BCI Proposes to Become Conducting Body for CLAT

In response to a petition filed in the Supreme Court, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has proposed to become the permanent exam conducting body for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) by forming a dedicated body of experts, chosen by the Legal Education Committee of BCI. 

The proposal came in a counter-affidavit to the petition filed by Professor Shamnad Basheer seeking appointment of a permanent conducting body for CLAT. Currently, 17 branches of National Law University (NLU) conduct CLAT exam on a rotation basis.

The counter-affidavit suggested the body of experts to comprise of few former and active judges, noted jurists and noted educationalist from the law education background.

The affidavit also clarified that currently the admissions to law colleges in India is being conducted through an entrance examination, which is supervised by BCI. It also added that under Advocates Act 1961, BCI statutory body has the power to regulate legal education in India.

The affidavit submitted by BCI further stated that BCI is capable of conducting entrance examinations for law admissions in India but has been delegated to NLUs, which has been accredited to National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

However, by means of the affidavit, BCI also informed that the council plans to take on the responsibility of accrediting all the law institutes in the country from 2022 by forming a team headed by ex-chief justices of various high courts.