AIBE FAQ
Q: I cleared LLB last year. Am I eligible for AIBE?
A: Yes, once you are enrolled with a State Bar Council, you can register for AIBE at any point. There is no time limit after enrollment.
Q: Can I appear in courts before clearing AIBE?
A: Technically no — a Certificate of Practice is required to practise. However, enrolled advocates can appear as juniors under a senior's supervision even before clearing AIBE. BCI has clarified enrolled advocates can appear during the pendency of an AIBE attempt.
Q: Is AIBE conducted online or offline?
A: Offline — OMR-based MCQ paper at designated centres across India.
Q: Where do I find AIBE previous year papers?
A: BCI website (barcouncilofindia.org), the AIBE official portal (bci-aibe.in), and various legal education platforms. BCI releases official answer keys after each exam.
Q: What is the salary of a government advocate?
A: Varies widely by state and level. Junior government pleaders: ₹30,000–₹60,000/month. Senior standing counsel at High Court level: ₹1–5 lakh per appearance. Additional Solicitor General (Central Government): ₹6.25 lakh per hearing (per the ASG pay scale). Government service lawyers (law officers in ministries): 7th Pay Commission pay scales (₹56,100–₹2,50,000 depending on post).
Q: What is a Memorandum of Appearances vs Vakalatnama?
A: A Vakalatnama is filed in most civil and criminal courts, authorising an advocate to appear and act. In the Supreme Court, a Memorandum of Appearance (MoA) is filed instead, which is simpler and does not require the client's signature — just the advocate's. Both serve the purpose of formally recording the advocate-client relationship before the court.
Q: How much does a junior advocate typically earn in Year 1?
A: ₹5,000–₹20,000 per month stipend from the senior, depending on city, law firm type, and the senior's practice size. In Tier-1 cities (Mumbai, Delhi), law firm associates may start at ₹6–12 LPA through campus placement. Solo junior practice income is erratic in the early years.
Q: Can an advocate from one state practice in another state's courts?
A: Yes — once enrolled with any State Bar Council, an advocate can practise in all courts and tribunals across India (Section 30, Advocates Act), including High Courts and the Supreme Court. Some High Courts have their own enrolment requirements for regular appearances in that specific court.
Q: What books are recommended for AIBE preparation?
A: Best approach: Bare Acts only, since AIBE is open-book. Supplement with Universal's Handbook of Law (a compact reference), BCI AIBE previous-paper analysis guides, and structured MCQ practice from legal education platforms.
Q: What happens if I fail AIBE?
A: No penalty — unlimited attempts until cleared. You can continue practicing as a junior to a senior while reattempting. Some states have their own local requirements, but BCI at the national level places no restriction on the number of attempts.
Q: How do I register for AIBE?
A: Register at bci-aibe.in. You'll need: an enrollment certificate from your State Bar Council, the AIBE registration fee (₹3,560), photographs, and ID proof. Registration opens online; an admit card is issued before the exam date. Results are typically declared within 2–3 months of the exam.