Order, order! Does this sound excite you? Have you ever thought about becoming a judge in India or looked for an answer to how can you become a civil judge in India? Then you have come to the right place! But what’s a gavel, you may ask? It’s the wooden hammer that a civil judge stomps when he/she asks the courtroom to be in order. If you are an aspiring law freak, you must already know about it!
Becoming a judge is lengthy and demands excellent hard work, but it leads to a promising career. Counted amongst the most reputed professions, the judge’s position is on top of the jurisprudential order. The job of a judge comes with significant responsibilities and can be highly demanding. If you are curious about how to become a judge in India, this blog explores the critical aspects of the process.
How to Become a Judge in India: Quick Facts
The following table gives quick details about how to become a judge in India-
| Particulars | Details |
| Industry | Law & Judiciary |
| Required Skills | Unbiasedness, Emotional Intelligence, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Logical Sense, Reasoning Skills. |
| Eligibility | 1. Citizens of India Must have an LLB/LLM degree from a recognized university (Lower Judicial Services – LJS) 2. Practicing in court for 7 straight years (Higher Judicial Services – HJS) 3. Held Judicial Office or be an advocate of the High Court for 10 years (High Court Judge) 4. Judges in the High Court for 5 years or High Court Advocate for 10 years (Supreme Court Judge) |
| Related Industries | Supreme Court of India, High Court, District Court, Sessions Court, Civil Court, Tribunals |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 5.50 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 24 LPA |
Who is a civil Judge?
Judges preside over legal proceedings. They apply the law to decide the case. A judge can be appointed or elected officials and is a legal professional upholding justice and fairness. Judges are elected to their positions or are appointed. Their job is to ensure impartiality in their rulings and play a significant role in enduring the rule of law and ensuring that conflicts are resolved equitably and fairly.
What does a Judge do?
- Preside over court proceedings, trials, and hearings.
- Assess the admissibility of evidence and analyze and interpret it in the case context.
- Listen to the allegations and arguments of the persecution and the defense, hear witness testimonies, and review legal briefs.
- Maintain an impartial stance on the cases and use sound judgment to dictate a fair verdict or a sentence.
- Determine the liability of the defendants.
- Rule on the motions presented in the courtroom.
- Conclude the case by determining the extent of the punishments levied in monetary fees and damages.
- Enforcing the code of conduct in the courtroom and informing the defendants of their rights.
- Make decisions regarding the approval or denial of arrests or search warrants.
- Supervise the work of law clerks, court officers, and other court staff.
- Assisted in jury selection, supported the jury, and managed them during trials.
- Meet with attorneys to discuss discovery issues, objections, and pretrial motions.
Also Read: How to Prepare for Judiciary Exam 2024? Full Strategy
Why become a Judge?
There are several reasons to become a judge:
1. Serve the Community
One of the most enthralling reasons to become a judge is the opportunity to perform duties for society and make a difference in people’s lives. Judges play a vital role in upholding justice principles and ensuring that disputes are resolved relatively by applying the law impartially and fairly.
2. Intellectual Challenge
Becoming a judge requires high legal knowledge and analytical skills. For individuals who enjoy problem-solving and intellectual challenges, a career in the judiciary can be advantageous.
3. Job Security
Judges have job security and are appointed or elected to their positions. This provides financial security and stability that may not be available in other legal professions.
4. Respect and Prestige
Judges are highly respected members of society. Their role carries prestige and authority that can appeal to those who value social status and recognition.
5. Personal Fulfillment
For a few individuals, the opportunity to work in the legal profession and transform people’s lives can be rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Also Read: Best Online Judiciary Coaching 2024: Top 10 Institutes & Classes
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Become a Judge?
How to become a judge in India, and what are the necessary qualifications? Do you still need clarification?
Becoming a judge in India is a long and challenging process. The judiciary is a respected and coveted profession. Some essential eligibility criteria for becoming a Civil Judge, including their educational qualifications, age limit, nationality, and other prerequisites, are discussed below:
Minimum Age Requirement
You must be at least 35 with other necessary judge qualifications. This is the minimum age requirement for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court. However, the minimum age requirement for an appointment as a High Court Judge is 45 years.
Educational Qualifications
To become a civil judge in India, you must have a law degree from a recognized university and be enrolled as an advocate with the State Bar Council of India.
Additionally, you must have a minimum of 10 years of experience. Apart from this qualification of a high court judge, you must have an LLB degree.
Experience Required
The Indian Judiciary has a hierarchical structure. Judges are appointed at different levels. You must have at least 10 years of experience as an advocate to be eligible for this post.
Similarly, you must have served as a High Court Judge for 5 years to become eligible to be a Supreme Court Judge. So, you have your answer on how to become a judge in India after working as an advocate.
Other Requirements
Apart from the above qualifications required for a civil judge, there are other requirements that you must meet. These include:
- You must be of sound mind and have good moral character.
- You should be a citizen of India.
- Must not have other interests affecting your performance as a judge.
- You must not have been convicted of a criminal offense.
What are the UG Courses to Become a Civil Judge?
CLAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted annually for admission to UG courses at 26 NLUs (National Law Universities).
| Courses | Course Details | Average Fees |
| Integrated BA LLB | Eligibility: Candidates must pass the 12th in relevant subjects with at least an aggregate of 45%. Entrance Exams: LSAT Duration: 5 years | ₹ 30,000 to 3,00,000 per annum |
| LLB | Eligibility: Candidates must pass the 12th in relevant subjects with at least an aggregate of 50%. Entrance Exams: CLAT, AILET, SET Duration: 3 years | ₹ 35,000 to 1,50,000 per annum |
What are the PG Courses to Become a Civil Judge?
After your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue PG law courses like LLM. To gain admission to these courses, you must take entrance exams like AILET, CLAT PG Exam, etc. However, postgraduation is not required to become a civil judge.
| Courses | Course Details | Average Fees |
| Master of Law (LLM) | Eligibility: Candidates must have a qualified LLB or any other graduate law degree with at least an aggregate of 50%.The minimum age for LLM is 17 years or more. Entrance Exams: AILET PG, CLAT PG, IPU CET, BHU LLM Duration: 5 years | ₹ 1,00,000 to 2,50,000 |
Also Read: How to Crack CLAT Exam 2025? Expert Tips & Full Guide
What are the Best Colleges in India?
Getting a degree in LLB or LLM is the core and first step of how to be a civil judge in India. Many colleges in India build and train you to be a competent lawyer and judge. The following is a list of top law colleges in India:
| College Name | Location |
| National Law School of India University | Bangalore |
| National Law University | Delhi |
| MIT World Peace University | Pune |
| NALSAR University of Law | Hyderabad |
| LPU Jalandhar | Jalandhar |
| IIT Kharagpur | Kharagpur |
| Parul University | Vadodara |
| National Law University | Jodhpur |
| Symbiosis Law School | Pune |
How to become a Civil Judge?
Being a judge is a powerful job and a challenge since becoming one requires a lot of dedication and perseverance. If you are someone who helps people solve their disputes and provides justice, then a career as a judge is the best option for you.
Below are some steps to learn how to become a judge in India:
1. Gain Necessary Skills
To understand how to become a judge, first, you need to understand what skills are required to become a judge. A range of essential skills to perform the position’s duties effectively. Here are some critical skills needed to become a judge in India:
a) Legal Knowledge
Judges must understand the law thoroughly, including its history, principles, and application. They must interpret complex legal documents and apply legal precedents to new cases.
b) Analytical and Critical Thinking
Judges must analyze facts and evidence, identify legal issues, and make reasoned and logical decisions. They must think critically and objectively and evaluate evidence and arguments impartially.
c) Communication Skills
Judges must communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing. They must articulate legal principles and decisions clearly and concisely and explain complex legal concepts to juries and laypeople.
d) Impartiality
Judges must be impartial and objective. They must make decisions based solely on the facts and the law. Keeping aside their personal biases and prejudices, they should ensure that all parties receive a fair and just hearing.
e) Attention to Detail
Judges should have a keen eye for detail and scrutinize legal documents and evidence for accuracy and completeness. They must identify and correct errors and ensure all legal procedures are followed.
f) Time Management
Judges must manage their time effectively and handle many cases and legal documents. They must prioritize tasks, manage their workload, and meet deadlines.
2. Pursue a Formal Course/ Educational Qualifications
If you are looking for the details of becoming a Civil Judge in India, you must follow a formal course. You must pass 12th from a recognized board of India in any stream with an aggregate of 50%.
You must opt for a bachelor’s degree program by taking law entrance examinations. After a bachelor’s degree, you can start practicing law by registering with the Indian State Bar Council and then opting for a master’s degree. Below are the judge entrance examinations and bachelor’s and master’smaster’s degrees.
| CLAT | AP LAWCET | AILET |
| PU BA LLB | DU LLB | LSAT |
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law)
- BA LLB ( Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law)
Master’s Degree Program
- LLM (Master of Legislative Law)
3. Register with the State Bar Council of India
Register with the State Bar Council of India to become a civil judge after LLB and take the All India Bar Exam (AIBE) exam. All lawyers in India must register with the State Bar Council of India to practice the law in India.
After your formal degree from an accredited legal institution certified by the Indian Bar Council, you can appear for this exam.
- All India Bar Exam (AIBE)
4. Certificate of Practice (CoP)
After qualifying for the AIBE exam, you will get your Certificate of Practice (CoP) to practice as a lawyer in India. With this certificate, you can practice the law in India.
5. Build Resume
After registering with the Indian State Bar Council, build a solid resume to apply for entry-level positions. If you plan to practice on your own, skip this step. However, if you want to work with some companies, your resume must include your educational qualifications, certifications, and interest in the job.
6. Pursue Internship
Pursue an internship to gain practical knowledge of proceedings and experience in moot discussions or legal aid, so opt for an internship. You must pursue an internship in India; only then will you be eligible to get the license to practice the law in India.
You can opt for an internship program with a practicing lawyer or law firm. Your internship period must be 12 weeks if you are in a 3 year course or 20 weeks if you are in a 5 year course.
7. Practice Law
Once you have completed your internship or training program in an organization or with a practicing, experienced lawyer, you can apply for a job in a private company or the government sector. You can also practice the law on your own.
8. Eligibility Criteria for Civil Judge Exam
To be eligible for the Civil Judge Judicial Service exam, you must be a citizen of India, have a law degree for 3 or 5 years LLB, and be registered with the Bar Council of India. In some states, the age limit is between 21 and 35 years, and the upper age limit is 40+ years.
9. Apply for the Judicial Service Exam
Once you know the eligibility criteria for judicial service exams, you can apply for them. The application forms are released separately for all the States on the official website of the State High Court or the official website of the public commission on the state website.
10. Clear Judicial Service Exam
After some years of experience in practicing law, you can apply for a Judicial Services Examination or PCS (J)-Provincial Civil Service-Judicial exam. The Judicial Service Examination has 3 stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Viva-Voce/Interview
This exam helps you become a practicing member of the subordinate judiciary. There are 2 types of Judicial Services exams – Lower Judicial Services (LJS) and Higher Judicial Services (HJS). Both follow the same recruitment steps.
Preliminary Examination
In this step, you should answer the MCQ format questions. 60% is the minimum passing mark for the general category and 55% for reserved categories.
Mains Examination
In this step, you must write the exam in a subjective type if you score 40% in each subjective paper and 50% in total, you can go for the next step, the Viva Voce.
Viva-Voce
This is the last stage of the selection procedure. Here you will be assessed based on your general interest, intelligence, and personality. Once selected in these exams, you will be trained as a Judge for one year.
11. Work as a Judge
You can work as a judge once you pass the Judicial Services Examination and training. You will be appointed judge of lower courts or tribunals.
Salary of Judge
Civil Judges are compensated a decent salary in India. However, the salary of a civil judge varies depending on various factors such as state, experience, and position of profession.
| Position | Salary |
| Junior Civil Judge | ₹ 27,700 – 47,700 |
| Junior Civil Judge (After 5 years of service) | ₹ 33,090 – 45,850 |
| Junior Civil Judge (1st career progression after 5 years or during the 2nd career progression) | ₹ 39,530 – 54,010 |
| Senior Civil Judge | ₹ 39,530 – 54,010 |
| Senior Civil Judge (After 5 years of service) | ₹ 43,690 – 56,470 |
| Senior Civil Judge (1st career progression after 5 years) | ₹ 43,690 – 56,470 |
| District Judge | ₹ 51,550 – 63,070 |
| District Judge (Selection Grade after 5years of Entry Grade) | ₹ 57,700 – 70,290 |
| District Judge (3 years after Selection Grade) | ₹ 70,290 – 76,450 |
Benefits and Allowances
Besides monthly salary, a judge is entitled to a lot of monthly allowances given below:
- House rent allowance
- Travel allowance
- Electricity bill
- Phone bill
- Vehicle maintenance
- Pension after retirement
Also Read: Upcoming Judiciary Exams 2024 (All States PCS J Exams)
What are the Career Opportunities After Becoming a Judge?
You can become a judge at different levels of the Indian Judiciary System:
- District Judge (Entry Level)
- Civil Judge (Junior Division)
- Criminal Judge (Junior Division)
After a law degree and becoming a member of the Bar Council of India, appear for the State Judicial Service exam to be eligible for the position of a District Judge (entry-level), Criminal Judge, or Civil Judge (junior division).
Practicing as a District Judge in an entry level position, a junior division Civil Judge, or a Criminal Judge in a junior division, you may be promoted to senior and super senior divisions in the respective positions.
Further, you can appear for the Higher Judicial Services exam, which requires at least 7 years of litigating practice. Later, you will be promoted to senior-level positions once you clear the Higher Judicial Services examination. With years of litigating practice, you can expect many opportunities in senior-level positions.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, we have answered all your queries on how to become a judge in India. Becoming a civil judge in India is a challenging but gratifying endeavor. The journey involves obtaining educational qualifications, meeting age requirements, and successfully clearing competitive examinations. Once you become a civil judge, you will be entrusted with the important responsibility of upholding justice and the rule of law in India.
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