The position of a judge in India is considered the most respectful and sought-after profession as it will give men and women the opportunity to maintain justice, ensure fairness, and contribute to the legal framework of society. A judge has an important role in maintaining the rule of law by dispute resolution, interpretation of legislation, and allowing citizens their rights. The path from law school to the bench is structured, consisting of acquiring a law degree, taking competitive judicial exams, and, in some jurisdictions, seeking practical experience in law. This article will tell you how to become a judge in India with the roles, responsibilities, types of examinations along with the salaries of a judge.
Who is a Judge?
A judge is one of the legal experts who have the power to preside in court cases, decide judgements, and give verdicts inside the given facts of the case, applicable laws, and evidence presented. The judge helps keep the system of justice since he makes fair interpretations of the law, solves disputes, and ensures that the rights of individuals are upheld.
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Roles & Responsibilities of a Judge
The role of a judge plays an important function for a society that practices a democratic government in laying down the rule of law and the workings of a larger democratic society.
Interpreting Laws and Acts: Judges apply legal principles to resolve disputes in civil and criminal matters.
Trying Cases: They preside over courtrooms, listen to arguments, and maintain decorum during such proceedings.
Delivering judgments: judges sieve through evidence, listen to testimonies, and deliver verdicts with reason and justice.
Sentencing: In criminal cases, judges deliver appropriate punishments or penalties for offenders.
Observance of the Constitution: They make sure all the laws and judgments are enacted and followed within constitutional provisions.
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Types and Levels of Judicial Examination in India
There are many varieties and levels of judicial examinations depending upon the jurisdiction or the level of the post.
Lower Judiciary (Civil Judge/Junior Division):
The Lower Judiciary examination is held by the State Public Service Commissions or the High Courts for recruitments to the lower judiciary. The recruits become civil judges or magistrates at the junior division.
Higher Judiciary (District Judge/Senior Division):
For Lawyers who have a minimum of seven years of practice and who wish to become district judges. Also called the Direct Recruitment for District Judge.
All India Judicial Services (AIJS):
The proposed service would be similar to the IAS, under which service candidates could apply for pan-India judgeship. However, AIJS is still on the anvil and not in place so far.
How to Become a Judge in India?
In India, the process of becoming a judge is designed to be holistic and involve both academic as well as practical legal expertise. This will all begin through one's law degree, where he or she clears various required examinations, one of them being the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)—for an aspiring judge.
State-level exams are undertaken for the lower judiciary. A very long period of years is required for higher positions in legal practice. In this process, every step is designed to judge the candidate's legal knowledge, analytical skills, and judicial temperament. The following is the overall, step-by-step procedure for becoming a judge in India –
Step 1: Law Degree (LLB)
The journey of a judge begins with a law degree (LLB). It is possible to pursue this degree after completing the 12th standard, called a 5-year LLB, or after graduation in any field with a 3-year LLB.
Step 2: Pass Bar Council Exam
After completing LLB, one has to clear the All India Bar Examination conducted by the Bar Council of India. After clearing this examination, the aspirant is eligible to practice law in courts in India.
Step 3: Experience in Practice of Law (for Higher Judiciary)
To be considered for a district judge post, an advocate must have at least seven years of practice experience. Judicial practice expertise is developed in various branches of law.
Step 4: Appear for State Judicial Services Exam (for Lower Judiciary)
Applicants need to appear for their respective State Judicial Services Examination. Each state has its individual test divided into three stages –
Preliminary Exam: An objective-type test that deals with general knowledge and legal aptitude.
Mains Exam: A subjective test wherein legal knowledge is tested in detail.
Viva-Voce (Interview): The final interview wherein the overall personality of the candidate and his sharp legal acumen is judged.
Step 5: Training & Probation
Once you pass the examination, you are given training which would cover from theoretical to practical jurisprudence of judicial work. Once finished successfully, you become appointed as a civil judge
Step 6: Climb the Judicial Ladder
Judges in the subordinate judiciary progressively move along the career ladder on the principle of performance and seniority to hold higher offices in the courts.
Qualifications & Eligibility Criteria to Become a Judge in India
You have to possess a set of qualifications and eligibility criteria, that differ according to the nature of the judicial level to become a judge in India.
Basic Educational Qualification:
A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university is mandatory.
Eligibility for Lower Judiciary:
Minimum age: 21 years, maximum age: 35 years (varies slightly across states).
Must have cleared the judicial services examination conducted by the respective state.
Eligibility for Higher Judiciary (District Judge):
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of legal practice.
Maximum age limit: usually 35-45 years.
All India Bar Examination:
AIBE is a necessity examination that is to be cleared by all the aspiring judges after the LLB degree is acquired. Although not mandatory for judicial service exams, clearing AIBE is essential for those who wish to practice law before joining the judiciary.
Recent Updates on PCS(J) Eligibility in 2025
Supreme Court Ruling (May 20, 2025): The Supreme Court decided in All India Judges Association v. Union of India that candidates need at least 3 years of legal practice (like working as a lawyer or law clerk) to apply for Civil Judge (Junior Division) or PCS(J) posts, to ensure better-quality judges.
Applies Across India: This rule is mandatory for all upcoming state judicial exams, including Haryana’s 2025 HJS exam. Exams started before May 20, 2025, don’t need to follow this.
Proof Needed: To show 3 years of practice, candidates must get a certificate from a senior lawyer (10+ years of experience) and have it verified by a court official.
Haryana’s Update: The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has applied this 3-year rule for its 2025 HJS exam. Applications are closed, and prelims are set for late 2025.
No Changes Since May: No one has challenged or changed this rule since May 2025. High Courts like Punjab & Haryana, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh are following it for 2025 exams.
Extra Notes: The Court also brought back a 10% promotion quota for some judicial posts and suggested a 25% quota in certain High Courts (like Patna), but the 3-year practice rule stays unchanged as of October 15, 2025.
Salary of a Judge
With responsible judges, the Indian judiciary is well respected and fairly compensated. Judge salaries in India vary according to their position within the judiciary, ranging from lower court civil judges to the Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court. Here's the salary information for judges in India in tabular form:
Position | Monthly Salary (₹) |
Civil Judge (Junior Division) | ₹70,000 - ₹1,10,000 |
District Judge | ₹1,44,000 - ₹2,24,000 |
₹2,25,000 | |
₹2,50,000 | |
Chief Justice of India (CJI) | ₹2,80,000 |
Perks & Benefits Included in Judge’s Salary
Judges receive perks beyond basic pay and DA, including:
House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24–30% of basic pay, depending on city classification (e.g., 30% in metros like Delhi/Mumbai).
Transport Allowance: Up to ₹15,750 monthly for higher judiciary; varies for subordinate (e.g., ₹3,200–₹10,000).
Medical Facilities: Full coverage under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), including family.
Pension: 50% of last drawn salary (post-2006 appointees) or full pension benefits; family pension at 30–60%.
Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Reimbursement for travel expenses every 2–4 years.
Official Residence & Security: Provided free or subsidized, with staff and security.
Other Allowances: Sumptuary (for official functions), electricity/water concessions, and education aid for children.
These benefits enhance total compensation, making judicial roles highly attractive. No major structural changes since the 2024 SNJPC implementation push, though some states lag slightly.
In a nutshell
Becoming a judge in India is a very rewarding profession requiring immense legal know-how, time, and knowledge of the law. The progress into the judiciary involves rigorous education, clearing competitive judicial exams, and especially for higher positions such as district judges, much practical experience is required. With a systematic salary scale and desirable benefits in terms of official accommodation, travel allowance, medical benefits, and lifetime pension, the profession can offer stability and a chance to serve society. The aspiring judges must be focused on maintaining academic excellence by clearing the All India Bar Examination and continuing their legal expertise development. With persistence and hard work, the individual will have a great deal of contribution towards the justice and rule of law of the country.
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How to Become a Judge in India FAQs
Q1. How many years does it take to become a judge in India?
It typically takes 8 years i.e. 5 years for an LLB degree plus 3 years of legal practice to qualify for entry-level judicial exams.
Q2. Is judge better or IAS?
A judge role offers higher respect, judicial independence, and slightly better starting salary, while IAS provides broader administrative power and policy influence—choose based on your interest in justice vs. governance.
Q3. What is a judge's salary in India?
Civil judges earn about ₹77,000 monthly, district judges up to ₹2.25 lakh, High Court judges around ₹2.5 lakh, and Supreme Court judges ₹2.5 lakh, plus allowances like housing and transport.
Q4. Can we directly become a judge in India?
No, you need an LLB degree, 3 years of legal practice, and must clear state judicial service exams.
Q5. Can I become a judge at 25?
Yes, if you finish your LLB by age 22-23 and gain 3 years of practice by 25, meeting the minimum age of 21 and exam eligibility.
