AIBE Exam: Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against INR 3,500 Fee Charged by BCI
New Delhi, September 2, 2025: The Supreme Court has rejected a petition challenging the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) fee structure prescribed by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The Apex Court upheld that the BCI incurs significant expenses in conducting the examination, and therefore, the fee does not violate any constitutional provisions.
SC Upholds BCI’s Fee Structure for AIBE
A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Sandeep Mehta ruled that the AIBE fee structure is valid and does not contravene Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 19(1)(g) (Right to Practice Profession) of the Constitution.
The plea, filed by Advocate Sanyam Gandhi, had sought to challenge the fee of INR 3,500 (plus incidental charges) for General/OBC candidates and INR 2,500 (plus incidental charges) for SC/ST candidates.
Petitioner’s Argument
Advocate Sanyam Gandhi argued that:
- The fee structure was discriminatory and unreasonable.
- It violated Article 14 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
- It contravened Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act, 1961, which governs enrollment conditions for advocates.
He also requested the Court to ban future collection of such fees and order a refund of fees already collected for upcoming AIBE examinations.
Court’s Observation
The bench, however, noted that the BCI bears heavy costs in conducting the exam across the country. Hence, charging such fees was justifiable and not in violation of constitutional rights.
The Court also reminded the petitioner that he had earlier been advised to approach the Bar Council of India (BCI) before filing a petition directly in the Supreme Court.
Background of the Case
Earlier hearings in the matter had also raised concerns about financially weaker law graduates. The Supreme Court had asked the BCI whether it had any scheme to waive exam fees for economically disadvantaged candidates. However, no formal scheme was produced before the Court during this plea.
What’s Next for AIBE 20 Exam 2025?
The AIBE 20 Exam Notification 2025 is expected to be released soon by the Bar Council of India. The AIBE 20 Exam Date is tentatively set for December 21, 2025.
Registrations are likely to begin shortly on the official website – allindiabarexamination.com
AIBE Exam: Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against INR 3,500 AIBE Fee by BCI
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the INR 3,500 AIBE fee charged by the Bar Council of India. SC upheld BCI’s stance, stating the fee is valid. AIBE 20 Exam Notification 2025 to be released soon.
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