How to Become a Supreme Court Judge

Becoming a Supreme Court Judge is the highest position one can reach in India’s judicial system. A Supreme Court Judge is one of the most powerful and responsible positions that requires legal expertise, long-term commitment, and decades of experience to reach. Know how to become a Supreme Court Judge in India in this article.

How to Become a Supreme Court Judge

India currently has 34 sanctioned judges in the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice. To become a Supreme Court Justice, there is no direct way; you have to dedicate yourself to practicing law as an advocate for several years or serve at least 5 years as a High Court Judge. In case you are planning to pursue a law degree or are already a law graduate, we’ve prepared a detailed guide on “How to Become a Supreme Court Judge?” Read below to know more.

Also Read: How to Become a High Court Judge

How to Become Supreme Court Judge: Eligibility Criteria

To become a Supreme Court Judge in India, you need to meet the given eligibility criteria:

• Candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Must have completed a 5-year integrated program (BA LLB/ BCom LLB/ BBA LLB) or a 3-year LLB course.
• Must be an advocate for at least 10 years in the High Court OR
• Serve as a High Court Judge for a minimum of 5 years.
• There is no age limit. But, as per Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution, the retirement age of a Supreme Court Judge is 65 years.

The President of India appoints the Supreme Court Judge if observed as a distinguished jurist.

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Career Path to Become a Supreme Court Judge

To become a Supreme Court Judge, first, candidates have to become a High Court Judge and serve for at least 5 years. Let’s explain the process from the very start-

• After completing class 12th with minimum 45- 50% marks, the candidate must join a law school to pursue a 5-year integrated law course. Or, candidates who are already bachelor’s graduates can pursue a 3-year LLB course.
• To get admission to any reputed National Law University (NLU), candidates have to crack a law entrance exam such as CLAT, AILET, SLAT, or other exams, such as MHCET law, or a university-specific exam.
• After graduation, register as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961, with your State Bar Council. Candidates must clear AIBE to obtain a Certificate of Practice. This certificate is mandatory to practice law in Indian courts. 
• Practice law for at least 10 years in High Courts or subordinate courts OR
• Candidates who wish to enter the judiciary early can appear for the Judicial Services Exams (PCS-J) conducted by the states. This allows them to become a Civil Judge (Junior Division).
• Eligible advocates can be appointed as High Court Judges if they have 10 years of experience as an advocate in a High Court, OR have served as a Civil Judge for a prescribed period.
• Serve for a minimum of 5 years as a High Court Judge.
• Appointed by the President of India based on 5 years as a High Court Judge OR 10 years as an advocate in the High Court.

How Supreme Court Judges are Appointed

India follows the Collegium System, where the senior-most judges themselves recommend appointments.

• The Supreme Court Collegium (Chief Justice and four senior judges) selects candidates based on merit, seniority, integrity, judgments delivered, and reputation.
• Then, the Law Ministry examines the recommendations and forwards them for the Prime Minister’s Approval.
• At Last, an appointment by the President of India. Once the President approves, the candidate becomes a Supreme Court Judge.

Also Read: How to Become Lawyer after 12th

Supreme Court Judge Salary in India

In India, the judges of the Supreme Court gets salary of INR 2,50,000 per month. Other than salary allowances, include HRA (24% of salary), sumptuary allowance (INR 34,000 monthly), furnishing allowance, and other benefits like official residence, chauffeur, and security.

Conclusion

To become a Supreme Court Judge, a candidate starts by completing a law degree, getting a certificate of practice, gaining experience as an advocate, or serving as a High Court Judge, and finally getting appointed as a Supreme Court Judge in India. Becoming a Supreme Court Judge in India is being at the top of the judicial profession.

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