AIBE XXI 2026
Focus on the Highest-Weightage Subjects First
Constitutional Law, CrPC/BNSS, and CPC are the most important subjects. Each carries 10 questions, which means 30 marks are at stake in these three subjects alone.
A General category student needs 45 marks to qualify. Scoring well in these three subjects covers more than two-thirds of that requirement. Revise landmark constitutional judgements, key procedural rules under CPC, and arrest and bail provisions under BNSS before moving to smaller subjects.
Study the New Criminal Codes Alongside the Old Ones
AIBE XXI integrates BNS, BNSS, and BSA — India's new criminal framework. You must study these alongside IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act.
Pay special attention to renumbered sections, newly added provisions, and revised definitions. For example, community service is now a punishment under BNS, and electronic records are explicitly within the definition of 'document' under BSA.
Use the Open-Book Policy as a Backup, Not a Primary Strategy
You can carry bare acts into the exam hall. However, you should plan to answer from memory first.
Consult the bare act only for genuinely uncertain questions in the final 20–30 minutes. Tab or paper-clip frequently tested sections, such as Article 21 of the Constitution or Section 138 of the NI Act, to speed up reference without adding written marks.
Attempt All 100 Questions
There is no negative marking in AIBE. Leaving a question blank guarantees 0 marks, while any answer gives at least a 25% chance of scoring 1 mark.
In the last 10 minutes of the exam, mark every unanswered question with your best guess supported by the bare act or general legal logic.
Allocate Time by Subject Weightage
Budget approximately 2 minutes per question as your baseline. Spend proportionally more time on scenario-based questions in IPC/BNS, Evidence/BSA, and Family Law.
Move faster through direct provision-based questions in lower-weightage subjects like IPR, Cyber Law, and Land Acquisition.
Prioritise Professional Ethics
All 4 marks from Professional Ethics and BCI Rules of Professional Standards are answerable from a single document. These are precise, black-letter questions drawn directly from the BCI's Rules.
Carry the BCI Rules document as your bare act for this section. With it, you can confidently answer all 4 questions without guessing.
Target Breadth Over Depth in Lower-Weightage Subjects
AIBE has no merit ranking — the cutoff is 45 marks (General/OBC), not a percentile. Scoring 1–2 out of 2 in each lower-weightage subject adds 8–10 marks to your total.
A broad survey of each subject's most-tested provisions takes far less time than deep mastery of one subject. This approach contributes meaningfully to crossing the threshold.
AIBE Exam Pattern FAQs
How many questions are asked in AIBE XXI 2026?
AIBE XXI 2026 has 100 questions in total. All are MCQs with four options and a single correct answer.
Each question carries 1 mark, making the entire paper out of 100 marks.
Is AIBE 2026 an online or offline exam?
AIBE 2026 is an offline, pen-and-paper exam conducted in OMR mode. You darken your answers on an OMR sheet using a ballpoint pen.
It is not conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) format.
Is there negative marking in AIBE 2026?
No, AIBE 2026 has no negative marking. A correct answer earns +1 mark.
A wrong answer and an unattempted question both earn 0 marks. You should attempt every question — skipping is never beneficial.
What is the duration of the AIBE XXI exam?
AIBE XXI is 3 hours 30 minutes long (210 minutes). The exam is held in a single sitting with no sectional time limits.
You can distribute the full duration across all 19 subjects as you choose.
What are the passing marks for AIBE 2026?
General and OBC students need at least 45 out of 100 marks to qualify. SC, ST, and Persons with Disability (PwD) students need at least 40 out of 100.
AIBE is a qualifying exam — there is no merit list or rank ordering among students who pass.
Can I carry books or notes into the AIBE exam hall?
You can carry unmarked bare acts (statutes) into the AIBE exam hall. Bare acts with handwritten notes, annotations, highlights, or commentary are not permitted.
Textbooks, coaching guides, and personal notes are also not allowed.
How many subjects are covered in AIBE 2026?
AIBE 2026 covers 19 law subjects in a single paper. These range from Constitutional Law, IPC/BNS, CrPC/BNSS, CPC, and Evidence Act/BSA to Environmental Law, Cyber Law, IPR, Arbitration, and Professional Ethics.
All 19 subjects appear in the same question booklet.
Which subjects carry the most questions in AIBE XXI 2026?
Constitutional Law, CrPC/BNSS, and CPC each carry 10 questions — the highest individual weightage. IPC/BNS, Evidence Act/BSA, Family Law, and the combined Contract/Specific Relief/Property/NI Act section each carry 8 questions.
Together these seven subjects account for 62 out of 100 marks.
Are the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) included in AIBE XXI 2026?
Yes, the new criminal laws are included. AIBE XXI integrates BNS, BNSS, and BSA alongside the older IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act.
You must study both sets of laws, with particular attention to renumbered sections and newly added provisions.
Does AIBE 2026 Include the New Criminal Laws?
Yes. AIBE XXI 2026 fully integrates the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
These three laws replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. A single question may reference provision numbers from both the old and the new laws.
Languages Available for AIBE 2026
AIBE 2026 is conducted in 11 languages.
- English
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Marathi
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Punjabi
- Odia
- Assamese
You select your preferred language during the application process. The question booklet is provided in that language on exam day.
Purpose of Qualifying AIBE
Qualifying AIBE is mandatory for all law graduates who wish to practise as advocates in India. The Bar Council of India issues a Certificate of Practice only after you pass AIBE.
Without this certificate, you cannot appear in court on behalf of clients. This rule applies even if you hold an LLB degree and are enrolled with a State Bar Council.
Number of Attempts Allowed
There is no cap on the number of attempts for AIBE. You can appear as many times as needed until you qualify.
Each edition of AIBE, such as AIBE XX or AIBE XXI, is an independent attempt. Your score from one edition does not carry over to the next.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Number of Questions in AIBE XXI 2026
AIBE XXI 2026 has 100 questions in total. All questions are MCQs with four options and a single correct answer.
Each question carries 1 mark. The entire paper is out of 100 marks.
Exam Mode and Duration
AIBE 2026 is an offline, pen-and-paper exam conducted in OMR mode. You darken your answers on an OMR sheet using a ballpoint pen. It is not conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) format.
AIBE XXI is 3 hours 30 minutes long (210 minutes). The exam is held in a single sitting with no sectional time limits.
Marking Scheme
There is no negative marking in AIBE 2026. A correct answer earns +1 mark.
- A wrong answer earns 0 marks.
- An unattempted question earns 0 marks.
- Attempting every question is always beneficial.
Passing Marks
General and OBC students need at least 45 out of 100 marks to qualify. SC, ST, and Persons with Disability (PwD) students need at least 40 out of 100 marks.
AIBE is a qualifying exam. There is no merit list or rank ordering among students who pass.
Subjects Covered
AIBE 2026 covers 19 law subjects in a single paper. All 19 subjects appear in the same question booklet.
- Constitutional Law
- IPC/BNS
- CrPC/BNSS
- CPC
- Evidence Act/BSA
- Environmental Law
- Cyber Law
- IPR
- Arbitration
- Professional Ethics
Subject Weightage
Constitutional Law, CrPC/BNSS, and CPC each carry 10 questions, the highest individual weightage. IPC/BNS, Evidence Act/BSA, Family Law, and the combined Contract/Specific Relief/Property/NI Act section each carry 8 questions.
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | 10 |
| CrPC/BNSS | 10 |
| CPC | 10 |
| IPC/BNS | 8 |
| Evidence Act/BSA | 8 |
| Family Law | 8 |
| Contract/Specific Relief/Property/NI Act | 8 |
Together these seven subjects account for 62 out of 100 marks.
New Criminal Laws in AIBE XXI
AIBE XXI 2026 fully integrates the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These replaced IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act respectively.
Questions may reference both old and new provision numbers in the same stem.
Languages Offered
AIBE 2026 is conducted in 11 languages. You select your preferred language during the application process.
- English
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Marathi
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Punjabi
- Odia
- Assamese
Allowed Materials in Exam Hall
You can carry unmarked bare acts (statutes) into the AIBE exam hall. Bare acts with handwritten notes, annotations, highlights, or commentary are not permitted.
Textbooks, coaching guides, and personal notes are also not allowed.
Purpose of AIBE
Qualifying AIBE is mandatory for all law graduates who wish to practise as advocates in India. The Bar Council of India issues a Certificate of Practice only after you pass AIBE.
Without this certificate, you cannot appear in court on behalf of clients even if you hold an LLB degree and are enrolled with a State Bar Council.
Number of Attempts
There is no cap on the number of attempts for AIBE. You can appear as many times as needed until you qualify.
Each edition of AIBE (e.g., AIBE XX, AIBE XXI) is an independent attempt. Your score from one edition does not carry over to the next.