Archive · 18 Jul 2025
SC Asks BCI If Poor Law Graduates Can Get AIBE Fee Waivers
The Supreme Court is looking into whether poor law school graduates can get help with the fees for their bar exam.
The bar exam is a test that law graduates must pass to become lawyers.
The court is worried about how much it costs to go to law school and take the bar exam.
They want to make sure that people who don't have a lot of money can still become lawyers.
The court has asked the Bar Council of India to come up with a plan to help those in need.
They are also concerned about the high fees charged by law schools.
The court wants to make sure the system doesn't stop people from becoming lawyers because of money.
Supreme Court questions Bar Council of India (BCI) on fee waivers for poor LLB graduates taking the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
The court expressed concern over the high fees charged by National Law Universities (NLUs) for LLB courses.
The AIBE application fee is Rs 3,500 for general and OBC candidates, and Rs 2,500 for SC/ST candidates.
The court stated that the system should have a provision to exempt fees for needy candidates.
BCI has been asked to address the fee waiver issue and come prepared in two weeks.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Bar Council of India (BCI), and LLB graduates.
- What
- The Supreme Court is questioning the Bar Council of India (BCI) regarding fee waivers for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
- When
- July 18th
- Where
- New Delhi (Supreme Court)
- Why
- To ensure that poor LLB graduates can afford to take the AIBE to become lawyers and address high fees in the legal education system.
Advocates for Accessible Legal Education
Concerns about financial aspects (Implied)
Fee Waiver
Advocates for Accessible Legal Education
Supports fee waivers for poor candidates to promote inclusivity.
Concerns about financial aspects (Implied)
Not explicitly stated in the article, but potentially concerned about financial sustainability or the burden on the BCI to manage waivers.
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Subject
- Fee waiver for AIBE
- Applicant Fee
- Rs 3,500 (General/OBC), Rs 2,500 (SC/ST)
- NLUs Fees
- Rs 1.7 to Rs 4 Lakhs per annum
- BCI Response Due
- In two weeks