AICLET

In a milestone move signaling a new era in India's legal regulatory landscape, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially brought into effect the Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022, by way of a press note and notification on 14 May 2025. The rules, first gazetted in March 2023, are a measured step forward welcoming foreign entry into some segments of legal practice, but safely ring-fencing the domain of Indian law for Indian counsel.

This action falls at the intersection of two concurrent desires: India's desire to become an international commercial arbitration hub, and necessity to protect the professional, moral, and economic interests of its domestic legal fraternity. Instead of opening wide the floodgates, the BCI has opted to mark out and define the boundaries of acceptable foreign legal conduct by means of a formal, rule-oriented procedure that places a high premium on non-litigious advisory services, international legal cooperation, and reciprocity-based access.

Essentially, the regulatory shift bars foreign law firms from advising on foreign and international law, particularly foreign-element arbitration and cross-border transactions. Notably, it clarifies that the practice of Indian law, including appearance before tribunals and courts, legal consultancy, and litigation, is the exclusive domain of Indian advocates under the Advocates Act, 1961.

As India integrates more into the global economic system, this reform is situated not as liberalization in and of itself, but as a thoughtful group of rules to attract international legal talent, enhance investor confidence, and enable Indian lawyers to venture out while not compromising the integrity of the Indian Bar.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Amendments

The 2025 amendment to the Bar Council of India Rules for foreign law firms and foreign lawyers in India provides a comprehensive regulatory framework. Instead of an across-the-board liberalization of the Indian legal services market, these reforms are a specific and calibrated opening, with robust protections to maintain the sovereignty of the Indian legal profession.

1. Scope of Permissible Practice

Foreign law firms and foreign lawyers may practice only:

Foreign law;

International law;

International commercial arbitration under some conditions.

They are strictly barred from practising Indian law in any way, including:

Being present before courts, tribunals, or statutory/quasi-judicial authorities;

Providing advice on Indian statues, rules, or case law;

Preparing or examining Indian law-regulated contracts.

2. Regulatory Forms and Compliance Mechanism

To formalize their presence, foreign legal professionals must comply with the following filing structure:

Form A: New registration (first-time);

Form B: Renewal of registration (five years validity, renewable).

Form C: Declaration for temporary entry under Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) scheme.

3. Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) Restrictions

Foreign lawyers are permitted to make temporary entry into India for client work, but:

Their temporary stay may not exceed 60 days during any 12 months.

The scope of advice may not exceed foreign law or matters of international legal interest only.

Every visit must be pre-declared in Form C, such as jurisdiction, client, and the nature of the engagement in question.

Such a requirement aims to enable short-term cross-border advice but prevent informal or disguised practice of law on Indian soil.

4. Ministry Approvals Mandatory

Registration under the new regime is conditional upon the issue of:

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Ministry of Law and Justice, and

A concurrent NOC by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Such a dual approval requirement assists in ensuring that the regulatory framework under the law is in keeping with India's foreign policy as much as with trade interests.

5. Qualification, Documents, and Due Diligence

Eligibility for registration on the part of foreign lawyers and foreign law firms requires providing:

Proof of primary legal qualification within the home jurisdiction;

Proof of valid license to practice law in that jurisdiction;

A good standing certificate from their national bar or regulator;

A compliance declaration under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the BCI rules.

These steps enable only professionally regulated, qualified foreign legal persons to pursue activities permitted in India.

Together, these amendments represent a model of regulation which is open—but not exposed. They signal that India is willing to accede to global legal regimes on its own terms—by encouraging arbitration, cross-border expertise and knowledge transfer, yet declining explicitly foreign encroachment in Indian legal practice.

Protection for Indian Advocates

One of the primary objectives of the new BCI regulations is the complete protection of the Indian bar. The rules say in no uncertain terms that the practice of Indian law is specifically reserved for Indian advocates who are registered under the Advocates Act, 1961. Foreign lawyers and foreign law firms are not allowed to appear in Indian courts, conduct litigation, or provide advice on Indian legal provisions.

To preserve this exclusivity, the BCI has implemented a set of eligibility screens, compliance provisions, and time limits, such as the FIFO limit on tenure of stay, to prevent foreign participation from taking the form of clandestine domestic legal practice. Besides, Indian lawyers have their right of double registration, i.e., they can be registered as "foreign lawyers" to practice international and foreign law while retaining their rights under Indian law. This presents the opportunity for Indian advocates to expand their international exposure without jeopardizing their indigenous status. 

Legal Validity and Judicial Backdrop

The amendments are in line with the jurisprudence developed in the pioneering judgments such as Bar Council of India v. A.K. Balaji (2018), wherein the Supreme Court had permitted foreign lawyers to practice on a limited scale limited to foreign law on a fly-in, fly-out basis, provided it is non-litigious and reciprocity-based. The new rules now codify and crystallize these judicial norms into a formal, structured regulatory framework.

By specifically prohibiting foreign lawyers from practicing Indian law and restricting their role to advisory services on foreign law, the amendments are in harmony with Section 29 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which allows only such advocates enrolled under the Act to practice law in India.

Requirements for Compliance by Foreign Law Firms

The rules mandate a widespread application and renewal process. Automatic registration does not apply and is to be approved in terms of qualification, professional behavior, and regulation compliance. All applicants are to furnish detailed documentation, including proof of licencing, good standing without disciplinary record, and compliance certificates with BCI standards. Temporary visits require advance notice, and all actions that fall within the remit of approved practice are to be within the mandated frameworks.

Notably, any breach or bypassing of these regulations can lead to cancellation of registration, such that not only compliance but also enforcement is facilitated. Such procedural safeguards reflect that the BCI wants to ensure participation by foreign parties to be regulated, reciprocal, and in limited terms.

Conclusion

The 2025 changes introduced by the Bar Council of India are a landmark shift in the country's legal regulatory mechanism. Instead of denoting unbridled liberalization, the framework constitutes a judiciously crafted strategy, embracing foreign lawyers and law firms into India's legal space, but on strictly regulated terms that maintain the integrity of Indian legal practice. By restricting foreign involvement to advisory roles in foreign and international law and denying them any presence whatsoever in practicing Indian law or engaging in litigation, the BCI has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the statutory and professional sanctity of Indian lawyers.

These reforms simultaneously attest to the enhanced confidence of India as a jurisdiction entirely integrated with international trade and international dispute resolution. For Indian lawyers and law afirms, it is a shield and an opportunity—an opportunity to assert their place on the international stage through two-way frameworks, while keeping their place in the national legal order. If applied with consistency and oversight, this model of regulation could be a blueprint for other emerging economies as they balance legal sovereignty against engagement with the world.

All India Common Law Entrance test (AICLET) is currently the fastest growing law entrance test preferred by law aspirants in India. Students can secure admission in the well known private law colleges such as Vivekananda Global University (VGU) through the provision of a 100% online, versatile test that has rendered law entrance easier than ever before.

What is the AICLET?

All India Common Law Entrance Test (AICLET) is a national-level online entrance examination for admission to legal studies (LLB, Integrated LLB, and LLM) at numerous institutions across India, including VGU Jaipur. It is a single-window admission exam, and the candidate can get seats across India through a single online exam for studying law. 

Is AICLET Right For You?

If you are an aspiring law student looking forward to taking admission in VGU through a credible national-level online law entrance exam, AICLET presents the best path. Created for students who have completed or are appearing in Class 12 exams, AICLET is open to students who dream of joining undergraduate law courses like BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, and LLB. It is also open to law graduates who want to pursue LLM.

The exam is accessible to freshers, repeaters, and working professionals seeking career advancement in legal studies. With no upper age limit and flexible 100% online mode, AICLET is perfect for candidates across India who want a convenient, merit-based opportunity to secure admission in top law colleges, including Vivekananda Global University (VGU). 

Eligibility for VGU Law Admission through AICLET 

Eligibility criteria generally require a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in Class 12 (with relaxations for reserved categories), ensuring broad inclusivity. Be it a robust legal education or a bright law career, AICLET's student-friendly format and all-India acceptability make it the appropriate exam for students who seek admission into the top institutes of law.

Key benefits of AICLET

1. The entire process (counselling, exam, result, registration) is entirely online, and can be attempted through desktop, laptop, or mobile from anywhere in India.
2. The time allocated for the exam is just 60 minutes and you have 100 MCQs with no negative marking – bold attempts are encouraged.
3. Seats in the best law colleges such as VGU are reserved for AICLET qualifiers, and there is direct counselling and easy admission. 
4. Reasonable fee of application (₹2,000), payment flexibility, and quickest result declaration make it student-friendl

How to register for Law Entrance Exam: Step-by-Step

Exam Pattern & Preparation

• Mode: Online, 100% (from home or any location).
• Questions: 100 MCQs (General Awareness, Legal Aptitude, English, Reason.
• Time: 1 hour.
• Scoring: Correct answers +1; no minus marking.
• Preparation guidelines:
• Practice online test sheets in order to get familiar with the time limits.
• Concentrate on reading contemporary affairs, fundamental legal principles, and enhancement of logical reasoning abilities.
• Take mock tests and watch crash courses on youtube, if necessary.

What to do after AICLET Examination

1. Check the results on your candidate portal after the exam date.
2. Fill the counselling form, select preferred college (e.g., VGU), and book your seat.
3. Pay the provisional admission fee (₹10,000), online submission of compulsory documents, and final admission on campus after verification. There is the provision of support and guidance by the AICLET counselling team all along. 

Latest AICLET Stats & Rankings for VGU admission

• Over 5000 students appeared for AICLET last year.
• Top colleges accepting AICLET: VGU Jaipur, APG Shimla, Amity university, Parul University, JECRC university, Centurion University.
• 80% of AICLET-selected students secure internships or placement offers in top law firms and corporations within a year of graduation.
• Registration for 2026 has crossed 12,000 within 40 days.

Why Choose VGU for legal education? 

VGU Jaipur is one of the top law colleges in India, recognized for quality legal education, high placements, and student-friendly campus life. Admission through AICLET is simple and merit-based, saving students the tedious offline entrance hustle and helping them start their law career. 

AICLET provides potential law students equal opportunity to learn at best colleges without location and travel constraints. For individuals who want to craft a prosperous law profession without the constraints of location and traveling, this online entrance exam is the path towards simplicity, flexibility, and opportunities in the field of law. 

Questions to expect in AICLET for VGU admission

1.What Article of the Indian Constitution provides equality before law?

1. a) Article 19
2. b) Article 14
3. c) Article 21
4. d) Article 25

2. The present Chief Justice of India is?

1. a) Y. Chandrachud
2. b) Ranjan Gogoi
3. c) N.V. Ram
4. d) None of the above

Ready for a fulfilling law career? Enroll for AICLET today and secure a seat at VGU or one of the other prominent law colleges. 

FAQs

Who is eligible for AICLET?

Students who have completed their 10+2, law graduates, working professionals, and students who took a drop are all eligible for the law entrance exam. 

Will clearing AICLET help with direct admission in VGU?

Yes. Once you have a good score in AICLET, you will be eligible for direct admission to VGU and for the scholarship (if eligible). 

Who to consult about the law entrance test?

If you seek a counsellor who can guide you, AICLET counsellors can help you. Before enrolling for AICLET, you’ll be connected with a counsellor who will help you understand everything about the exam and guide you through the process until you secure your seat in the desired college. 

What are the placements after VGU Law?

VGU has high placement rates, with top law and consulting recruiters hiring from campus. Additionally, the university helps students decide whether they should pursue higher education or choose a legal field that aligns with their skills and interests.

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Wednesday stated legal education is not just about churning out professionals for the bar and the bench but also about developing citizens who are devoted to the values of liberty, equality and fraternity.

Opening the first Professor (Dr) N R Madhava Menon memorial lecture here on 'Legal and Justice Education @2047: An Agenda for 100 years of Independence', the CJI emphasized making access to law and justice not a privilege for some but a reality in everyday life for all citizens.

Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant, the speaker at the lecture, stated that the study of law should never be conducted in ivory towers, separated from the actual plight of society and it should rather be grounded in the experiences of people that it aims to serve.

Justice Kant stated that to democratize legal education, "we need to shatter the elitist barriers that have crept over time.".

Speaking at the gathering, the CJI added, "In my opinion, legal education is not just about creating professionals for the bar and the bench.

It is about raising citizens who are dedicated to the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.".

" He added that the path to 2047 has to be anchored to the core values that over the years have shaped legal education, including professional competence, social justice, technological innovation and an unshakeable belief in the ideals of the Constitution.".

In the matter of access to law and legal education, CJI Gavai stated that for too long now, geographical, economic and linguistic divides have been formidable barriers, keeping vulnerable and marginalised citizens away from courts and legal institutions.

"Economic disadvantage usually results in even when there are legal remedies available, they become unaffordable to the ones who need them most," he said, going on to add that if law has to be really a tool of empowerment, then removing these barriers is necessary.

Legal education needs to be reimagined by increasing its reach through technology, encouraging teaching in regional languages, consolidating legal aid and developing entry points for first-generation learners, the CJI said.

"By doing so alone, we can guarantee that access to law and justice turns into a lived experience for all citizens of this Republic rather than being an exclusive privilege of the few," he stated.

The CJI, while drawing attention to the issue of ethics in legal education, stated that law schools have a significant responsibility to instill in each student a genuine respect for constitutional ideals.

He also emphasised creating research institutions to analyse the emerging area of law.

"Now, let me, however, add a note of caution.

The five-year integrated law programme and the National Law School model have undoubtedly been transformative and successful in many respects.

Yet, one of the recurring criticisms is that the model has, perhaps unintentionally, channelled a majority of its graduates towards careers in the corporate sector," CJI Gavai said.

"The voices and views of our subcontinent, informed by histories of colonialism, economic inequity and profound struggles for equality, cannot be at the periphery of global legal discussion," he added.

The CJI stated the real strength of a legal professional does not necessarily reside in a grasp of the law, but in the application of that knowledge in the service of justice, in the defense of democracy and in remaining unbendingly committed to constitutional values in adversity.

Addressing the lecture, Justice Kant discussed three core pillars -- legal education modernisation, instilling it with values and ethics, and democratising access to all. 

"Our National Law Universities, which were once models of meritocracy and innovation, currently suffer from severe faculty deficiencies.

The vision of community lawyering and Gram Nyayalayas is still mostly a pipe dream.

And the exorbitant expense of legal education increasingly restricts access to a privileged minority – undermining actual inclusivity," he said.

Justice Kant opined that law is not a subject to study; it is the actual foundation upon which society is established and nourished.

In the context of legal education modernization, he argued first and foremost that we need to do away with the old perception of law universities as enhanced high schools.

He urged including interdisciplinary learning into the very infrastructure of legal education.

Justice Kant averred that there should be an acceptance by the legal education of "digital-first" pedagogy, not convenience-driven, but as a necessary prerequisite for justice in the future.

"In the world today, all areas of the practice of law are being more and more involved with technology, but far too many law schools remain wedded to older approaches to learning, not responding to the new powers at hand that are already reshaping the profession," he said, and in 2047, the machine can help, but the human must respond.

Justice Kant stated that legal education modernisation calls for foresight and getting students ready to meet the future head on.

"Unfortunately, somewhere in the process, we have lost sight of this basic but profound reality — that the study of law should never be conducted in ivory towers, out of touch with the real struggles of society.

It needs to be grounded instead in the lived realities of the people that it is trying to serve," he said.

He added legal aid clinics need to be made a necessary and mandatory component of every law school's curriculum.".

"Meanwhile, the expense of studying even the most well-known law schools is pricing out the dream of legal study from thousands of capable and enthusiastic students from poor backgrounds," Justice Kant added.

Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has released an additional institutional-level admission round for the applicants who want to get admitted into law (three year and five year), Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), Master of Physical Education (MPEd), Master of Education (Med), and Bachelor of Education (Bed) courses on account of disruptions caused by heavy rains and floods in the entire state. The additional round will be held from October 3-5.

According to the CET cell, a few students were unable to obtain admissions in the regular institutional rounds due to flood-affected conditions. Besides that, a few of the candidates were also harassed due to mistakes or omissions in their admission forms, i.e., marks for entrance exams like Class 12, undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

So that students do not lose their academic opportunities, the CET cell has made the decision to permit correction in admission forms and offer a last chance to take part in the institutional-level admission process. In the additional round, students will even get the opportunity to choose colleges of their choice.

"Due to the floods and rains in the state, and also on technical grounds, many students were not in a position to seek admission for law, BPEd, MPEd, MEd and BEd-MEd courses. The additional round has been planned so that no one remains behind. We request students to make use of this opportunity," CET cell Commissioner Dilip Sardesai said.a

Students seeking a future-proof career option are choosing courses like cyber law, cyber security and more. A  career in cyber law is indeed lucrative due to the rapidly growing digital ecosystem and increasing dependency on AI, tech, and the internet. To the passionate individuals in the field of law who are eager to safeguard the digital sphere, the opportunities of cyber law in 2025 and further business and government across industries provide a wide range of high-growth prospects.

What Is Cyber Law?

Cyber law deals with legal matters involving the internet, electronic communication, online business, data security, and investigating crimes such as hacking, fraud, and data breaches. With the globalisation of the digital world, good legal frameworks and professionals are essential in protecting individuals, organisations and governments.

Why choose a Career in Cyber Law?

The online world is expanding at lightning speed. All businesses, including banks and health care industries, rely on technology, and online fraud, hacking and identity theft are increasing. As AI emerges, emerging legal issues demand skills in privacy, intellectual property, compliance, and accountability of autonomous systems (such as AI bots and drones). Additionally, India frequently amends its cyber laws; recent legislations are tougher data privacy (DPDP Act 2024-25), cryptocurrency regulations, and regulations on the use of AI and IoT devices.

Who can pursue cyber law? 

• Students of law schools who desire to specialize in high-growth areas of technology.
• Any graduate in any stream who wishes to specialise in digital law.
• Technical specialists who may want to get into legal and technical training.
• In case you are interested in digital rights, privacy and internet safety, cyber law will make you both challenged and satisfied.

How to build a Career in Cyber Law?

• Clear Class 12: any stream is good, but computer science or legal studies may assist.
• Pursue Law Degree: Take a 5 year combined BA LLB/BBA LLB post 12 th or a 3 year LLB post graduation.
• Take a Law Entrance Exam: CLAT, AICLET, AILET or LSAT India-based Law colleges.
• Specialise in Cyber Law: Choose courses, seminars or qualifications in cyber law and IT Act classes during your law degree.
• Join Internships/Workshops: Gain experience through internships with law firms, tech companies, or government agencies working in digital privacy, cybercrime, or intellectual property.

Major Job Roles and Salaries

Top recruiters include Wipro, Infosys, Deloitte, Tech Legis, Grow Up Technologies, S&R Associates, and both public and private law enforcement agencies 

Key Skills Needed

• Knowledge of IT Act, 2000 and amendments.
• Powerful research, analytical and advocacy skills.
• Technology expertise: AI, data analytics, the fundamentals of digital forensics.
• Kept abreast of the cybercrime and the digital privacy policies.

How is AI reshaping cyber law?

• The legal research and decision-making are now supported by AI tools.
• Digital forensic tools and AI are utilized by law enforcement to quickly identify threats and process digital evidence.
• New roles such as Legal Technologist, AI Compliance Officer, and Legal Data Analyst are emerging, which are a combination of law and technology.

Latest Trends and the Future

• The hot issues today in Indian cyber law are data privacy, AI responsibility, cryptocurrency regulation, and IoT laws. 
• The need for specialists in cyber law is rising annually, and the employment opportunities in the respective field are projected to increase by more than 20%.
• There are plenty of opportunities of international exposure and distance opportunities, and so it is a versatile and future-proof career option.

To sum up, cyber law is not limited to courtrooms. Career paths in this field range from law firms and IT companies to startups, policy advisories, and NGOs. With scams, data leaks, and AI-driven threats news becoming the headlines almost every day, cyber law professionals are in high demand. Thus, a career in cyber law is a good choice.

India has its own "Harvard", National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, the country's first NLU and also the holy grail for law hopefuls in the nation. NLSIU was established in 1987 and started a new tradition of legal education by sacrificing the traditional lectures-based courses and adopting an inter-disciplinary and practice-oriented approach.

Whereas Harvard Law School has produced presidents, Nobel laureates, and Supreme Court judges, NLSIU also boasts no less impressive an alum list. Among them are Supreme Court judges and High Court judges, senior counsels, top managing partners of India's top law firms, policy strategists, scholars, and even politicians who determine the fate of the nation.

The Harvard analogy is not so much prestige-oriented—though it would otherwise so appear—it's a reaction to the way NLSIU transformed India's legal world. It set the standard for all other NLUs to keep pace, created a competitive arena with CLAT (Common Law Admission Test), and is still the rank-holders' favorite every year.

With its global alumnus network, pioneering course syllabus, and limitless pursuit of academic excellence, NLSIU has emerged as the epitome of legal education. If the West's apogee of legal education is Harvard Law School, NLSIU Bangalore is unmistakably India's answer—the law school that continues to redefine, shape, and inspire the East's future of law.