Lawyer to Judge Process in India: How do judges become in India? What are the necessary qualifications, exams? Know the entire process to become a judge from PCS-J to High Court Judge to become a judge. Also learn about career growth and promotion.
How to become a judge in india: Every law student or a lawyer practicing in court, sometimes in his career, he definitely dreams that he should become a judge one day. Being a judge is not just a job, but a matter of great responsibility and respect. The job of the judge in the court is not only to give decisions, but to strengthen the foundation of justice. But is it only enough to advocate to become a judge? The answer is not. For this, some special qualifications have to be fulfilled, necessary exams have to be passed and followed a complete process. Know how a lawyer can become a judge, which exam one has to take and what is the career growth ahead.
What is the necessary qualifications to become a judge?
Talking about the merit to become a judge, the candidate should first be an Indian citizen. A LLB degree should be from a recognized university. The Bar Council of India should be registered as a lawyer. At least 7 years of practice experience is necessary for high judiciary (eg District Judge). The age limit varies into different states. Lower judiciary usually has a higher age limit for the High Court and Supreme Court.
How do you become judges from a lawyer?
There are mainly 2 ways to become a judge from a lawyer-
Civil Judge or Judicial Magistrate
After completing LLB, you can apply for this exam directly. It is also called PCS-J exam. It consists of both written examination and interview. Earlier, they could have sat without experience, but since 2025, the Supreme Court has made at least 3 years of practice necessary. If someone has worked with the judge as a law clerk, that experience will also be counted in 3 years of practice.
Higher Judge Entry
The lawyer must have at least 7 years of experience to apply in this. This is called Higher Judicial Service Exam (HJS). In this, along with written exam and interview, your experience is also seen.
What exam has to be taken to become a judge?
To become a judge, Judicial Services Exam has to be given. This examination is mostly conducted by State Public Service Commission or High Court. It has three steps-
- Judicial Services Prelims Exam- Objective type questions come, such as GK, Constitution and Basic Law.
- Judicial Services Mains Exam- It has to write the details of law, case study and subjective questions.
- Judicial Services Exam Interview- It contains personality, understanding of law and reasoning ability.
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What is the step-by-step process to become a judge from a lawyer?
- Complete LLB degree and register in the Bar Council.
- Practice in court and gain at least 3 years experience.
- Apply for Judicial Service Exam.
- Training is done after passing the exam.
- On completion of training, you get a joining letter and you take charge as a judge.
Judge Career Growth and Promotion
It starts with a civil judge or judicial magistrate. After this, after getting promotion, senior judges can become a district judge. You can also get a chance to reach the High Court and the Supreme Court later. In special cases, experienced and reputed lawyers are also made directly High Court judges.
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