How to Download Certificate of Practice from Bar Council of India
If you are an advocate who wants to practice law in India, you need to obtain a Certificate of Practice (CoP) from the Bar Council of India (BCI). The CoP is a written permission or license that allows you to practice the legal profession in India. It also serves as a proof of your enrollment and qualification as an advocate.
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But how can you get your CoP from the BCI? What are the steps involved in the process? And what are the benefits and responsibilities that come with it? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download your CoP from the BCI.
Step 1: Register and appear for All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
The first step to get your CoP is to register and appear for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The AIBE is a national-level exam that tests your analytical and logical skills as well as your understanding of the law. The BCI conducts the AIBE twice a year, usually in March and December, in 11 languages. You can choose any one language as per your preference.
To register for the AIBE, you need to visit the official website of AIBE ( and fill up the online application form. You also need to upload your documents, such as your enrollment certificate, photo, signature, etc., and pay the application fee of Rs. 3560 (Rs. 2560 for SC/ST candidates). You will receive a confirmation email and SMS after successful registration.
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To appear for the AIBE, you need to download your admit card from the website and carry it along with a valid ID proof to the exam center. The AIBE is an open-book exam, which means you can carry any study material or notes with you. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that have to be answered in three hours and thirty minutes. You need to score at least 40% marks to qualify the exam.
Step 2: Check AIBE result and download soft copy of Certificate of Practice from AIBESCOPE app
The second step to get your CoP is to check your AIBE result and download the soft copy of your CoP from the AIBESCOPE app. The BCI declares the AIBE result on its website within a few weeks after the exam. You can check your result by entering your roll number and date of birth.
If you have qualified the exam, you can download the soft copy of your CoP from the official AIBE app - AIBESCOPE, which is available for android and iOS phones. The app allows you to access your CoP anytime and anywhere. The CoP contains important details such as your name, enrollment number, enrollment date, state bar council name, etc.
Step 3: Collect hard copy of Certificate of Practice from State Bar Council
The third and The third and final step to get your CoP is to collect the hard copy of your CoP from your State Bar Council. The State Bar Council is the authority that enrolls you as an advocate and issues your CoP. You need to visit the office of your State Bar Council and submit a copy of your AIBE result along with your enrollment certificate and identity proof. You will receive your CoP within a few days after verification. Benefits of Certificate of Practice for Advocates
Now that you have obtained your CoP, you might be wondering what are the benefits of having it. Well, there are many advantages of having a CoP as an advocate, such as:
Eligibility to practice law in India
The most obvious benefit of having a CoP is that it makes you eligible to practice law in India. Without a CoP, you cannot appear before any court, tribunal, or authority in India as an advocate. The CoP also allows you to file cases, pleadings, petitions, and other legal documents on behalf of your clients. The CoP is a mandatory requirement for practicing law in India as per the Advocates Act, 1961 and the Bar Council of India Rules.
Access to benefits and services offered by Bar Council of India
Another benefit of having a CoP is that it gives you access to various benefits and services offered by the BCI. The BCI is the apex body that regulates and represents the legal profession in India. It provides various facilities and welfare schemes for its members, such as:
Legal education and training programs
Continuing professional development courses
Legal aid and pro bono services
Advocates welfare fund and insurance schemes
Library and e-resources
Grievance redressal and disciplinary mechanisms
Awards and recognition
By having a CoP, you can avail these benefits and services and enhance your professional skills and reputation.
Recognition and credibility as a practicing advocate
A third benefit of having a CoP is that it gives you recognition and credibility as a practicing advocate. The CoP is a proof of your qualification, enrollment, and competence as an advocate. It shows that you have passed the AIBE and met the standards set by the BCI. It also shows that you are bound by the code of conduct and ethics of the legal profession. By having a CoP, you can establish trust and confidence among your clients, colleagues, judges, and other stakeholders.
Renewal of Certificate of Practice
Now that you know the benefits of having a CoP, you might be wondering how to maintain it. Well, you need to renew your CoP periodically to keep it valid and active. Here are some important points to remember about the renewal of CoP:
Frequency and procedure of renewal
The BCI has prescribed that every advocate has to renew his or her CoP every five years from the date of issue. The renewal process involves filling up an online application form on the AIBE website ( and paying a renewal fee of Rs. 2500 (Rs. 1500 for SC/ST candidates). You also need to upload your documents, such as your previous CoP, photo, signature, etc., and submit a declaration that you have not been suspended or debarred from practice by any disciplinary authority.
Documents and fees required for renewal
The documents and fees required for renewal of CoP are as follows:
DocumentsFees
- Previous Certificate of Practice- Rs. 2500 (Rs. 1500 for SC/ST candidates)
- Enrollment certificate issued by State Bar Council- Nil
- Photo (passport size)- Nil
- Signature (scanned)- Nil
- Declaration form (downloaded from AIBE website)- Nil
Consequences of non-renewal or lapse of Certificate of Practice
If you fail to renew your CoP within the stipulated time period, you will face some serious consequences, such as:
You will not be able to practice law in India until you renew your CoP.
You will have to pay a late fee of Rs. 500 per year for every year of delay in addition to the regular renewal fee.
You will lose your access to the benefits and services offered by the BCI.
You will risk your reputation and credibility as a practicing advocate.
Therefore, it is advisable to renew your CoP on time and avoid any hassle or penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate of Practice
Here are some of the common questions that advocates have about CoP and their answers:
Q1: Who is exempted from obtaining Certificate of Practice?
A1: According to the BCI, the following categories of advocates are exempted from obtaining CoP:
Advocates who are in full-time service or employment, such as judges, magistrates, law officers, law teachers, etc.
Advocates who are above the age of 65 years.
Advocates who have voluntarily retired from practice.
Advocates who have been enrolled for less than two years and have not started practicing.
Q2: How long is the validity of Certificate of Practice?
A2: The validity of CoP is five years from the date of issue. You need to renew it every five years to keep it valid and active.
Q3: What if I lose or damage my Certificate of Practice?
A3: If you lose or damage your CoP, you need to apply for a duplicate CoP from the BCI. You need to submit an application form along with a copy of your enrollment certificate, identity proof, FIR copy (in case of loss), and a fee of Rs. 1000. You will receive your duplicate CoP within 15 days after verification.
Q4: Can I practice law in other states or countries with my Certificate of Practice?
A4: Yes, you can practice law in other states or countries with your CoP, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. For practicing in other states, you need to inform the State Bar Council where you are enrolled and obtain a no-objection certificate from them. You also need to inform the State Bar Council where you intend to practice and pay a nominal fee to them. For practicing in other countries, you need to follow the rules and regulations of the respective country and obtain the necessary permissions and licenses from them.
Q5: How can I contact Bar Council of India for any queries or grievances regarding Certificate of Practice?
A5: You can contact the BCI for any queries or grievances regarding CoP through the following modes:
Email: info@barcouncilofindia.org
Phone: 011-49225022/23/24/25/26
Fax: 011-49225011
Address: Bar Council of India, 21 Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, Near Bal Bhawan, New Delhi - 110002
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained how to download your Certificate of Practice from the Bar Council of India. We have also discussed the benefits, renewal, and FAQs about CoP. We hope that this article has helped you understand the importance and process of obtaining CoP as an advocate. If you have any further questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading! 44f88ac181
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