Great news for final-year law students! The Supreme Court has allowed you to sit for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), scheduled for November 24, 2024. This decision is a significant relief for many who were concerned about missing the exam due to delays in university result declarations.

How to Apply for AIBE

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your application process is smooth and hassle-free:

1. Complete the Online Registration Form: Visit the AIBE official website and fill out the registration form with your details.
2. Submit Proof of Eligibility: You’ll need to provide proof that you’ve cleared all necessary exams, along with identification and academic credentials.
3. Pay the Examination Fee: Make sure to pay the examination fee through the online portal.
4. Follow BCI Guidelines: Stay updated with the latest guidelines from the Bar Council of India (BCI) regarding registration.

Recent Guidelines for Final-Year Law Students

The BCI has outlined specific eligibility categories for the upcoming AIBE:

1. Final Semester Law Students: This includes both 3-year and 5-year LL.B students who do not have any backlogs.
2. Law Graduates Without Degree: Those who have completed their LL.B but have not yet obtained their degree or enrolled with any State Bar Council.
3. Law Graduates Employed Without Enrollment: Graduates who have their degree but surrendered their enrollment certificates due to employment.

Important Note on BCI Recognition

Ensure that your institution is either BCI-recognised or BCI-approved. This is crucial for your eligibility to appear for AIBE.

Detailed Application Process

1. Registration Form Instructions

Depending on your category, here are the instructions:

• Final Year, Final Semester Students: Confirm you have no backlogs and that your institution is BCI-recognised.
• Candidates Awaiting Final Results: Similar to the above, but specify you are awaiting your results.
• Law Graduates Without Enrollment: Confirm your graduation status and institution’s recognition.
• Law Graduates Employed Without Enrollment: Provide details about your current job and understand the conditions for sitting the AIBE.

2. Undertaking Submission

If you fall into the categories of graduates without enrollment or final semester students, you must submit an undertaking:

• Download the Undertaking: Get this from the AIBE website.
• Upload the Undertaking: Ensure it’s a scanned copy and not a photo.

3. Document Submission (Marksheets of LL.B)

Final semester candidates and graduates without degrees need to attach self-attested, scanned copies of their marksheets:

• 3-year LL.B Candidates: Submit marksheets from Semester-I to Semester-VI.
• 5-year Integrated LL.B Candidates: Submit marksheets from Semester-I to Semester-X.

Case Background

This decision stems from the Supreme Court case Bar Council of India v. Bonnie Foi Law College & Ors. The BCI appealed against an Orissa High Court order that prevented them from adding conditions to enrolment beyond what is prescribed in the Advocates Act of 1961. The Supreme Court sided with the BCI, ensuring that final-year students can take the AIBE without waiting for their results, thus preventing delays in entering the legal profession.

Conclusion

This judgment is a significant win for law students across India. It ensures that final-year law students won’t lose a year due to result declaration delays, facilitating a smoother transition into the legal profession. For more detailed information and guidance on the application process, visit our blog posted on our website www.isitlegalsid.com.

Stay tuned for more updates and make sure you’re well-prepared for the AIBE!