Quick Summary
Do you know How to Become a Judge in India? Becoming a judge can be fulfilling if you are passionate about the law. You must be a person who desires to serve justice. But if you aspire to become a judge, the process requires specific qualifications and experience.
To get a post as a High Court judge, a minimum of 10 years of experience as a lawyer is necessary. It would help if you were a High Court Judge for 5 years to become a judge of the Supreme Court.
In addition to the prestige of being a judge, it is also a well-paying profession. A Supreme Court Judge’s salary is around Rs. 2.8 lakh per month. However, a High Court Judge’s salary is approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh per month.
With hard work and dedication, the path to becoming a judge can be rewarding. Wondering how to become a judge in India? Let’s explore all you need to know in this article.
Once you know how to become a judge in India, you can learn about the responsibilities. You’ll be entrusted to uphold the law and maintain order in society. Judges play a critical role in the Indian judiciary. Their decisions have far-reaching implications on the lives of people.
The key responsibilities of a judge of the Supreme Court include interpreting the law. They ensure that justice is served in each case. Let us start with how to become a judge in India by understanding a judge’s qualifications.
It may vary depending on the judiciary level one seeks to enter. For example, you must practice law for 10 years to become a high court judge. However, qualifications are not the only factor determining a judge’s success.
Judges must also possess excellent analytical and decision-making skills, communicate effectively with all parties involved in a case, and apply the law impartially and fairly, without any prejudice.
The role of a Supreme Court judge is not limited to hearing cases. Judges must also ensure that the judicial system functions efficiently, manage their time effectively, balance competing demands, and maintain the judiciary’s integrity.
Note that your answer to how to become a judge in India lies in the pursuit of justice. While the road to following this profession is long, you’ll finally gain high respect.
Also Read: How to Become a Lawyer – A Complete Guide
How to become a judge in India and what are the necessary qualifications? You must still be confused.
Becoming a judge in India is a long and challenging process. The judiciary is a respected and coveted profession. So, you must meet certain qualifications, including age requirements and educational qualifications, to get into this profession.
Let’s discover ways how to become a judge in India:
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.
To become a judge in India, you must have a law degree from a recognised university and be enrolled as an advocate with a State Bar Council.
In addition, 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. The educational qualification of a Supreme Court judge is limited to this.
The Indian judiciary has a hierarchical structure, and 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.
Apart from the above qualifications, there are other requirements that you must meet. These include:
The first answer to your query on how to become a judge in India is to get a law degree. It is a crucial first step before you get into this profession. Choosing the right degree and institution to achieve this goal is essential.
Here’s an overview of law degrees in India. We have also mentioned the types of law degrees and the best institutions to get them from.
India has two types of law degrees – the three-year LLB and the five-year integrated BA LLB. The three-year LLB is for graduates with any degree. However, the five-year integrated BA LLB is for students who have completed their higher secondary education.
Competitive exams play a crucial role in the journey to becoming a judge in India. These exams test your legal knowledge, skills, and aptitude. Two of the key exams include:
Clearing these exams is vital to securing a role in the Indian judiciary.
Here are some of the different types of law degrees in India:
Some of the best institutions in India to get a law degree are as follows:
The process of becoming a judge in India is highly complicated. Here is a simpler explanation of it. We have included exams and assessments that you should clear.
The candidate must complete a law degree from a recognised university and clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). After clearing the AIBE, the candidate must work as a lawyer for a few years and gain experience in the legal field.
Alternatively, candidates can appear in the judicial services examination for different states to become civil judges. Candidates who clear the exam will be appointed judges after completing the required formalities.
Let’s understand more about the entry-level exams you must take:
Gaining experience in the legal field is another step on how to become a judge in India. The experience gained helps you better understand the law and its nuances. It also allows you to learn about the judicial system and its functioning.
Additionally, this improves your writing and research skills. These skills are essential to become a great judge.
Judges in India are among the highest-paid legal professionals in the country. The government defines and regulates the salary structure of Supreme Court judges.
The salary of a judge in India varies based on their position and level of experience. A high court judge’s salary in India starts from Rs. 2.25 lakhs per month. At the same time, the salary of a Supreme Court judge starts from Rs. 2.5 lakhs per month.
Judges receive additional allowances in addition to the basic salary. These may include travel allowances, house rent allowances, and more. However, their salaries are revised periodically based on the recommendations of the Judicial Pay Commission.
In India, judges are entitled to a range of benefits and perks. They receive medical and health benefits for themselves and their family members. They are also entitled to rent-free accommodation or an allowance instead of it. After retirement, judges receive a pension, too.
Judges are also entitled to security cover provided by the government.
In summary, we’ve answered all your queries on how to become a judge in India. For a quick overview, it is a challenging yet rewarding career path.
To become a judge, one must have a law degree and work experience in the legal field. The eligibility criteria depend on the level of court one aspires to judge. Aspiring judges may also need to clear relevant examinations and interviews.
The salary of judges in India is also very attractive. However, getting a judge position is not just about earning a high salary. It is also about serving justice and upholding the law. If you dream of a career in this field, you must be prepared to work hard.
You must remain committed to justice and upgrade your legal knowledge and skills. With the right qualifications and determination, you can pursue a fulfilling career as a judge. Remember, it is rigorous but worth it for those who are passionate.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
After a bachelor’s degree in law, a minimum of 10 years of experience as a lawyer is necessary to get a post as a High Court Judge. To become a judge of the Supreme Court, you should be a high court judge for 5 years.
You must complete a three-year LLB course to get a law degree in India. This course is done after completing a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Alternatively, you can pursue a five-year integrated law course after completing class 12th.
Different types of law degrees offered in India include:
– A three-year LLB course
– A five-year integrated BA/BBA/BCom LLB course
– LLM (Masters of Law)
– PhD in Law
Some of the best institutions for a law degree in India are:
– National Law Universities (NLUs)
– Government Law Colleges
– Private law colleges like Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Jindal Global Law School, and NALSAR University of Law.
Becoming a judge in India involves getting a law degree first. Then, you can work as a lawyer or an advocate. Alternatively, you can appear for the state judicial services examinations and interviews. The eligibility criteria and the selection process may vary for each court.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
