Law Entrance and Counselling Cycles Continue Nationwide Through February

The legal admission landscape for the 2026-27 academic session is currently witnessing a surge in registration and counselling activity across India. Major state-level exams including MH CET Law and TS LAWCET have opened their application portals this February, while the Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially commenced AIBE XXI registrations for graduates. This comprehensive update covers key deadlines, eligibility criteria, and official links for undergraduate and postgraduate law aspirants nationwide.The month of February has emerged as a high-velocity period for the legal education sector in India, with multiple entrance and counselling cycles operating simultaneously. As of today, February 15, state-level bodies in Maharashtra and Telangana have activated their primary registration gateways, while the Bar Council of India (BCI) has shifted its focus toward law graduates with the launch of the AIBE XXI portal. This nationwide activity is designed to streamline the admission of thousands of students into 3-year LLB, 5-year integrated LLB, and LLM programs for the upcoming academic year. While national-level exams like CLAT and AILET are currently managing their merit lists, the emergence of regional entrance tests provides a vital second window for aspirants who seek placement in prestigious state and private law colleges.

State councils are currently facilitating the majority of the undergraduate application traffic. These exams are essential for securing a seat in government-aided and private law institutes within their respective jurisdictions.

• MH CET Law 2026: The State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, has extended the registration for the 3-year LLB program until February 28, 2026. However, the window for the 5-year integrated LLB course officially concluded yesterday, February 14. Candidates can access the official MAH CET portal to finalize their 3-year LLB applications and verify their APAAR IDs.
• TS LAWCET & PGLCET: The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) has officially opened the online registration for TS LAWCET 2026 on February 10. According to the official TGCHE notice, eligible candidates can submit their forms without a late fee until April 1, with the entrance test scheduled for May 18, 2026.
• AP LAWCET 2026: In neighboring Andhra Pradesh, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam has also commenced the application process on February 12. Aspirants for the 3-year and 5-year courses have until March 12 to register via the APSCHE portal.

BCI Updates: AIBE XXI for Law Graduates

For those who have already completed their legal education, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has initiated the mandatory licensing process.

• Registration Launch: The online application for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XXI commenced on February 11, 2026. This test is a mandatory requirement for advocates seeking a permanent "Certificate of Practice" in India.
• AIBE Timeline: The official AIBE portal will remain open for registration until April 30, 2026. The open-book test is currently scheduled to be conducted nationwide on June 7, 2026, across 50 cities.
• Eligibility Reminder: Graduates must be enrolled with a State Bar Council to be eligible for the AIBE XXI. The process involves verifying the enrollment certificate and submitting the required examination fee via the BCI-approved digital gateway.

Conclusion

The current counselling and entrance activity today, February 15, highlights the diversity of pathways available for a legal career. While state-level bodies like the Telangana Higher Education Council focus on the 2026-27 intake, private universities like Symbiosis have already begun releasing their first merit lists. Aspirants are urged to maintain a master calendar of these varying deadlines to ensure they do not miss a potential seat in their preferred education institute. The Bar Council of India continues to oversee the standards of these examinations, ensuring that the admission process remains fair and transparent. With the 3-year LLB entrance dates fast approaching in April, students should finalize their registration immediately to avoid the last-minute technical rush often seen in late February.

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