ministry said the qualifying exam for advocates should be similar to that prescribed for Advocates-on-Record of the Supreme court.

The law ministry officials are already holding consultations with the Bar Council of India which is the regulating authority of the legal profession in the country. "In view of the fact that there are varying levels of legal education in the country, additional course inputs to increase professional competence amongst members have to be encouraged," the proposal said.

The issue was discussed in detail between the Government and the higher judiciary last year during national consultations on judicial reforms.