In December 2025, the Bar Council of India issued an official clarification affirming that the IGNOU-ICAI B.Com (Accountancy & Finance) degree is fully eligible for admissions to the Three-Year LL.B. programme across all BCI-approved law colleges.
For more than a decade, students across India, particularly Chartered Accountants and CA aspirants - have faced repeated uncertainty while seeking admission to the 3-Year LL.B. course, despite holding valid and recognized qualifications.
This issue persisted not because of absence of law, but because of inconsistent interpretation.
The Legal Position Since 2008
The Bar Council of India Rules of Legal Education, 2008 clearly provide that:
- A first degree obtained from a University established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature is valid for admission to the 3-Year LL.B.
- Degrees obtained through distance or correspondence mode are permitted.
- Disqualification applies only where a candidate obtained 10+2 or graduation directly through an open university system without possessing the basic or preceding qualification.
Thus, where a student has completed regular 10+2 and thereafter pursued graduation - even through distance education - the degree remains valid, provided the LL.B. is pursued in regular mode.
A Struggle That Began in 2014
As early as 2014, a Chartered Accountant Karan Joshi holding a B.Com (Accountancy & Finance) degree under the IGNOU-ICAI MoU faced denial of LL.B. admission.
After prolonged struggle, the Bar Council of India clarified the position in his favour. However, since this clarification was not issued as a general public circular, the problem continued to resurface every academic year.
Since then, CA Karan Joshi has been consistently helping students facing similar issues - quietly guiding, sharing documents, and supporting affected candidates across the country.
A Decade of Confusion and Unequal Treatment
Despite unchanged rules:
- Some universities granted admission.
- Others rejected eligible candidates.
- In certain cases, students were admitted but later denied enrolment by State Bar Councils, even after clearing the AIBE.
Students were left to fight individually for what the law already permitted.
48,000+ Students Are Impacted
As per a Press Release issued by the Public Relations Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on 10 October 2023, more than 48,000 ICAI students have successfully completed the B.Com (Accountancy & Finance) programme under the IGNOU-ICAI MoU.
This is not a marginal issue - it affects thousands of legitimate degree holders nationwide.
My Experience in 2025
In 2025, I personally faced similar objections during the admission process.
At this stage, I approached CA Karan Joshi, who was kind enough to guide me, share relevant precedents, and remain available whenever required. His support was instrumental - not just for me, but for countless students since 2014.
Eventually, after approaching the Bar Council of India, my admission was granted.
A Representation in the Larger Public Interest
Recognising that individual clarifications were not enough, I submitted a formal representation to the Bar Council of India in November 2025, seeking a clear reaffirmation so that no student with a B.Com (A&F) degree would face this issue again.
Institutional Responsiveness That Matters
At this crucial juncture, A Member, Bar Council of India, was kind enough to hear the grievance of students and ensure the matter received proper attention from the appropriate authority.
Such responsiveness deserves appreciation.
December 2025: Clarity at Last
Official BCI Clarification Letter (December 2025)
The Bar Council of India issued the following written clarification reaffirming the eligibility of the IGNOU-ICAI B.Com (Accountancy & Finance) degree for admission to the 3-Year LL.B. course.
BCI Clarification Letter (PDF)
Official clarification on IGNOU-ICAI B.Com (A&F) eligibility for 3-Year LL.B.
A Positive Beginning to 2026
This reaffirmation marks a hopeful beginning to 2026, grounded in clarity, fairness, and access to education.
Guidance for Affected Students
If any student is denied admission to the 3-Year LL.B. solely on the ground of holding an IGNOU-ICAI B.Com (A&F) degree, they may rely on the above clarification.
If the issue persists, feel free to reach out for guidance.
Contact: help@bvinayreddy.com
No eligible student should lose an academic year due to misinterpretation of settled law.
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