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.

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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:

• Reasons to opt for judiciary as a career in India
• How to start preparing for Judiciary in India
• Roles and Responsibilities of Judicial Services
• Qualifications to become a Judge in India
• Everything about Judiciary as a career in India

Reasons for Opting for a Career in Judiciary in India

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:

1. Prestigious Role: Being a judge entails high responsibility and is considered a prestigious societal position.
2. Contribution to the Nation: Serving as a judge allows individuals to contribute to the nation by upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
3. Financial and Job Security: Judges typically enjoy financial and job security, providing stability and assurance.
4. Work-Life Balance: The role of a judge often offers a balanced lifestyle, allowing individuals to manage their personal and professional commitments effectively.
5. Authority and Perks: Judges wield significant power and authority, accompanied by various perks and privileges.
6. Impactful Role: Judges have the power to address societal issues and combat injustices, positively impacting people's lives.

Know about: Life and Other Benefits of a civil judge

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Disadvantages of a Career as a Judge:

1. Intensive Preparation: Becoming a judge requires years of rigorous academic and professional preparation, demanding dedication and hard work.
2. Monotonous Work: Judicial duties often involve repetitive tasks, leading to a monotonous routine.
3. Competitive Environment: Fierce competition for career advancement and higher judicial positions necessitates continuous professional development.
4. Mental Stress: The nature of the job can subject judges to mental pressure and stress stemming from the complexity of cases and the weight of decision-making.
5. Security Concerns: Judges may face threats or backlash if their decisions are perceived unfavourably by certain parties or segments of society, necessitating resilience and courage.

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.

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Qualifications to become a Judge in India

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:

• Indian citizenship and a law degree from a recognized university.
• A minimum of five years' service as a High Court judge or ten years' practice as an advocate in one or more High Courts.
• The individual must be considered a respected jurist by the President of India.
• Judges retire at age 65.

State Judiciary: Each High Court comprises one Chief Justice and additional judges as needed. Eligibility criteria for High Court judges include:

• Indian citizenship.
• Ten years of judicial experience in India or ten years of consecutive advocacy in two or more courts.
• Judges retire at age 62.

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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:

• Indian citizenship.
• Syearseof ars' advocacy experience.
• The minimum age requirement varies by state.
• Clearing the judicial service examination.

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Civil Judge (Magistrate):

• Indian citizenship.
• The age range is 21 to 35 years, which may vary by state.
• Passing the state judicial service examination.

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

Judiciary as a Career in India - Handsome Salary

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:

• House rent allowance
• Travel allowance
• Petrol allowance
• Phone bill
• Electricity bill
• Pension after retirement

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Responsibilities of a Judge

The key responsibilities of a judge encompass:

1. Impartiality: A judge must uphold fairness and objectivity, ensuring decisions are made solely to pursue justice and without favouritism towards friends or relatives.
2. Professional Conduct: When interacting with legal counsel, litigants, or witnesses, a judge should maintain a demeanour free from contentiousness or bias.
3. Equitable Hearing: In legal proceedings, a judge must attentively hear both the prosecution and defence, ensuring each party has the opportunity to present its case.
4. Adjudication: In criminal court, a judge assesses defendants' guilt or innocence and issues appropriate penalties for those found guilty.

Learn: How to become a civil judge

The following are some of the roles and responsibilities of a Judicial Services Officer.

• The judges in the High Court decide the admissibility of evidence.
• They have the authority to question the witness.
• Civil Judges are the authorised persons to instruct the jury.
• They interpret and apply laws to reach judgements.
• Judges have the authority to accept and approve the search and arrest warrants.
• They write their opinions, verdicts, and instructions regarding cases, claims, and disputes.

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Judiciary as a Career in India

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.

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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.

How to Become a Judge in India

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

How to clear the Judiciary examination

Here is how to prepare effectively for the judiciary exam:

1. Reverse Practice Approach: Initiate your preparation by focusing on the mains exam rather than the Prelims. This approach will inherently cover the syllabus for the Prelims as well.
2. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus specific to your state, as subjects may vary.
3. Early Mains Preparation: Given the extensive syllabus for the Mains exam, start preparing for it as soon as you finish the preliminary paper.
4. Study the Exam Pattern: Examine the Judiciary Exam Pattern for your state to understand the question distribution and marking scheme.
5. Create Question Banks: Develop question banks for major and minor subjects for both Prelims and Mains exams. 
6. Focus on Core Subjects: Prioritize studying essential subjects such as the Constitution of India, Code of Criminal Procedure, Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Penal Code, and Indian Evidence Act.
7. Make Conceptual Notes: To facilitate easier revision later, begin creating comprehensive notes well in advance, covering key concepts and principles.
8. Qualify for Main Exam Promptly: Aim to qualify for the Main exam as soon as possible, without waiting for vacancy notifications. This proactive approach ensures readiness when vacancies are announced.

Following these suggestions can streamline your preparation process and increase your chances of success in the judiciary exam.

Conclusion:

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.