One of the most prestigious and impactful careers in the Indian legal system is that of a Judge. Every year, thousands of law graduates aspire to join the judiciary and serve the nation. A common and important question that arises among aspiring candidates is:
"Can I give the judiciary exam after LLB?"
The short and clear answer is: Yes, you can give the judiciary exam after completing your LLB — but with some state-wise conditions.
Eligibility to Appear for Judiciary Exam After LLB
Graduates holding a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree from a Bar Council of India (BCI)-recognized law school are eligible to appear for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) exams conducted by different state public service commissions or High Courts.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: LLB (3-year or 5-year integrated).
- Age: Usually between 21 to 35 years (varies by state).
- Citizenship: Indian.
- Practice: Required in some states, not in others.
States Requiring 3-Year Practice for Civil Judge Exam 2025
Shlok, [5/28/2025 2:25 PM]As per recent notifications and judicial trends, some states have made 3 years of legal practice as an advocate mandatory before candidates can apply for Civil Judge positions.
States with 3-Year Practice Requirement:
- Haryana Judiciary Exam
- Conducted by HPSC.
- Requires 3 years of practice as an advocate before application.
- Uttarakhand Judiciary Exam
- Conducted by UKPSC.
- Practice of 3 years is mandatory.
- Delhi Judiciary Exam
- DJS requires 3 years of advocacy experience for eligibility.
These states emphasize courtroom exposure and litigation experience as prerequisites for judicial service.
States Where 3-Year Practice Is Not Mandatory
On the other hand, several states continue to offer direct entry into the judiciary for fresh law graduates without any prior legal practice.
States Allowing Fresh Graduates:
Shlok, [5/28/2025 2:25 PM]- Madhya Pradesh Judiciary Exam – No practice required.
- Rajasthan Judiciary Exam – Final-year students also eligible.
- Uttar Pradesh Judiciary Exam (UP PCS J) – Direct entry allowed.
- Bihar Judiciary Exam – No practice requirement.
These states offer an opportunity to join the judicial services at an early stage in one's legal career.
Impact of 3-Year Practice Requirement on Judiciary Aspirants
The mandatory 3-year legal practice rule has become a topic of debate within the legal community.
Advantages:
Shlok, [5/28/2025 2:25 PM]- Real Courtroom Exposure: Helps understand practical law application.
- Procedural Knowledge: Improves understanding of court processes, pleadings, and drafting.
- Better Judicial Maturity: Experience contributes to improved judgment and analytical reasoning.
Disadvantages:
- Delayed Career Start: Fresh graduates must wait and practice before attempting the exam.
- Financial Uncertainty: Initial years of practice may be economically unstable.
- Non-Uniformity: Different rules across states create confusion for aspirants preparing for multiple exams.
Towards a Uniform Judicial Entry System?
The Law Commission and the judiciary have occasionally highlighted the need for standardized criteria across states. The proposal of the All India Judicial Service (AIJS) aims to create a centralized recruitment mechanism, potentially resolving discrepancies such as the 3-year practice requirement.
A balanced approach is needed — valuing both fresh academic knowledge and practical legal experience — to ensure a competent, diverse, and fair judicial system.
Conclusion
Shlok, [5/28/2025 2:25 PM]Yes, after completing your LLB, you are eligible to give the judiciary exam in India, particularly for Lower Judicial Services. It is a highly competitive but rewarding path with prestige, stability, and the opportunity to serve justice.
If you are passionate about law, justice, and public service — start preparing today. The journey from law graduate to judge starts with a single application.
