How to Become a Judge?
Discover the steps, skills, and qualifications required to become a Judge in India after the 12th, and embark on a prestigious career in the judiciary
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Judge
"The authority of a judge is like that of a king, wielded with wisdom and tempered by justice."
A judge interprets and applies laws to make decisions on judicial matters, offering guidance on legal obligations and ensuring judgments are fair and comprehensive. They have the highest authority to assess information, maintain impartiality, and resolve conflicts by reviewing guidelines, laws, and precedents. Judges analyze evidence from cases, accusations, documents, and recordings to make rulings. They also write opinions, judgments, recommendations, and dissenting views on cases.
Steps to Become a Judge:
Step-1
The first step is to complete your 12th grade with a focus on arts or commerce, though any stream can lead to a career in law.
Step-2
Enroll in a 5-year integrated law course after the 12th or a 3-year LL.B. course after completing your undergraduate degree.
Step-3
After earning your law degree, gain practical experience by working as a lawyer. This is crucial for understanding the nuances of the legal system.
Step-4
To become a judge, you need to clear the Judicial Services Examination, also known as the PCS (J) exam, conducted by the Public Service Commission of the respective states.
Step-5
Once you pass the exam, you can start your career as a judicial magistrate, gaining experience and honing your skills.
Step-6
With experience, you can take the Higher Judicial Services Exam to qualify for higher positions such as District Judge.
Step-7
The legal field is always evolving. Continuing your education through workshops, certifications, and advanced degrees will keep you updated and improve your chances for promotions.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must earn an LLB degree from a recognized university. This is the basic qualification required to become a lawyer, which is necessary for pursuing a career in the judiciary. |
| Postgraduate Degree | While not mandatory, an LLM degree in Law can be beneficial for advanced knowledge, better learning opportunities, and improved career prospects in the judiciary. |
| Entrance Exams | Should have a valid score in entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT, AIBE, AILET, etc. If not, some colleges offer their own entrance exams, including Army Institute of Law, Symbiosis International University, XUB, Andhra University, and LPU. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC). Cut-off margins vary by college.
- Should have a valid score in entrance exams like CLAT/LSAT/AIBE/AILET, etc. Some colleges, such as the Army Institute of Law and Symbiosis International University, have their own entrance exams after 12th if other scores are unsatisfactory. States also offer their own entrance exams.
- To become a lawyer, you need an LLB degree.
- Must have been a High Court judge for 5 years or an advocate of a High Court for 10 years.
- An LLM can be helpful for advanced learning and higher qualifications.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Judge:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Judges must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| In-depth understanding of laws related to crimes. | Expertise in laws governing civil disputes. |
| Knowledge of the Constitution and its applications | Understanding of legal procedures and court rules. |
| Skills in researching case laws and legal precedents | Strong knowledge of judicial ethics and responsibilities. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Time Management | Communication |
| Empathy | Decision-Making |
| Analytical thinking | Attention to Detail |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Judge.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Judge:
Once you have the required qualifications to become a judge, various career paths are available:
Magistrates handle duties as per district legislation, assign tasks to judicial officers, and make judgments based on recommendations from district court judges. They oversee tasks like depositions, settlements, and summary judgment submissions and may also handle commercial and misdemeanor cases, wage garnishments, guilty pleas, and sentencing.
Claims examiners review compensation claims to ensure compliance with legal procedures and regulations, approve or deny claims, and assist adjusters. They resolve disputes, verify assessment accuracy, and liaise with professionals like lawyers or engineers when handling contested claims.
Also known as administrative law judges, hearing officers work for government agencies to resolve disputes involving public or inter-agency issues. They oversee department hearings, rule on contested decisions, and facilitate resolutions in cases like unemployment and benefits claims.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Judge:
Judges can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| SUPREME COURT OF INDIA | High Court of Karnataka | Delhi High Court |
| Ministry of Law & Justice | High Court of Andhra Pradesh | Rajasthan High Court |
Colleges offering courses for Judge:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| NALSAR University Of Law, Hyderabad | National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
| Symbiosis Law School, Noida | O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat |
| Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal | National Law University, Jodhpur |
| Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi | Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur |
| Narsee Monjee Institute Of Management Studies, Mumbai | Army Institute Of Law, Mohali |
End Note
Becoming a judge is a rewarding yet challenging journey that requires perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to justice. From acquiring the necessary education to passing crucial exams and gaining experience, every step is vital in shaping a successful career in the judiciary. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career, SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation along your path to becoming a judge. Connect with our experts today to take the next step in your legal career!
In this Career Outline
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