BCI Extends AIBE Result Validity Till March 2026: Karnataka High Court Records Decision
The Karnataka High Court has noted that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has extended the validity of the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) results till March 21, 2026. The decision was recorded while hearing a petition filed by two law graduates who faced delays in their enrolment as advocates.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, who heard the plea by S. Gowri Shankar and Vijay Chander T., observed that the BCI had recognised the difficulties faced by students who cleared the AIBE and accordingly decided to extend the validity period to ensure they are not adversely affected.
The Court said the extension will benefit candidates waiting for formalities to be completed by their respective State Bar Councils, including the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC). It noted that this step would give the KSBC sufficient time to process all pending applications.
The petitioners had requested the Court to direct the KSBC to process their enrolment applications without additional preconditions like prior document verification. They also challenged the ₹2,500 “document verification charge” imposed by the Council, claiming it was not authorised under the Advocates Act.
During the proceedings, KSBC counsel G. Nataraj assured the Court that all applications, including those of the petitioners, would be processed well before the new validity deadline, provided that complete documentation is submitted. Incomplete applications, he said, would receive reminders for compliance.
Regarding the challenge to the verification fee, the Court refrained from passing any order since a related case is already pending before the Supreme Court in W.P. No. 352/2023.
Considering both the BCI’s extension and KSBC’s assurance, the High Court disposed of the petition.
The BCI had earlier announced that the AIBE-XX will be held on November 30, 2025.
Case Title: S. Gowri Shankar and another v. The Karnataka State Bar Council and others
Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 361
