Eligibility | Process | Exams | New 3-Year Practice Requirement
Becoming a judge in India is one of the most prestigious and responsible roles in the legal profession. As of May 2025, the Supreme Court has restored a key eligibility condition: a minimum of 3 years of legal practice is now mandatory to apply for entry-level judicial posts. This change has significantly impacted the path to becoming a judge, especially for fresh law graduates.
If you're aspiring to join the judiciary in India, here's the updated step-by-step guide to help you understand the eligibility, selection process, and examinations involved in becoming a judge in 2025 and beyond.
Judicial Posts in India
Judicial appointments in India happen at two levels:
- Lower Judiciary (Civil Judge Junior Division / Judicial Magistrate)
- Higher Judiciary (District Judge, High Court Judge, Supreme Court Judge)
You can also read the Judgement of Independent Thought V. Union of India and Anr.
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Eligibility Criteria
As per the Supreme Court judgment dated 20 May 2025, the eligibility to become a Civil Judge (Junior Division) has been revised. Here are the updated conditions:
Educational Qualification
- Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
Minimum Legal Practice (NEW)
- Minimum of 3 years’ active practice as an advocate is now compulsory.
- Experience as a law clerk with a judge may also be counted towards this 3-year requirement.
- A certificate of practice is to be issued by:
- Principal District Judge (for trial court practitioners).
- Senior Advocate with 10+ years of standing (for High Court practitioners).
Age Limit
- Usually 21 to 35 years, but may vary slightly depending on the state (with relaxation for reserved categories).
How to Become a Judge – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Complete Your LLB (3-Year or 5-Year Course)
Enroll in an LLB course after Class 12 (5-year program) or after graduation (3-year program).
Step 2: Enroll with a State Bar Council
After graduation, register with a State Bar Council and obtain your Certificate of Practice.
Step 3: Gain 3 Years of Legal Practice (As Mandated in 2025)
This includes:
- Courtroom advocacy in civil or criminal courts.
- Law clerkship with judges.
- Legal aid services or research work with practicing advocates.
Step 4: Apply for Judicial Service Exams (PCS-J)
Every state conducts its Judicial Service Exam through its respective Public Service Commission or High Court.
Step 5: Clear the Three-Tier Exam
- Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Mains Exam (Descriptive/Subjective)
- Interview/Viva Voce
Each stage tests your knowledge of law, legal procedures, language skills, reasoning, and personality.
Step 6: Undergo Mandatory Judicial Training
If selected, you will undergo 1-year compulsory training at the Judicial Academy before taking charge.
Subjects in Judicial Exams
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) Now BNS
- Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Now BNSS
- Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
- Indian Evidence Act Now BSA
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act, Limitation Act, etc.
- Local laws (varies by state)
States That Conduct PCS-J Exams
Some of the major states conducting Judicial Services Exams include:
- Uttar Pradesh (UPPCSJ)
- Rajasthan (RJS)
- Madhya Pradesh (MPJS)
- Chhattisgarh (CGJS)
- Bihar
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- Maharashtra (via MPSC)
Each state may have slightly different rules, syllabus weightage, and age limits.
Recent Judicial Service Reforms (2025)
- 3-Year Practice Made Mandatory (as per Supreme Court directive).
- Law Clerkship Counts toward practice.
- Judicial Training of 1 year before appointment made compulsory.
- More emphasis on practical experience rather than just theoretical knowledge.
- LDCE Quota Increased: For promotions from Civil Judge (Senior Division) to District Judge.
Conclusion
With the Supreme Court's 2025 judgment, the path to judiciary is now more experience-based, making the role of a judge more mature and competent. Judicial service aspirants must now balance legal academics with real-world courtroom experience before stepping into the judiciary.
If you're serious about a judicial career, start planning now — build experience, prepare strategically, and stay legally aware.
