How to Become a Judge in India?: Step by Step Guide, Qualifications & More

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. 

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. 

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.

1. Basic Educational Qualification:

 A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university is mandatory.

2. 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.

3. Eligibility for Higher Judiciary (District Judge):

• Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of legal practice.

• Maximum age limit: usually 35-45 years.

4. 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.

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:

PositionMonthly Salary (₹)Civil Judge (Junior Division)₹70,000 - ₹1,10,000District Judge₹1,44,000 - ₹2,24,000High Court Judge Salary₹2,25,000Supreme Court Judge Salary₹2,50,000Chief Justice of India (CJI)₹2,80,000

Perks & Benefits Included in Judge’s Salary

A competitive salary is just the tip of the iceberg. Salary of a Judge in India stands complimented with a bouquet of incentives and allowances, further helping to build their professional as well as personal lives. These are –

• Official Residence: The judges are entitled to official residence.

• Allowances for travel are paid on travel that is both within the country and abroad.

• Medical Benefits: Complete health care for the judges and their families.

• Security: Court Judges are provided with personal security guards and other special security provisions.

• Pension: A lifetime pension is sure enough even after retirement, so there is no worry regarding the financial security.

Conclusion

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.

How to Become a Judge in India FAQs

1. What is the minimum qualification to become a judge in India?
All that is required for a judge is to be a bachelor's degree holder in law, LLB from a recognized university.

2. Do I have to clear my bar exam to become a judge?
Yes, an All India Bar Examination AIBE has to be cleared if you are looking to a pursue law career and you wish to apply for judicial service exams.

3. At what age do you need to be in order to sit for the judicial services exam?
For lower judiciary, it is usually between 21 and 35, and for higher judiciary, 35 to 45.

4. For how long of legal practice do you need to have for higher judiciary?
In order to sit for the district judges, you would need at least seven years of experience practicing law.

5. For how much will a judge be compensated or paid for his or her work in India?
The pay scale begins at ₹70,000 for civil judges and goes to a figure of ₹2,80,000 for the Chief Justice of India.