AIBE Exam Pattern 2026: Marks, Duration & Marking Scheme
Exactly how the All India Bar Examination paper is structured — questions, timing, marking, the open-book rules, and the current passing marks. Then rehearse it with a timed, full-length mock.
The pattern at a glance
| Conducting body | Bar Council of India (BCI) |
| Mode | Offline (pen-and-paper), single paper |
| Question type | Objective — multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Number of questions | 100 |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer |
| Negative marking | None |
| Book access | Open book — bare Acts & printed references allowed |
| Passing marks (General/OBC) | 45 out of 100 (45%) |
| Passing marks (SC/ST/PwD) | 40 out of 100 (40%) |
| Languages | Available in English and several regional languages |
The marking scheme
The AIBE is scored out of 100: +1 for every correct answer and no penalty for a wrong one. Because nothing is deducted, the strategy is simple — attempt all 100 questions. A blank answer and a wrong answer both score zero, so even a considered guess can only help.
Passing marks by category
You must score at least:
- General & OBC: 45 out of 100 (45%)
- SC, ST & Persons with Disabilities: 40 out of 100 (40%)
Heads up: a lot of older prep material still lists 40%/35%. That was raised — the current cut-offs are 45% and 40%.
It’s open book — so train that way
You may carry bare Acts and printed reference material into the hall (electronic devices are not allowed). That changes what the exam really tests: not rote memory, but whether you can find the right provision quicklyand apply it under time pressure. The best preparation is to practise with your bare Acts beside you and get fast at locating sections — which is exactly what Vidhi’s provision-anchored questions build.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AIBE exam pattern?
The AIBE is a single offline paper of 100 objective multiple-choice questions to be answered in 3 hours 30 minutes. Each correct answer scores +1, there is no negative marking, and the paper is out of 100 marks. It is an open-book exam.
How many marks are needed to pass the AIBE?
General and OBC candidates need 45 out of 100 (45%). SC, ST and Persons with Disabilities need 40 out of 100 (40%). (Note: many older sources still cite 40%/35%, which is out of date.)
Is there negative marking in the AIBE?
No. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt all 100 questions — an unanswered question and a wrong one both score zero, while a correct guess scores +1.
How long is the AIBE exam?
The AIBE lasts 3 hours 30 minutes for 100 questions — a little over two minutes per question, which is why building speed with timed practice matters.
What can I carry into the AIBE open-book exam?
You may carry bare Acts and printed study/reference material. Electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, etc.) are not permitted. Always check the official notification for the exact list of allowed materials.
Rehearse the real thing
Take a free, timed mock in the AIBE format — no negative marking, instant scoring, and a full provision-anchored review of every answer.
Start a free mock test →Related
- The Complete AIBE Guide — eligibility, pattern, preparation
- AIBE Syllabus 2026 — subject-wise weightage & topics
- New Criminal Codes for the AIBE — BNS, BNSS & BSA, with an old-to-new section map
- AIBE Previous Year Papers — how to find & use them
- How to Prepare for the AIBE — a strategy & study plan
- AIBE Eligibility — who can appear