The Bar Council of India (BCI) has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at enhancing oversight and integrity within legal education. These new requirements address judicial concerns about the importance of monitoring the backgrounds and academic conduct of law students.
One of the key changes mandates that all law students disclose any First Information Reports (FIRs) or criminal cases against them prior to receiving their final grades and degrees. Students found guilty of any offenses must provide documentation of their release or completion of their sentence. Concealing such information could lead to disciplinary action, including the withholding of degrees and mark sheets.
Additionally, the BCI has reaffirmed existing rules that prohibit law students from pursuing concurrent regular degrees, ensuring their complete focus on LLB studies. Unauthorized enrollment in another academic program may result in the loss of final academic credentials. Moreover, students must declare their employment status; any work undertaken during the LLB course requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employers, with non-compliance potentially leading to similar penalties.
To improve attendance tracking, the BCI has mandated the implementation of biometric attendance systems across all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs). CCTV cameras must also be installed in classrooms and key areas, with recorded footage retained for a minimum of one year. These measures aim to establish a clear and accountable framework for legal education, ensuring that students adhere to the highest standards of conduct and maintain focus on their academic responsibilities. For more details, candidates are encouraged to visit the BCI’s official website.
