September 4, 2024
Overview: Are you interested in learning how the judiciary works as a career in India? Let’s explore the various aspects of considering the judiciary as a career in India, from the prestigious role of a judge to the rigorous path of qualifying for such positions.
The Indian judicial system serves as a structured framework for addressing societal issues, offering ample opportunities for the younger generation to engage with and contribute to the nation's welfare actively.
Law graduates possess eligibility to serve in all branches of government: legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Hence, it is aptly remarked that a law degree provides access to diverse career paths that may not be available with other qualifications. Every state conducts its examination for recruitment into its lower judiciary throughout the country.
Joining the Judicial Services is a great career option for law students or law graduates. Before you start preparing for the Judiciary, you should know the answers to questions like: Is the judiciary a good career option? Why should you join the judiciary?
In this blog, we will cover:
Before preparing for any Judiciary exams, you must know why you should opt for Judiciary as a career in India. Judges hold a revered position within the Indian judiciary system, commanding respect and authority. However, like any other profession, a career as a judge comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you determine if this career path aligns with your aspirations:
Advantages of a Career as a Judge:
Know about: Life and Other Benefits of a civil judge
Disadvantages of a Career as a Judge:
Understand: When to begin Judiciary Exam Preparation
Becoming a judge requires dedication, hard work, patience, and determination. You must also have some abilities, such as a focused mind, honesty toward the nation, passion and commitment to the job, and a sense of responsibility and commitment.
The Indian judiciary operates under a three-tier structure comprising the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts and subordinate courts.
To become a judge, a graduate must take the Civil Judge examination conducted by the Public Service Commission. The examination is conducted state-wide, with eligibility and exam timing determined by individual states based on available vacancies.
Read about: Judiciary Exam Pattern
Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of India comprises one Chief Justice of India and 33 other judges, with appointments contingent upon vacancies. The eligibility criteria for Supreme Court judges include:
State Judiciary: Each High Court comprises one Chief Justice and additional judges as needed. Eligibility criteria for High Court judges include:
About: Judiciary Exam Books
Subordinate Judiciary: District courts have two main categories of judges: District Judge/Sessions Judge and Civil Judge (Magistrate), each with distinct appointment procedures. Additional District Judge:
Civil Judge (Magistrate):
Each tier of the judiciary has its unique requirements, reflecting the diverse responsibilities and jurisdictions within the Indian judicial system.
The following are some of the most common reasons for choosing judiciary jobs in India.
Understand: Eligibility for Judiciary Exams
Judicial services are one of the highest-paying state government services, and the salary of a Civil Judge varies from state to state. Still, most newly recruited judicial officers receive in-hand compensation ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 per month, following various considerations such as state and educational qualifications.
Apart from the basic salary, judiciary jobs in India include many other perks, allowances, and benefits mentioned below:
The key responsibilities of a judge encompass:
Learn: How to become a civil judge
The following are some of the roles and responsibilities of a Judicial Services Officer.
The role of a judge is paramount within the Indian judicial System. Judges are responsible for administering, interpreting, and applying laws and constitutional articles. This esteemed position demands immense hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the judiciary.
In India, all favourable or unfavourable decisions rest with the judiciary. This profession presents formidable challenges and offers significant financial and social rewards. Judges command respect and wield considerable power in adjudicating matters of national importance.
Landmark cases such as the Nirbhaya case or high-profile terrorism trials underscore the profound influence and authority vested in judges.
In the eyes of victims, judges in India are akin to divine figures, as they resolve intricate legal issues stemming from offences or grave crimes committed by offenders.
Check: Judiciary Examination Question Papers
Key Attributes of a Judge:
i. Integrity and loyalty towards the nation.
ii. A profound sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment.
iii. A sharp and focused mind capable of analyzing complex legal matters.
iv. A deep-seated passion and unwavering dedication to the profession.
v. The ability to render timely and informed decisions by carefully assessing the prevailing circumstances.
In essence, the role of a judge demands not only legal understanding but also a profound sense of duty to uphold justice and safeguard individuals' rights.
Understand: How to read Bare Acts for Judiciary.
A bachelor’s degree in law is mandatory to qualify as a judge in India. Furthermore, individuals with at least seven years of legal practice can apply for judicial positions. This seven-year tenure in the legal field can include roles as a pleader, public prosecutor, or advocate.
Aspiring judges must hold Indian citizenship and maintain a commendable moral character.
Becoming a judge in India entails clearing the state judiciary examination, which the State Public Service Commission administers.
Following the written examination, candidates are ranked based on their performance to form a merit list. Subsequently, shortlisted candidates proceed to the interview and viva voce rounds. Upon completing the selection process, candidates undergo a year-long training program before assuming roles as metropolitan magistrates or judicial magistrates.
Read More: English Preparation for Judiciary Exams
Here is how to prepare effectively for the judiciary exam:
Following these suggestions can streamline your preparation process and increase your chances of success in the judiciary exam.
The Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for dealing with societal issues. It gives the young generation a wide range of opportunities to get involved in this system and contribute to the best possible service to the country.
Law graduates are eligible to hold positions in all three branches of government: legislature, executive, and judiciary. Other graduates may hold positions in the legislature and executive branch but not in the judiciary. Due to this reason, it is rightly said that a law degree can open the door to a wide range of careers that other degrees may not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are required to clear the judicial services exam?
Which jobs are related to judicial services in India?
What is the salary of a High Court Judge?
What is the salary of a Supreme court judge?
For which posts the judicial services exams are conducted in India?
Is Judiciary as a career good option?