Supreme Court Decides Not to Hold AOR Exam in 2026 Due to Existing Strength

The Supreme Court of India has announced that the Advocates-on-Record (AOR) Examination will not be conducted in 2026, citing the existing adequate strength of AORs practising before the Court. The decision was communicated through a notification issued on April 30 by the Registrar (Judicial) and Secretary to the Board of Examiners.

According to the notification, the competent authority decided to defer the examination after assessing the current number of registered AORs. As of April 13, 2026, there are 3,791 Advocates-on-Record registered with the Supreme Court, which the Court considers sufficient for its present requirements.

The Advocates-on-Record system plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Supreme Court, as only AORs are authorized to file and conduct cases before the Court. The decision to skip the 2026 examination reflects an administrative assessment aimed at maintaining a balanced and efficient legal practice environment within the apex court.

The Court has further indicated that the next AOR examination is likely to be conducted in 2027. However, the detailed schedule and dates for the same will be notified at a later stage. This move provides clarity to aspiring candidates while also signaling the Court’s effort to regulate the number of practitioners in line with institutional needs.