BCI draft bill hikes advocate enrolment fee, overhauls legal education

The Bar Council of India has proposed raising the statutory advocate enrolment fee from Rs 750 to Rs 22,500 through the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The draft also recommends entrance examinations for law admissions, changes to the All India Bar Examination, expansion of the Legal Education Committee and mandatory continuing legal education. Stakeholders, including law universities and bar associations, can submit suggestions to the BCI until 3 pm on July 31, 2026.