How to Become a Judge in India: Career Path & Eligibility

     Becoming a judge in India is a prestigious and challenging career, attracting law students who aspire to uphold justice and serve society. If you’re pursuing law and want to understand the step-by-step process, eligibility, and the role of various law entrance exams, this guide is tailored for you.

Starting Point: Law Education and Entrance Exams

The journey to the judiciary begins with obtaining an LLB degree from a recognized university. There are two main academic routes:

  • 5-Year Integrated BA LLB after 12th: Students can opt for a five-year integrated law program immediately after Class 12. Admission to these programs is through competitive law entrance examinations such as the BA LLB Entrance Exam, BA LLB Entrance Test, and other best law entrance exams like CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) and AILET (All India Law Entrance Test). These are considered the best law entrance exams for top law colleges in India.

  • 3-Year LLB after Graduation: If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, you can pursue a 3-year LLB course. Admission is through the 3 year LLB entrance exam or other entrance tests for LLB conducted by various universities and state authorities.

Both routes require clearing an entrance test for LLB, and the choice depends on your educational background and career plans.

Bar Council Registration and Legal Practice

After completing your LLB, the next step is to enroll with the Bar Council of India and obtain a Certificate of Practice. This is mandatory for practicing law in Indian courts. To get this certificate, you must pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), which tests your legal knowledge and aptitude.


Gaining practical experience as an advocate is highly recommended. While fresh LLB graduates can appear for some judicial service exams, having courtroom experience strengthens your understanding of the law and improves your chances in competitive exams.

Judicial Services Examination: The Gateway to the Bench

To become a judge in the lower judiciary (Civil Judge, Junior Division), you must clear the State Judicial Services Examination, also known as PCS J or Civil Judge Exam. Each state conducts its own law entrance examination for these posts, usually comprising three stages:

  • Preliminary Exam: Objective questions on law, general knowledge, and current affairs.

  • Mains Exam: Descriptive papers covering various law subjects, including constitutional, civil, and criminal law.

  • Viva Voce/Interview: An assessment of your legal acumen, personality, and suitability for the judicial role.

Eligibility for these exams generally includes:

  • An LLB degree (either 3-year or 5-year) from a recognized university.

  • Indian citizenship.

  • Age between 21 and 35 years (varies by state and category).

  • In some states, registration with the Bar Council and a few years of legal practice may be required.

Career Progression and Higher Judiciary

After clearing the judicial services exam and completing training, you are appointed as a Civil Judge (Junior Division). With experience and good performance, you can be promoted to higher positions such as Senior Civil Judge, District Judge, and eventually, High Court Judge.


For appointment as a High Court Judge, you must have at least 10 years of experience as an advocate or in a judicial office. To become a Supreme Court Judge, you need to be a High Court Judge for at least five years or have an extensive legal practice of ten years in a High Court.

Special Notes for Law Aspirants

  • Entrance Exam for Law after 12th: If you’re in school, focus on preparing for the BA LLB entrance exam or BA LLB entrance test, as these open the door to integrated law programs.

  • Best Law Entrance Exam: CLAT and AILET are the most popular and widely accepted law entrance exams in India.

  • 3 Year LLB Entrance Exam: For graduates, the 3 year LLB entrance exam is the key to entering law colleges for the traditional LLB program.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a judge in India is structured and competitive, requiring dedication from the very start of your law education. Whether you opt for a 5-year BA LLB after 12th or a 3-year LLB after graduation, clearing the relevant law entrance exam is your first milestone. After gaining your law degree and registering with the Bar Council, focus on gaining practical experience and preparing for the judicial services exam. With persistence and hard work, you can achieve the goal of serving the nation as a judge, upholding justice and the rule of law.

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