Why AIBE 20 Exam Was Extremely Difficult This Year, Students Voice Concerns

​This year’s AIBE 20 exam has sparked intense discussion across India, with thousands of law graduates calling it “one of the toughest papers ever conducted.” From unexpected question patterns to lengthy case-law–based scenarios, the 2025 examination has left many aspirants shocked. As the debate grows, candidates, experts, and coaching analysts are sharing strong opinions on why AIBE 20 paper felt unusually hard.

Many students reported that the paper contained several sections that were far more complex than previous years. Instead of straightforward legal questions, the exam focused heavily on interpretation-based queries, requiring deep understanding rather than memorization. Candidates said that even familiar topics like Constitutional Law, IPC, Evidence Act, and Professional Ethics included tricky twists that tested conceptual clarity.

A significant reason behind the difficulty, according to analysts, is the Bar Council of India’s recent push to raise the quality of legal practice in the country. As the number of law graduates increases every year, the AIBE exam may be shifting toward a more analytical model to ensure only well-prepared candidates qualify. This approach could explain why AIBE 20 difficulty level was higher than expected.

Students appearing for the exam in November said time management was a major challenge. The paper was not only lengthy but also packed with case laws and judgment-based questions. Many claimed they were unable to complete the test despite thorough preparation. Several candidates pointed out that the options in multiple-choice questions were very similar, making elimination difficult and increasing confusion.

Social media discussions reveal widespread frustration. Many aspirants felt the exam structure did not match the sample papers or patterns released earlier. Some students argued that the paper was designed more like a competitive law exam rather than a qualifying test. However, a section of experts believes that such toughness encourages aspirants to strengthen their legal foundation and improves overall competency in the profession.

Coaching institutes also reacted to the unexpected level of complexity. According to trainers, every major law subject appeared in complicated formats, making it challenging even for well-prepared students. Institutes have suggested that future candidates must focus on recent judgments, amendments, and conceptual clarity rather than relying solely on bare acts.

While the Bar Council of India has not yet commented officially on the difficulty level, insiders suggest that the shift toward tougher papers might continue in the coming years. As a result, law graduates may need to adjust their preparation strategy by focusing more on core legal understanding and less on rote learning.

For now, the impact of the AIBE 20 tough paper will only become clear once the results are announced. But one thing is certain: this year’s exam has sparked a nationwide conversation about the evolving standards of legal qualification in India, and aspirants are closely watching how the Council responds to the growing concerns.