A law graduate holding an LLB from a college not recognized by the BCI failed to qualify in the Bar Aptitude and Standards (BAS) test. The root issue? The college lacked BCI approval at the time the student enrolled. As a result, such graduates (sometimes referred to as “LIM degree holders” in reports) are being denied eligibility to appear for the BAS exam—a mandatory step to practice law in India.

This situation has led the Gujarat High Court to issue notices to both the BCI and the state government, effectively calling them to explain why students admitted to unapproved colleges are being penalized . The court has flagged the high risk to students’ careers—having completed their education yet being unable to qualify as advocates.

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