India

Hi,
Judicial Services Exam - Each state conducts judicial services exams, which can be taken by law graduates who are then appointed judges at entry level courts across the state. These judges then proceed upwards through the judicial system usually ending their careers at the High Court level.
Practice as an advocate: The usual criteria for appointment as a judge of the High Court requires an advocate to be of "high standing" and to have practiced for minimum period of 10 years. The practice earlier was for the senior judges of a particular High Court to then recommend the name of an advocate for elevation. Certain courts now provide for an application process (both formal and informal) through which advocates so inclined can apply for the position as well and the appointment committee would take such application under consideration. The actual appointment through this method is based more on subjective criteria and opinions rather than a fixed list of qualifications.