In India, many still view the law as a desirable course of study and professional choice. Many people who want to practice law hope to experience the status that comes with working for the Indian judiciary because it is such an “honorable” feeling. Who is a judge, though? How does one become one, too? What tests are necessary to pursue a judicial career in the Indian judiciary? A judge makes decisions in legal matters/cases fairly and impartially in the interest of justice. They serve primarily as mediators between the parties involved in legal disputes.
A career as a civil judge is one of the available alternatives; civil judges are in charge of rendering important judgments in the court. The Civil Judge has the highest authority in the legal system and renders the final decision. There are additional duties outside of the courtroom, such as researching laws, in addition to this task.
A candidate’s legal education must be completed if they want to become a civil judge. Any accredited university offers a variety of Undergraduate and Graduate Law Programs, including LLB, LLM, PG Diploma in Law, BA LLB, and other pertinent programs. The typical cost of legal education ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 7,00,000.
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Direct admission or entrance tests are the two options for students who wish to enroll in law-related courses. Popular law entrance exams for admission to law programs include the CLAT, AILET, SET, LSAT, and others. Kalinga University, Symbiosis Law School, and Faculty of Law (DU) are a few of the top law schools that provide courses to become civil judges.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Civil Judge
Dependent on the level at which one is pursuing a career and also depends on the job description as there are several sorts of Civil Judges, different qualifications are needed to become a civil judge. The following are some of the fundamental requirements for becoming a Civil Judge:
- Candidates must have completed a law program at an accredited institution, such as an LLB degree or a BA LLB program, which are each offered over three or five years, respectively.
- Candidates may also apply for the position of Civil Judge after earning their LLM postgraduate degree.
- For the final selection, applicants must be able to pass the Judicial Services Examinations, which include the Preliminary, Main, and Interview rounds.
- Candidates who have already served as court employees for more than five years in India are also eligible to apply for the position of civil judge.
- Candidates may also need to pass an interview round and a written test to prove they have the necessary expertise to serve as civil judges.
Courses to Become a Civil Judge
For those interested in becoming a civil judge, a variety of courses are offered at various academic levels, including undergraduate and graduate programs. The following lists a few of the best programs along with their typical price ranges and eligibility requirements:
Undergraduate course
Candidates can enroll in undergraduate programs after completing their 12th grade in any stream from an accredited university. Although most colleges offer entrance-based admission, some also offer direct admission. Below is a list of the popular undergraduate law courses and their majors, along with some key information:
| Courses | Course Details | Average Fees |
| LLB | Eligibility: Candidates need to have completed their 12th grade in appropriate disciplines with a minimum overall grade point average of 50%.
Entrance Exams: CLAT, AILET, SET Duration: 3 Years |
INR 35,000 to INR 1,50,000 per annum |
| Integrated BA LLB | Eligibility: Candidates need to have completed their 12th grade in appropriate disciplines with a minimum overall grade point average of 45%.
Entrance Exams: LSAT Duration: 5 years |
INR 30,000 to INR 3,00,000 per annum |
Postgraduate course
Candidates can enroll in a variety of postgraduate legal courses after earning their law bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate coursework is essential because it provides a second degree and experience in comprehending legal ramifications. Below are some pertinent details about one of the most significant and popular postgraduate courses:
| Courses | Course Details | Average Fees |
| LLM | Eligibility: Candidates must hold a graduate law degree or a qualifying LLB with a minimum overall score of 50%.
The minimum age for LLM is 17 years or more. Entrance Exams: AILET, CLAT PG, IPU CET, BHU UETetc Duration: 5 years |
INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000 |
How to Become a Civil Judge through Judicial Services Exam?
One must take the Judicial Services Examination, also known as the PCS (J)-Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination, to join the Indian Judicial Services. Law graduates who want to work in the subordinate judiciary as practicing members must pass the PCS-J test.
Only through this exam may a recent law school grad become a judge of the Subordinate Court. after passing this test. The Judicial Services Examinations come in two varieties:
- Lower Judicial Services (LJS)
- Higher Judicial Services (HJS)
Step 1: Complete your undergraduate studies and apply to law school
A law UG course would be preferable. Aspirants will benefit from having a thorough comprehension of legal concepts and bare acts.
The most crucial step in becoming eligible for the LLB program is to show up for the law entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, ACLAT, DU LLB, and others. Instead of pursuing a bachelor’s degree and LLB separately, candidates may instead opt to pursue a 5-year LLB, such as a BA LLB, BBA LLB, or B.Com. LLB, B.Tech. LLB, and others.
Step 2: Acquire the Skills Required
- Excellent Critical Reasoning
- Strong Listening Ability
- Objective Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Unbiased Decision Making
- Empathy
- Good Writing Skills
Step 3: Qualify for the Judicial Services Examination
How to become a civil judge in India is the most frequently asked question by candidates for the judiciary. We do, however, offer some advice for you if you want to be a civil judge.
- The primary exam for hiring skilled and dedicated applicants for various positions in India’s judicial sector is the Judicial Services examination.
- The Civil Judge examination is administered by the state’s High Court and Judicial Services in each state.
- The selection process consists of three stages: the preliminary examination, the main examination, and a round of personal interviews, according to the Judiciary Exam Pattern.
- The prelims exam is a 150-mark screening test that will be administered on a computer.
- The Mains exam is a written test worth 750 points that consists of four papers: Paper I covers general knowledge and language; Paper II covers law-related material; Paper III covers law-related material, and Paper IV covers law-related material.
- The first paper has 150 points, and you have two hours to finish it. The remaining three papers each carry 200 points, and you have three hours to finish them all.
- The preliminary exam has a qualifying purpose.
- The results of the Mains exam and the Personal Interview Round determine the candidate’s selection.
Alternative Methods to Become a Civil Judge: Direct Recruitment
For direct hiring as a civil judge, this is the alternate procedure for direct recruitment.
- There is one other way to become a civil judge, namely through direct recruitment.
- Only applicants who are currently employed by the Indian judiciary are eligible for direct recruitment.
- The civil judge post-examination is open to applicants who have worked for the last five years.
- Candidates must apply internally only, and they must also pass a written test and an interview to be considered for hire.
- They will be chosen based on their prior performance, present score, and a round of personal interviews.
- The recruiter has the right to revoke a candidate’s application at any time if their prior performance was subpar, such as if they had a conflict with a superior or performed poorly at work.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Q: Name a few sectors in which a civil judge might work?
A: Courts and Judiciary, Law Firms, Legal Consultancies, Judiciary, Business Houses, MNCs, and News Channels are a few of the businesses where a Civil Judge may work.
Q: What advantages do Civil Judges have ?
A: Continual learning, a respectable compensation package, job security, and a platform for delivering justice to the public are some advantages of being a civil judge.
Q: How can I become a civil judge once I finish high school ?
A:An individual must pursue a three or five year law degree after completing their 12th grade pass the JSE or apply to any private legal institution to become a Civil Judge.
Q: How do I become a civil judge after earning my LLB?
A: One has two options after earning their LLB degree: apply for the JSE or pursue an LLM and then submit an application to a law school to become a civil judge.
Q: Who qualifies to be a civil judge?
A: Anyone from the following professions is qualified to serve as a judge: 1. A lawyer, attorney, or politician 2. Newly minted attorneys 3. High Court ministerial staff members 4. Employees in the government’s Law and Judiciary Department who are employed as Legal Assistants or higher in the legal field 5. Members of the ministerial staff at the government office.