Preparing for the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Exam? This guide breaks down the complete AOR Exam Syllabus, covering Practice & Procedure, Drafting, Professional Ethics, and Leading Cases, along with the new updates, marking scheme, and preparation roadmap to help you clear one of India’s most prestigious Supreme Court qualifications with confidence.

Every legal career has a defining moment, a threshold that separates good advocates from exception ones.

For thousands of lawyers, that moment arrives when they decide to pursue the Advocate on Record examination, the golden key that unlocks exclusive practice rights before the Supreme Court of India.

This isn’t just another certification to add to your wall, it’s your entry into an elite circle of 3789 legal professionals who represent clients in India’s highest temple of justice.

The AOR exam stands as the ultimate validation of your readiness for Supreme Court practice with four rigorous papers. It is designed to ensure that those who clear it possess the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding required to serve justice at the highest level.

But do you know what is the beauty of this examination?

It rewards preparation, rewards strategy, and rewards those who approach it with clarity rather than fear.

So if you’re planning to appear for the AOR exam, understanding the complete syllabus structure is your first critical step toward success. 

The AOR exam syllabus is designed to test your comprehensive knowledge of Supreme Court practice, procedural laws, drafting skills, professional ethics, and landmark jurisprudence. Unlike typical law examinations that focus on theoretical knowledge, the AOR exam evaluates your practical readiness to represent clients before India’s apex court. The syllabus spans four distinct papers, each targeting specific competencies required for Supreme Court advocacy.

This comprehensive guide breaks down all four papers, highlights what’s new in 2025, and provides you with a strategic roadmap to tackle this prestigious examination.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about the AOR exam syllabus, from the constitutional provisions you’ll encounter to the 86 leading cases you’ll need to master. Whether you’re a junior advocate planning your first attempt or a mid-career lawyer looking to expand your Supreme Court practice, this guide will help you navigate the syllabus with confidence.

AOR Exam Syllabus: Structure, Marks, Duration, and Question Types

Understanding the exam syllabus helps you allocate your preparation time strategically and approach each paper with the right mindset. The Supreme Court designs this examination to assess both depth of legal knowledge and practical application abilities. The pattern has remained fairly consistent over the years, though minor adjustments occur based on the Board of Examiners’ recommendations.

Structure and Format of Exam – 400 Marks Across Four Days

The AOR examination consists of four papers, each carrying 100 marks, for a total of 400 marks. The exam is conducted over four days, with one paper scheduled per day, giving you adequate time to prepare and recover between papers. 

Each paper contains descriptive type questions requiring detailed written answers, not objective multiple choice questions.

Here’s the complete breakdown: 

Paper I (Practice and Procedure) tests your knowledge of Supreme Court jurisdiction, constitutional provisions, and procedural rules.

 Paper II (Drafting) evaluates your ability to draft various petitions and applications in proper Supreme Court format. 

Paper III (Advocacy and Professional Ethics) assesses your understanding of professional conduct, Bar Council regulations, and ethical standards. 

Paper IV (Leading Cases) examines your grasp of 86 (Volume I, Volume II and Volume III) prescribed landmark Supreme Court judgments and their legal propositions. 

The descriptive nature of all papers means you’ll need strong writing skills, clear expression, and the ability to structure comprehensive answers within time constraints. Unlike undergraduate law exams, there’s no scope for vague or generic responses, examiners expect precise, practical answers grounded in actual Supreme Court practice.

Dates, Duration, Mode (Online/Offline), Venues, and Evaluation Process of Exam

The Supreme Court conducts the AOR exam once annually, typically in June, though the exact dates are announced through official notifications on the Supreme Court website. 

For 2025, the exam was scheduled for June 16, 17, 20, and 21, 2025, following the traditional four day pattern. Each paper has a duration of 3 hours, except the Drafting paper which gets an additional 30 minutes for reading (3.5 hours total) to account for the time intensive nature of drafting work.

The examination is conducted in offline mode only, pen and paper format. There is no provision for appearing from regional centers or online mode, so you’ll need to be physically present in Delhi for all four days. You must bring your admit card (downloaded from the Supreme Court website and affixed with a recent passport-size photograph) along with valid photo identification to the examination hall.

The evaluation is carried out by a Board of Examiners comprising senior practitioners. Your answer scripts are assessed not just for legal accuracy but also for practical understanding, answer structure, handwriting legibility, and adherence to proper citation formats. The evaluation process typically takes 6-8 months, with results usually declared in December or January following the June examination.

What is the Passing Criteria and Scoring System in the Exam?

The passing criteria for the AOR exam is dual layered: you must secure at least 50% marks in each individual paper AND achieve a combined aggregate of 60% across all four papers. This means scoring 50 marks out of 100 in each paper is mandatory, even if your overall percentage is higher. For example, if you score 70, 65, 60, but only 45 in one paper, you won’t clear the exam despite having a 60% aggregate.

The re-examination rules are nuanced and worth understanding carefully. If you secure 50% in all papers but your aggregate falls below 60%, you can reappear for any one paper of your choice in the next exam. If you score 60% aggregate but fail (below 50%) in one specific paper, you’ll be allowed to appear only in that failed paper in the subsequent examination. However, if you fail in all four papers or secure below 50% in more than one paper, you’ll need to reappear for the entire examination.

You get a maximum of five attempts to clear the AOR exam, though the December 2021 exam attempt does not count toward this limit due to a special relaxation granted by the Supreme Court. If you fail to clear after exhausting five attempts, you cannot appear for the exam again. This underscores the importance of thorough preparation before your first attempt, treat each opportunity as precious, because you only get five chances to join the exclusive club of 3789 Advocates on Record practicing in India.

What is New in the 2025 AOR Exam Syllabus?

Every year brings subtle but significant changes to the AOR exam, and staying updated with these modifications can give you a competitive edge. The 2025 syllabus includes important expansions and clarifications that directly impact your preparation strategy. Understanding these changes helps you focus your efforts on newly added content while maintaining coverage of core topics.

Updated List of 86 Leading Cases

The Supreme Court has significantly expanded the list of prescribed leading cases from 64 to 86 cases for the 2025 examination. This expansion represents a 34% increase in case law coverage and reflects the Court’s intent to test candidates on more recent landmark judgments. The additional 22 cases include important recent decisions on constitutional interpretation, arbitration, fundamental rights, and administrative law that have shaped India’s legal landscape in the past few years.

The expansion particularly emphasizes cases from 2018-2024, including judgments on the  electoral bonds, Article 370 abrogation, and other contemporary constitutional developments. These additions mean you’ll need to allocate more preparation time to Paper IV than candidates in previous years did. The Supreme Court provides all 86 cases in three volumes (Volume I, Volume II and Volume III) as downloadable PDFs.

What’s crucial to understand is that these cases aren’t merely added to the list, they’re actively tested in examinations. The Board of Examiners designs questions specifically around newly added cases to ensure candidates stay current with evolving jurisprudence. This means you cannot afford to skip the 22 new additions, thinking they might not be asked in the first year of inclusion. Past patterns show that newly added cases often appear prominently in the very next examination.

December 2021 Attempt Exemption Clarification

The Supreme Court has issued a one-time special relaxation stating that the AOR examination held in December 2021 will not be counted among the five permissible attempts. This exemption was granted due to extraordinary circumstances surrounding that particular examination cycle, including technical disruptions and pandemic-related challenges that affected several candidates. If you appeared in the December 2021 exam, you effectively get six total attempts instead of five.

The practical implication is significant for candidates who have already exhausted what they thought were their five attempts. If one of those five includes December 2021, you’re eligible to apply again for the 2025 examination. However, this exemption is explicitly limited to the December 2021 exam only, no other examination cycle receives similar treatment. You’ll need to verify your attempt history and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

AOR Exam Syllabus-Subject Wise

The AOR exam’s four-paper structure ensures comprehensive evaluation of your readiness for Supreme Court practice. Let me break down each paper’s syllabus in detail so you know exactly what to prepare.

Paper I AOR Exam Syllabus – Practice and Procedure

Paper I is often considered the backbone of the AOR exam because it directly tests your understanding of how the Supreme Court actually functions. This paper covers constitutional provisions relating to Supreme Court jurisdiction, Supreme Court Rules 2013 in their entirety, and relevant sections of the Code of Civil Procedure, Limitation Act, and Court Fees Act. The syllabus is vast, but the focus remains practical, how these laws apply in day-to-day Supreme Court practice.

The paper consists of both conceptual questions (explaining jurisdiction types, procedural requirements) and situation-based questions (applying rules to fact scenarios). 

What Constitutional Provisions Are Covered in Paper I of AOR Exam Syllabus?

The syllabus covers the constitutional provisions governing Supreme Court jurisdiction, specifically Articles 32, 129, 132, 133, 134, 136, 137, 141, 142, 143, and 145, 317  of the Constitution. These aren’t just articles to memorize; you must understand their practical application through relevant case law.

You need to know not just the bare text of these articles but also their judicial interpretation through landmark cases. For example, Article 32 isn’t merely about fundamental rights enforcement, you must understand the Court’s pronouncements on public interest litigation, locus standi requirements, alternative remedy doctrines, and the limits of writ jurisdiction.. Similarly, Article 136 on Special Leave Petitions requires deep knowledge of when the Court exercises discretion, what amounts to “special leave,” and the grounds on which SLPs are typically admitted or dismissed.

The case law component is crucial here. You should be thoroughly familiar with cases like Kesavananda Bharati (Basic structure), Maneka Gandhi (Ppersonal liberty), L. Chandra Kumar (Article 136 and tribunal jurisdiction), and other judgments that have shaped constitutional interpretation. These cases aren’t limited to Paper IV, they’re directly relevant to Paper I when explaining jurisdictional provisions and their scope.

Supreme Court Rules, CPC, and Procedural Laws Coverage

The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 form the backbone of this paper, and you need to know them inside out. It covers all nine parts and fifty-six orders in their entirety (Parts VIII and Order LVII stand repealed). These rules govern every aspect of Supreme Court practice from filing procedures to appearance protocols, court fees to limitation periods, and document requirements to service protocols. You cannot selectively study certain orders, the syllabus explicitly requires comprehensive knowledge of the entire rule set.

The Supreme Court also has a 280 page Handbook on Practice and Procedure which you must be thorough with for this paper.

In addition to Supreme Court Rules, Paper I tests your knowledge of the Code of Civil Procedure (relevant provisions), Limitation Act, 1963, and general principles from the Court Fees Act, 1870, specifically the provisions and sections relevant to Supreme Court practice. Many candidates who practice primarily in district courts struggle with this portion despite their litigation experience because Supreme Court application of these statutes differs from trial court application. For example, court fees computation follows different principles in appellate matters before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court also publishes a 280-page Handbook on Practice and Procedure that supplements the 2013 Rules. This handbook provides practical guidance on filing, appearance, hearing procedures, and documentation requirements. While the handbook isn’t statutory law like the Rules, it’s extremely valuable for understanding actual practice. Questions often test whether you know not just what the rule states but how it’s applied practically in the Court’s day-to-day functioning.

Sections on jurisdiction, transfer of cases, and inherent powers are particularly relevant. When the Supreme Court exercises its appellate jurisdiction under Articles 132–134, certain CPC provisions governing appeals apply unless Supreme Court Rules provide otherwise. Similarly, execution of Supreme Court decrees and orders involves understanding both CPC execution provisions and the Court’s special powers under Article 142 to pass orders for doing complete justice.

The relationship between limitation under CPC and the Limitation Act is another testable area. While the Limitation Act 1963 generally governs limitation periods for approaching the Supreme Court, CPC provisions on computation of limitation, condonation of delay, and exclusion of time apply procedurally. Questions often test whether you can correctly calculate limitation periods considering Supreme Court specific rules, identify when condonation is appropriate, and explain the “sufficient cause” test for condoning delays.

How Are Questions Structured in the Practice & Procedure Paper?

Understanding question patterns helps you prepare targeted answers rather than memorizing entire textbooks. 

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.

Jurisdiction-Based Questions (40-45% Weightage)

Jurisdiction questions consistently carry the highest weightage in Paper I, often accounting for about 40-45 marks out of 100. 

These questions test your understanding of legal principles.

For example, the question will be framed in following manner:  

“Distinguish between review petition and curative petition,”Explain the scope of Article 142,” or “Discuss the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to transfer cases from one High Court to another.” 

These require theoretical knowledge combined with practical application through case law. 

Here is an example of situation based from the 2025 paper:

Questions on review and curative jurisdiction under Article 137 appear frequently. In the past 10 years, approximately 20 questions have been asked on review and curative petitions alone, carrying average weightage of 10-15 marks. 

Direct Questions from Supreme Court Rules (30-35% Weightage)

Direct questions from Supreme Court Rules account for approximately 30-35% of Paper I, with past exams showing 50+ questions drawn directly from specific rule provisions in recent years.

Direct questions, are straightforward recall or procedural queries, asking for definitions, requirements, or step by step processes without scenarios.

Here is an example of situation based from the 2025 paper:

The challenge with direct rule questions is the precision required. You cannot give vague answers like “the advocate must file proper documents”, you must specify the appropriate rule(whichever applies), state the exact requirements (number of copies, format, certification needs, accompanying documents), mention time limits if applicable, and explain consequences of non-compliance. Examiners can immediately identify whether you’ve actually studied the rules or are attempting educated guesses.

Situation-Based Procedural Scenarios (20-25% Weightage)

Situation-based questions present fact patterns and require you to apply procedural knowledge to determine the correct course of action, identify the appropriate remedy, or explain the procedural steps needed. These questions assess practical wisdom more than theoretical knowledge.

Situation based questions present hypothetical scenarios for example, “X files an SLP against a High Court judgment. The SLP is dismissed. What remedies are available to X? Discuss with reference to relevant provisions and case law.” You need to identify the relevant procedural options (review petition, curative petition) and explain them comprehensively.

Here is an example of situation based from the 2025 paper:

Answering situation-based questions requires a structured approach: identify the nature of the case and rights involved, determine the appropriate provisions and remedies, analyze the procedural requirements, and outline specific steps to be taken.

Paper II AOR Exam Syllabus – Drafting

Paper II tests your practical drafting abilities by requiring you to draft various types of petitions, appeals, and applications in proper Supreme Court format within the exam time limit. This is perhaps the most skill intensive paper because it evaluates your ability to translate facts into legally sound, procedurally correct, and well-structured court documents. Unlike Paper I which tests knowledge, Paper II tests execution.

The official syllabus mentions:

1. Petitions for Special Leave and Statements of Cases etc. 
2. 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. 

The drafting paper typically gives you 3.5 hours (30 minutes more than other papers) to complete, recognizing that drafting takes longer than writing descriptive answers. 

What makes Paper II challenging for many candidates is that it requires multiple competencies simultaneously: identifying the Supreme Court-level issue in the facts, determining the correct petition type, knowing the proper format and structure, demonstrating comprehensive case law knowledge, and executing all of this in handwriting within time constraints. If you practice primarily in district or High Courts outside Delhi, it’s not advisable to rely solely on that experience, Supreme Court drafting formats and standards differ significantly.

What Types of Questions Are Asked in Paper II- Drafting?

Paper II contains two compulsory parts, Part A and Part B. Part A contains 6 questions, each worth 20 marks, with candidates required to attempt any 4 out of the 6 provided questions. You’ll receive 2-3 pages describing a legal situation, including facts, dates, parties involved, lower court proceedings, legal issues, and specific instructions on what to draft. Part A focuses on drafting petitions or specific components (e.g., synopsis, grounds, prayers) based on detailed legal fact patterns involving various legal scenarios. 

For example “Draft a petition challenging a High Court judgment in a criminal appeal (State of Bihar vs. Mantu Kumar & Reena Kumar) related to a dowry death case, including cause title, grounds, and prayer(s).”

Here is an example from the 2025 paper:

Part B contains 6 questions, each worth 5 marks, with candidates required to attempt any 4 out of the 6 provided questions. Part B contains question that builds on the drafting skills tested in Part A but may involve a more complex or specialized legal issue. For example “ Draft only the heading/title of the appropriate petition, three best grounds of your case,  prayer(s) of the petition.” 

Here is an example from the 2025 paper:

The range of potential drafts is broad, covering virtually every type of petition and application filed before the Supreme Court. The most commonly tested drafts include Special Leave Petitions, writ petitions under Article 32, transfer petitions, civil and criminal appeals, review petitions, curative petitions, contempt petitions, petitions for appointment of arbitrators under Section 11 of the Arbitration Act, and suits under Article 131. You cannot predict which specific types will appear in your exam, so comprehensive preparation across all types is essential.

How to Approach Drafting Questions?

Approaching Paper II strategically can significantly improve your scores. The key elements of a good draft include: correctly identifying the Supreme Court level issue when you read the fact pattern, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of relevant case law, knowing the proper format for each draft type, and executing the draft in legible handwriting in time.

Time management is critical.  Don’t spend excessive time perfecting one draft at the expense of others, incomplete drafts lose significant marks

Handwriting practice is absolutely essential, start drafting with pen and paper months before the exam, not just on your computer. Most advocates today draft on computers, so writing 4,000-5,000 words by hand in 3.5 hours requires building stamina and speed. Practice makes your handwriting legible under pressure, helps you recall citation formats without referring to books, and builds confidence that you can complete drafts within time limits. Mock tests simulating exam conditions are invaluable for Paper II preparation.

Identifying Supreme Court Jurisdiction Issues

The first critical skill in drafting is recognizing what makes a case appropriate for Supreme Court jurisdiction. Not every legal problem reaches the Supreme Court, the facts must present issues falling within one of the Court’s jurisdictional heads under Articles 32, 131–134 or 136. When you read a fact pattern, immediately ask: “What’s the Supreme Court angle here?” Is it a fundamental rights violation (Article 32)? A High Court order that can be appealed (Articles 132–134) or challenged via SLP (Article 136)? An inter-state dispute (Article 131)?

Sometimes the jurisdiction is obvious,”The High Court dismissed the appellant’s appeal and passed this order…” clearly calls for an appeal or SLP. Other times it’s more subtle, facts might describe administrative action affecting fundamental rights, requiring you to recognize this as an Article 32 writ petition situation. Or facts might describe a dispute between state governments or between the Union and a state, triggering Article 131 original jurisdiction where the Supreme Court is the court of first instance.

If you misidentify the jurisdiction, your entire draft may be wrong. For example, drafting a writ petition under Article 32 when the case is simply about statutory rights (not fundamental rights) shows poor understanding. The examiners expect you to correctly diagnose the Supreme Court jurisdiction issue before deciding what to draft. Practice this skill by reading Supreme Court case reports and identifying why each case was within the Court’s jurisdiction.

Proper Format and Structure Requirements for Each Draft Type

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 general structure for most petitions includes: cause title (in the format “In the Supreme Court of India, [Jurisdiction mentioned], Between: [Petitioner] … Petitioner, AND [Respondent] … Respondent”), nature of petition, index, list of dates, synopsis, statement of facts, grounds, reliefs/prayers, name and signature of advocate on record, and verification.

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 petition states 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 narrates 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…”

Paper III AOR Exam Syllabus – Advocacy and Professional Ethics

Paper III tests your understanding of the ethical framework governing legal practice, particularly before the Supreme Court. 

The syllabus includes:

1. 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; 
2. History of legal profession in India and relevant statutes. 
3. 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. 
4. 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 promotion of legal services under the constitutional scheme of providing equal justice. Role of 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 law to resolve them. Difference between breach of ethics and misconduct and negligence, misconduct and crime. 
5. Comparative study of the profession and ethics in various countries, and their relevance to the Bar.
6. Perspectives on the role of the profession in the adversary system and critiques of the adversary system vis a vis ethics.
7. Issues of advocacy in the criminal law adversarial system, the zealous advocacy in the criminal defense setting and prosecutorial ethics. 
8. Lawyer client relationship, confidentiality and issues of conflicts of interest (Section 126 of the Evidence Act); Counseling, negotiation and mediation and their importance to administration of justice. Mediation  Ethical Consideration; Amicus Curiae Ethical Consideration.
9. Current developments in the organization of the profession, firms, companies etc. and application of ethics. 
10. Special role of the profession in the Supreme Court practice and its obligations to administration of justice. Adjournments; Duties of Advocate on Record; Supervisory role of the Supreme Court; Contempt of Courts.

What Are the Key Sources for Advocacy and Professional Ethics Paper?

The primary sources for Paper III are statutory: the Advocates Act 1961, the Bar Council of India Rules (particularly the Rules framed regarding standards of professional conduct and etiquette), and the Contempt of Courts Act 1971. 

These statutes define what conduct is expected from advocates, what amounts to professional misconduct, what powers the Bar Council has to discipline advocates, and what actions constitute contempt of court. You need thorough familiarity with these bare acts, not just superficial knowledge.

The Bar Council of India Rules set out comprehensive standards of professional conduct and etiquette in six parts: duties toward clients, duties toward courts, duties toward colleagues, duties in non-professional engagements, special duties of senior advocates, and general misconduct. These rules aren’t merely advisory, violations constitute professional misconduct under Section 35 of Advocates Act 1961 and can result in suspension or removal from practice.

Part VI Chapter II (Rules on Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette) contains the main provisions you’ll be tested on. Key rules cover: acceptance and refusal of briefs (when an advocate must refuse cases, like conflict of interest or witness in the case), duty not to solicit work or advertise, maintenance of client confidentiality, duty not to withdraw from cases improperly, prohibition on charging contingent fees, duty to be truthful to courts, duty not to cite overruled decisions as good law, duty to report professional misconduct by colleagues, and restrictions on starting business ventures while practicing.

The Contempt of Courts Act 1971 is central to Paper III because it defines the boundaries of acceptable criticism of judicial decisions versus conduct that undermines the administration of justice. 

What Types of Questions are Asked in The Advocacy and Professional Ethics Paper?

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?”

Here is an example from the 2025 paper:

You might also encounter questions asking for your opinion on ethical dilemmas: “Please explain your views on strike by lawyers for causes like creation of a bench of High Court, crime against lawyers in court premises, filling of vacancies of judges etc. What according to you are effective alternatives to strike by lawyers to avoid suffering for litigants?” 

Recent papers show increased focus on contemporary issues advocates right to strike, social media conduct by lawyers, conflict of interest in corporate law practice, and ethical considerations in public interest litigation. The examiners expect you to cite specific cases, discuss relevant provisions from the Advocates Act and BCI Rules, and present balanced analysis rather than one sided arguments.

Opinion-Based and Critical Analysis Questions

Opinion-based questions ask you to take positions on controversial ethical issues facing the legal profession. 

For example: “Should advocates be allowed to advertise their services? Critically examine this question in light of Bar Council Rules and evolving practices.” 

Or 

“Is the prohibition on contingent fees justified in modern legal practice? Discuss with reference to international practices and Indian case law.” These questions test your ability to articulate reasoned positions, not merely recite what the current rules say.

Your answer should acknowledge the existing rule position, explain the rationale behind it (why the rule exists, what policy it serves), present arguments for and against the rule, discuss how courts have interpreted it, reference international or comparative practices if relevant, and then state your considered opinion with justification. Don’t simply say “advertising is prohibited under BCI rules so it’s wrong”, engage with the question critically. Perhaps advertising could improve access to justice by helping clients find suitable advocates, but it might also commercialize the profession and create misleading representations. Balance these considerations and justify your conclusion.

Questions explicitly ask for your opinion and critical analysis, so providing thoughtful, well-reasoned answers earns higher marks than merely reproducing textbook content. The examiners want to see that you’ve thought deeply about ethical issues, can appreciate multiple perspectives, and can articulate defensible positions grounded in principles and precedents.

Scenario-Based Ethical Dilemma Questions

Scenario questions present fact patterns raising ethical issues and ask what conduct is proper. 

For example: “Advocate A represented Client X in a contract dispute two years ago. Now Client Y approaches A to represent Y against X in a similar contract matter involving interpretation of the same contract clause. Can A accept Y’s brief? Discuss the ethical issues.” These questions require applying conflict of interest rules, confidentiality principles, and duty to former clients.

Your answer should identify all ethical issues in the scenario (not just the obvious one, scenarios often have multiple layers), state the applicable rules and case laws, analyze how each applies to the specific facts, consider any exceptions or nuances, and conclude with what conduct is ethically proper. 

For the conflict scenario above, you would discuss: the BCI rule on not accepting employment involving conflict of interest, the duty of confidentiality to former client X, whether the two matters are “substantially related,” whether information from the prior representation would advantage Y, and whether any exceptions apply (like if both clients consent after full disclosure).

The scenarios are designed to mimic real ethical dilemmas advocates face, so drawing on any practical experience you have enriches your answers. If you’ve encountered similar situations in practice (even if not identical), you can reference how practitioners typically handle such issues, though you must still ground your answer in the rules and case law. The scenarios test whether you would recognize ethical issues when they arise in practice and whether you woul’d handle them properly, essentially, whether you’re ready to practice ethically before the Supreme Court.

Paper IV AOR Exam Syllabus – Leading Cases

Paper IV tests your knowledge of 86 (Volume I, Volume II and Volume III)  prescribed Supreme Court judgments that represent landmark developments in Indian constitutional and legal jurisprudence. 

The list includes landmark judgments that have shaped Indian constitutional law: His Holiness Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalavaru v. State of Kerala [ SC 1973] (basic structure doctrine), Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India [SC 1978] (Article 21 expansion), Minerva Mills Ltd. & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.[ SC 1981] (judicial review), Indra Sawhney and Ors. Etc. Etc. v. Union of India and Ors. Etc. Etc. [ SC 1992] (reservations), S.R. Bommai and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors. [SC 1994] (federalism and President’s Rule), Vishaka and Ors. v. State of Rajasthan and Ors. [ SC 1997] (sexual harassment), Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. v. Union of India Thr. Secretary Ministry of Law and Justice [ SC 2018] (Section 377), Shreya Singhal v. Union of India [ SC 2015] (free speech), and dozens more covering every aspect of constitutional law.

Unlike law school exams where you can get by with superficial case knowledge, the AOR exam demands deep understanding of each prescribed case. 

The key is strategic reading: focus on the headnotes (which summarize the propositions), read the main judgment’s reasoning sections carefully, understand the facts sufficiently to contextualize the legal issues, identify dissenting opinions and their reasoning, and make comprehensive notes in your own words for revision. The Supreme Court provides headnotes for each case in the prescribed volumes, which are invaluable starting points though not sufficient alone.

How to Study 86 Leading Cases In Leading Cases Paper?

The single biggest challenge in Paper IV is managing the sheer volume of material. 

If you’re calculating the reading load, these 86 (Volume I, Volume II and Volume III) cases together exceed 2000 pages in the headnotes of Supreme Court judgements. Obviously, you cannot read every page, which is where strategic preparation using past papers becomes essential to identify cases that appear repeatedly in examinations.

You need a strategic approach that maximizes comprehension while minimizing redundant reading. The goal isn’t to memorize every paragraph but to understand the legal propositions, reasoning, and application well enough to answer specific questions.

You create a “case brief” for each judgment covering: parties and facts (in 2-3 sentences), issues presented, constitutional/statutory provisions involved, holdings/propositions (numbered list), court’s reasoning (bullet points for each proposition), precedents relied upon, dissenting opinions if any (key points only), and subsequent application (how later cases cite this judgment). These briefs become your revision material. Making notes in bullet points helps you practice writing compressed answers, which is essential because you don’t have luxury of discussing cases at length in a 3-hour exam.

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. 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 throughS.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.

What Question Patterns Appear in the Leading Cases Paper?

Paper IV generally contains 12 questions, divided in two parts: 

Part A (40 marks) with 4 analytical essay questions, of which candidates must answer any 2 (each carrying 20 marks and limited to 500 words). 

Part A questions are long form, analytical essays that demand deep understanding of landmark cases, doctrinal shifts, and their broader implications. They often integrate statutory provisions, constitutional principles, and emerging legal issues, requiring a structured argument within the word limit. For example, “Critically examine the evolving role of the judiciary in ensuring environmental accountability in extractive industries with reference to Supreme Court judgments. How has the Supreme Court balanced economic development, environmental protection, and government’s responsibility in this context? Which are the environmental principles that the Supreme Court has judicially evolved in the context of environmental protection? What is the principle of ecocentrism, how does it differ from the earlier environmental principles? Explain with reference to case law.”

Here is an example from the 2025 paper:

Part B (60 marks) with 8 multi part questions, of which candidates must answer any 6 (each carrying 10 marks and limited to 250 words, requiring reference to provisions of law and case law). Part B questions are short answer, multi part queries that test precise application of law and case law to specific issues (e.g., taxation, arbitration, constitutional provisions). They require concise, focused responses with statutory and judicial references, often involving hypothetical or procedural scenarios.

Here is an example from the 2025 paper:

Strategic Preparation Timeline for the AOR Exam Syllabus

Effective preparation requires strategic planning, disciplined execution, and realistic timeline allocation. The AOR exam’s vast syllabus across four papers demands structured preparation, you cannot simply read textbooks a month before and expect success. Most successful candidates recommend starting at least 12 months before the exam if you don’t have active Supreme Court practice, or 6 months if you regularly practice before the Supreme Court. This timeline allows comprehensive coverage with adequate revision and mock test practice.

When Should You Start Preparing To Study the AOR Exam Syllabus?

The answer depends on your current practice profile, familiarity with Supreme Court procedures, and time availability for preparation alongside your ongoing practice. If you’re a busy litigation advocate handling numerous matters daily, you’ll need more preparation time than someone with fewer commitments. Similarly, if you’ve never appeared in the Supreme Court and aren’t familiar with its procedures, you’ll need additional time to understand the practical aspects beyond textbook knowledge.

The general recommendation is starting 12 months before for comprehensive coverage, though this can be compressed to 6 months if you have Supreme Court practice exposure or can dedicate full-time effort.

The key is starting early enough to cover the entire syllabus at least twice: once for initial comprehension and note-making, and a second time for revision and consolidation. You also need time for writing practice, Paper II requires handwritten drafting practice, and all papers benefit from answer-writing practice under timed conditions. Leaving everything to the last 2-3 months is a common mistake that leads to incomplete preparation and failure despite candidates knowing significant portions of the syllabus.

12 Month Comprehensive Preparation Plan (Recommended Timeline)

The 12-month timeline is ideal because it allows steady, manageable daily study without overwhelming your ongoing legal practice. You can dedicate 2-3 hours daily for AOR preparation while maintaining your regular practice, this is far more sustainable than trying to study 8-10 hours daily for 3 months while also handling professional obligations. The longer timeline reduces stress, improves retention through spaced repetition, and gives you adequate time for handwriting practice and mock tests.

The 12-month plan follows this broad structure: Months 1-3 focus on Paper I (Practice & Procedure), covering all constitutional provisions, Supreme Court Rules, Code of Civil Procedure, Limitation Act, 1963, and Court Fees Act, 1870 comprehensively. During these months, you also begin handwriting practice with procedural scenarios. Months 4-6 split between Paper II (Drafting) intensive practice and beginning Paper IV (Leading Cases), covering roughly 30-40 cases. This period involves daily drafting practice to build speed and format familiarity.

Months 7-9 concentrate on completing Paper IV (remaining 40-50 leading cases) and starting Paper III (Professional Ethics). This is also when you begin attempting past year question papers to understand actual question patterns. Months 10-12 are for comprehensive revision of all four papers, intensive mock test practice simulating real exam conditions, identifying weak areas and strengthening them, and final revision through your notes. This timeline ensures every paper gets adequate attention without rushing through any topic.

6 Month Intensive Preparation for Supreme Court Practitioners

If you regularly appear in the Supreme Court or work with senior AORs handling Supreme Court matters daily, you have significant advantage, practical familiarity with procedures, drafting formats, Supreme Court Rules application, and case law. For such candidates, 6-month intensive preparation compressing the syllabus coverage while leveraging practical experience can be sufficient. However, “intensive” means 4-5 hours daily dedicated study, not casual revision.

The 6-month plan doubles the pace: Month 1-2 covers Paper I comprehensively, including rule memorization and jurisdictional case laws. You leverage your practical experience but ensure you know the theoretical framework and can explain rules in exam answers. Months 2-3 (overlapping with Month 2) focuses on Paper II drafting practice, spending 1-2 hours daily actually drafting different petition types by hand. Your Supreme Court exposure helps with formats, but exam drafting requires speed you must develop through practice.

Months 3-4 covers Paper IV leading cases, reading approximately 20-25 cases per month. You likely know many of these cases from practice, but exam questions require specific knowledge of reasoning, dissents, and precedent chains that your practical knowledge may not cover. Months 4-5 completes remaining leading cases and covers Paper III professional ethics. Final Month 6 is entirely revision and mock tests attempting full-length mock exams weekly, reviewing past years’ papers, and consolidating weak areas. This compressed timeline works only if you’re disciplined about daily study and leverage your practical knowledge strategically.

3 Month Crash Course Strategy (Last Resort Approach)

The 3-month crash course is not recommended but sometimes unavoidable when candidates decide late to attempt the exam, miss application deadlines and apply under special circumstances, or realize after seeing the exam notification that they want to attempt it. Success with 3-month preparation is possible but requires near full-time commitment (6-8 hours daily), ruthless prioritization of high-weightage topics, and accepting that you won’t have time to cover everything exhaustively.

The strategy involves brutal triage: identify absolutely essential topics and cover them well, while accepting some portions will remain uncovered. For Paper I, focus on jurisdiction questions (40-45% weightage) and most frequently tested Supreme Court Rules orders, skip or minimally cover peripheral topics. For Paper II, practice only the most common petition types (SLPs, writs under Article 32, appeals, review petitions) and skip uncommon ones. For Paper IV, focus on high-frequency constitutional cases (Kesavananda, Maneka Gandhi, Minerva Mills, Puttaswamy, Indra Sawhney) and major recent cases, while giving other cases only cursory reading.

Paper III gets relatively more attention in crash preparation because it’s the “easiest” to cover, read Bar Council Rules thoroughly, study the important ethics cases, and practice writing opinion-based answers. 

Allocate: Month 1 to Papers I and III, Month 2 to Papers II and IV (high-priority cases only), Month 3 entirely to revision and mock tests of whatever you’ve covered. Set realistic expectations, you’re unlikely to score 60%+ aggregate with 3-month preparation, but scoring 50% in each paper (passing marks) is achievable if you execute this strategy with discipline. 

Milestones and Mock Test Benchmarks

Regardless of your preparation timeline, setting clear milestones helps track progress and identify if you’re falling behind schedule. For 12-month preparation: By Month 3, you should have completed Paper I and be able to answer jurisdictional questions confidently. By Month 6, drafting practice should be at a level where you can complete one full draft in 40-45 minutes. By Month 9, you should have read and made notes on all 86 leading cases at least once. By Month 11, you should be attempting full-length mock tests and scoring at least 55-60% consistently.

Mock tests are crucial for AOR preparation because the exam format differs significantly from law school exams or professional work. You need to practice writing 3 hour papers by hand, managing time across multiple questions, structuring answers to fit the space and time constraints, and maintaining writing quality even when fatigued. Start attempting mock tests at least 3-4 months before the exam, gradually increasing frequency to weekly or twice-weekly in the final month. Use actual past year question papers as mock tests since they reflect genuine exam patterns.

Set benchmark scores for progression: After your first few mocks, aim for 45-50% scores as you’re still learning, don’t get discouraged by low scores initially. By 2 months before the exam, your scores should reach 55-60% range consistently. In the final month, you should be scoring 60-65% or higher to have confidence of clearing the actual exam. 

If your mock scores plateau or decline, diagnose the issue: 

• Are you running out of time (need speed practice)? 
• Is handwriting illegible (need legibility practice)? 
• Are answers incomplete (need better answer planning)? 
• Are factual errors frequent (need better retention techniques)? 

Address these issues specifically rather than just doing more mock tests.

Essential Study Resources and Reference Materials For AOR Exam Syllabus

Having the right study resources prevents wasted effort on irrelevant materials. The AOR exam doesn’t require dozens of textbooks, it requires focused study of the right sources, particularly official primary sources. Here’s what you actually need for each paper.

Supreme Court Official Resources (Handbook, Video Lectures, Case PDFs)

The Supreme Court provides several resources free of cost on their official website. These are your most valuable resources because they’re authoritative and directly relevant to the exam. First, download the Supreme Court Rules 2013 and the 280-page Handbook on Practice and Procedure, these are essential for Paper I. The Handbook supplements the formal Rules with practical guidance on procedures, filing requirements, and documentation. Read it alongside the Rules for comprehensive understanding.

Second, 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.

Third, the Supreme Court uploads video lectures on AOR exam preparation topics, usually recorded one month before the examination. These lectures cover all four papers and are conducted by senior practitioners and judges. Watch these video lectures available free on YouTube, they provide insights into what examiners expect and how to approach different question types. The lectures particularly help with understanding practical aspects of Supreme Court procedures that aren’t evident from bare rule reading. Schedule watching these lectures in your final month when you’ve covered the basic syllabus and can appreciate the practical insights being shared.

Recommended Books for AOR Exam Syllabus

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 for 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.

Common Topics Based on AOR Previous Year Question Papers 

Certain topics and question types appear repeatedly across years, making them high priority areas for your preparation. 

In Paper I, questions on jurisdiction dominate expect questions on Special Leave Petitions under Article 136, review petitions under Article 137, curative petitions (following Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra and Anr. [SC 2002]), writ jurisdiction under Article 32, transfer petitions, and powers under Article 142. Across the last 10 years, curative petition questions appeared at least 6-7 times with different variations.

In Paper II, certain drafting questions appear almost every year SLP against a High Court order (with variations in subject matter), review petitions based on different grounds and writ petitions under Article 32.

Paper III shows recurring themes around ethical dilemmas: advocate’s duties when 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 Bar Council in regulating professional conduct.

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.

Conclusion

Mastering the AOR exam syllabus requires a strategic approach combining comprehensive coverage, practical application, and disciplined preparation. The four papers, Practice & Procedure, Drafting, Professional Ethics, and Leading Cases, collectively test whether you possess the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary for Supreme Court practice. As you’ve seen throughout this guide, the syllabus is vast but manageable with proper planning and focused effort.

Your success in the AOR exam depends not just on how much you study but how strategically you study. Prioritize high-weightage topics, practice extensively in handwriting, attempt mock tests regularly, and develop deep understanding rather than superficial memorization. Remember that approximately 80% of candidates fail this exam, not because it’s impossibly difficult, but because many attempt it without adequate preparation, proper understanding of question patterns, or realistic timelines. You can be in the successful 20% if you follow a structured preparation plan and execute it with discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on the number of attempts to appear for AOR exam?

You can appear for the AOR examination a maximum of five times only. Each appearance in any paper, whether you pass or fail, counts as one attempt. However, the Supreme Court has granted a one-time special relaxation stating that the December 2021 exam will not be counted among the five permissible attempts, effectively giving candidates who appeared in that exam six total attempts.

What are the rules governing re-examination for the exam?

The re-examination rules depend on your performance. If you secure 50% in all papers but your aggregate is below 60%, you can reappear for any one paper of your choice in the next exam. If you score 60% aggregate but fail (below 50%) in one specific paper, you’ll be allowed to appear only in that failed paper in the subsequent examination. However, if you fail all papers, you will not be permitted to reappear in the next examination.

Is the AOR exam syllabus available as a PDF on the Supreme Court website?

Yes, the Supreme Court publishes detailed exam notifications on their official AOR examination page which include syllabus information, exam dates, application procedures, and the complete list of 86 leading cases. However, the syllabus isn’t provided as a single consolidated PDF, it’s described in exam notifications.

Which paper is considered most difficult in the exam?

Paper II (Drafting) and Paper IV (Leading Cases) are generally considered most challenging, though for different reasons. Paper II requires mastery of Supreme Court specific formats and ability to apply them quickly. Paper IV involves studying thousands of pages of case law. Difficulty varies by individual background and strengths.

Do I need to memorize all Supreme Court Rules for Paper I?

You need comprehensive knowledge of Supreme Court Rules but not verbatim memorization of every rule. You should know the substance, key requirements, and procedural steps for these orders well enough to explain and apply them to scenarios.

What is the difference between descriptive and situational questions?

Descriptive questions ask you to explain concepts, provisions, or legal principles. For example: “Explain the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Articles  132–134.” Your answer would comprehensively cover the provisions, requirements, procedures, and case laws. 

Situational questions present fact patterns and require you to apply your knowledge. For example: “A High Court dismissed a writ petition. The petitioner believes the High Court erred on constitutional interpretation. What remedies are available?” Situational questions test practical application, identifying issues, determining applicable provisions, and outlining the correct procedural course.

How much time should I allocate to each paper in my study plan?

For a 12-month preparation timeline, allocate approximately: 3 months to Paper I (Practice & Procedure) due to vast syllabus, 3 months to Paper II (Drafting) and beginning Paper IV, 3 months to completing Paper IV and covering Paper III, and final 3 months for comprehensive revision and mock tests. Paper I and Paper IV require the most time due to volume. Paper II requires consistent daily practice throughout preparation. Paper III is relatively quicker to cover but don’t underestimate it, allocate at least 1.5-2 months. The exact allocation depends on your prior knowledge and time availability.

Are previous year question papers important for understanding AOR exam syllabus?

Absolutely. Past year question papers are among your most valuable resources, they show exactly how topics are tested, what level of detail examiners expect, which topics appear frequently, and how questions are framed. Analyzing 5-10 years of past papers reveals patterns: certain topics appear every year, question types remain consistent, and you can see the evolution of focus areas.

Should I join coaching classes or can I prepare from the syllabus alone for the exam?

Both approaches can succeed depending on your learning style and discipline. Self-study is viable if you’re disciplined, have access to proper resources, and can structure your preparation systematically. The advantage of coaching or courses (like those offered by Lawsikho with practicing AOR instructors) is structured guidance, paper-wise strategy, insider insights from successful AORs, regular mock tests with evaluation, and peer interaction for doubt-clearing. If you’re not confident in self-structuring a preparation plan or want guidance on practical aspects like drafting and answer writing, coaching helps.

What are the steps for AOR enrollment after passing the exam?

Results are typically declared 6-8 months after the exam, usually in December or January following a June examination. Once you’ve passed, you must complete post-qualification requirements for registration as an Advocate on Record. These include: establishing an office within 16 km of the Supreme Court premises, registering a clerk with the Supreme Court Registry, submitting your registration application with required documents to the AOR Examination Cell, paying the registration fee (₹250), and obtaining your unique AOR code. Upon completing these requirements, you’ll be formally enrolled as an Advocate on Record and can begin filing matters in your own name before the Supreme Court.

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