BCI Extends Application Deadline for Law Colleges
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has once again extended the deadline for existing Centres of Legal Education (CLEs) to apply for the renewal of their approval for the academic session 2026-27. This marks the fifth extension, with the new deadline now set for September 15. Initially, the deadline was December 31, 2025, but it was subsequently moved to January 16, then March 5, followed by July 31, and most recently to August 31.
National Law Universities’ Approval Status
Currently, three prominent National Law Universities (NLUs) are still awaiting approval from the BCI. These include the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) in Tiruchirappalli, and Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhinagar. Initially, the National Law Institute University (NLIU) in Bhopal was also on the list, but it has since secured the necessary renewal.
Criteria for Extension
The BCI’s notice specifies that this extension is exclusively for existing CLEs that are seeking renewal of approval for their current courses, maintaining the intake capacity previously sanctioned for the 2026-27 academic session. All CLEs concerned must fulfill pending requirements, which include uploading their respective university’s affiliation order for the 2026-27 academic year and paying the requisite fee, within the newly extended timeframe.
