How to Become a Judge in India: Process & Eligibility

Judges are at the apex in the Indian judicial system after the Governor and President at the state and union levels, respectively. 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 do not know where and how to start. If you want to become a judge, then find out how to do so through this article.

How to become a Judge in India?

A judge is the highest legal functionary in any court of law. Though in the Indian Judiciary system, the Governor and President are endowed with certain Judicial powers, in the Courts of Law, Judges are at the apex. Each Judge presides over the court proceedings either singly or jointly. Appointment to the post of Judge has two routes given below:

• Through the Competitive Exam
• Promotion from Lower Judiciary
• Through the nomination process

The Judges in the lower judiciary are recruited through the State Judiciary exams conducted either directly by the State High Court or by the State Public Service Commissions. In both cases, there are three stages of Recruitment as given below:

• Preliminary Exam
• Mains Exam
• Interview

But in the case of the higher judiciary, such as the High Court and Supreme Court, the nomination process is the only way. Since the Judiciary system in India is the exception to the Federal Structure, the appointment of High Court and Supreme Court Judges is made by the President of India based on the recommendations of State Government and the Union Government. Since the President cannot act without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, we can say indirectly that the Union Government of India appoints the High Court and Supreme Court Judges in India.

State Bar Councils play a crucial role in the appointment of High Court Judges because they recommend the names of the Advocates to the State Government, which pass it to the President of India after scrutiny. Let us explore the above process in detail.

Being a Judge is a reputable designation in itself, which is eminent in serving the nation, people, and society. A judge is the person who listens to both parties, the accused and the victim. Based on the evidence, law and rules, a verdict is announced. Those who aspire to become judges need to crack the judiciary exam. Please note that each state conducts its own judicial exam. 

If you want to become a judge after Class 12, then first complete either 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB degree. Candidates can appear for an entrance exam such as  CLAT or AILET to apply for a UG-level LLB course. 

To become a Judge in India, candidates will have to go through many stages, depending on the level of the judiciary they aspire to join. Scroll down to read the eligibility criteria, selection process, and necessary qualifications for the subordinate judiciary (Lower Courts) and the higher judiciary (High Courts and the Supreme Court). 

How to Become Judge of Lower Judiciary?

The recruitment for the lower judiciary is done by the State Public Service Commissions under the supervision of the respective High Courts. Every state conducts its own judicial service examination. As per the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India, candidates must have 1 year of Law practice before sitting for the Judiciary exams. Candidates must be citizens of India and possess a Bachelor's degree.

Age Criteria to become Judge

The age criteria for each state are different, which can be checked through the respective high court's recruitment portal. Aspirants will have to appear for the preliminary examination. When the aspirants qualify for this exam, they will be eligible to appear for the mains exam. The final step is the personal interview, which will be conducted at the end. 

List of states conducting Judicial Service Examination

In India, state-level Judicial Service examinations are administered in a state-specific manner. In all, 24 states in India have Judicial Service exams almost annually. These are listed in the section below.

Note: Each of these states has its own requirements for qualifying for the Judicial Exam, including age restrictions, the maximum number of attempts, the official language, and more.

Eligibility for Lower Judiciary

The following are the qualifying requirements for the Judicial Services Examination:

• Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Candidates must have a degree from a college school
• Under the Advocates' Act of 1961, the candidate must be enrolled or eligible to be enrolled as an advocate.
• Candidates in their final year may also appear for the exam
• The upper age limit is 40 years or more in many states.
• 1 year of Law practice

Skills Required to Become a Judge

An aspiring Judge should know that this is the basic skill set expected from a Judge, as this position holds great responsibility and accountability for the lives of convicted ones and those seeking justice under Indian law: 

• Legal Knowledge
• Analytical and Reasoning Skills
• Communication Skills
• Patience
• Researching skills

• Strong understanding of the Constitution of India 
• Knowledge of legal developments 
• Active participation in mooting competitions 

How to Become a Judge in the Higher Judiciary?

There are two primary pathways to becoming a Judge of a High Court. One is by practicing law for at least 10 years in the High Court. The second path is by promotion from a subordinate or lower judiciary to the higher judiciary. 

Eligibility for Higher Judiciary

Find out the requirements to meet these criteria:

1. Law Degree: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university
2. Bar Enrollment is mandatory
3. Age Limit: A candidate must be between 35 and 45 years old.
4. Practice Experience: Minimum 7 years of continuous legal practice as an advocate, or 7 years of combined experience as an advocate/judicial officer.

How to Become Judge of Supreme Court?

The President appoints the judges of the Supreme Court 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. Judges with five to ten years of experience can be recommended to become a Supreme Court Judge. 

How to Become a Judge in India?

Read and find out what it takes to become a Judge in India. Follow the steps given below to become a judge: 

1. Gain knowledge of the law

The steps to becoming a judge are different based on the education level. After completing the 10+2 class, candidates should pursue an LLB course.

2. Get the practical knowledge

The law graduates will then have to practice law with a well-established lawyer or firm to enhance skills and gain exposure. They may pursue internships or apprenticeships at law firms, courts, or legal aid organizations. 

3. Appear for the Judiciary exam

Every state conducts its judicial examination and has a different set of patterns and syllabi. Read about them to appear for the entrance exam. 

Salary of a Judge in India

The judges in India are paid as per the 7th Pay Commission. Find out the salaries that are defined as per the rules for the judges according to their level and designation in the hierarchy: 

1. The salary of the Chief Justice of India is around 2.8 Lakhs per month.
2. The salary of Supreme Court judges is 2.5 Lakhs per month
3. The salary of the Chief Justice of High Court is 2.5 Lakhs per month
4. The High Court judges can expect a salary of 2.25 Lakhs per month 
5. The District Judges get around INR 1,44,000 to 2,24,000 salary per month.

In addition to this, they get other perks such as vehicle facility, pension, residence, internet, etc.  

Also Read:

• Salary of a Lawyer in India: Corporate Lawyer Vs. Litigation Lawyer