Crack the AOR Exam 2025: Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Complete Guide
Everything you need to plan, prepare, and pass the Advocate on Record (AOR) Exam — eligibility (4+1 rule), detailed syllabus, exam pattern, marking rules, and practical study tips.
What is the AOR Exam?
The Advocate on Record (AOR) Examination is conducted by the Supreme Court of India under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013. Passing it grants exclusive authority to file petitions in the Supreme Court and demonstrates mastery of Supreme Court practice, drafting, and professional ethics.
Why it matters
- Exclusive authority: Only an AOR can file petitions (Vakalatnama/Special Leave Petitions) in the Supreme Court.
- Professional edge: High referral potential from High Court advocates and institutional panels.
- Prestige & practice: Signifies expertise in Supreme Court practice & procedure.
Tentative AOR Exam 2025 Timeline
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Application Deadline | Late April / Early May 2025 |
| Exam Dates | Mid-June 2025 (usually 4 consecutive days) |
| Result Declaration | September - December 2025 |
Eligibility — The "4+1" Rule
- Be enrolled with a State Bar Council.
- Complete 4 years of practice as an advocate (independent).
- Undergo 1 year of continuous training under an Advocate on Record (the trainer must have at least 10 years standing as an AOR).
- Submit a Training Completion Certificate from the supervising AOR to the Supreme Court Registry.
Tip: Keep proof of practice (cause lists, client files, fee receipts) and the formal training certificate ready before applying.
Syllabus & Pattern — 4 Papers (100 marks each)
| Paper | Subject | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Practice & Procedure | Supreme Court Rules, 2013; Jurisdiction (Art. 32, 136); Limitation Act; Court Fees; procedures like Review, Curative, Suo Motu etc. |
| Paper II | Drafting | Drafting SLPs, Writ Petitions, Review Petitions, Counter Affidavits, Vakalatnama — practical drafting skill & precision. |
| Paper III | Professional Ethics | Advocates Act; Bar Council Rules; Contempt of Court; duties & obligations of an advocate to court and client; conflict of interest. |
| Paper IV | Leading Cases | In-depth analysis of ~50–60 landmark Supreme Court judgments (registry provides list). Know ratio decidendi, significance & application. |
Marking Scheme & The 60% Rule
- Individual pass: Minimum 50% in each paper.
- Aggregate pass: Minimum 60% aggregate (240/400).
- Example trap: 50 in each paper = 200 total → FAIL (doesn't meet 60% aggregate).
How to Apply (Checklist)
- Watch the official Supreme Court website (sci.gov.in) for the notification.
- Download application form from the AOR Examination Cell or website.
- Attach documents: proof of 4 years practice, Training Commencement & Completion Certificates, enrollment proof.
- Pay prescribed fee and submit hard copy to the Registry before the deadline.
Winning Preparation Strategy
The AOR exam rewards accuracy, speed, and procedural mastery. Below are practical tactics to boost your chances:
Practical Tips
- Handwriting & time practice: Draft petitions by hand repeatedly — build speed and neatness (Drafting paper is handwritten).
- Memorize Rules: Supreme Court Rules, 2013 — especially Orders IV, XL, XLVII and provisions on review & curative petitions.
- Leading cases: Learn ratio decidendi, not just headnotes. In the exam you will be given headnotes — but answers must reflect deep understanding.
- Ethics = high yield: Paper III is often easier to score; strong ethics marks help hit the 60% aggregate.
- Mock tests & timed drafts: Simulate exam conditions — 4 consecutive days, long descriptive answers.
- Study group & mentor: Discuss landmark cases, practice cross-checking your drafts with an experienced AOR.
Sample Weekly Study Plan (12 weeks)
- Weeks 1–4: Supreme Court Rules (read & memorize orders), basic drafting practice.
- Weeks 5–8: Intensive leading cases — 8–10 cases weekly with notes & ratios.
- Weeks 9–10: Ethics, Contempt, Advocates Act revision & mock ethics paper.
- Weeks 11–12: Full-length timed mocks — 4-day simulation, focus on speed and legibility.
Career Opportunities After Becoming an AOR
- Exclusive right to file petitions in the Supreme Court (AOR tag on filings).
- Frequent referrals from High Court lawyers and corporate litigation panels.
- Eligibility for government/PSU panels for Supreme Court cases.
- Significant professional prestige and potential fee premium for SC work.
Key Reminders & Final Checklist
- Training must be after four years of independent practice — not concurrently.
- Trainer (AOR) must have at least 10 years standing as an AOR.
- Meet both 50% per paper and 60% aggregate to pass.
- Practice drafting by hand; copies typed later for records are fine but exam requires handwriting.
Printable Resources & Next Steps
Save this page as PDF for offline study. Start building your drafting library: sample SLPs, Writs, Vakalatnamas, and a personal notes file summarizing each leading case.
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