The Bar Council of India (BCI) has clarified that LLB degrees obtained through evening, part-time, distance, online, or weekend modes after the academic year 2000–01 are not recognised for enrolment as advocates.
Key Points
Earlier recognition (pre-2000): Under the Legal Education Rules, 1989, BCI had recognised certain evening LLB programmes run by universities and law colleges, subject to compliance with then-existing standards.
Recognition withdrawn from 2000–01: With the Legal Education Rules, 1999, BCI ended recognition of evening law degree courses across all states starting academic year 2000–01.
Position unchanged under 2008 Rules: The Legal Education Rules, 2008 reaffirm that LLB is a regular, full-time professional course, requiring prescribed class hours, minimum attendance, and a structured academic schedule between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
No recognition for alternative formats: Since 2000–01, evening, night school, part-time, distance, online, weekend, or vacation-mode LLB courses have no state-level recognition for enrolment as advocates.
Who remains eligible: Candidates who completed evening LLB up to academic year 1999–2000 remain eligible for registration as advocates, subject to applicable rules.
The information was provided by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, according to PIB.
