Top 5 reasons why aspirants fail AIBE exam

Q: Is AIBE an open-book exam?

Till 2020, the All India Bar Examination was an open-book exam. However, in 2021 Bar Council of India changed this pattern. This means that students can no longer take the help of books and study material to attempt or solve the question paper. That being said students are still allowed to carry Bare Acts without notes with them. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha AIBE exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/law/aibe-exam). I hope this will help you.

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AIBE 19 (XIX) Result 2024 Live Updates: AIBE Exam Result & Final Answer Key at a

Anupama Mehra

Assistant Manager – Content

Updated on Jan 30, 2025 14:54 IST

Even though the qualifying marks for AIBE is 40 per cent for General/ OBC, and 35 per cent for SC/ST categories, still many find it difficult to pass. Know here top 5 reasons why aspirants fail AIBE exam.

The All India Bar Examination is a mandatory qualification for lawyers to obtain a 'Certificate of Practice' from the Bar Council of India. The qualifying marks for AIBE is 40 per cent for General/ OBC, and 35 per cent for SC/ST categories, still many find it difficult to pass. There could be several reasons affecting the performance of candidates in AIBE, and candidates must identify them beforehand to qualify the exam. Know here top 5 reasons why aspirants fail AIBE exam.

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Not knowing exam pattern

Candidates may not be able to handle the exam well if they do not cross-check the exam pattern of AIBE XX (20) 2025 beforehand. Knowing the exam pattern can boost confidence and help prepare for the exam. To help you prepare, we have provided an overview of AIBE 20 (XX) exam pattern 2025-26 below:

Q: Is AIBE exam easy or difficult?

As per the exam analysis of AIBE question paper in the previous years, the question paper of AIBE is generally moderately difficult with major focus on current events in law domain with respect to core legal subjects. Every year, AIBE exam is expected to be of easy to moderate difficulty level. However, BCI plans to make testing parameters stricter, in upcoming sessions, therefore, candidates can expect it a bit tougher than past years. Candidates can find out difficulty level of AIBE over the last few years here - https://www.shiksha.com/law/aibe-exam-analysis.

Q: Which book is the best for AIBE exam 2024?

The bar examination is no longer an open book examination. Therefore, candidates appearing for AIBE 19 should be careful of choosing best books for AIBE preparation. However, getting best books for AIBE examination can become a challenge as the syllabus is vast. Candidates appearing for the bar examination must prepare with Bare Acts without comments. The Bare Acts to be used while preparing for AIBE are:

Indian Penal Code, 1860
Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Evidence Act, 1872
The Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 and others

Q: What are the passing marks for AIBE exam?

The passing marks for the AIBE (All India Bar Examination) exam vary from year to year and are decided by the Bar Council of India. However, candidates must score a minimum of 40% marks to pass the exam. The AIBE is not an open book exam anymore, and candidates are allowed to carry Bare acts without notes to the exam center. However, candidates must ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the concepts and topics as they will be required to apply their knowledge to solve the questions. The exam is conducted in multiple-choice format, and candidates must answer 100 questions within a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The questions are based on various legal subjects such as constitutional law, contract law, criminal law, family law, and professional ethics and conduct. Candidates who pass the AIBE exam are awarded a Certificate of Practice by the Bar Council of India, which allows them to practice law in India. Candidates who do not pass the exam can appear for the exam again in the next session by paying the requisite fees.

AIBE Exam Features	Details
Exam mode	Offline, pen-and-paper exam, and may be this year onwards, it will be held in online, computer-based test mode as well.
Exam type	Qualifying exam
Exam duration	3 hours 30 minutes
Subjects	19 law subjects
Total questions	100 questions
Type of questions	Multiple-Choices based Questions
Marking Scheme	One mark per question and no negative marking in case of wrong attempts
Language options	English and 22 vernacular languages including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili, and Dogri

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Not checking syllabus and weightage

Apart from exam pattern, candidates must also check the syllabus and weightage for all subjects asked in AIBE question paper. Checkout AIBE syllabus with subject-wise weightage in the table below:

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AIBE Subjects/Syllabus	No. of Questions
Constitutional Law	10 marks
Criminal Procedure Code (Cr PC)	10 marks
Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)	10 marks
Indian Penal Code (IPC)	8 marks
Law of Contract, Specific Relief, Property Laws, Negotiable Instrument Act	8 marks
Family Law	8 marks
Evidence Act	8 marks
Law of Tort, including Motor Vehicles Act and Consumer Protection Law	5 marks
Labour and Industrial Laws	4 marks
Alternate Dispute Redressal Including Arbitration Act	4 marks
Law Related to Taxation	4 marks
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)	4 marks
Professional Ethics and Cases of Professional Misconduct under BCI Rules	4 marks
Administrative Law	3 marks
Company Law	2 marks
Environmental Law	2 marks
Cyber Law	2 marks
Land Acquisition Act	2 marks
Intellectual Property Laws	2 marks
Total	100 marks

Also Read: Important Topics for AIBE 20 (XX) Syllabus 2025 - Weightage, Landmark Judgements and More

Lack of preparation

Many candidates start working right after their graduation, and when they appear for AIBE, they have to fill the gaps between theoretical learning and practical skills. To qualify for AIBE, one has to cover all the subjects mentioned in the syllabus, as well as, consider following:

Time management - Candidates have to manage their time and test-taking skills properly or they won't be able to attempt the question paper completely. Focus on higher weightage first to obtain maximum marks in the exam.
Work on confidence - Lack of self-confidence can affect performance in any exam negatively. Especially, for a mandatory exam like AIBE, one can get anxious and not perform their best in the test paper. Therefore, one should effectively work on their confidence by preparing well for the exam. Always remember that AIBE has no limit on several attempts, and it is to be qualified with minimum qualifying marks i.e. 40% marks for General and OBC categories, and 35% marks for SC, ST and PWD categories.
Scheduling preparation - Candidates must prepare sufficiently to qualify AIBE, and if they do not schedule their preparation properly, it will affect their AIBE 20 results. Therefore, keeping in mind the total number of days left in the examination, one should plan and prepare effectively. Make time for AIBE preparation from a busy schedule to qualify for the most crucial examination to obtain a 'Certificate of Practice'.

Not studying with Bare Acts

One of the best things about AIBE is that one can carry the Bare Act to attempt the examination. It makes attempting AIBE question paper a lot easier. Therefore, one should make optimum use of by including it in their preparation plan. They should refer and learn all the articles, schedules, sections and verbatims or at least remember how to refer them quickly when attempting the question paper of AIBE.

Q: Is AIBE an open-book exam?

Till 2020, the All India Bar Examination was an open-book exam. However, in 2021 Bar Council of India changed this pattern. This means that students can no longer take the help of books and study material to attempt or solve the question paper. That being said students are still allowed to carry Bare Acts without notes with them. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha AIBE exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/law/aibe-exam).

I hope this will help you.

Q: Is All India Bar Examination (AIBE) tough?

Yes, AIBE is indeed tough. Candidates who qualify in the AIBE exam are issued COP certificates that allow the candidates to practice law in a court of law in India. Without the COP certificate, one cannot practice law in Indian courts. Both 3-year LLB and 5-year LLB graduates are eligible to appear in the AIBE exam. Hence, it is not only tough but indeed mandatory for lawyers. In order to crack AIBE exam, candidates need to make sure that they are consistent and regular with their preparation.

Q: Which book is the best for AIBE exam 2024?

The bar examination is no longer an open book examination. Therefore, candidates appearing for AIBE XIX Exam should be careful of choosing best books for AIBE preparation. However, getting best books for AIBE examination can become a challenge as the syllabus is vast. Candidates appearing for the bar examination must prepare with Bare Acts without comments. The Bare Acts to be used while preparing for AIBE are:

Indian Penal Code, 1860
Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Evidence Act, 1872
The Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 and others

Q: How many chances are given to a candidate to clear the AIBE exam?

There is no limit on number of attempts a candidate can make to clear All India Bar Examination. They can attempt the examination any number of times until they qualify it with a PASS remark in AIBE result. The Bar Council of India has earlier stated that candidates must ensure qualifying AIBE within two years of enrollment, however, it does not mean that they cannot appear for AIBE after that period or they only get two attempts. Rather, it means that if candidates are not able to qualify AIBE within two years of enrollment, then they will be required to re-enroll or get an extension for their provisional enrollment from their state bar council. Know all about AIBE here - https://www.shiksha.com/law/articles/all-india-bar-examination-blogId-100983.

Q: How to clear AIBE examination?

Clearing the AIBE (All India Bar Examination) requires a combination of proper preparation, focus, and determination. Here are some tips to help you clear the AIBE examination: 1. Understand the exam pattern: The AIBE is an open book exam, and candidates are allowed to carry their study materials and notes to the exam center. However, candidates must understand the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the duration of the exam to prepare effectively. 2. Prepare thoroughly: Since the AIBE covers various legal subjects, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the concepts and topics. Candidates should create a study plan and focus on important topics, previous year papers, and mock tests to improve their preparation. 3. Practice solving questions: Candidates should practice solving questions from various sources such as previous year papers, mock tests, and study materials. This will help them understand the exam pattern and improve their speed and accuracy. 4. Revise regularly: Regular revision is essential to retain the concepts and topics and improve memory retention. Candidates should revise regularly and focus on weak areas to improve their performance. 5. Improve writing skills: AIBE requires candidates to write descriptive answers, and thus it is essential to improve writing skills. Candidates should practice writing essays, case studies, and legal opinions to improve their writing skills. 6. Manage time effectively: The AIBE exam has a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and candidates must manage their time effectively to attempt all questions. Candidates should prioritize questions, manage time effectively, and avoid spending too much time on a single question. 7. Stay updated with legal news: Candidates should stay updated with legal news, Current Affairs and recent developments in the legal field to improve their understanding and score well in the exam. By following these tips and preparing effectively, candidates can clear the AIBE examination and achieve their goal of practicing law in India.

Poor exam strategy

For a candidate who is about to appear for AIBE, a weak preparation strategy can be as harmful as not referring a Bare Act when studying a case. One has to make a strategy that should be focused on their strengths and weaknesses, exam pattern and syllabus for the exam. They need to:

Practice previous years with Bare Act without comments
Study Landmark judgements
Study recent case laws
Take note of all legal domain related current affairs especially occuring after new CJI's appointment.

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About the Author

Anupama Mehra

Assistant Manager – Content

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio

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