How to become a judge in India?

How to become a judge in India: Considering all that has been said, it is important that those interested in becoming a judge in India undertake extensive research and learn about the different types of judgeships available, the qualification and eligibility requirements, as well as the duties and responsibilities associated with being a judge.

The qualifications are:

Any stream, be it arts, science, commerce or humanities in class 12th are eligible to initiate their legal careers. Candidates willing to become a judge after 12th need to enroll themselves for Integrated law courses like B.A.LL.B., B.Com.LL.B. , B.BBA.LL.B etc., although it is advisable to opt for BALLB if you wish to pursue your career in judiciary as pre law subjects in BALLB like History, sociology, English helps the candidate in further preparation for judiciary.

Exam for the Judicial Service:

To become a judge in the Indian Judicial Service, candidates must take either the Judicial Service Examination or the PCS(J) Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination. After completing the Law degree, candidates may be able to become judges of subordinate courts only after passing this test. A candidate must pass the Lower Judicial Services Examination (LJS) before taking the Higher Judicial Services Examination (HJS).

LJS (Lower Judicial Services)

Format of the exam:

• Candidate must score a minimum of 60 points on the preliminary exam – MCQ based
• This exam requires a minimum of % marks to pass.
• In order to qualify for the interview, candidates must score at least 40% in each exam and 50% in the main exam.
• Interview – This round involves face-to-face interaction with the selection panel. Candidates who pass the main examinations are called for an interview for final selection.

ADMISSION:

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• An integrated 5 year or 3 year after graduation LLB degree or LLM degree is required.
• In some states, fluency in local/regional languages is required

LIMITATIONS ON AGE:

In general, the age limit for the Lower Judicial Services Examination varies from state to state; however, the lower age limit is 21 years and the upper age limit is usually 35 for general candidates, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

SUMMARY:

• Knowledge of general topics.
• Language and aptitude proficiency in English.
• Law of the Constitution.
• Tort law and contract law.
• Law on the transfer of property.
• Act on Indian Evidence.
• Tort law.

JUDICIAL SERVICES AT THE HIGHER LEVEL:

Those seeking to become district judges must appear for the Higher Judicial Services. Civil Judges, Advocates who wish to become district judges should enroll with the Bar Council of India.

Format of the exam:

• A minimum score of 60 is required in the preliminary exam, which is a MCQ-based test
• This exam requires a minimum of % marks to pass.
• Candidates must write detailed answers and score minimum 40% in each exam and 50% in the interview to qualify.
• Candidate passing the main examinations will appear for the interview round for final selection.

ADMISSIBILITY:

The Higher Judicial Services are open to all law graduates who have enrolled with Bar Counsel of India and have experience of more than 7 years as advocates.

LIMITATIONS ON AGE:

In some states, the age limit for the Higher Judicial Services Examination varies.

SCHEDULING:

• Knowledge of general topics
• The language
• Substantive law (Law – 1)
• 2 – (Procedure and Evidence)
• Penal, Revenue, and Local Laws – Law 3

Now that you have a good grasp of how to become a judge at the district level, let’s move on to the High Court and Supreme Court.

District Court Judge’s salary

A district court judge earns approximately 24000/- (approximately), but he receives many allowances, including House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance, Travel Allowance, Partial Vehicle Allowance, and Pension after retirement.

JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT

Qualifications:

• In order to qualify, the candidate must be an Indian citizen
• Be enrolled with the Bar Council of India
• Experience in High Court or High Court in succession of at least 10 years.
• If he has held a judicial office for more than 10 years, he may be eligible

The judges of the High Court are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice. It is also consulted with the governors of the respective states before the appointment of High Court Judges when the High Court covers more than one state.

A high court judge earns up to Rs. 2,25,000/- per month plus hospitality allowances up to Rs. 27,000/-. However, this may vary by state.

JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Qualifications:

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• For at least five years, the candidate has been a judge on the high court or the high court in succession
• A candidate should have at least ten years’ experience as an advocate in the High Court or the High Courts in succession
• An Indian president can appoint a Supreme Court judge if he observes the candidate to be an outstanding jurist.
• A Supreme Court judge earns up to Rs. 2, 50,000/- per month plus hospitality allowances of Rs. 34,000/-.

INDIA’S CHIEF JUSTICE

It is the President of India who appoints the Chief Justice of India as the final and most prestigious judge.

THE CONCLUSION IS:

It is rightly said that with great power comes great responsibilities. The prestige associated with being a judge is undoubtedly flattering, but it’s not a one day job; there is a lot of hard work, determination, will and right guidance that goes into making and shaping a glorious legal career. For students who have just passed class 12th it is advisable that they take the first step by choosing the right law college after doing enough research on the basis of past records of judges from the particular college and special training and skill development provided to students willing to take up judiciary as the career, as this is the most important phase in building the future. There are ample colleges providing judiciary training along with the 5 year integrated course or 3 year LLB.

FAQ

How to become a judge without being a lawyer?

It is important to practice regularly. Every judge is an advocate and if you don’t want to struggle then joining judicial services is your best bet. At an early stage, you will have to go for pcs (j). Your last post will be as Chief Judicial Magistrate. After that, you will either get promoted to ADJ or you will have to clear HJS to join higher judiciary. Your last post may be as District Judge, but for that you need to clear HJS between 35-40 years of age.

For this reason, if you really want to become a high court judge, the best way is through HJS, i.e. higher judicial services. The first requirement is that you must be 35 years of age with at least seven years of experience. If you do not wish to practice, you will have to pass PCS(j) and HJS with a minimum of 7 years of service during your term as a magistrate.