How to Become a Judge in India?

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how to become a judge in india

Overview

Becoming a judge is a challenging and rigorous journey, requiring significant dedication, but it holds the potential for a rewarding career. Regarded as one of the most esteemed vocations, a judge occupies the apex of the legal hierarchy. Serving as a judge entails substantial responsibilities and can be exceptionally demanding.Becoming a judge in India is a multi-step process that requires a combination of education, experience, and passing specific examinations. Here is a general outline of the steps to become a judge in India:

  1. Educational Qualifications:
    • You must have a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university in India. It is typically a three-year course after completing your undergraduate degree.
  2. Enroll as an Advocate:
    • After completing your LLB, you need to enroll as an advocate with your respective State Bar Council. This allows you to practice law in India. To enroll, you will need to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), conducted by the Bar Council of India.
  3. Gain Experience:
    • To become a judge, you must have several years of experience practicing law as an advocate. The required years of practice can vary, but it is typically around 7 years for lower judicial services and 10-12 years for higher judicial services.
  4. Apply for Judicial Services Examination:
    • To become a judge, you will need to qualify for the relevant judicial services examination. There are separate examinations for recruitment to the lower and higher judiciary.
    • For the lower judiciary, you need to appear for state-specific judicial services examinations, which are conducted by the respective State Public Service Commissions.
    • For the higher judiciary, you may need to appear for the All India Judicial Services Examination (AIJS) if it is available in your state.
  5. Clear Preliminary and Main Examinations:
    • These examinations typically consist of multiple-choice questions, essay-type questions, and practical exercises related to law and legal procedures. Clearing the written exams is a prerequisite for further selection.
  6. Interview/Personality Test:
    • After passing the written exams, you will be called for an interview or personality test. This evaluates your communication skills, knowledge of law, and suitability for the position of a judge.
  7. Training:
    • Once you are selected, you may undergo a training program, which varies by state and can last several months. This training is meant to prepare you for the role of a judge.
  8. Appointment:
    • After successfully completing the training and other requirements, you may be appointed as a judge in the lower or higher judiciary, depending on the examination you applied for.
  9. Promotions:
    • In the Indian judicial system, judges can progress through various levels, from Civil Judge (Junior Division) to the High Court and eventually, the Supreme Court. Promotions are based on experience, performance, and vacancies at higher levels.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary from state to state, and the legal landscape in India can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult the respective State Judicial Services Authority or State Public Service Commission for the most up-to-date information on the eligibility criteria and examination details. Additionally, it’s essential to stay informed about any changes in the judicial services recruitment process through official notifications and announcements.

The Indian judicial system is divided in to three categories viz. supreme court, high courts and session courts/subordinate courts. After getting an overview, let’s explore the process of becoming a judge in each of these category.

How to Become a Judge in Supreme Court in India?

The supreme or the Apex court is the prime court where the judge has extensive powers and is appointed by the president of India.

Qualifications to Become a Judge in Supreme Court

  • The person should be a citizen of India.
  • Must have an LLB/LLM degree.
  • He/She should have been a judge of a High Court for at least 5 years or he/she should have been an advocate of a High Court for 10 years.
  • Apart from these, a person is also eligible if he/she is an exceptional jurist according to the president.

How to Become a Judge in High Court in India?

The high court is the chief of the state’s judicial administration.

Qualifications to Become a Judge in High Court

  • A person must be a citizen of India.
  • Must have an LLB/LLM degree.
  • He/she should have held a judicial office in India for 10 years or he should have been an advocate of a high court for 10 years.

How to Become a Judge in Session Court/Subordinate Court in India?

The courts at district levels are called subordinate courts or session courts.

Qualifications to Become a Judge in Subordinate Court

  • The person must have an LLB/LLM degree.
  • He/she must have passed the exam by the state Public Service Commission.

Law Entrance Exam CLAT

The primary thing to start a career in Law as a Judge is to earn a Law degree. An undergraduate degree in Law or an LLB degree is a prerequisite for anyone to prosper in the field. While in many colleges and universities you can get direct admission in LLB course but to get admission in prestigious Law colleges in India, you need to qualify CLAT exam.

Best Law Colleges in India

The following is a list of top law colleges in India:

  • National Law School of India University, Banglore
  • National Law University, Delhi
  • NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
  • National Law University, Rajasthan
  • The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
  • Symbiosis Law School. Pune
  • Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi
  • The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab

Accumulating Experience

When considering the path to becoming a judge, it’s essential to recognize the significance of gaining practical experience. Judges encounter a wide array of cases within the courtroom, some of which can be quite complex. Any lack of experience may result in errors that hinder the administration of justice. Consequently, highly qualified candidates are selected for this role.

To ensure that an exceptionally experienced professional presides over cases, candidates must meet a specific set of requirements before assuming the duties of a judge in a court. Most legal professionals start their careers as attorneys before aspiring to become judges. Lawyers can specialize in various fields before applying for the judicial examination. These specializations encompass areas such as Immigration Law, Civil Rights Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Tax Law, and Intellectual Property Law.

Passing the Licensing Exam

After earning a bachelor’s degree in law, the next step is to qualify for the Judicial Services Exam or the Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination (PCS-J). This competitive exam is administered by state authorities under the jurisdiction of their respective high courts to appoint individuals to the lower judiciary. The age limit for this exam typically falls between 21 to 35 years. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must hold an LLB degree and possess a minimum of 7 years of work experience.

The exam is divided into three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and interviews. The Preliminary exam consists of objective-type questions, while the Mains paper involves subjective responses. In India, approximately 24 states conduct this exam, each with its unique eligibility criteria. Before applying, it’s advisable to thoroughly review the specific requirements. The syllabus for the licensing exam covers subjects such as Criminal Law, Penal Code, Constitutional Law, as well as General Knowledge, Aptitude, Reasoning, and Language.

Requisite Skills

Attaining the authority and responsibility to wield the judge’s gavel necessitates specific qualifications. Academic credentials and professional experience alone are insufficient for becoming a judge. Due to the sensitivity and intricacies inherent in jurisprudence, the role of a judge is profoundly critical. The selection of potential judges is carried out by experts in the field, who evaluate candidates based on various parameters.

In addition to meeting the formal requirements for the position, candidates should possess the following skills:

  1. Critical Reasoning Skills
  2. Objective Analysis
  3. Attentive Listening Skills
  4. Impartial Decision-Making
  5. Proficiency in Reading Comprehension
  6. Empathy
  7. Strong Writing Skills

Salary

A judge’s salary varies depending on their type and position. The initial salary for a district-level judge is INR 7,00,000. This figure increases with experience and ranges from INR 1,44,840 to INR 2,24,100. On average, monthly salaries for supreme court judges and high court judges amount to INR 2.50 lakh.

FAQs

What is the process for becoming a judge?

  • The process for becoming a judge typically involves gaining relevant work experience, passing a licensure exam, and meeting specific eligibility criteria.

2. Why is work experience important for aspiring judges?

  • Work experience is crucial for judges as it equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle a variety of complex cases effectively.

3. What are some specializations lawyers can pursue before becoming judges?

  • Lawyers can specialize in areas like Immigration Law, Civil Rights Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Tax Law, and Intellectual Property Law before applying for judgeship.

4. Can you explain the Judicial Services Exam or PCS (J) in more detail?

  • The Judicial Services Exam is a competitive exam administered by state authorities to appoint lower judiciary members. It consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and interviews, with specific eligibility criteria.

5. What are the key skills required to become a judge?

  • Essential skills for judges include critical reasoning, objective analysis, attentive listening, unbiased decision-making, reading comprehension, empathy, and strong writing abilities.

6. What is the salary range for judges in India?

  • The salary of a judge varies depending on their type and position. District-level judges typically start with an initial salary of INR 7,00,000, which increases with experience. Supreme court judges and high court judges have an average monthly salary of around INR 2.50 lakh.

7. How are judges selected for their roles?

  • Judges are selected based on their qualifications and experience, with their profiles evaluated by experts in the field using various parameters to ensure they are suitable for the position.

8. Are there specific subjects covered in the judicial licensure exam syllabus?

  • Yes, the syllabus for the judicial licensure exam includes subjects such as Criminal Law, Penal Code, Constitutional Law, General Knowledge, Aptitude, Reasoning, and Language.

9. Are there age restrictions for aspiring judges taking the licensure exam?

  • The age limit for the exam typically falls between 21 to 35 years, but this may vary depending on the specific state and its eligibility criteria.

10. What is the significance of empathy as a skill for judges?

  • Empathy is important for judges as it allows them to understand and consider the human aspects of cases and make fair and just decisions.