The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced a one-time final extension of one year for advocates enrolled in 2022 or later who have failed to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) within the stipulated two-year period, excluding exempted durations. This move comes in response to persistent requests from various State Bar Councils, particularly the Bar Council of Rajasthan, highlighting the professional uncertainty faced by such advocates.
In its meeting held on March 2, 2025, the BCI noted that despite previous relaxations granted during the COVID-19 period, many advocates have been unable to qualify the AIBE. Earlier resolutions had already excluded significant periods due to pandemic-related disruptions, from March 24, 2020, to March 31, 2021, and later from October 31, 2021 to April 2023.
The BCI has now resolved to provide this final opportunity under strict conditions. Advocates falling under the eligible category will be granted a provisional certificate of practice valid only for this additional one-year period. Those who fail to qualify AIBE within this extension will be removed from the State roll and will no longer be recognized as advocates. They will also be barred from wearing court attire and will remain ineligible for voting rights, bar elections, or welfare schemes, in line with the BCI notification dated April 12, 2013.
Furthermore, Bar Associations have been directed to terminate the memberships of all advocates enrolled post-introduction of AIBE rules and prior to 2022 who have still not passed the examination. This termination applies to those who have exhausted all previously granted relaxations and are still non-compliant.
The BCI emphasized that this is a final extension and no further leniency will be shown in the future. All State Bar Councils have been instructed to ensure strict implementation and to inform all affected advocates promptly. Advocates who qualify within the extended period will be issued their Certificate of Practice in the usual manner.
Picture Source :
