Eligibility and application steps for Bihar’s young lawyer assistance scheme

Bihar’s new assistance programme offers fresh advocates a monthly stipend of INR 5,000 for three years, provided they meet a set of clear eligibility conditions. The first requirement is registration with the Bihar State Bar Council on or after 1 January 2024. Only lawyers aged 22‑32 are considered eligible, aligning the benefit with individuals at the early stage of their legal journey.

The application process begins with the purchase of a form costing INR 100. Applicants must compile a comprehensive dossier that includes: • Matriculation certificate • Bar‑council registration certificate • Experience and active‑practice certificates • Parent’s income proof • Residence proof • PAN card • All‑India Bar Examination (AIBE) certificate • A sworn affidavit stating no involvement in criminal cases and no concurrent business or profession • A cancelled cheque for bank verification

After gathering the documents, the form must be signed by the President and General Secretary of the applicant’s Advocate Association. While the Trustee Committee’s convener’s signature is often required for other schemes, Senior Advocate S.D. Sanjay has waived this requirement for the current programme due to the convener’s absence from Patna.

Once the complete package is submitted, the stipend will be credited monthly for thirty‑six months, subject to continued compliance with the programme’s guidelines.