How to Become a Judge in India: Process, Eligibility, Complete Guide
Becoming a judge is one of the biggest achievements for all legal professionals. Many law aspirants in India pursue a law degree to achieve the goal of becoming judges, but they do not know where to start their journey to becoming judges. In this article, Shiksha will teach law aspirants, students, and professionals how to become judges.
How to become a Judge?
The pursuit of a judicial career is a noble endeavor, filled with the responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring fairness. For many aspiring judges, the 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB serves as a stepping stone towards this esteemed profession. While an LLB degree itself does not directly grant access to the judiciary, it opens doors to prestigious law schools, laying a solid foundation for a successful legal career that could ultimately lead to the bench. If you want to become a judge after Class 12, you will have to earn a 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB degree. You can do so by getting direct admission to one of the two law courses or by appearing in one of the top law entrance exams and then getting admission to one of these courses.
Many law aspirants take CLAT or AILET to get admission to an LLB course. After completing the CLAT exam or AILET exam, aspiring judges typically pursue a five-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized law school. However, CLAT and AILET are not the only pathways to becoming a judge in India. You can take any top law entrance exam to get admission to become a judge in the country. In this article, we will help you learn how to become a judge after LLB.
Becoming a judge in India is a multi-stage process that varies depending on the level of the judiciary you aspire to join. The eligibility criteria, selection process, and necessary qualifications differ significantly for the subordinate judiciary (Lower Courts) and the higher judiciary (High Courts and the Supreme Court).
- Becoming a Judge in the Subordinate Judiciary (Lower Courts)
- Becoming a Judge in the Higher Judiciary (High Courts)
- Becoming a Judge of the Supreme Court of India
- Important Points to Becoming a Judge
- Becoming a Judge: A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
Becoming a Judge in the Subordinate Judiciary (Lower Courts)
This is typically the entry point for law graduates aspiring to join the judicial service. The recruitment process is primarily conducted by the State Public Service Commissions (or equivalent bodies) under the supervision of the respective High Courts. Every state conducts its own judicial service examination.
There are over 139 cities where CLAT exam is held. These 139 cities are spread across India consist of metropolitan cities, capital cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Candidate can select up to three cities for allotment of test centre. The process of test city selection is a part of CLAT application process. In the CLAT application form, there is a field in which candidates have to select the cities. They need to select the city of preference in order of 1 to 3. The examination authorities will try to allot the test centre in the city of first preference. Thus, candidates must fill all the THREE cities carefully. They must choose their home city of city of current residence as the first preference. The test city option can only be changed during the form correction window. After that, the request for change of the city will not be accepted by the exam authorities.
CLAT cut off is always released in the form of opening and closing ranks by each NLU after the conclusion of counseling rounds. CLAT 2026 Cut off is expected to range between 95-100 for the general category while for SC/ST and OBC category CLAT Cut off is likely to range between 80-85. CLAT 2026 cut-offs will be released separately for the UG and PG courses, as well as for each category (Open, PwD, SC, ST, OBC).
1. Eligibility Criteria:
The following is the eligibility criterion to sit for the judicial service examination:
| Citizenship |
Must be a citizen of India |
| Educational Qualification |
Possess a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university in India. The Bar Council of India recognizes eligible law degrees. |
| Age Limit |
The minimum and maximum age limits vary from state to state. Generally, the lower age limit is around 21-23 years, and the upper age limit usually ranges between 35-45 years. There can be age relaxations for certain categories as per state government rules. |
| Enrollment as an Advocate |
In most states, candidates must be enrolled as advocates with the Bar Council of their respective state. Some states may require a certain number of years of practice as an advocate. |
All those candidates who are willing to appear for the CLAT should meet the eligibility criteria as announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. All eligible candidates must fill the CLAT application form before the last date.The consortium released the updated eligibility criteria of CLAT for admission to 5-year LLB and LLM courses on its official website. These criteria include parameters like academic qualification, minimum marks, age limit, etc.
The CLAT 2025 eligibility for UG and PG courses are as under:
UG CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Candidates appearing for CLAT UG 2025 can check the eligibility below:
- Candidates must secure the following minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination):
- Forty five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade in case of candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories
- Forty Percent (40%) marks or equivalent in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.
- Candidates who may be appearing for their qualifying examination in March/ April, 2025 are also eligible to appear for the CLAT 2025 examination. However, they shall be required to produce an evidence of their passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which they shall lose their right to be considered for admission"
PG CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Candidates appearing for CLAT PG 2025 can check the eligbility below:
- An LL.B. Degree or an equivalent examination with a minimum of Fifty percent (50%) marks or its equivalent grade
- In case of candidates belonging to General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and Forty-Five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade
- In case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories
- Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2025 are also eligible to apply.
Candidates who have completed class 12th or equivalent in any stream from a recognised board can appear for CLAT 2026 Exam. Candidates must note that in order to apply they should have scored minimum 45 percentage marks in Class 12th.This is only applicable for General/ OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories. Foreign nationals cannot appear for CLAT. There is no minimum age requirement to apply for the exam.
National Law University, (NLU) Delhi, included among one of the most prestigious law universities in India. Apart from NLU Delhi, there are around 26 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. NLU Delhi offers law courses i.e. five-year Intergrated BA LLB (Hons.) course at the undergraduate level, One-year LLM course at the postgraduate level, and PhD courses at the doctorate level. For admission to the law courses, NLU Delhi conducts its own law entrance exam known as the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), thus making it the only law school in India that does not accept the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
2. Selection Process:
The selection process generally involves three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Screening Test): This is an objective-type examination designed to screen candidates. It typically tests the candidate's knowledge of law, general knowledge, and aptitude. The syllabus usually includes subjects like the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Contract Act, Constitution of India, and current affairs.
- Main Examination (Descriptive Test): Candidates who clear the preliminary examination appear for the main examination. Mains Examination is a subjective type question paper which include subjects such as Constitution Law of India, Indian Penal Code, 1860 (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023), Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (now Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023), Civil Procedure Code (CPC), CrPC, 1973 (now Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) and various other relevant statutes and regulations.
- Interview (Viva-Voce): Candidates who qualify in the main examination are called for an interview. The interview, conducted by a panel of experienced judges, evaluates candidates' personality, temperament, judicial temperament, and suitability for judicial office.
3. Training:
Candidates selected after the interview undergo a period of training at judicial academies or similar institutions.
4. Appointment:
Upon successful completion of the training, candidates are appointed as Civil Judges (Junior Division) or Metropolitan Magistrates, depending on the state's nomenclature and the location of their posting.
Becoming a Judge in the Higher Judiciary (High Courts)
There are two primary pathways to become a Judge of a High Court:
| 1. Appointment from the Bar (Practicing Advocates): |
|
| 2. Appointment from the Judicial Service (Promotions from the Subordinate Judiciary): |
|
Selection Process (for both pathways):
The appointment process for High Court Judges involves the following:
- Recommendation by the High Court Collegium: The Chief Justice of the High Court, in consultation with other senior judges, recommends potential candidates.
- Scrutiny by the State Government: The State Government offers its views on the recommendations.
- Recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium: The Chief Justice of India and a collegium of senior Supreme Court judges consider the recommendations and the State Government's views. They may also conduct their own assessments and interviews.
- Appointment by the President of India: Based on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, the President of India makes the final appointment.
Becoming a Judge of the Supreme Court of India
Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and such other judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as the President may deem necessary.
Eligibility Criteria:
-
Must be a citizen of India.
-
Must have been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession; OR
-
Must have been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or two or more such Courts in succession; OR
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Must be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.
-
There is a lower age limit of 50 years generally considered for appointments to the Supreme Court. There is no specific upper age limit for being appointed as a Supreme Court judge; however, they retire at the age of 65.
Selection Process:
The appointment process for Supreme Court Judges primarily involves the Supreme Court Collegium:
- Recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium: The Chief Justice of India and a collegium of the four seniormost judges of the Supreme Court recommend names for appointment.
- Consultation: The Collegium consults with other judges as deemed necessary.
- Government Involvement: The recommendations y the collegium are sent to the Union Government. The government may seek clarifications and conduct its own inquiries.
- Final Appointment: After considering the Collegium's recommendation and its own assessment, the government forwards the name to the President for the final appointment.
Key Considerations for Aspiring Judges:
- Legal Knowledge: A strong foundation in legal principles, statutes, and precedents is crucial.
- Analytical and Reasoning Skills: The ability to analyze complex legal issues and arrive at logical conclusions is essential.
- Integrity and Impartiality: Maintaining the highest standards of integrity and impartiality is paramount for a judge.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary for drafting judgments and conducting court proceedings.
- Patience and Composure: Judges must be able to handle pressure and maintain composure in challenging situations.
- Continuous Learning: The legal landscape is constantly evolving, so a commitment to continuous learning is vital.
Becoming a judge in India requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the law. The path is rigorous and competitive, demanding both academic excellence and practical experience. Aspiring candidates should meticulously prepare and stay updated on the specific requirements and procedures of the relevant judicial service examinations or appointment processes.
Important Points to Becoming a Judge
To become a judge, you need to know the following steps to become a judge in India:
1. Acquire the Right Foundation Knowledge of Law
To embark on the journey towards becoming a judge, a strong academic background is essential. The steps to becoming a judge can be different for individuals according to their education level. An individual who has not graduated in law will have to complete his or her Class 10 or Class 12. Thus, the answer to the question of how to become a judge after Class 10 is to complete your Class 12 or intermediate studies, preferably in Arts or Humanities streams.
After completing 10+2 class, candidates should pursue an LLB course to gain a comprehensive understanding of various legal principles, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and hone their legal research and writing abilities.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Refining Legal Expertise
Upon completing their LLB, aspiring judges often seek practical legal experience to enhance their skills and gain exposure to the intricacies of the legal system. They may pursue internships or apprenticeships at law firms, courts, or legal aid organizations. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into the day-to-day workings of the legal profession and allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
3. Judicial Service Examinations: The Gateway to the Bench
After graduating in law, you must know how to become a judge in India after LLB. After gaining sufficient legal experience through their LLB course, aspiring judges can take the next step towards their judicial aspirations by appearing for judicial service examinations. These competitive exams, conducted by various high courts and state governments, assess candidates' legal knowledge, analytical skills, and aptitude for judicial office.
Also Read:
Becoming a Judge: A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
The path to becoming a judge is a demanding one, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the principles of justice and fairness. CLAT serves as an initial step, opening doors to a legal education and a career that could ultimately lead to the esteemed position of a judge. With unwavering commitment and a passion for upholding the law, aspiring judges can make a meaningful contribution to society, ensuring that justice prevails and the rights of all are protected.
Additional Tips for Aspiring Judges
- Develop a strong understanding of the Constitution of India and various relevant laws.
- Stay abreast of current legal developments and judicial pronouncements.
- Actively participate in mooting competitions and legal debates to hone your advocacy skills.
- Seek mentorship from experienced judges and legal professionals.
- Maintain high ethical standards and integrity throughout your legal career.
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All those candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination from a recognised board with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the participating universities are eligible to apper for CLAT 2026. Candidates who will be appearing for Class 12th exam are also allowed to appear for CLAT Exam 2026. In order to pursue LLM, it is important for candidates to have an LL.B. degree or should have completed an equivalent examination from a recognised university with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the participating universities.