As a law student, I’ve witnessed from my seniors how the current once-a-year schedule of the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) is causing severe delays, stress, and uncertainty in the careers of thousands of aspiring advocates.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, AIBE was conducted twice a year. This system gave graduates a timely opportunity to obtain their Certificate of Practice (CoP) and begin their legal careers without unnecessary delay. However, since the pandemic, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has been conducting the AIBE only once a year, with no clear reason or roadmap for restoring the earlier frequency.

This change means that if someone fails the exam—or is unable to appear due to personal, academic, or health reasons—they must now wait a full year for another chance. This leads to:

1. Professional stagnation and lost income
2. Delayed access to the legal profession
3. Increased mental stress and demoralization
4. Inequity in access to justice and opportunities

Many other national-level competitive exams are already held more than once or have multi-stage formats. There is no legal or administrative bar on holding the AIBE twice yearly.

I started this petition to request the Bar Council of India to restore the biannual conduct of the AIBE, and provide a clear calendar of upcoming exam dates—so that law graduates can plan their careers and lives with certainty.

This issue affects every future lawyer in India. If you’re a law student, graduate, practicing advocate, or someone who believes in fair access to justice, please sign and share this petition. Your voice matters.

Let us advocate for the advocates.

#RestoreBiannualAIBE #LetUsPracticeLaw