Beginning of reform, not end
Bar Council of India taking decision to hold All India Qualifying Examination is bold. I do not expect illogical opposition to stop it. Legal system and society have suffered enough. This exam is just beginning. It will not by itself raise bar standards overnight. Real change needs long journey. How question paper is set will decide success. It must not become like routine LLB exam. It must check basic competence and ethics. Rain Maker assisting BCI is good sign. Students must know from day one that degree alone is not enough.
Apprenticeship vs examination debate
Earlier we discussed compulsory apprenticeship. In practice many get certificates without real work. Others work with senior but no proof. Examination is objective. It sets minimum standard before enrollment. This will help public trust. But exam alone is not sufficient. We must also ensure what is taught in colleges. If colleges produce graduates without basics, exam will reject many and create crisis. So both must run together. Fixing law colleges on priority Most law colleges in India need serious regulation. Random inspections without notice are needed. Attendance cannot be compromised. Moot courts and debates must be mandatory and recorded. If private college cannot maintain standards, it should close. PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s concern on lack of experts to head colleges is valid. HRD Ministry and BCI must coordinate. Without quality input, output through AIBE will be poor. Regulation must focus on training, not just pass percentage.
Senior advocates must lead
Many senior lawyers are in public life and politics. Their influence is public. If they focus on legal education, change will be quick. This is about public interest, not just profession. When faith in courts erodes, society suffers. Senior advocates must mentor, teach, and push for reforms in bar associations and court procedures. Government support is there. What is needed is leadership from Bar.
Conclusion
Bar council qualifying exam legal education reforms india must go hand in hand. AIBE in December 2010 is first step. Next steps are college regulation, strict attendance, practical training, and senior lawyer involvement. Judicial and procedural reforms are bigger task. But with political support and bar leadership, lost dignity of profession can be regained. We must start now.
