Order, order! Does this sound remind you of something? Have you watched “Jolly LLB” and wanted to be one like “Judge Tripathy”? But have you ever thought about the ways how to become a judge in India? Then you are on the right page! Becoming a judge in India is a respectable and rewarding career. It requires a passion for justice and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. You need to be completely unbiased and transparent if you want to become a judge in India.
Judges play a very important role in the Indian judiciary system, ensuring that justice is served, and the rights of citizens are protected. However, the ways on how to become a judge in India are not an easy one. It requires a significant amount of education, training, exams, and dedication. This blog will outline the important ways of becoming a judge in India, the types of judges, and the entrance exams required.
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Types of Judges in India
Before knowing about the ways how to become a judge in India, you must know the types of judges our judiciary system has. Several types of judges preside over different types of cases and legal proceedings. In this section, we will elaborate types of judges in India to help you decide which specialization you can choose –
- Supreme Court Judges: The Supreme Court of India is the highest in the country, and its judges are appointed by the President of India. The court hears appeals from lower courts and has jurisdiction over matters of national importance.
- High Court Judges: Each state in India has its own High Court, which hears appeals from lower courts within that state. High Court judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state.
- District Judges: District Judges are responsible for presiding over trials and other legal proceedings in the district courts, which are the lowest tier of the judiciary. They are appointed by the state government.
- Civil Judges: Civil Judges are responsible for hearing civil cases, such as disputes over property, contracts, and family matters.
These four were the major types of judges in India. However, there can be more categories of judges our judiciary system might have.
Also, check out the steps on How to Become a Lawyer in India
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How to Become a Judge in India?
Firstly, the students need to understand that there are many possible career pathways to becoming a judge in India. Depending on your education level, you can choose to become a judge in India. Here are the two most-searched ways on Google that you might have a look on:
- Becoming a judger after class 12th
- Becoming a judge after the LLB degree
Let’s have a look at these two popular pathways one by one.
How to Become a Judge in India After 12th?
Many focused and dedicated students are ready to begin the journey of becoming a judge in India right after their class 12th. Becoming a judge is an admirable career path. Here are the steps to become a judge in India after completing your 12th:
- Complete Your 12th in Any Stream: Start by finishing your 12th standard in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
- Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Law: After 12th, enroll in a 5-year integrated LLB program (like BA LLB, BCom LLB, or BBA LLB). These programs cover both undergraduate and law subjects.
- Pursue a Master’s Degree in Law: Consider pursuing an LLM degree from a recognized university. It’s not mandatory, but it can enhance your legal knowledge and skills.
- Clear the Judicial Services Examination: After LLB, you’ll need to clear the Judicial Services Examination. This exam assesses your legal expertise and understanding of court proceedings.
- Join the Judiciary as a Junior Judge: Upon passing the examination, you can start your career as a junior judge in the lower courts. Over time, you can progress to higher positions within the judiciary.
There are several Law Courses After 12th that you can pursue. Check out the courses now!
How to Become a Judge in India After LLB Course?
Becoming a judge after the LLB course does not have a very different way from the former one. Just, you need not pursue a bachelor’s degree again and go for the 3-year law courses. Here are the steps you can follow regarding becoming a judge after LLB course:
- Pass the Judicial Services Examination: After LLB, you’ll need to clear the Judicial Services Examination conducted by the relevant State Public Service Commission. This exam assesses your legal knowledge and understanding of court proceedings.
- Serve as a Judge: Upon passing the examination, you can start your career as a junior judge in the lower courts. Over time, you can progress to higher positions within the judiciary.
These were the steps on how to become a judge in India after 12th and after LLB course. Remember, judges play a very important role in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law.
Suggested Reading: LLB in India
Entrance Exams for Becoming a Judge in India
To become a judge in India, one must follow a structured path that combines education, experience, and rigorous examination. The primary qualification required is a law degree from a recognized institution, either through a 5-year integrated course like BA LLB or after completing a 3-year LLB post-graduation.
Knowing about the entrance exam is an important component of the ways on how to become a judge in India. The name of the exam is the Higher Judicial Service examination. Let’s know more about this exam in the further sections.
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Higher Judicial Services Examination
After pursuing the degree, aspiring judges must enroll with the Bar Council of India and gain significant advocacy experience, generally more than 7 years, to be eligible for the Higher Judicial Services examination.
The examination process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam: An MCQ-based test where candidates must score at least 60% to qualify.
- Main Exam: A descriptive type exam covering substantive and procedural laws, where candidates need to achieve a minimum of 40% in each paper and an overall 50% to qualify for the next stage.
- Interview: A face-to-face interaction with a selection panel, assessing the candidate’s suitability and knowledge.
Eligibility criteria also include Indian citizenship, fluency in local or regional languages (as per state requirements), and adherence to specific age limits, usually set around 35 years, with variations for different categories like SC/ST/OBC.
The syllabus for the Higher Judicial Services Examination is:
- General Knowledge
- Language Proficiency
- Substantive Law (Civil and Criminal)
- Procedural Law
- Evidence Law
- Local Laws pertinent to the jurisdiction
Upon successful completion of these stages and meeting all eligibility criteria, candidates may be appointed as District Judges, marking a significant milestone in their legal careers. Then, your experience and networking will take you further.
Summing It Up!
The process on how to become a judge in India is a prestigious and demanding career that requires dedication, education, and a strong commitment to justice. Whether starting right after completing class 12 or after finishing an LLB degree, the journey begins with gaining a solid legal education. After completing 12th grade, aspiring judges can join a 5-year integrated LLB program and then pass the Judicial Services Examination.
The Judicial Services Examination includes preliminary and main exams, along with a personal interview, evaluating candidates on legal expertise, procedural understanding, and suitability for judicial roles. Successful candidates start their careers as District Judges, handling various civil and criminal cases.
That’s all for today! If you still have questions, why don’t you connect with our experts?
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FAQs
To become a judge in India, you need a bachelor’s degree in law and at least seven years of legal practice. After serving as a judicial magistrate, you can apply for promotion to the higher judiciary. Salaries range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month.
To become a Supreme Court judge in India, one must be a citizen of India, have served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years, or practiced law for at least ten years in a High Court or a combination thereof.
To become a judge in India, one typically requires a minimum of seven years: five years as an advocate practicing law and two years as a junior judge after clearing judicial exams or being appointed directly to higher judicial services.
Yes, in India, one can become a judge directly by qualifying for higher judicial services exams conducted by state public service commissions or the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), depending on the jurisdiction.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
