No Advocates-on-Record Examination In 2026, Next Likely In 2027: SC
The schedule and dates of the next examination likely to be held in the year 2027 shall be notified in due course," a notice on the apex court's website said.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday decided that the Advocates-on-Record (AoR) Examination shall not be conducted in 2026, keeping in view the overall strength of the AoRs.
An advocate-on-record (AoR) is a specially-qualified lawyer authorised by the Supreme Court to act and plead on behalf of clients in the apex court. Only AoRs can file appearances, petitions, or documents in the top court, ensuring procedural compliance and high-level representation.
The Advocate on Record qualification is a credential that transforms regular advocates into Supreme Court practitioners. Article 145(1) of the Indian Constitution provides the foundational authority for the Advocate on Record system by granting the Supreme Court the power to make rules regulating its own practice and procedure. While Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules 2013 is the comprehensive legal chapter that operationalizes the constitutional power granted under Article 145 and governs everything about the AOR system, which includes the eligibility criteria, scope of authority, professional duties and responsibilities, and outlines the consequences of misconduct.
This constitutional provision specifically states that the Supreme Court may, with the approval of the President, make rules determining the persons who shall be entitled to practice before the court.
It’s under this constitutional mandate that the Supreme Court has established the AOR system, ensuring that the court’s rule-making power includes defining who can appear and act for parties in Supreme Court proceedings.
"The Competent Authority has been pleased to order that, keeping in view the overall strength of the AoRs, the Advocates-on-Record Examination shall not be conducted in the year 2026. The schedule and dates of the next examination likely to be held in the year 2027 shall be notified in due course," a notice on the apex court's website said.
