How to Become a Judge in India 2024: Career Advice, Qualification & Eligibility

Do you know How to Become a Judge in India? Becoming a judge can be a fulfilling career path if you have a passion for 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. You should be a High Court Judge for 5 years to become a judge of the supreme court.

In addition to the prestige that comes with 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 judge in India? Let’s explore all you need to know in this article.

The Role of a Judge

Once you know how to become a Judge in India, you can learn 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 the process of how to become 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. But qualifications are not the only factor determining a judge’s success.

They must also possess excellent analytical and decision-making skills. Judges should also have the ability to communicate effectively with all parties involved in a case. They must apply the law impartially and fairly, without any prejudice.

The role of a judge of the Supreme Court is not limited to hearing cases. They must also ensure that the judicial system functions efficiently. Judges have to manage their time effectively and balance competing demands. They should maintain the integrity of the judiciary.

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, at last, you’ll gain high respect.

Also Read:

• How to Become a Lawyer – A Complete Guide
• लॉयर कैसे बने: योग्यता, प्रक्रिया और करियर विकल्प

What is a Magistrate?

A magistrate is likewise a judicial officer, but has fewer judicial powers than a judge. Their authority may encompass a district or a town. They can only get engaged in situations that fall within their scope of authority.

Types of Judges in India

Before learning how to become a judge in India, you should first understand the many types of judges in our court system. Judges preside over a variety of cases and legal proceedings. In this section, we will explain on types of judges in India to assist you select which specialization you can choose.

• Supreme Court Judges: The President of India appoints judges to the country’s highest court. The court handles appeal from lower courts and has jurisdiction over issues of national importance.
• High Court Judges: Each state in India has its own High Court, which handles appeals from lesser courts within its borders. The President appoints High Court judges after consulting with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state.
• District Judges: District Judges preside over trials and other legal procedures in the district courts, the lowest grade of the judiciary. They are appointed by the state government.
• Civil Judges: Civil Judges are in charge of judging civil cases, such as property, contract, and family disputes.

Qualifications Required to Become a Judge in India

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 judge in India:

1. Minimum Age Requirement

You must have at least 35 years of age 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.

2. Educational Qualifications

In order to become a judge in India, you must have a law degree. It should be from a recognized university and you must also 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.

3. Experience Required

The Indian judiciary has a hierarchical structure, and judges are appointed at different levels. You must have an experience of at least 10 years 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 judge in India after working as an advocate.

Other Requirements

Apart from the above qualifications, 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 any other interests that would affect your performance as a judge.
• You must not have been convicted of a criminal offense.

How to Get a Law Degree in India

The first answer to your query on how to become a judge in India is getting 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.

There are two types of law degrees in India – 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.

Different Types of Law Degrees

Here are some of the different types of law degrees in India:

1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB): This three-year degree course covers various aspects of the law. You get subjects like constitutional law, family law, criminal law, and civil law.
2. Integrated BA LLB: This is a five-year integrated course that covers a broader range of subjects. Students study economics, history, and political science with law.
3. Master of Laws (LLM): It is a one-year postgraduate degree that covers specific areas of law. It includes corporate law, intellectual property law, and human rights law.

How to Become a Judge in India with the Best Institutions

Some of the best institutions in India to get a law degree are as follows:

1. National Law School of India University, Bangalore
2. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
3. National Law University, Delhi
4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
5. Symbiosis Law School, Pune

How to Become a Judge in India

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 Process of How to Become a Judge in India After 12th 

The candidate needs to complete a degree in law from a recognized university. They need to clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). After clearing the AIBE, the candidate must work as a lawyer for a few years. Also, they should gain experience in the legal field.

Alternatively, candidates can appear in the judicial services examination for different states to become civil judges. The candidates who clear the exam will be appointed as a judge after completing the required formalities. 

Let’s understand more about the entry-level exams you must give:

1. All India Bar Examination (AIBE): This exam tests the basic legal knowledge of the candidate and is mandatory to practice law in India.
2. Judicial Services Examination: It is conducted by the respective states. The exam tests the candidate’s legal knowledge, writing skills, and aptitude.

Importance of Gaining Experience in the Legal Field

Gaining experience in the legal field is another step on how to become 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. 

The Salary of a Judge in India

Judges in India are some of the highest-paid legal professionals in the country. The government defines and regulates the supreme court judge’s salary structure. 

Here’s a breakdown of the salary structure and the perks they receive:

1.  Supreme Court and High Court Judge Salary

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.

Apart from the basic salary, judges also receive additional allowances. It may include travel allowances, house rent allowances, and more. However, their salaries are revised periodically based on the recommendations of the Judicial Pay Commission.

2.  Benefits and Perks Offered to Judges

In India, judges are entitled to a range of benefits and perks. They receive medical and health benefits for themselves and their family members. Also, judges are entitled to rent-free accommodation or an allowance in place of it. After retirement, judges receive a pension too.

Judges are also entitled to security cover provided by the government.

Terms and Office of Removal

Judges have reasonably secure tenure. Once appointed, a judge retires at the age of 65. A judge may resign his post by writing to the President. The President may also dismiss him from office based on demonstrated misbehavior or incapacity. However, this is only possible if each House of Parliament presents the President with an Address (passed by a majority of the overall membership of that House, as well as a majority of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting).

Skills Required to Become a Judge

Being a judge is a highly valued career that necessitates a distinct combination of abilities and requirements. They must have talents that will benefit them in their daily responsibilities. The chart below lists some of the most important talents for a judge.

Legal Expertsies	Analytical skills	Communication skills
Interpersonal skills	Impartiality	Judicial Temperament
Integrity	Logic sense	Reasoning skills

How to become a Supreme Court Judge

To become a Supreme Court judge, candidates must first serve as a judge in the High Court for at least five years or as a High Court Advocate for ten years. The candidate must be an Indian citizen with an LLB or LLM qualification. The maximum age to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge in India is 65 years.

How to become a High Court Judge

To become a High Court Judge, candidates must hold a judicial office or be a High Court Advocate for ten years. Candidates must be Indian citizens with an LLB or LLM qualification. There is no minimum age specified in the constitution for becoming a judge of the High Court.

How to become a District Court Judge

To become a district court judge, candidates must have spent seven years as an advocate or pleader and be currently employed by the state or union governments. The age restriction for district judges varies by state. The High Court recommends the candidate for appointment as a district court judge.

Key Takeaways

In a nutshell, we’ve answered all your queries on how to become 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 become a judge of. 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 have a dream to make a career in this field, you must be prepared to work hard.

You need to remain committed to justice and upgrade your legal knowledge and skills. You can pursue a fulfilling career as a judge with the right qualifications and determination. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Other Related Reads:

• Know the Difference Between Lawyer and Advocate
• All You Need to Know about LLM Course in India