How To Become A Judge in India?
Becoming a judge is one of the biggest achievements for all legal professionals. Many law aspirants in India pursue a law degree to get this achievement of becoming judges, but they do not know from where to start their journey of becoming judges. In this article, Shiksha will teach law aspirants, students and professionals how to become judges.
How to become a Judge?
The pursuit of a judicial career is a noble endeavor, filled with the responsibility of upholding justice and ensuring fairness. For many aspiring judges, the 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB serve as a stepping stone towards this esteemed profession. While an LLB degree itself does not directly grant access to the judiciary, it opens doors to prestigious law schools, laying a solid foundation for a successful legal career that could ultimately lead to the bench. In this article, we will help you how to become a judge after LLB.
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In order to become a judge, you need to know the follwoing steps to bcome a judge in India:
1. Acquire Right Foundation Knowledge of Law
To embark on the journey towards becoming a judge, a strong academic background is essential. The steps to becoming a judge can be different for individuals according to their education level. An individual who has not graduated in law will have to complete his or her Class 10 or Class 12. Thus, the answer to the question of how to become a judge after Class 10 is to complete your Class 12 or intermediate studies, preferably in Arts or Humanities streams.
Q: Who is eligible for CLAT exam?
All those candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination from a recognised board with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the participating universities are eligible to apper for CLAT 2025. Candidates who will be appearing for Class 12th exam are also allowed to appear for CLAT Exam 2025. In order to pursue LLM, it is important for candidates to have an LL.B. degree or should have completed an equivalent examination from a recognised university with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the participating universities.
Q: What is the process to select CLAT test city for exam centre allotment?
There are over 139 cities where CLAT exam is held. These 139 cities are spread across India consist of metropolitan cities, capital cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Candidate can select up to three cities for allotment of test centre. The process of test city selection is a part of CLAT application process. In the CLAT application form, there is a field in which candidates have to select the cities. They need to select the city of preference in order of 1 to 3. The examination authorities will try to allot the test centre in the city of first preference. Thus, candidates must fill all the THREE cities carefully. They must choose their home city of city of current residence as the first preference. The test city option can only be changed during the form correction window. After that, the request for change of the city will not be accepted by the exam authorities.
Q: What are CLAT passing marks for the SC and ST category?
CLAT cut off is always released in the form of opening and closing ranks by each NLU after the conclusion of counseling rounds. CLAT 2025 Cut off is expected to range between 95-100 for the general category while for SC/ST and OBC category CLAT Cut off is likely to range between 80-85. CLAT 2025 cut-offs will be released separately for the UG and PG courses, as well as for each category (Open, PwD, SC, ST, OBC).
If you want to become a judge after Class 12, you will have to earn a 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB degree. You can do so by getting direct admission to one of the two law courses or by appearing in one of the top law entrance exams and then getting admission to one of these courses.
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Many law aspirants take CLAT or AILET to get admission to an LLB course. After successfully completing the CLAT exam or AILET exam, aspiring judges typically pursue a five-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized law school. However, CLAT and AILET are not the only pathway to become a judge in India. You can take any top law entrance exam to get admission to become a judge in the country.
During the time of their LLB course, they gain a comprehensive understanding of various legal principles, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and hone their legal research and writing abilities.
Q: What is eligibility for CLAT 2025?
All those candidates who are willing to appear for the CLAT should meet the eligibility criteria as announced by the Consortium of National Law Universities. All eligible candidates must fill the CLAT application form before the last date.The consortium released the updated eligibility criteria of CLAT for admission to 5-year LLB and LLM courses on its official website. These criteria include parameters like academic qualification, minimum marks, age limit, etc.
Q: Who is eligible for CLAT 2025?
The CLAT 2025 eligibility for UG and PG courses are as under:
UG CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Candidates appearing for CLAT UG 2025 can check the eligibility below:
- Candidates must secure the following minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2 or an equivalent examination):
- Forty five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade in case of candidates belonging to General / OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories
- Forty Percent (40%) marks or equivalent in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.
- Candidates who may be appearing for their qualifying examination in March/ April, 2025 are also eligible to appear for the CLAT 2025 examination. However, they shall be required to produce an evidence of their passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which they shall lose their right to be considered for admission"
PG CLAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Candidates appearing for CLAT PG 2025 can check the eligbility below:
- An LL.B. Degree or an equivalent examination with a minimum of Fifty percent (50%) marks or its equivalent grade
- In case of candidates belonging to General/OBC/PWD/NRI/PIO/OCI categories and Forty-Five percent (45%) marks or its equivalent grade
- In case of candidates belonging to SC/ST categories
- Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination in April/May 2025 are also eligible to apply.
Q: Can I give CLAT after Class 12th?
Candidates who have completed class 12th or equivalent in any stream from a recognised board can appear for CLAT 2025 Exam. Candidates must note that in order to apply they should have scored minimum 45 percentage marks in Class 12th.This is only applicable for General/ OBC / PWD / NRI / PIO / OCI categories. Foreign nationals cannot appear for CLAT. There is no minimum age requirement to apply for the exam.
Q: What are CLAT 2025 qualifying marks for the OBC category?
Q: Does NLU Delhi accept CLAT score?
National Law University, (NLU) Delhi, included among one of the most prestigious law universities in India. Apart from NLU Delhi, there are 22 National Law Universities (NLUs) in India. NLU Delhi offers law courses i.e. five-year Intergrated BA LLB (Hons.) course at the undergraduate level, One-year LLM course at the postgraduate level, and PhD courses at the doctorate level. For admission to the law courses, NLU Delhi conducts its own law entrance exam known as the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET), thus making it the only law school in India that does not accept the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
2. Gain Practical Experience: Refining Legal Expertise
Upon completing their LLB, aspiring judges often seek practical legal experience to enhance their skills and gain exposure to the intricacies of the legal system. They may pursue internships or apprenticeships at law firms, courts, or legal aid organizations. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into the day-to-day workings of the legal profession and allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
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- CLAT 2024 Courses: Check complete list, subject-wise eligibility criteria and other details
- Exam Day Tips for CLAT 2024 - Last minute prep tips, exam day instructions, admit card
3. Judicial Service Examinations: The Gateway to the Bench
After graduation in law, you must know how to become a judge in India after LLB. The sole way to do so is to take a state judicial service exam.
After gaining sufficient legal experience through their LLB course, aspiring judges can take the next step towards their judicial aspirations by appearing for judicial service examinations. These competitive exams, conducted by various high courts and state governments, assess candidates' legal knowledge, analytical skills, and aptitude for judicial office.
Eligibility Criteria for Judicial Service Examinations
To be eligible for judicial service examinations, candidates typically must possess the following qualifications:
| Judicial Service Eligibility Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizenship of India |
| Age | Minimum age of 21 years (for subordinate courts) or 35 years (for higher courts) |
| Minimum Marks | LLB degree from a recognized university, with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Professional Experience | Experience of practicing law for a specified period, ranging from seven to ten years, depending on the court and the candidate's background |
Judicial Service Examination Process
The judicial service examination process typically involves a written examination, followed by an interview. The written examination assesses candidates' knowledge of law, including constitutional law, civil procedure code, criminal procedure code, and various other relevant statutes and regulations. The interview, conducted by a panel of experienced judges, evaluates candidates' personality, temperament, judicial temperament, and suitability for judicial office.
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4. Appointment to the Bench: The Final Step
Upon successfully passing the judicial service examination and the interview, candidates are recommended for appointment to the bench. The final appointment is made by the President of India, based on the recommendations of the Supreme Court or the relevant high court.
Becoming a Judge: A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
The path to becoming a judge is a demanding one, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the principles of justice and fairness. CLAT serves as an initial step, opening doors to a legal education and a career that could ultimately lead to the esteemed position of a judge. With unwavering commitment and a passion for upholding the law, aspiring judges can make a meaningful contribution to society, ensuring that justice prevails and the rights of all are protected.
Additional Tips for Aspiring Judges
- Develop a strong understanding of the Constitution of India and various relevant laws.
- Stay abreast of current legal developments and judicial pronouncements.
- Actively participate in mooting competitions and legal debates to hone your advocacy skills.
- Seek mentorship from experienced judges and legal professionals.
- Maintain high ethical standards and integrity throughout your legal career.
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