AIBE 20 Concludes: Key Takeaways for Aspiring Lawyers

New Delhi, December 1, 2025: The Bar Council of India (BCI) successfully conducted the 20th edition of the All India Bar Examination (AIBE 20) on November 30, 2025. This crucial national-level certification exam determines whether a law graduate can legally practice law in India and receive their mandatory Certificate of Practice (CoP).

The examination, held in an offline (pen-and-paper) format across various centres, saw thousands of candidates test their knowledge of core legal principles. With the exam now concluded, the focus shifts to the release of the answer key, results, and the analysis of the paper’s difficulty and pattern.

📝 Exam Structure and Key Updates

AIBE 20 maintained the familiar pattern of 100 objective-type, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with a total duration of three hours. A significant point for candidates is the continuation of the “semi-open book” format, which permits the use of Bare Acts (without notes) inside the examination hall, while textbooks and other study materials remain strictly prohibited.

One of the most noteworthy updates in the syllabus for AIBE 20 was the inclusion of the newly enacted criminal law codes, ensuring that candidates are tested on the most current statutory framework of the country.

• Total Questions: 100 MCQs
• Total Marks: 100
• Duration: 3 hours (with extra time for PwD candidates)
• Marking: +1 for correct answers, No Negative Marking
• Format: Semi-Open Book (Only Plain Bare Acts allowed)

Passing Marks and Expected Results

AIBE is a qualifying exam, meaning candidates only need to secure the minimum passing score to receive their Certificate of Practice. The BCI had clearly specified the minimum passing percentage for AIBE 20:

Initial feedback from candidates and experts suggests the overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate. Questions were distributed across 19 core legal subjects, with high weightage subjects including Constitutional Law, the new Criminal Procedure Code (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), and the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).

The BCI is expected to release the Provisional Answer Key soon. This will allow candidates to estimate their scores and raise objections against any incorrect questions or answers. Following this review, the Final Answer Key and the AIBE 20 Result are expected to be declared in December 2025.

🕰️ What Happens Next for Candidates?

For the thousands of law graduates who appeared for AIBE 20, the next steps are crucial:

1. Raise Objections (if needed): A short window will be provided to formally challenge the provisional answers.
2. Await the Result: The final result will determine who is eligible for the Certificate of Practice (CoP).
3. Check the Answer Key: Candidates should download and check the provisional answer key, which will be available on the official AIBE website.
4. Collect CoP: Successful candidates must then collect their official CoP from their respective State Bar Councils.

Passing the AIBE is the final hurdle that transforms a law graduate into an advocate authorized to practice in any court across India. Those who qualify will now be ready to formally begin their legal careers, equipped with the necessary certification.