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How to Become a Judge in India

There are many reputed posts and positions in the Central government service as well as in the State Government that is the dream of many youths in India. Here in this article, I am sharing with you the complete details about the How to become a Judge in India. We will get to know the required eligibility criteria, complete the selection process as well as the exams that have to be clear for this etc. To get complete info, check the complete details below.

In order to be in the Central Government Service or State Government service, One will have to clear the national level or state level examination etc. The exams are called the Competitive exams or One Day exam which is conducted by the authority to select the candidates for the reputed posts.

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Ways to Become a Judge in India:

One can become a judge through the examination called Judicial Service Examination. This exam is conducted by the Public Service Commission. This is an entry-level exam to become a judge in India in the District Court and High Courts etc. The Selection of the candidates through this exam is usually done in three phases, One will need to clear:

  • Preliminary Examination
  • Mains Examination
  • Viva/Interview etc

After the application form, One will appear for the Preliminary Exam and all the candidates who would clear this phase will proceed for the mains exam. Remember, the mains exam is hard to clear as compared to the preliminary exam. A candidate who would clear both phases will proceed with the Interview. The Interview is basically a personal interview. The Interview is the final round of the selection,

How to Become a Judge in India

In the Preliminary Exam and mains Exam, it is mandatory to score 60% marks in each subject for general categories candidates and 55% marks for the reserved categories candidates etc would be called for the Viva/Interview. The exam is tough to clear as the competition is too much in this field. Skills required to become a judge:

  • Critical Reasoning Skills
  • Objective Analysis
  • Careful Listening Skills
  • Unbiased Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Empathy
  • Writing Skills

Now let’s see the states that conduct the judicial service examination. There are two types of Judicial Service exams. Let’s discuss the details in below paragraphs.

List of States that conducts Judicial Service Examination:

Almost every state conducts the Judicial service examination. You must know that there is no direct way to become a judge in the supreme court. The Selection of the judges for the supreme courts are usually done from the State Courts:

Arunachal Pradesh Assam Bihar Chhattisgarh Goa Delhi
Himachal Pradesh Haryana Jammu and Kashmir Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala
Madhya
Pradesh
Maharashtra Manipur Mizoram Nagaland Odisha
Punjab Rajasthan Sikkim Uttarakhand Uttar
Pradesh
West Bengal

The mentioned names of the states conducts the Judicial Service Examination to become a judge in India. Now let’s see the eligibility criteria, an experience that is required to apply for this examination.

Eligibility Criteria for Judge’s Exam:

There are basically two types of Judiciary examination that is conducted in India. The Eligibility Criteria requirement is different as per the requirement:

Lower Judiciary Examination: 

  • One must have passed LLB (Bachelor in Law) from any college, Institute or University which is recognized by the Bar Council of India.
  • A candidate who is in the final year is also eligible to apply for this.
  • No experience is required for this.
  • The age of the candidate should not be more than 35 years old and it should not be less than 21 years old.
  • There may be some relaxation in age for the reserved categories candidates. check the official notification to get exact details about this.

Upper Judiciary Examination:

  • One must have passed LLB (Bachelor in Law) from any college, Institute or University which is recognized by the Bar Council of India.
  • A candidate must have enrolled in any court as an advocate.
  • One also need to have at least 7 years of experience.
  • There is no age barrier has been mentioned anywhere regarding this, Check the latest official notification to get the details about this.
  • Clearing the Judicial service exam is the only way to become a judge in India.

The Selection Process and the number of exams would be completely the same for all. Now let’s see the admission Process in Law colleges and some famous entrance exams for admission in law colleges.

Admission Process in Law colleges:

If you are planning for your career as a judge, You must join better colleges and gain proper and right knowledge about the judicial service and field. This is the field where your knowledge matters a lot. Join the best colleges and get proper education and knowledge. Admission to the top colleges is usually done through the examination. Here is the list of some famous entrance examinations.

  • CLAT
  • AIBE
  • TS LAWCET
  • ULSAT
  • MH CET Law
  • BHU LLB etc

The CLAT is the most famous exam. Clat Stands for Common Law Admission Test. Almost every college offer admission through the CLAT marks except few colleges. Some colleges also offer direct admission or admission on the basis of the marks scored in the class 12th examination. Well, It is always suggested to get admission in the reputed colleges only, It is all about your career and your time. Take decisions wisely. Now let’s see the syllabus of the Judicial service examination to become a judge in India.

Syllabus of Judicial Service Examination:

There are two Written Examination that is required to clear called Preliminary Examination and Mains Examination. Here is the complete syllabus of the written exam:

Preliminary Exam Syllabus: Question in the preliminary exam would be in objective type with MCQs. All the questions that would be asked in the examination would be related to law and the Indian Judiciary System.

  • Constitution of India
  • Indian Penal Code
  • Criminal Procedure Code
  • Civil Procedure Code
  • Indian Contract Act
  • Indian Partnership Act
  • Arbitration Law
  • Indian Evidence Act
  • Specific Relief Act
  • Indian Limitation Act etc.

Mains Examination Syllabus: The Syllabus of the Mains Exam is broad. This paper would have Objective questions as well as descriptive questions etc. One will have to prepare the following topics and subjects.

Essay and General Knowledge: This paper has been designed to test and general knowledge of the candidates and writing skills etc.

Language: One would have the option of English and another optional subject as per their states like Hindi, Bengali etc. All the questions would be related to this like active voice & Passive voice etc.

Civil Law I:

  • Indian Contract Act
  • Indian Sales of Goods Act
  • Indian Partnership Act
  • Specific Relief Act
  • Delhi Rent Control Act
  • Hindu Law
  • Mohammadan law
  • Law of Torts
  • Civil Procedure Code
  • Law of Evidence
  • Law of Limitation
  • Law of Registration

Criminal Law II:

  • Indian Penal Code
  • Criminal Procedure Code
  • Indian Evidence Act etc

This is the complete syllabus of the judicial service examination. To prepare for this, many books are available in the market that could give you complete preparation for the examination. If you do not any idea about the competitive examination. Join the coaching academy and learn the basic and advanced tips, tricks to prepare and to clear the competitive examination. It is completely up to you how to prepare for this.  I hope you got the complete information about the How to become a Judge in India.

FAQs For How to Become a Judge in India

What is the Selection Process of a Judge in India?

The selection of the judges is done through the examination called as Judicial Service Examination. One will appear for the two Written Exams and interviews.

How to Become a Judge in Supreme Court?

There is no direct recruitment of judges in the Supreme court. The Supreme court judges are selected from the high court as per their performance or through the exam.

Is There Any Age Limit Criteria For Judicial Examinations?

Yes, For the Lower Judiciary Exam, there is an age limit of 21 years old to 35 years old. But there are no restrictions for the Upper or higher judiciary services.

Is It Mandatory to have done LLB to Apply For the Judges Examinations?

Yes, One must have done LLB to apply for the Judicial exam, those who are in the final year or semester can apply for the lower judiciary exam.

About the author

Dasharath Maurya