Want to clear the Advocate on Record (AOR) Exam on your first attempt? This complete 2025 guide breaks down the four papers, syllabus, eligibility, application process, pass criteria, study strategy, and proven tips from successful candidates, helping you master Supreme Court procedures and secure your AOR code with confidence.

Have you ever stood in the corridors of the Supreme Court, watching senior advocates argue before the apex court, and wondered if that could ever be you?

Maybe you’re from a smaller city, not Delhi. Maybe you’re a first-generation lawyer without connections in Supreme Court circles. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that Supreme Court practice is reserved for those with the “right” background or decades of waiting.

I’m here to tell you that’s not true.

Every year, hundreds of advocates just like you, from Ahmedabad, Patna, Chennai, Lucknow, and everywhere in between, pass the Advocate on Record (AOR) examination and transform their legal careers. They go from regional practitioners to advocates who can file cases in India’s highest court and handle matters of national importance. You can have a look at this article to know how to build a Supreme Court practice in India.

The AOR designation isn’t just another qualification. It’s your key to practicing in the Supreme Court of India, the only court requiring special certification to file cases. Without it, you cannot file petitions in your own name or be the advocate on record who takes primary responsibility for cases.

Consider the numbers: In June 2024, 1,205 advocates appeared and 356 passed, a 29.5% pass rate. Here’s the critical insight most people miss: the majority who fail do so not because the exam is impossibly difficult, but because they prepare incorrectly.

The AOR examination is not competitive; it’s merit-based. Everyone who scores 60% aggregate (with a minimum of 50% in each paper) passes, regardless of how many others succeed. Your success depends entirely on your preparation strategy.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need: the complete application process and common mistakes to avoid, strategic preparation approaches for all four papers, how to study the 86 landmark judgments efficiently, answer writing techniques for this handwritten exam, and the post-exam process with steps to start Supreme Court practice.

This isn’t generic advice; it’s practical, tested guidance designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

The beauty of this examination is that it rewards preparation and understanding, not luck or connections. You don’t need powerful contacts or a family legacy; you need a clear roadmap, the right resources, and disciplined preparation.

Lawsikho has created comprehensive AOR examination courses designed by practicing AORs that cover everything from procedure to drafting to case law analysis. Through these courses, I’ve seen hundreds of advocates successfully navigate their journey to Supreme Court practice.

You can check out the specialized AOR Exam course here: Certificate Course in Qualifying as a Supreme Court Lawyer: Crack the Advocate on Record Examination

You’ll learn from experienced practitioners, access comprehensive study materials, practice with mock tests, and receive personalized guidance. Don’t leave your Supreme Court dreams to chance; prepare with a proven system.

Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know, starting with the application process.

AOR Exam Application Process

How to Apply for the AOR Exam?

Online and Offline Application Methods

You must scan and email your completed application form along with all required documents to [email protected] and then submit hard copies by post to the AOR Examination Cell at Room No. 307, 3rd Floor, B-Block, Administrative Buildings Complex, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi – 110001.

Required Documents with Application Form

You must submit several critical documents with your application.

First, attach a self attested enrollment certificate from your State Bar Council showing continuous enrollment for at least four years before the exam date.
Second, include the Commencement Certificate issued by the AOR under whom you’re training, confirming that you’ve started your mandatory one-year training as required under Order IV, Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013.
Third, you need the Completion Certificate from your training AOR
Additionally, affix one recent passport size color photograph on the application form and attach one self-attested photocopy of the same.
Finally, include proof of the examination fee payment.

You can access the application form in this notification.

Make sure every field is filled legibly; incomplete or illegible applications are rejected outright.

AOR Exam Application Fee

The examination fee for AOR 2025 is ₹750, which you must deposit in the UCO Bank account of the Supreme Court of India. After payment, you must courier or post the payment receipt along with the hard copy of your application form, photograph, and self-attested enrollment certificate to the AOR Examination Cell at the address mentioned above.

When is the AOR Exam Conducted?

The AOR Exam 2025 was scheduled for June 16, 17, 20, and 21, 2025, with one paper conducted each day. The application window opened on April 15, 2025, and closed on April 30, 2025.

When Will You Receive the Admit Card?

The Supreme Court emails admit cards to registered candidates approximately 10 days before the examination. For the June 2025 exam, admit cards were distributed on June 6, 2025. You won’t receive a physical admit card by post; instead, download the PDF from the email and take a printout.

AOR Exam Pattern and Structure

What is the Complete Exam Format?

The AOR examination is conducted over four consecutive days (though sometimes with a day’s gap, as in June 2025: 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st). Each day, you’ll write one paper: Paper I (Practice and Procedure) on Day 1, Paper II (Drafting) on Day 2, Paper III (Advocacy and Professional Ethics) on Day 3, and Paper IV (Leading Cases) on Day 4.

Each paper gives you exactly 3 hours to write your answers, plus 30 minutes of reading time at the beginning for drafting the paper.

How is the AOR Exam Conducted?

The entire AOR examination is conducted in traditional pen-and-paper format; there are no computers, no typing, just your hand, pen, and answer sheets. This is a deliberate choice by the Supreme Court to test your ability to produce court ready documents quickly by hand, which remains essential in Supreme Court practice despite digital filing options.

What is the Scoring System and Passing Criteria for the AOR Exam?

100 Marks Per Paper (Total 400 Marks)

Each of the four papers carries equal weightage of 100 marks, giving you a total of 400 marks for the complete examination. The questions in each paper are designed to collectively add up to 100 marks, though the distribution varies. Understanding this distribution helps you allocate time appropriately during the exam.

Passing Criteria: 60% Aggregate and 50% Per Paper

Here’s where many candidates get confused, so let me make this crystal clear. To pass the AOR examination, you must satisfy TWO conditions simultaneously as per the examination regulations:

First, you need to score a minimum of 50 marks out of 100 in EACH individual paper.
Second, your total marks across all four papers must be at least 240 out of 400 (60% aggregate).

This dual requirement means you can’t compensate for a weak paper by excelling in others beyond a certain point.

For example, if you score 48, 75, 80, and 85 in the four papers, you fail despite a 288/400 aggregate (72%) because you didn’t meet the 50-mark minimum in Paper I.

Conversely, if you score exactly 50, 50, 50, and 50, you fail despite meeting individual minimums because your 200/400 aggregate is only 50%, not the required 60%.

The practical implication: aim for 60-65 marks in every paper rather than gambling on strength in some papers to cover weakness in others.

What Types of Questions Are Asked in the AOR Exam?

All Descriptive Questions (No MCQs)

The AOR examination contains zero multiple-choice questions and zero short one-word answers.

Every single question requires you to write detailed, well-structured descriptive answers demonstrating your understanding of Supreme Court practice and procedure. This format tests not just your knowledge but your ability to articulate legal principles clearly, organize arguments logically, and present information in a manner befitting Supreme Court advocacy.

Practical Problem-Solving Format

The questions aren’t theoretical “explain the concept” type, they’re practical, application-based problems you’d encounter in actual Supreme Court practice.

Paper I might give you a factual scenario and ask you to identify the appropriate jurisdiction and procedure under the Supreme Court Rules.
Paper II will provide case facts and require you to draft specific Supreme Court documents.
Paper III presents ethical dilemmas where you must analyze conflicting duties under the Advocates Act and Bar Council Rules.
Paper IV asks you to apply landmark judgments to new factual situations or explain how particular cases have shaped specific areas of law.

Syllabus of AOR Exam and How to Prepare for Each Paper?

Paper I – Practice and Procedure

What is Covered in the Paper I Syllabus?

Paper I tests your understanding of Supreme Court jurisdiction under Articles 136 (Special Leave Petitions), 137 (Review jurisdiction), 141 (Law declared by Supreme Court binding), and 142 (Complete justice powers), along with practical application of Supreme Court Rules 2013 in their entirety, and relevant sections of the Code of Civil Procedure, Limitation Act, and Court Fees Act.

You can refer to my article on the AOR Exam Syllabus to check out the detailed syllabus.

How to Prepare for the Practice and Procedure Paper?

Priority Topics to Master First

Start with Article 136 of the Constitution, which governs Special Leave Petitions. This is the Supreme Court’s most frequently invoked jurisdiction and forms the basis for numerous exam questions. You need to understand when SLPs can be filed, the discretionary nature of this jurisdiction, and the grounds on which the Supreme Court typically grants or refuses special leave.

Next, study the procedural provisions in the Supreme Court Rules 2013 systematically, particularly provisions dealing with special leave petitions, curative petitions and review petitions.

Understanding the Supreme Court’s Daily Work

To truly excel in this paper, you need to understand how the Supreme Court functions on a daily basis.

Learn about the composition of Benches (Division Benches vs Constitutional Benches), the role of the Chief Justice in administrative and judicial matters, the distinction between regular matters and mentioning for urgent listing, and the concept of vacation Benches.

Study how matters are listed, the difference between final hearing Benches and admission Benches, how cases move from preliminary stages to final disposal.

Understanding the role of the Registry is crucial: what functions does the Registry perform, what objections can the Registry raise to a filing, and how are these objections cured?

Familiarize yourself with the filing procedures: what documents must accompany different types of petitions, how service is effected on opposite parties, the requirements for advance copies and paper books.

This practical knowledge will help you answer questions that test whether you understand Supreme Court practice beyond just knowing statutory provisions. Examiners want to see that you can navigate the Supreme Court’s actual working system, not just recite rules from memory.

Common Question Patterns in This Paper

Paper I questions fall into three main categories: jurisdiction-based conceptual questions, direct questions from Supreme Court Rules and statutes, and situation-based procedural scenarios requiring application of rules to facts. Each category requires different preparation approaches and answer structures.

The paper structure varies slightly each year but typically includes 4-6 long-answer questions (10-15 marks each) and 10-20 short-answer questions (2-5 marks each), totaling 100 marks.

The key to excelling in Paper I is recognizing the question type immediately and structuring your answer accordingly.

Jurisdiction questions require you to explain the constitutional provision, cite the relevant article and rules, discuss landmark judgments, and apply them to the scenario if provided.

Direct rule based questions need precise statements of the rule number, its content, and practical implications.

Situation-based questions demand identifying the issue, applicable provisions, step-by-step procedure, and likely outcome.

Paper II – Drafting

What is Covered in the Syllabus for Paper II?

The official syllabus mentions:

Petitions for Special Leave and Statements of Cases, etc.
Decrees & Orders and Writs, etc.

This is to clarify that the syllabus includes petitions of appeal; plaint and written statement in a suit under Article 131 of the Constitution of India; review petitions under Article 137 of the Constitution of India; transfer petitions under Section 25 of the Civil Procedure Code, Article 139 of the Constitution of India and Section 406 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973; contempt petitions under Article 129 of the Constitution of India; interlocutory applications including applications for bail, condonation of delay, exemption from surrendering, revocation of special leave etc.

How to Master Supreme Court Drafting?

Each type of Supreme Court petition and application has a specific format that you must follow.

While minor variations are acceptable, major structural deviations result in lower marks.

The cause title must correctly identify the court, jurisdiction invoked (e.g., “Civil Original Jurisdiction” for Article 32 writ petitions, “Civil Appellate Jurisdiction” for appeals), parties with full names and descriptions, and their designation as petitioner/appellant and respondent.

The nature of the petition must mention what document you’re filing,”Writ Petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India” or “Special Leave Petition under Article 136 against the judgment and final order dated… passed by the High Court of…”

The statement of facts must narrate the chronological background leading to the petition. This isn’t creative writing; stick to relevant facts, maintain chronological order, use numbered paragraphs, and avoid editorial comments or legal arguments (save those for grounds).

The grounds section is where you make legal arguments, cite case laws, and explain why you’re entitled to relief. Frame grounds as separately numbered points, each addressing a specific aspect.

The prayer specifies exactly what relief you’re seeking from the Court. Be precise, don’t ask for vague “appropriate relief” when you can specify “stay of the impugned order dated…” or “issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondent to…”

How Many Practice Drafts Should You Write?

Here’s my recommendation based on successful candidates’ preparation: write at least 25-30 complete practice drafts covering all major document types before the exam. This should include a minimum 8-10 Special Leave Petitions (these are most commonly tested), 4-5 Review Petitions, 3-4 Transfer Petitions, 2-3 Contempt Applications, 3-4 Writ Petitions under Article 32, and 5-6 miscellaneous applications (condonation of delay, interim relief, bail).

The key is writing complete drafts by hand, not just reading sample formats.

Set a timer for 1 hour initially and practice writing full drafts within that timeframe, and slowly reduce the time. This builds both your formatting memory and your handwriting speed. After writing each draft, compare it against a model format to identify what sections you missed or formatted incorrectly.

Consider forming a study group with other AOR aspirants where you exchange drafts for peer review. This helps you spot common errors and learn different approaches.

If possible, show your practice drafts to a practicing AOR for feedback on whether they meet Supreme Court standards.

Remember, the examiners are typically senior AORs themselves who draft Supreme Court documents daily; they can immediately recognize whether your draft reflects actual Supreme Court practice or is just theoretical.

Paper III – Advocacy and Professional Ethics

What is Covered in the Syllabus of Paper III?

Paper III covers the following topics:

The concept of a profession; Nature of the legal profession and its purposes; Connection between morality and ethics; Professional Ethics in general:- definitions, general principles, seven lamps of advocacy, public trust doctrine, exclusive right to practice in Court;
History of the legal profession in India and relevant statutes.
Law governing the profession and its relevance and scope; professional excellence and conduct. Professional, criminal and other misconduct and punishment for it (Section 35 and 24(A) and other provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961 and prescribed code of conduct); Duty not to strike; Advertisement/ Solicitation.
The rules of the Bar Council of India on the obligations and duties of the profession need to shun sharp practices and commercialisation of the profession and the role of the Bar in the promotion of legal services under the constitutional scheme of providing equal justice. Role of the Bar Council in regulating ethics. Bar Council Rules Chapter II Standard of professional conduct and Etiquette. Different duties of an advocate, including categories laid down in the Bar Council Rules on ethics. Conflict between duties and the law to resolve them. Difference between breach of ethics and misconduct and negligence, and misconduct and crime.
Comparative study of the profession and ethics in various countries, and their relevance to the Bar.
Perspectives on the role of the profession in the adversary system and critiques of the adversary system vis-à-vis ethics.
Issues of advocacy in the criminal law adversarial system, zealous advocacy in the criminal defense setting and prosecutorial ethics.
Lawyer client relationship, confidentiality and issues of conflicts of interest (Section 126 of the Evidence Act); Counseling, negotiation and mediation and their importance to the administration of justice. Mediation Ethical Consideration; Amicus Curiae Ethical Consideration.
Current developments in the organization of the profession, firms, companies, etc. and application of ethics.
Special role of the profession in the Supreme Court practice and its obligations to the administration of justice. Adjournments; Duties of Advocate on Record; Supervisory role of the Supreme Court; Contempt of Courts.

What Topics Are Most Important in Paper III?

Paper III shows recurring themes around ethical dilemmas: an advocate’s duties when a client asks for unconscionable action, conflict of interest situations, scope of fair criticism of judicial decisions, professional misconduct versus criminal conduct, advocate’s lien, and the role of the Bar Council in regulating professional conduct.

What Types of Questions are Asked in Paper III?

Paper III questions fall into two main categories: opinion based questions asking you to critically analyze ethical principles or take a position on controversial issues, and scenario-based questions presenting fact patterns with ethical dilemmas requiring you to identify the correct course of conduct.

Both types require more than rote reproduction of rules; they test your ability to apply ethical principles to complex situations and articulate reasoned positions.

The paper contains 10 questions at 10 marks each (equal marks), with internal choices in 1–2 questions. The format has been largely consistent in recent years, with minor evolutions. The questions are predominantly analytical rather than descriptive.

For example: “How do you describe an actionable ‘misconduct’ by a lawyer? Please describe in brief at least five heads of misconduct with reference to cases decided by Supreme Court of India OR What are the duties of an advocate towards Court, Client, and Opposite side?”

Paper IV – Leading Cases

What is Covered in the Syllabus of Paper IV?

The Supreme Court provides all 86 leading cases as downloadable PDFs in three volumes (Volume I, Volume II and Volume III) on the AOR examination page. Download these volumes and read from official sources rather than relying on third party summaries or commentaries. The official PDFs include headnotes summarizing the main propositions established by each case.

How to Study 86 Leading Cases?

Subject-Wise Study Approach vs. Chronological Reading

Most candidates initially approach the leading cases in the order they’re listed in the Supreme Court notification, which is roughly chronological from 1973 to 2024. While this has some advantages (you see how jurisprudence evolved over time), it’s not the most effective preparation method for the exam.

A chronological study means jumping between constitutional law, criminal law, arbitration, and other subjects randomly, making it harder to see connections and patterns within each area.

A better approach is subject-wise study.

Group all constitutional law cases together and study them as a set, understanding how the basic structure evolved from Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalavaru v. State of Kerala [ SC 1973] through Minerva Mills Ltd. & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.[ SC 1981] to recent cases, how fundamental rights interpretation expanded from Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India [SC 1978] through subsequent cases, how federalism principles developed through S.R. Bommai and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors. [SC 1994] and related judgments.

Then move to arbitration cases as a group, seeing the progression from earlier court interventionist approaches to the current minimal intervention philosophy.

Criminal law cases studied together reveal consistent principles about evidence, procedure, and sentencing.

Subject wise study has another major advantage: exam questions often ask you to compare cases or explain how one case applied principles from another.

If you studied all constitutional cases together, you naturally see these interconnections. For example, when Minerva Mills refers back to Kesavananda Bharati’s basic structure doctrine while adding further limits on amending power, or when L. Chandra Kumar refines the tribunal jurisdiction principles from earlier cases, studying them consecutively helps you understand these relationships.

Questions frequently test whether you understand how cases relate to each other, not just whether you know them individually.

High Frequency Cases Asked in Leading Cases Paper

Paper IV clearly favors certain judgments for repeated questioning.

His Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalavaru v. State of Kerala [SC 1973] (basic structure), Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India [SC 1978] (Article 21 expansion), Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra and Anr. [SC 2002] (curative petitions), Shreya Singhal v. Union of India [SC 2015] (free speech and Section 66A IT Act), Vishaka and Ors. v. State of Rajasthan and Ors. [SC 1997] (sexual harassment), and Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. v. Union of India Thr. Secretary Ministry of Law and Justice [SC 2018] (Section 377) have all appeared multiple times across different years.

When analyzing past papers, note which cases haven’t been questioned recently; they might appear in your exam.

Answer Writing Techniques for AOR Exam

How to Write Answers for Paper I (Practice and Procedure)?

IRAC Framework for Procedural Questions

Apply the IRAC method rigorously: Issue (what procedural question needs resolution), Rule (cite the relevant constitutional provision, statute section, or Supreme Court Rule with exact article/section numbers), Application (explain how the rule applies to the specific facts given in the question), Conclusion (state the outcome clearly).

For example, if asked about filing an SLP against a High Court judgment, your answer should identify that Article 136 provides discretionary jurisdiction, cite the relevant provisions of Supreme Court Rules governing SLP filing, explain the limitation period and any special conditions, apply these requirements to the facts, and conclude whether the SLP is maintainable.

How to Write Perfect Drafts in Paper II?

To write perfect drafts in Paper II of the AOR exam, you must have a checklist in place with all the conditions and requirements for different types of drafts. So that you can tick it once you finish drafting it.

Then begin by understanding the question like a mini case file, identify parties, grievance, and jurisdiction. Start with a strong introductory paragraph stating the provision invoked, then present facts chronologically and relevantly. Your “grounds” must logically connect law to facts, showing why intervention is justified, and the “prayer” should be crisp and specific. Use proper headings, neat formatting, and professional court language.

How to Answer Ethics Questions in Paper III?

Ethics Answer Structure

Structure every ethics answer in four clear parts:

First, identify the specific ethical principle at stake (“This question concerns the advocate’s duty to avoid conflict of interest” or “This raises issues under Section 35 of the Advocates Act, 1961 regarding professional misconduct”).
Second, state the applicable legal provision, cite the exact section of the Advocates Act or specific rule number from the Bar Council of India Rules.
Third, apply this rule to the factual scenario given, explaining why the conduct does or doesn’t violate the rule.
Fourth, conclude with what the advocate should do in the situation and the consequences if the ethical duty is violated.

How to Write Case Law Answers in Paper IV?

Case Analysis Framework for Exam

You must begin with the case citation and a one line summary of what the case established (“Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalavaru v. State of Kerala [ SC 1973], the Supreme Court established the basic structure doctrine limiting Parliament’s amendment power”). Then briefly state the facts, keep this to 2-3 lines maximum, covering only the essential facts that led to the legal controversy.

Next, identify the precise legal question the court addressed (“The court examined whether Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 is unlimited or subject to implied restrictions”). Explain the court’s holding and reasoning. This is the heart of your answer, where you demonstrate understanding of the ratio decidendi.

Finally, explain the case’s significance: how it has been applied in subsequent judgments, what principles of law flow from it, and why it remains important in contemporary Supreme Court practice.

What Study Materials Are Essential for the AOR Exam?

Supreme Court Official Resources

The Supreme Court conducts preparatory lectures for AOR exam candidates. These lectures, delivered by senior AORs and sometimes sitting judges, cover all four papers and provide invaluable insights into what examiners look for.

Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended; notification for these lectures is posted on the Supreme Court website about 6-8 weeks before the exam. If you can’t attend in person, some legal education platforms record and share these sessions.

Recommended Books for Each Paper

While official sources should be your primary materials, certain textbooks and commentaries aid understanding. For Paper I (Practice & Procedure), the standard reference is “Supreme Court Practice and Procedure” by Prof. B.R. Agarwala or similar comprehensive commentaries on Supreme Court Rules.

These books explain each rule with illustrations, case laws, and practical application examples. Additionally, a good commentary on the Code of Civil Procedure (like Mulla’s CPC or C.K. Takwani’s CPC) helps in understanding CPC provisions applicable to Supreme Court practice.

For Paper II (Drafting), there’s no substitute for studying actual Supreme Court petitions and applications filed in real cases. However, you can refer to “DRAFTING for Supreme Court Paper II Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Examination” by Dr. M. K. Ravi.

More valuable than textbooks is obtaining sample drafts from senior AORs or through your training with an AOR, these show actual formats used in practice. Remember that Supreme Court drafting formats differ from High Court/District Court formats, so ensure your samples are Supreme Court-specific.

For Paper III (Professional Ethics), “Sanjiva Row’s Advocate Act” and “Law of Contempt” by Samraditya Pal are standard references, though they’re comprehensive treatises.

You don’t need to read these cover to cover; focus on chapters dealing with professional misconduct, standards of conduct, and contempt provisions. The Bar Council’s own rules pamphlet is more concise and sufficient for exam purposes.

For Paper IV (Leading Cases), no textbooks are needed beyond the actual judgments, though constitutional law textbooks by M.P. Jain or V.N. Shukla provide useful background for understanding constitutional cases in context.

Past Year Question Papers

Past AOR exam question papers are the single most valuable preparation resource after the official syllabus and study materials. They show you exactly what types of questions are asked, how marks are distributed, what depth of answer is expected, and which topics are frequently tested versus rarely covered.

You can find the past year question papers from the year 2007 on the official website of the Supreme Court.

One caveat: the syllabus and leading cases list are updated periodically, so ensure that you regularly check the same.

Results and Evaluation of AOR Exam

When Are AOR Exam Results Declared?

Typical Result Timeline

The Supreme Court typically declares AOR exam results 6 to 8 months after the examination date. This extended timeline reflects the rigorous evaluation process. Remember that senior practicing AORs evaluate your papers, checking not just legal knowledge but practical understanding of Supreme Court procedures. For the June 2024 exam held in June 2024, the result was declared in January 2025, approximately 7 months later.

How to Check Your Result on the Supreme Court Website

Results are published on the Supreme Court’s official AOR examination page as a PDF document listing the roll numbers and names of successful candidates. The result PDF consists of the candidate’s name and also includes roll numbers for cross verification.

Shortly after the main result, the Supreme Court also publishes individual marksheets showing your paper-wise scores, check the same page for the marksheet PDF.

What is the Pass Rate for the AOR Exam?

Historical Success Statistics

Looking at recent examination statistics, the pass rate consistently remains in the range of roughly 20-30% range, making this one of India’s most selective professional certifications.

In the 2024 examination, 356 candidates out of 1,205 passed (29.5%). The 2023 exam saw 198 candidates clear from 815 who appeared (24.3%). The 2022 exam had an approximately 20-22% pass rate.

Why Do Most Candidates Fail?

Three primary factors cause the high failure rate.

First, inadequate paper specific preparation, candidates study legal subjects generally, but don’t practice the specific skills tested (Supreme Court drafting formats, case brief preparation, ethics scenario analysis).
Second, poor time management during the exam, even candidates with good knowledge fail because they can’t complete answers in the 3 hour handwritten format.
Third, many candidates attempt the exam prematurely without completing the recommended 6 to 8 months of focused preparation, hoping their general legal practice experience will suffice.

Post Exam Registration as AOR

What is the Registration Process After Passing?

Registration Application Form and Documentation

After your name appears in the official result, you must obtain the AOR registration application form (available from the Supreme Court Registry). Fill this form completely with details of your legal practice, current enrollment with the State Bar Council, the office you’ve established within 16 kilometers of the Supreme Court, and the clerk you’ve employed. Submit the complete application set to the Supreme Court Registry’s AOR section.

AOR Registration Fee

The registration fee for enrolling as an Advocate on Record is ₹250, payable to the Supreme Court. You’ll pay this fee when submitting your registration application.

Office Establishment Requirement

Under Order IV, Rule 5(iii) of the Supreme Court Rules 2013, every AOR must maintain an office within a 16 kilometer radius of the Supreme Court building. This requirement ensures AORs are accessible for urgent court matters and can attend to Supreme Court work efficiently.

Clerk Employment Requirement

You must employ a clerk registered with the Supreme Court within one month of registering as an AOR to handle filing work, documentation, and liaison with the Supreme Court Registry.

Registering your clerk with the Supreme Court involves submitting an application to the Registry along with the clerk’s documents. The application should include your clerk’s full name, date of birth, residential address, educational qualifications, and contact details. You’ll also need to attach photocopies of the clerk’s identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport), address proof, and educational certificates.

Your clerk must provide passport size photographs and give specimen signatures, which will be maintained on record by the Registry. Once the application is processed, the Registry will assign a unique registration number to your clerk.

How Do You Receive Your Unique AOR Code?

After you submit your complete registration application with all required documents and proof of office and clerk registration, your application is processed. Once the Registry issues your unique AOR code, you can immediately start filing cases in the Supreme Court in your capacity as an Advocate on Record, appearing in Supreme Court proceedings, and exercising all the privileges of AOR practice.

Conclusion

Passing the AOR examination on your first attempt is an achievable goal if you approach it with the right strategy and preparation discipline.

Remember the key factors that separate successful candidates from those who struggle: starting preparation at least 6-8 months before the exam, dedicating focused time to each paper’s specific requirements rather than generic legal study, practicing handwritten answers under timed conditions to build speed and stamina, and understanding that the exam tests practical Supreme Court advocacy skills, not just theoretical legal knowledge.

Your journey doesn’t end with passing the exam; it begins there.

Use the preparation period not just to pass the exam but to build a foundation for an entire career of Supreme Court advocacy. The AOR designation opens doors to the most intellectually challenging and professionally rewarding legal practice in India. Approach your preparation with the seriousness and commitment this opportunity deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for the AOR Exam?

To be eligible for the AOR examination, you must be enrolled with any State Bar Council in India for a continuous period of at least four years, calculated from the date of enrollment.

Additionally, you must complete one year of continuous training under an Advocate on Record who has at least 10 years of standing as an AOR. You need to file a Commencement Certificate at the start of this training and a Completion Certificate before or at the time of the examination.

What is the minimum practice experience required for AOR exam?

The minimum practice experience required is four years as an enrolled advocate with any State Bar Council in India. This four year period is calculated from the date of your enrollment with the Bar Council, not from the date of passing your law degree or clearing the All India Bar Examination.

How many times can I attempt the AOR exam?

Under Regulation 11(iv) of the Regulations regarding Advocates on Record Examination, you can attempt the AOR examination a maximum of five times. Each appearance where you write at least one paper counts as one attempt. If you exhaust all five attempts without passing, you become permanently ineligible to take the examination again.

Is the one year training mandatory before appearing for the exam?

Yes, the one year training under an Advocate on Record is absolutely mandatory under Order IV, Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. You cannot apply for or appear in the AOR examination without completing this training.

What happens if I fail all four papers in my first attempt?

If you fail all four papers in your first attempt (or any attempt), you become ineligible to appear in the immediately next examination under Regulation 11(iii) of the Regulations regarding Advocates on Record Examination. This means you must skip one complete examination cycle before you can attempt the exam again.

Can I apply for AOR exam if my training is not complete by exam date?

No, you cannot apply if your one year training will not be complete by the date the examination commences. However, you can apply if your training will be completed by the exam date even if it’s not complete at the application deadline.

What is the exam fee for AOR Exam?

The examination fee for the AOR Exam is ₹750. You must deposit this fee within two days of receiving the confirmatory email from the Registry with payment instructions.

Do I need to own an office within 16km or can I rent?

You can either own or rent an office within the 16 kilometer radius of the Supreme Court, ownership is not mandatory. Many practicing AORs share chambers with other advocates or rent office space individually.

How long does it take to get AOR exam results?

The Supreme Court typically declares AOR examination results in 6-8 months after the examination date. For example, the June 2024 examination results were declared in January 2025, approximately 7 months after the exam.

What is the passing percentage for each paper?

To pass the AOR examination, you must achieve a minimum of 50% marks (50 out of 100) in EACH individual paper. Additionally, you must secure an overall aggregate of at least 60% (240 out of 400 total marks) across all four papers combined. Both conditions must be satisfied simultaneously

Can I practice in High Courts with AOR qualification?

Yes, absolutely. The AOR qualification entitles you to practice in the Supreme Court of India, but it does not restrict or remove your existing right to practice in High Courts, District Courts, or any other courts or tribunals in India..

Are coaching classes necessary to pass AOR exam?

Coaching classes are not mandatory to pass the AOR exam, but they can be beneficial depending on your learning style and circumstances.

They can provide structured guidance, access to experienced AOR instructors who know what examiners look for, peer learning opportunities with fellow aspirants, regular mock tests with evaluation, and updates on any changes to exam patterns or syllabus.

Can senior advocates appear for AOR exam?

No, senior advocates designated by the Supreme Court or any High Court are not eligible to appear for the AOR examination.

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