AIBE 20 Exam to Be Conducted on 30 November; Candidates Advised to Stay Updated with Latest Highlights

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE 20), the mandatory qualifying test for law practice in India, is scheduled for November 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. With the admit cards already released on November 15, candidates must now finalize their exam day preparations. This article provides essential details on the exam pattern (100 MCQs), the crucial reporting schedule (11:30 AM), the strict rules regarding Bare Acts, and high-weightage subjects like Constitutional Law to ensure you secure the required 40% passing marks and obtain your Certificate of Practice (CoP).

The All India Bar Examination (AIBE 20), conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI), is scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025. This examination is mandatory for all law graduates seeking to practice law in India and obtain the essential Certificate of Practice (CoP). With the exam date looming, and the AIBE 20 Admit Cards successfully released on November 15, 2025, aspirants must now shift their focus entirely to exam day logistics and last-minute revision.

​The examination will be conducted in a single shift, running from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, giving candidates exactly three hours to complete the test. A crucial instruction is the reporting time: all candidates must report to their designated test centres by 11:30 AM to complete the mandatory document verification and frisking procedures. Success in AIBE 20 requires not only legal knowledge but also strict adherence to BCI's exam protocols, especially concerning the permitted study material.

​ AIBE 20 Exam Day Essentials: Documents and Reporting Protocol

​The AIBE is a pen-and-paper (Offline) test. A meticulous approach to documentation and timing is non-negotiable for smooth entry into the examination hall.

• ​Mandatory Documents for Entry: 
  • ​AIBE 20 Admit Card: Candidates must carry at least two printed copies of their admit card. They should ensure all personal details (Name, Photograph, Exam Centre) are correct and match the ID.
  • ​Valid Photo Identity Proof (Original): Acceptable government-issued IDs include the Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License. A photocopy may also be requested.
  • ​Passport-size Photograph: Two recent photographs (matching the one on the admit card) should be carried for submission if required by the invigilator.
• ​Strict Reporting Schedule:
  • ​Reporting Time: 11:30 AM. Early arrival is crucial to avoid the last-minute rush and security checks.
  • ​Exam Timings: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (3 hours duration).
  • ​Entry Cut-off: Entry to the examination venue gates typically closes before 1:00 PM. Candidates reaching late will be denied entry, regardless of the reason.
• ​Prohibited and Permitted Items: 
  • ​Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, electronic gadgets, books, notes, loose papers, or any study material other than the permitted Bare Acts.
  • ​Permitted Items: Only plain Bare Acts (without notes, comments, or personal markings) and a Blue/Black Ballpoint Pen for filling the OMR sheet are allowed.

​ Understanding the Exam Pattern and The Bare Act Rule

​The AIBE is a qualifying examination, meaning the goal is simply to achieve the minimum passing marks rather than ranking highly. Candidates must be fully versed in the pattern and the unique rule regarding study material.

• ​AIBE 20 Examination Structure:
  • ​Mode: Offline (Pen-and-Paper based).
  • ​Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​Total Marks: 100 Marks.
  • ​Duration: 3 hours.
  • ​Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates are advised to attempt all 100 questions.
  • ​Minimum Qualifying Marks: The passing percentage is 40% (40 out of 100) for General/OBC candidates and 35% (35 out of 100) for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• ​The Bare Act Rule (A Crucial Update):
  • ​The AIBE exam, traditionally 'open-book,' is now a closed-book exam with a single, critical exception: candidates are only allowed to carry and use Bare Acts (uncommented).
  • ​Allowed: Plain Bare Acts, which are the official legislative texts. Photocopies or printouts of plain Bare Acts are generally permitted.
  • ​Strictly Prohibited: Any books or Bare Acts with notes, comments, case summaries, or personal handwritten markings. Invigilators have the final discretion to confiscate materials deemed non-compliant.

​ High-Weightage Subjects and Final Revision Strategy

​The AIBE syllabus covers 19 core law subjects. Given the time constraint, aspirants must prioritize the highest-weightage topics to secure the minimum passing score.

• ​Top 5 High-Weightage Subjects (48 Marks Total): These five subjects alone cover nearly half the exam, making them crucial for securing the 40-mark cut-off. 
  • ​Constitutional Law: 10 Questions
  • ​Code of Civil Procedure (CPC):10 Questions
  • ​Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C):10 Questions
  • ​Indian Penal Code (IPC):8 Questions (Including Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, per latest updates)
  • ​Evidence Act: 8 Questions (Including Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, per latest updates)
• ​Other Critical Areas (Medium Weightage):
  • ​Family Law: 8 Questions
  • ​Law of Contract, Specific Relief, Property Laws: 8 Questions
  • ​Law of Tort (including Motor Vehicle Act & Consumer Protection Law): 5 Questions
• ​Last-Minute Strategy: 
  • ​Bare Act Familiarity: Spend the remaining days organizing and thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the structure and key sections of the permitted Bare Acts, especially for the high-weightage subjects. This will enable quick referencing during the exam.
  • ​Solve Past Papers: Focus on solving at least 5 previous years' AIBE papers to understand the type of questions asked and the time management required.
  • ​Target 45 Marks: Aim to correctly attempt at least 45-50 questions to comfortably clear the 40% cut-off, leaving a margin for error.

​ Conclusion

​The AIBE 20 examination on November 30, 2025, is the final hurdle for law graduates to transition into professional practice. Success is contingent on a two-pronged strategy: meticulous adherence to the 11:30 AM reporting time and documentation rules, and smart test-taking, leveraging the plain Bare Acts to tackle the high-weightage subjects like Constitutional Law and procedural codes. Candidates must immediately verify their admit card details and dedicate the final days to focused revision and Bare Act navigation practice. Staying updated via the Bar Council of India (BCI) official website is a final, critical piece of advice.

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