The All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 20, conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI), is an essential qualifying exam for law graduates who wish to practice law in India. Clearing the exam earns candidates the Certificate of Practice (COP), allowing them to represent clients in courts across the country.
The official AIBE 20 Syllabus 2025 covers 19 core law subjects that form the foundation of legal practice. Understanding the subject-wise topics, weightage, and recent changes is the first step toward effective preparation.
AIBE 20 Exam Pattern – Quick Overview
Total Questions: 100 MCQs
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Mode: Online & Offline
Languages Available: 11
Negative Marking: None (attempt all questions confidently)
Passing Marks:
45% for General/OBC
40% for SC/ST and PwD
Important Note: AIBE 20 is no longer an open-book exam. Only bare acts without notes or annotations are allowed inside the exam hall.
Subject-Wise AIBE 20 Syllabus 2025
Here’s the detailed breakdown of subjects, weightage, and important topics:
1. Constitutional Law – 10 Questions
One of the most important areas in the exam. Focus on:
Salient features of the Constitution
Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles
Federalism and Emergency provisions
Judiciary & Panchayati Raj
Human rights and constitutional amendments
Landmark judgments & recent constitutional developments
2. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) – 10 Questions
Topics to prioritize:
Filing of suits & interim reliefs
Discovery and inspection of documents
Jurisdiction & doctrine of res judicata
Execution of decrees and orders
Latest amendments and procedural aspects
3. Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita – 10 Questions
Be thorough with both CrPC and the new BNSS. Important areas:
Pre-trial and trial procedures
Juvenile justice system
Probation and parole laws
Bail provisions and arrest procedures
4. Indian Penal Code (IPC) & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – 8 Questions
Key focus areas:
General principles of criminal liability
Offences against human life
Criminal conspiracy and joint liability
New provisions introduced in BNS
Relevant case laws
5. Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – 8 Questions
Topics to cover:
Relevancy and admissibility of evidence
Confessions & character evidence
Burden of proof
Examination of witnesses
Changes under the new BSA
6. Contract Law, Specific Relief, Property Law & Negotiable Instruments Act – 8 Questions
Essentials of a valid contract
Discharge & breach of contract
Property rights and remedies under Specific Relief Act
Cheques & negotiable instruments disputes
7. Family Law – 8 Questions
Covers both Hindu and Muslim personal laws:
Marriage, divorce & maintenance
Guardianship and succession
Important recent judgments in family law
8. Law of Torts (including Motor Vehicles Act & Consumer Protection Law) – 5 Questions
Principles of tortious liability
Motor accident compensation claims
Consumer protection mechanisms
Case law-based applications
9. Other Subjects – 2–4 Questions Each
Though lower in weightage, these cannot be ignored:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Labour and Industrial Laws
Professional Ethics
Taxation Law
Administrative Law
Company Law
Environmental Law
Cyber Law
Land Acquisition Act
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Preparation Strategy for AIBE 20
✔ Prioritize high-weightage subjects – Constitutional Law, CPC, CrPC, IPC, and Evidence together cover almost 50% of the paper.
✔ Master bare acts – Practice reading and navigating them quickly, since only bare acts are allowed in the exam hall.
✔ Stay updated – Cover recent legal reforms such as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, BNSS, and BSA.
✔ Solve mocks & previous papers – Understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
✔ Use standard references – Books like Constitutional Law of India by J.N. Pandey, Criminal Law by P.S.A. Pillai, and Civil Procedure by C.K. Takwani are highly recommended.
Conclusion
The AIBE 20 syllabus 2025 is structured to test a candidate’s foundational legal knowledge and practical understanding. Success lies in a strategic approach—prioritizing major subjects, practicing bare acts, and keeping up with the latest legal changes. With disciplined preparation and consistent practice, clearing the AIBE 20 and securing the Certificate of Practice is well within reach.
