How to Become a Judge in India: A Complete Guide for Law Aspirants

Becoming a judge in India is a prestigious and noble profession. It requires a solid academic foundation, legal experience, and passing judicial service examinations. This article explains the step-by-step process to become a judge in India after Class 12th, covering qualifications, exams, roles, and career options in the judiciary.

UniList Desk

Updated Jul 8, 2025 | 03:16 PM IST

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In India, the judiciary is one of the most respected pillars of democracy. Judges not only interpret the law but also ensure justice and fairness in society. With a rising interest in careers in law, many students aim to become judges. However, the path is structured and requires specific educational and professional milestones. This article provides a complete roadmap for aspiring judges in India, making the process easy to understand and follow.

Who is a Judge?

A judge is a legal professional who presides over court proceedings and makes decisions based on facts, evidence, and law. Judges work in various levels of courts – Civil, Criminal, District, High Court, and Supreme Court.

Types of Judges in India:

Civil Judge (Junior Division)

Judicial Magistrate (First Class)

District Judge (DJ)

High Court Judge

Supreme Court Judge

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Judge in India

1. Choose the Right Stream After 10th

Opt for Humanities/Arts or Commerce stream in Class 11th and 12th if you are targeting law after school.

However, students from any stream can pursue law after 12th.

2. Complete a Law Degree (LLB)

After 12th, you can enroll in a 5-year integrated LLB course such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, BCom LLB, or BSc LLB.

Alternatively, complete a 3-year LLB course after graduation in any stream.

Law courses must be pursued from a Bar Council of India (BCI) approved institute.

3. Get Enrolled with the State Bar Council

After completing the LLB, you must register with the State Bar Council.

Appear and qualify in the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to become a certified advocate.

4. Internships & Real-World Exposure

Do internships at law firms, with senior advocates, or in court chambers to learn practical legal skills and courtroom behavior.

Take part in moot court competitions and legal aid clinics to improve your argument and legal research skills.

Practicing as an advocate for 2–3 years is helpful as it builds your understanding of real court proceedings and supports exam preparation.

5. Prepare for Judicial Services Exam (PCS-J)

There are two major judicial services exams:

a) Lower Judiciary Services (PCS-J Entry-Level Exam)

Eligibility: LLB degree and enrollment with State Bar Council.

Age Limit: Usually 21–35 years (varies by state).

No prior experience required (in most states).

Selection Process:

Preliminary Exam (Objective)

Mains Exam (Descriptive)

Personal Interview

b) Higher Judiciary Services Exam

For experienced advocates with 7 years of practice.

Age Limit: Up to 45 years (varies by state).

Candidates can be directly appointed as District Judges.

6. Judicial Services Exam Subjects

Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Indian Evidence Act

Civil Procedure Code (CPC)

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

Constitution of India

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

English & Local Language

7. Qualify and Undergo Training

Upon clearing all three stages of the exam, candidates undergo judicial training.

Training is conducted by the State Judicial Academy.

8. Appointment and Posting

After training, you’ll be posted as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) or Judicial Magistrate First Class depending on your cadre.

Promotions can take you to higher positions such as Senior Civil Judge, District Judge, and eventually to High Court and Supreme Court, based on performance and seniority.

Additional Ways to Become a Judge:

1. Through Promotion

Advocates with 7 years’ experience can apply for Direct Recruitment for Higher Judiciary.

Civil Judges can also be promoted over the years to higher judicial positions.

2. Through Collegium System

Senior judges in High Courts or Supreme Court are often appointed through the Collegium system, based on merit and seniority.

Internship & Preparation Tips

Join reputable law firms or legal clinics during study.

Develop subject-specific strengths—e.g., Contract Law, Constitutional Law—for competitive exams.

Regularly solve and review past judicial exam papers to familiarize with the pattern and enhance answer writing.

Moot courts, guest lectures, and mentorships are especially valuable at NLUs and high-ranking law schools.

Top Law Colleges in India & Abroad

National Law Universities (NLU): NLU Delhi, NLU Bangalore, NLU Jodhpur, NLU Kolkata—among India’s top for judiciary preparation.

Other Prestigious Indian Institutions: Faculty of Law (Delhi), Symbiosis Law School (Pune), ILS Law College (Pune), NALSAR (Hyderabad).

Global Standouts: Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge—offer strong foundations for comparative legal insight.

Skills Required to Become a Good Judge

Strong knowledge of law and legal systems

Analytical and logical thinking

Fair and unbiased decision-making

Good communication and writing skills

High moral integrity and patience

Conclusion:

Becoming a judge in India is not just a job, it’s a lifelong commitment to justice and service to the nation. With the right academic path, focused preparation, and dedication, anyone passionate about law and justice can pursue this esteemed profession. Whether through the judicial services exam or through years of legal practice, the Indian judiciary offers a rewarding and impactful career path.

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