How to Become a Judge in India, Step-by-Step Guide 2025

How to Become a Judge in India :  Ever dreamed of sitting on the bench, wearing that black robe, and delivering justice? If yes, you’re not alone. Many law enthusiasts in India dream of becoming a judge. But here’s the catch — the journey isn’t a cakewalk. Becoming a judge in India requires legal qualifications, rigorous exams, and a high level of dedication. Still, it’s one of the most prestigious and rewarding careers in the country.

Judges play a vital role in maintaining law and order. They interpret laws, resolve conflicts, and ensure justice prevails. With a structured judiciary system divided into civil, criminal, and constitutional courts, India offers multiple paths to judicial service. Whether you’re wondering how to become a judge in India after LLB or curious about options after 12th or BTech, this guide has got you covered.

This comprehensive article will help you understand all the critical steps, exams, and tips necessary for entering the Indian judiciary system. Let’s break it down step by step so you don’t get lost in the legal maze.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Judge in India

Before jumping into books and coaching centers, it’s essential to understand whether you even qualify to become a judge in India. Here’s a rundown of the primary eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification to Become a Judge in India

• The candidate must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university in India.

• It could be a 3-year LLB course (post-graduation) or a 5-year integrated BA LLB after 12th.

• Some judicial services require enrollment with the State Bar Council and passing the All India Bar Exam (AIBE).

Gujarat Judiciary Paper Analysis 2025 

Age Limit  to Become a Judge in India

The age limit varies depending on the level of judicial service:

• Civil Judge (Junior Division): 21–35 years (age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC categories).

• District Judge (Higher Judiciary): 35–45 years with a minimum of 7 years of legal practice.

• High Court/Supreme Court Judges: No direct exams; candidates are either promoted or appointed based on experience and merit.

Nationality and Other Requirements to Become a Judge in India

• Must be an Indian citizen.

• Must possess a sound mind and good character.

• No criminal record.

So, before setting your sights on that judge’s chair, make sure you tick all these boxes.

Types of Judges in India

Not all judges wear the same hat — or should we say robe? The Indian judiciary is structured into multiple layers, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Let’s break it down:

1. Civil Judge (Junior Division)

This is the entry-level judicial position and usually the first step for most law graduates. They handle civil disputes like property issues, contracts, and family matters.

2. Judicial Magistrate (First Class)

They oversee criminal matters like theft, assault, and fraud. It’s another popular role for those entering via lower judicial services.

3. District Judge

These are senior-level judges who handle appeals from subordinate courts and more serious criminal/civil matters. To become a District Judge, one usually enters via the Higher Judicial Services (HJS) exam.

4. High Court Judge

Appointed either through promotion or direct recruitment from senior advocates or district judges, High Court judges handle constitutional matters, civil and criminal appeals, and public interest litigations.

5. Supreme Court Judge

The apex of the Indian judiciary. Judges are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Collegium system. There’s no direct exam — it’s based on long-standing merit and experience.

This structure ensures that candidates can enter at various levels depending on their qualifications and experience. So whether you’re targeting the lower judiciary or dreaming big for the Supreme Court, there’s a path for you.

Educational Pathways to Judiciary

So you’re fired up and ready to serve justice — great! But what educational route do you need to follow? Let’s dive into the academic options:

How to Become a Judge in India After LLB

If you’ve completed your 3-year LLB after graduation, you’re eligible to appear for Judicial Services Exams (PCS-J). Most aspirants take this route. After clearing PCS-J, you’ll undergo training before becoming a Civil Judge.

How to Become a Judge in India After BA LLB

If you’ve chosen the 5-year integrated BA LLB course after 12th, the path is the same — you’re eligible for the judiciary exams. In fact, many students opt for this streamlined route to save time.

Can You Become a Judge After BTech or 12th?

Let’s clear the myth — you cannot become a judge directly after 10th, 12th, or BTech. The mandatory requirement is an LLB degree. However, if you’ve done BTech, you can still pursue LLB afterward and then apply for judicial services.

Judicial Services Exams in India

Getting into the judiciary means cracking some of the most competitive exams in the country. Here are the two primary types:

Lower Judicial Services (PCS-J)

This is for fresh graduates or advocates with limited experience.

• Conducted by respective State Public Service Commissions.

• Comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Viva-Voce (Interview).

• Successful candidates become Civil Judges or Judicial Magistrates.

Higher Judicial Services (HJS)

For experienced advocates with a minimum of 7 years of legal practice.

• Higher-level exam to become District Judge.

• Also follows the 3-tier pattern: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

• Not every state conducts this annually, so keep an eye on notifications.

Both exams have rigorous syllabi including:

• Indian Penal Code (IPC)

• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

• Civil Procedure Code (CPC)

• Constitution of India

• Local Laws and General Knowledge

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Judge

Becoming a judge in India is not just about academic credentials. It’s a structured journey with multiple checkpoints. Here’s a clear breakdown of the step-by-step process you need to follow:

Step 1: Earn a Law Degree (LLB)

Whether it’s a 3-year LLB after graduation or a 5-year integrated BA LLB after 12th, this is your first and non-negotiable step. Ensure your law school is recognized by the Bar Council of India.

Step 2: Enroll with State Bar Council

After completing LLB, you must enroll as an advocate with your respective State Bar Council. This step is crucial as it legitimizes your legal practice.

Step 3: Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)

To practice law anywhere in India, clearing the AIBE is mandatory. Conducted by the Bar Council of India, it tests your understanding of legal principles and basic law.

Step 4: Gain Legal Practice Experience (If Aiming for HJS)

If you’re aiming to appear for Higher Judicial Services, you’ll need a minimum of 7 years of legal practice. During this time, build a strong reputation in courtrooms and sharpen your legal acumen.

Step 5: Appear for Judicial Services Exam

Depending on your eligibility:

• For PCS-J, appear soon after graduation.

• For HJS, wait until you fulfill the experience requirement.

Step 6: Clear Prelims, Mains, and Viva

Each judicial exam typically has:

• Preliminary Exam – Objective-based, screening test.

• Mains Exam – Descriptive papers on law, language, and local acts.

• Viva Voce – Personality and law-based interview.

Step 7: Undergo Judicial Training

Once selected, you’ll undergo 1-2 years of training at a Judicial Academy in your state. This includes mock courtrooms, drafting orders, and legal procedure simulations.

Step 8: Appointment as Civil Judge or District Judge

After successfully completing training, you’ll be appointed and begin your career as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) or District Judge, based on the exam you cleared.

It’s a long road, but every step brings you closer to the gavel and robe.

How to Prepare for Judiciary Exams

Let’s be honest — cracking judiciary exams is no walk in the park. But with the right strategy, you can ace it. Here’s your complete preparation blueprint:

Understand the Syllabus

Judiciary exams follow a comprehensive syllabus including:

• IPC, CrPC, CPC

• Indian Evidence Act

• Constitution of India

• Contract and Tort Law

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs

• Local/State-specific laws

• Essay writing, translation, and language papers

Judiciary Exams Preparation Timeline

Start preparing 6–12 months in advance. Dedicate daily study hours, revise regularly, practice answer writing, and take mock tests to ensure success in judiciary exams on the first attempt.

• 6–12 months of full-time preparation is ideal.

• Create a daily study routine.

• Allocate time for revision and mock tests.

Recommended Books for Judiciary Exams

• Ratanlal and Dhirajlal – IPC, CrPC, Evidence

• Bare Acts (must-read for every subject)

• Universal’s Guide for Judiciary

• LexisNexis and Indian Kanoon for judgments

Coaching or Self-Study?

• Structured guidance through expert-led coaching can be beneficial for judiciary exam preparation, offering curated study plans, mock tests, and personalized feedback to help you stay focused and exam-ready.

• Self-study is also effective if you’re disciplined and have access to good resources.

Practice Past Year Papers

• Analyze previous year papers of your target state.

• Practice answer writing for mains.

• Take regular mock interviews for Viva Voce.

Preparation Tips For Judiciary Exams

• Focus more on concept clarity than mugging up.

• Stay updated with Supreme Court and High Court judgments.

• Join online law forums and judiciary prep groups.

Consistency is key — study hard, study smart!

All India Bar Exam (AIBE) and State Bar Enrollment

Before stepping into any courtroom, whether to practice or judge, you must pass the All India Bar Exam (AIBE). Here’s what you need to know:

What is AIBE?

The All India Bar Examination is conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and is mandatory for every law graduate who wishes to practice law.

AIBE Highlights:

• Open-book exam (yes, you read that right!)

• No negative marking

• Covers basic laws and legal ethics

• Passing AIBE gives you a Certificate of Practice

AIBE Syllabus Includes:

• Constitutional Law

• IPC, CrPC, CPC

• Evidence Act

• Professional Ethics

• Environmental Law

• Labour and Industrial Law

• Family Law

How to Enroll with the State Bar Council

• Visit the State Bar Council website (e.g., Delhi Bar Council, Maharashtra Bar Council)

• Submit application with LLB certificate, photos, ID proof

• Pay registration fees

• Appear for BCI identity verification

Once enrolled, you can:

• Legally practice in courts

• Gain experience to qualify for HJS

• Build courtroom confidence and network with seniors

Skipping AIBE? Not an option — it’s your legal license to practice.

Judicial Training After Selection

Clearing the exam is only half the journey. After your name appears in the merit list, you will be enrolled in a state judicial academy for formal training.

Training Duration for Judicial Training

• Ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the state

• It’s full-time and residential

What Happens in Judicial Training?

• Mock Courts: You’ll practice delivering judgments, hearing arguments

• Legal Drafting: Learn how to write orders, judgments, and summons

• Administrative Training: Court management, handling staff, and daily operations

• Visits: Real courtroom visits, jail inspections, mediation centers

Famous Judicial Academies:

• National Judicial Academy (NJA) – Bhopal

• Delhi Judicial Academy

• Rajasthan State Judicial Academy

• Maharashtra Judicial Academy

Training ensures that you’re not just theoretically sound, but practically competent. Once completed, you’re posted in your first judicial role — and your journey as a judge officially begins.

Career Progression in Judiciary

So you’ve cracked the exam and become a judge. What’s next? The Indian judicial system offers a clear path for career advancement. With experience, good performance, and seniority, your robe only gets heavier with responsibility and prestige.

1. From Civil Judge to Senior Civil Judge

After a few years in service (typically 5–7 years), a Civil Judge (Junior Division) is promoted to Senior Civil Judge. This role involves handling more complex civil and criminal cases and possibly supervising subordinate courts.

2. Becoming an Additional District Judge

With continued experience and good judicial records, Senior Civil Judges are eligible for promotion to Additional District Judge (ADJ). This is a mid-level judiciary position that involves both civil and criminal jurisdiction over a wider area.

3. Promotion to District Judge

Next in line is the District Judge — the highest judicial officer in a district. You may either be promoted internally from the lower judiciary or enter directly through the Higher Judicial Services Exam if you meet the eligibility criteria.

District Judges:

• Hear appeals from lower courts.

• Have administrative authority over the district’s courts.

• Handle both civil and criminal matters of significant value.

4. From District to High Court

High Court appointments can happen via:

• Promotion: Based on seniority, conduct, and service record.

• Direct Elevation: Advocates with 10+ years of practice can be recommended by the Collegium for appointment as High Court judges.

5. The Supreme Court Ladder

The Supreme Court of India is the ultimate judicial authority. Judges here are:

• Appointed by the President of India, recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.

• Typically selected from High Court judges with stellar records or renowned legal practitioners.

Career growth in judiciary isn’t just about years served. Your integrity, clarity in judgments, and commitment to justice are your best allies in climbing the ladder.

Salary and Perks of a Judge in India

Let’s talk money and perks! Judges in India enjoy handsome salaries, generous benefits, and a level of respect that money alone can’t buy.

Civil Judge Salary

Entry-level Civil Judges (Junior Division) earn:

• INR 77,840 to INR 1,36,520/month (varies by state)

• House rent allowance, dearness allowance, and travel perks included

• Medical reimbursements and official residence in many cases

District Judge Salary (State-wise Breakdown)

• Government accommodation

• Security personnel

• Official vehicle

• Medical and pension benefits

High Court and Supreme Court Judges Salary in india

• High Court Judge: INR 2.25 lakh/month

• Supreme Court Judge: INR 2.50 lakh/month

• Chief Justice of India: INR 2.80 lakh/month

And yes, their lifestyle reflects their role — premium accommodation, staff, chauffeurs, and unmatched authority.

Perks Include:

• Lifetime pension (post-retirement)

• Free medical care

• Access to judicial guest houses across India

If you’re wondering whether it pays well to become a judge — the answer is a resounding YES, both financially and personally.

Challenges in Becoming a Judge in India

Let’s not sugarcoat it — becoming a judge is tough. While the rewards are great, the road to the bench is filled with hurdles.

1. Intense Competition : Thousands of candidates compete for just a few hundred seats. The selection ratio is extremely low, especially in popular states like Delhi, UP, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

2. Vast Syllabus : Judicial services exams cover multiple laws, GK, current affairs, and languages. It’s not enough to just memorize — you must analyze, interpret, and apply legal concepts.

3. Stressful Preparation Period : Many candidates devote 1–2 years full-time to prep. It’s a mentally exhausting process requiring discipline, isolation, and constant motivation.

4. Age Pressure : There’s an age limit — usually 35 years for lower judiciary and 45 for HJS. Delays in preparation or failure can create pressure to switch careers.

5. Personal Sacrifices : From skipping family events to social isolation, judiciary aspirants often put their personal lives on hold for years.

6. Limited Attempts : Some states restrict the number of attempts. Failures may mean starting from scratch or relocating to another state’s exam system.

7. No Shortcut : You can’t bribe or cheat your way in. There’s zero tolerance for malpractice, and the recruitment process is transparent.

That said, if you stay focused, manage time well, and genuinely love law, the honor of being a judge is worth every sleepless night.

Common Questions on Judiciary Journey

Let’s tackle some of the most asked questions by judicial aspirants across platforms like Quora and Reddit:

How Long Does It Take to Become a Judge in India?

• Lower Judiciary: 5 years (LLB) + 1 year prep = ~6 years after 12th

• Higher Judiciary: 5 years LLB + 7 years practice = ~12+ years

Can You Become a Judge Without LLB?

No. An LLB degree is mandatory to appear for judiciary exams or be considered for promotion to judge roles.

What’s the Youngest Age to Become a Judge?

• Some candidates crack PCS-J at 23–24 years, making them some of the youngest judges in India.

Is Judiciary Better Than Legal Practice?

Depends on your personality:

• Judiciary: Stable, authoritative, government perks

• Practice: Riskier but flexible and potentially high-earning

Can I Become a Judge After BTech or 12th?

Not directly. But you can pursue an LLB after graduation (even BTech), then take the judiciary exam.

Tips to Crack Judiciary Exam on First Attempt

Success in judiciary exams isn’t just about hard work — it’s about working smart. If you want to crack it on your very first try, here’s a foolproof strategy:

1. Understand the Judiciary Exam Structure

Each state has a slightly different pattern, but most judiciary exams follow:

• Preliminary Exam (Objective)

• Mains Exam (Descriptive)

• Viva Voce (Interview)

Study previous years’ papers to grasp the pattern and difficulty level.

2. Build a Study Schedule

You need a disciplined routine:

• 5–6 hours/day minimum for working professionals

• 8–10 hours/day if preparing full-time

• Use time-blocking methods and create weekly targets

3. Master the Bare Acts

Every law aspirant should treat Bare Acts like a Bible. Don’t just read — understand definitions, sections, illustrations, and case laws.

4. Focus on Answer Writing

In the Mains exam, it’s not just what you know, but how you present it. Practice writing:

• Crisp, structured answers

• Real-life examples and landmark judgments

• Precise legal terminology

5. Stay Updated

Keep an eye on:

• Latest judgments from the Supreme Court and High Courts

• Amendments, legal developments

• Weekly news summaries, legal blogs, and YouTube channels

6. Revise Regularly

Revision is what cements your learning. Keep separate notes for:

• Legal maxims

• Key case laws

• Definitions and important sections

7. Mock Tests and Group Study

• Enroll in mock test series to simulate exam conditions

• Join Telegram or WhatsApp study groups

• Discuss tricky concepts to strengthen memory

Remember the goal isn’t just to pass, but to top the merit list and ensure quick selection.

Becoming a judge in India is more than just a career — it’s a lifelong commitment to justice, integrity, and public service. It demands years of rigorous preparation, unwavering dedication, and the courage to uphold the law even in the face of adversity.

Whether you’re a fresh law graduate planning to crack the PCS-J exam, a seasoned advocate aiming for Higher Judicial Services, or a curious student wondering how to become a judge in India after 12th — there’s a defined path waiting for you. While the journey may be long and often challenging, the destination is one of the most respected positions in Indian society.

So, invest your time wisely, study strategically, and don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. The black robe and gavel await — it’s your time to bring justice to life.