Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Exam 2025 will be held on June 16, 17, 20, and 21. The official notice includes reporting instructions, parking rules, and entry gate details.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India today officially announced the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) Examination 2025, which will take place on June 16, 17, 20, and 21. The detailed exam schedule and seating plan were published today on the Supreme Court’s official website.
Candidates who are appearing for the exam are requested to reach their exam venue well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards. Entry into the examination centre is allowed only through Gate numbers 1, 2, or 3 of the Administrative Buildings Complex of the Supreme Court of India, depending on what is specified on each candidate’s admit card.
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The official notification also highlights specific rules regarding vehicle entry and parking. It clearly states that only those vehicles with a valid parking sticker issued by the Supreme Court Registry will be permitted to enter through Gate number 3.
The notice also adds a very important point regarding safety and parking responsibility:
“Supreme Court Registry shall not be responsible for any parking facility for those candidates who are not having valid parking sticker or for the safety of any personal belongings.”
This means candidates without a valid parking sticker should make prior arrangements for parking outside the premises and are advised not to leave personal items unattended.
Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) play a very important role in the Indian legal system. These are lawyers who are officially authorized to file cases and pleadings directly in the Supreme Court. Any person who wishes to file a petition or case in the Supreme Court has to do so through an AoR.
To become an AoR, a lawyer must successfully pass the Advocate-on-Record examination conducted by the Supreme Court. This exam is considered challenging and is held only once every year.
The examination is divided into four main papers. These papers test the candidates on:
- Drafting
- Practice and Procedure
- Advocacy and Professional Ethics
- Leading Cases
By passing this exam, a lawyer earns the prestigious status of AoR and gets the right to represent clients independently in the Supreme Court. Candidates are strongly advised to follow all the guidelines mentioned in the notification strictly to avoid any inconvenience on the examination days.
Who is an Advocate-On-Record?
An Advocate-on-Record (AoR) in India is a specialized legal professional authorized to represent clients and argue cases before the Supreme Court of India.
This designation grants AoRs exclusive rights to file and manage cases in the Supreme Court, including drafting petitions, applications, and other legal documents.
AoRs possess in-depth knowledge of the Supreme Court’s practice and procedure, as well as its governing rules and regulations, enabling them to effectively navigate legal matters at the highest judicial level. They are also authorized to appear and advocate on behalf of clients during hearings, presenting legal arguments and safeguarding their clients’ interests.
To qualify as an Advocate-on-Record, an individual must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum required period of legal practice and successfully passing the AoR examination conducted by the Supreme Court.
Eligibility Criteria to become an Advocate-On-Record
Article 145 of the Constitution of India governs the procedural rules of the Supreme Court, empowering it to establish regulations for its practice and procedures. However , these rules, must align with the other provisions of the Constitution. In exercising this rule-making authority, the Supreme Court is required to consult the President of India.
The Supreme Court of India, in Order IV under Rules IV and V, outlines the eligibility criteria for becoming an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) as follows:
Rule IV:
- Any advocate who is not designated as a senior advocate may register as an AoR upon meeting the conditions specified in Rule V.
- However, advocates whose names were already registered with the Registrar as AoRs before September 8, 1962, will be automatically eligible for registration, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule V.
Rule V:
- The candidate must have a minimum of four years of practice as an advocate, with their name enrolled on the roll of any State Bar Council during this period.
- The candidate must inform the Supreme Court that they have commenced training under a senior AoR to qualify for the role.
- Following one year of training with a senior AoR, the candidate must appear for the Advocate-on-Record examination conducted by the Supreme Court.
- Upon successfully clearing the examination, the candidate must establish an office within a ten-mile radius of the Supreme Court building.
- After fulfilling these requirements, the Supreme Court Judge grants recognition to the candidate as an AoR.
- The advocate must be enrolled with a State Bar Council.
- The advocate aspiring to become an AoR must not hold the designation of a senior advocate.
Examination of Advocate-on-Record as conducted by Supreme Court of India
The Advocate-on-Record (AoR) examination is conducted by the Supreme Court in an offline format over four consecutive days. It comprises four descriptive papers, each carrying 100 marks. Candidates are allotted 3 hours to complete each paper, with one paper scheduled per day.
The syllabus for the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) examination covers various areas of law, including civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and administrative law. The exam assesses candidates’ theoretical understanding of these subjects as well as their ability to apply this knowledge in practical scenarios. It also evaluates their practical skills through drafting exercises, requiring them to prepare pleadings and petitions.
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The examination comprises four papers:
- Practice and Procedure of the Supreme Court
- Drafting
- Advocacy and Professional Ethics
- Leading Cases
Duties and Responsibilities of Advocates-On-Record
- Representing Clients in the Supreme Court
The primary responsibility of an AOR is to represent their clients before the Supreme Court. Only an AOR has the exclusive right to file a vakalatnama and conduct cases in the Supreme Court. According to Rule 1 of Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules, no advocate other than an AOR may appear or plead in the Supreme Court unless instructed by an AOR. However, the Court may permit any person to appear and address it in specific cases if deemed necessary. - Drafting Legal Documents
Drafting is a key function of an AOR, involving the preparation of various legal documents such as applications, petitions, appeals, vakalatnama, Special Leave Petitions, writs, curative petitions, and other essential filings submitted to the Supreme Court. - Handling Court Procedures
AORs are well-versed in the practices and procedures of the Supreme Court. They navigate court processes, ensure adherence to rules and regulations, and oversee the completion of all necessary legal formalities. Advocates without AOR designation are not permitted to handle Supreme Court procedures independently. - Advocacy and Argumentation
During hearings, AORs present legal arguments and advocate on behalf of their clients. They possess exceptional skills in articulating legal points and persuading the Court to decide in their clients’ favor. - Research and Case Preparation
AORs dedicate significant time to researching and preparing cases. Thorough research and understanding of the underlying issues are crucial to building a strong argument and effectively defending their clients. - Client Interaction
AORs engage with clients to provide accurate legal advice, communicate updates on their cases, and address concerns. Effective client communication is a vital aspect of their role. - Compliance with Ethical Standards
AORs are required to uphold the ethical standards of the Supreme Court, ensuring professional integrity and adherence to the prescribed code of conduct. - Collaborating with Senior Advocates
AORs often work closely with senior advocates who present arguments in court. They assist by managing procedural aspects, preparing documents, and providing essential support to senior advocates. - Case Management
Efficient case management is a core duty of an AOR. They track deadlines, meet filing requirements, and ensure timely completion of all procedural steps related to their cases. - Staying Updated on Legal Developments
To perform their duties effectively, AORs have to stay informed about legal developments and changes in the law. This knowledge helps them address client issues and adapt to evolving legal landscapes.
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Benefits of being an Advocate-On-Record
1. Specialized Practice in the Supreme Court
AORs have the exclusive authority to practice law in the Supreme Court, allowing for a focused and specialized legal career.
2. Enhanced Earning Potential
The designation of an AOR significantly increases earning potential, as they typically charge higher fees compared to lawyers practicing in lower courts.
3. Prestige and Recognition
Achieving the AOR designation is a mark of distinction among legal professionals. It is regarded as an elite and highly respected title in the legal community.
4. Diverse Case Portfolio
AORs can work on a variety of cases, including criminal and civil matters, public interest litigations, and constitutional issues. Esteemed law firms also seek AORs for their expertise in Supreme Court litigation.
5. Intellectual Growth
The professional challenges faced by AORs in the Supreme Court provide opportunities for significant intellectual and professional development.
6. Upholding the Rule of Law
AORs bear the critical responsibility of maintaining the rule of law and contributing to the administration of justice in the Supreme Court.
7. Exclusive Authority for Filing Vakalatnama
Only registered AORs have the exclusive right to file a vakalatnama on behalf of clients in the Supreme Court.
8. Representation in Supreme Court Matters
In any matter before the Supreme Court, the AOR must be the sole advocate to appear and plead unless explicitly instructed otherwise.
9. Filing Special Leave Petitions (SLPs)
Under Article 136 of the Constitution, Special Leave Petitions can only be filed in the Supreme Court if an AOR issues the required certification for the same.
Conclusively , instances of negligence in fulfilling the responsibilities of Advocates-on-Record (AORs) have come to light despite their duties being clearly outlined in the Supreme Court Rules and repeated admonitions against malpractice from the judiciary.
The AOR system was established to streamline the Supreme Court’s operations, where cases often involve extensive documentation and records, sometimes in regional languages. Judges, who are elevated from various High Courts, may not always be familiar with the Supreme Court’s distinct procedures and often rely on the expertise of well-trained AORs for assistance. Cases before the Supreme Court demand a high level of specialization, encompassing constitutional issues and diverse areas of law.
“AORs are instrumental in bridging the gap between clients and advocates and supporting the judiciary by offering critical insights. They are entrusted with drafting and filing documents such as Special Leave Petitions under Article 136, writ petitions under Article 32, Original Suits, Interstate Transfer Petitions under Section 25 of the Civil Procedure Code and Section 406 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Special References under Article 139, Election Petitions, and Appeals under Special Acts.”
The duties of an AOR go far beyond signing documents or filing petitions. They are required to distill complex facts, frame substantial legal questions, and present cases effectively before the Supreme Court. Designated as officers of the Court, AORs bear the significant responsibility of upholding professional ethics, safeguarding the integrity of the legal system, and maintaining its smooth functioning.
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