The All India Bar Examination (AIBE ) is a test of basic legal knowledge, but more importantly, how efficiently you can use legal texts (Bare Acts) under pressure. It is an open book exam, so success lies not in memorizing every section, but in knowing which topics carry the most importance and how to find answers from the Bare Acts.
This guide focuses on the 10 most important topics that form a large part of the AIBE Exam question paper. By mastering these, you can easily qualify. We will also discuss the new criminal laws – Indian Judicial Code (BNS), Indian Civil Defence Code (BNSS) and Indian Evidence Act (BSA).
A special note on the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA)
It is very important for candidates appearing for the upcoming AIBE Exam to use the latest Bare Acts. Although the basic principles of criminal law remain the same, the number of sections and some of the procedures have changed.
10 Important Topics for AIBE
Here are the topics you should prioritize in the exam based on importance.
1. Constitutional Law
Approximate importance: 10 marks
Why it’s important: It is the foundation of Indian law. The questions are straightforward and often based on historical principles and articles.
Focus on these areas:
Part III: Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-32), especially Writ Petitions (Articles 32 and 226).
Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Executive: Powers & functions of the President & Governor (Articles 52-78, 153-167).
Legislature: Parliament and State Legislatures (Articles 79-122, 168-212).
Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts – their structure, jurisdiction and powers (Sections 124-147, 214-237).
Emergency provisions (Sections 352, 356, 360).
Preparation method: Use a blank law book containing short notes and references to important case law. The questions are straightforward, so it is important to be able to find an article quickly. Highlight articles related to writs, judiciary and fundamental rights.
2. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) / Indian Civil Services Code (BNSS)
Approximate importance: 10 marks
Why important: It deals with the entire criminal justice process. The questions are procedural and test your understanding of various stages of criminal proceedings.
Focus on these areas:
- Definition and classification of criminal courts.
- Arrest of persons.
- Procedure for compulsory attendance (summons, warrants).
- Information to the police (FIR) and their powers to investigate.
- Bail and anticipatory bail.
- Framing of charges.
- Trial procedure (especially before the sessions court).
Preparation method: Make a flowchart of a criminal case from FIR to judgment. Write sticky notes on the chapters related to arrest, bail and investigation in your BNSS Bare Act, as these are the most frequently asked questions.
3. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
Approximate importance: 10 marks
Why it is important:
Like the CPC for criminal law, the CPC is the backbone of civil cases. The questions are procedural and often ask about the differences between different concepts.
Focus on these areas:
- Jurisdiction of the court (Section 9).
- Res sub-judice and res judicata (Sections 10, 11).
- Application (Order 6), complaint (Order 7), and written statement (Order 8).
- Summons (Order 5).
- Temporary Restraining Order (Order 39).
- Appeal, Reference, Review and Revision (Sections 96-115).
Preparation Method: Focus more on the orders than the sections, as often the factual questions arise from there. Use flags of different colours to mark important orders like charges, written statements and injunctions.
4. Indian Penal Code (IPC) / Indian Judicial Code (BNS)
Approximate importance: 8 marks
Why important: It defines real criminal offences. The questions are usually based on identifying the correct offence from a real situation.
Focus on these areas:
- General interpretations and general exceptions (e.g., right of self-defence).
- Incitement and criminal conspiracy.
- Offences against the body (culpable homicide, murder, kidnapping, assault).
- Offences against property (theft, extortion, robbery, burglary, criminal mischief).
- Offences relating to marriage and defamation.
Preparation Method: For problem-based questions, first read the question and then go to the relevant chapter of the BNS. For example, if the question relates to theft, go directly to the chapter “Offences against property”. It is important to understand the essential elements of each offence.
5. Indian Evidence Act (BSA)
Approximate Importance: 8 marks
Why it is important: This Act is very important for both civil and criminal cases. The questions examine what evidence is considered relevant and admissible.
Focus on these areas:
- Relevance of facts (Sections 5-16 of the old Act are very important).
- Confession and admission.
- Death certificate.
- Expert opinion.
- Burden of proof and presumption.
- Estoppel.
- Examination of witnesses (examination-in-chief, cross-examination, re-examination).
How to prepare: On the first page of your BSA, prepare a short list of important concepts like ‘confession’, ‘death certificate’ and ‘burden of proof’ and also create their respective sections. This will save you valuable time.
6. Family Law
Approximate importance: 8 marks
Why it is important: It covers personal law and is very relevant in practice. The questions are often straightforward and relate to marriage, divorce and inheritance.
Focus on these areas:
Sources of Hindu and Muslim law.
Hindu Marriage Law: Conditions of valid marriage, grounds for divorce.
Hindu Succession Law: Rules of inheritance for men and women.
Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Law: Conditions of valid adoption.
Muslim Law: Sources, marriage (nikah), divorce and dowry.
Preparation Method: List the four major Hindu law laws thoroughly. For Muslim law, focus on the basic concepts of marriage, divorce and dowry.
7. Contract Law (including specific relief, partnership, NI law)
Approximate importance: 8 marks
Why it is important: It forms the basis of all commercial and business transactions.
Focus on these areas:
Indian Contract Law: Essential elements of a valid contract, breach of contract and remedies.
Specific relief law: Injunction and specific performance of contract.
Negotiable Instruments Law: Cheques, promissory notes and bills of exchange (especially dishonour of cheques).
Preparation method: In Contract Law, focus on the first 75 sections. For Negotiable Instruments Law, the chapter on dishonour of cheques is a high priority area.
8. Tort Law (including Motor Vehicle Act and Consumer Protection Act)
Approximate importance: 5 marks
Why it is important: It deals with civil wrongs and is very practical. It scores well due to inclusion of Motor Vehicle Act and Consumer Protection Act.
Focus on these areas:
Tort: Negligence, Tort, Defamation, Vicarious Liability.
Motor Vehicle Act: No-fault liability and rules of compensation.
Consumer Protection Act: Definition of ‘consumer’, ‘fault’ and ‘deficiency’; Structure of consumer forums.
Preparation Method: Questions from MV Act and Consumer Protection Act are often simpler and more straightforward than those from general torts. Keep these Acts handy.
9. Professional Ethics and Misconduct Matters (BCI Rules)
Estimated Importance: 4 Marks
Why Important: This directly tests the rules that will govern your conduct as a lawyer. Answers can be found in this concise rule book.
Focus on these areas:
- 7 Lamps of Advocacy.
- Duties of a lawyer towards the court, client, opponent and colleagues.
- Rules against advertisements and solicitations of work.
Preparation Method: Read the Bar Council of India Rules in full at least once. It is a short document, and the questions come directly from the rules. This is a very easy area to get full marks in.
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Approximate importance: 4 marks
Why it is important: ADR is a fast-growing area of law. The questions are straightforward and test basic knowledge.
Focus on these areas:
Arbitration and Conciliation Act: Definition of arbitration agreement, appointment of arbitrators and setting aside of arbitral award.
Basics of Arbitration, Conciliation and Lok Adalat.
Preparation Method: Focus on the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The introductory sections that define the scope and nature of arbitration are the most important.
Note: By focusing your efforts on these ten topics, you can cover a significant portion of the AIBE Exam paper and enter the exam hall with confidence and a clear strategy for success.
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