The Bar Council of India (BCI) Registration is a mandatory process for all law graduates who wish to practice as advocates in India. In Karnataka, graduates of a 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated law course must register with the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC). The process includes submitting academic documents, paying prescribed fees, attending the official enrollment ceremony, and later qualifying in the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). Successful registration grants an enrollment number and, after passing AIBE, a Certificate of Practice, legally authorizing the advocate to practice law in any court across India.
🏛️ BCI Registration in Karnataka – Complete Process
1️⃣ Eligibility
- Must have completed LLB (3-Year) or BA LLB (5-Year Integrated Law Course) from a BCI – Approved university/college.
- Must have provisional/degree certificate + Marksheets.
2️⃣ Collect Required Documents
You will need:
- LLB Provisional / Degree Certificate (attested copy)
- LLB Final Year Marks Card (attested copy)
- SSLC / 10th Marks Card (for DOB proof)
- PUC / 12th Marks Card (attested copy)
- Transfer Certificate (TC) from college
- Passport-size Photos (usually 6 – recent, in formal attire)
- Proof of Address & Identity (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Internship/Training Certificate (if required by university)
(Note: All photocopies must be attested by a gazetted officer or principal of law college.)
3️⃣ Apply at Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC)
- Visit the Karnataka State Bar Council office (High Court premises, Bengaluru).
- Collect the enrollment application form or download from KSBC official website.
- Fill in details carefully (personal info, education details, parent/guardian details, etc.).
- Attach required documents.
4️⃣ Pay the Prescribed Fees
- Enrollment fee is paid via DD (Demand Draft) in favour of “Bar Council of India” and “Karnataka State Bar Council”.
- Fee breakup (approx.):
- To BCI: ₹2,500
- To State Bar Council: ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 (varies slightly)
- SC/ST concession may apply.
Additional charges for welfare fund, ID card, etc.
5️⃣ Submit Application
- Submit the filled application with DDs and documents at the Enrollment Section of KSBC.
- The office will verify and issue an acknowledgement/registration number.
6️⃣ Attend Enrollment Ceremony
- KSBC conducts an Enrollment Program (usually once/twice a month).
- You must appear in formal dress code (black coat, white shirt, advocate band).
- Your name will be announced, and you’ll take an oath as an Advocate.
- You’ll receive your Enrollment Certificate (Enrollment No. – KAR/xxxx/20xx).
7️⃣ Apply for All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
- After State Bar Council registration, you must apply for the AIBE (Bar Exam) conducted by BCI.
- Once you pass, you’ll receive a Certificate of Practice (COP) from BCI, which allows you to practice law in India.
✅ Summary
Steps:
LLB Degree → Collect Documents → Apply at Karnataka State Bar Council → Pay Fees → Attend Enrollment → Get Enrollment Certificate → Write AIBE → Get COP → Start Practicing as Advocate.
