How to become a judge in India

Becoming a judge is one of the most respected careers in law. Here's how it works in India. Step 1: Get a law degree - 5-year integrated LLB after Class 12 (through CLAT, AILET or state/university exams), or - 3-year LLB after graduation. Step 2: Judicial Services Examination (for Civil Judge, Junior Division) Each state (through its High Court or Public Service Commission) runs its own exam, often called PCS-J or Judicial Services Exam. It usually has: 1. Preliminary exam (objective: law and general knowledge). 2. Mains (descriptive: civil law, criminal law, local laws, language papers). 3. Interview (viva voce). Experience rule: in May 2025 the Supreme Court required 3 years of practice as an advocate for Civil Judge (Junior Division). In August 2026 it eased this: for recruitments notified up to 31 March 2027, fresh law graduates can apply, but selected candidates first do one year of training and one year of law clerkship. From 1 April 2027, one year of actual practice is needed. Check the latest notification of your target state. Step 3: Higher Judicial Service (District Judge) - Promotion from lower judiciary, or direct recruitment of experienced advocates (usually 7 years of practice) through a separate exam. High Court and Supreme Court judges are appointed through the collegium system, from senior judges and senior advocates. How to prepare - Take core subjects seriously in law school: CPC, CrPC/BNSS, Evidence Act/BSA, Constitution, contract and property law. - Learn the new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and others) that replaced older codes. - Practise answer writing and judgment writing. - Learn the local language of your target state. Guidopia's Career DNA shows your fit for law careers through verbal and logical reasoning.