If someone has ever watched a heated courtroom scene in a Bollywood movie and thought, “Wow, I would love to sit in that big chair and call the shots,” then the dream of becoming a judge in India is already cooking. But jokes aside, the real world of Indian judiciary is nothing like movie drama. It’s serious, layered, and one of the most respected careers anyone can pick.
This full guide breaks things down in easy words so anyone can know the steps, exams, age limits, and real path to becoming a civil judge, district judge, High Court judge, or even a Supreme Court judge someday.
Let’s start with what a judge actually does—beyond saying “Order!” and tapping the gavel.
Table of Contents
What Does a Judge Really Do in India?
After becoming a judge, they should know what they’re signing up for. A judge has a mix of roles that ask for patience, fairness, strong thinking, and a calm mind (especially when lawyers get angered).
Here are the needed duties of a judge:
- They hear civil and criminal cases.
- They Look at evidence with a calm mind.
- They apply laws in a fair way.
- They write judgments that explain the reasons behind the decision.
- They guide court staff and keep order inside the courtroom.
- They make sure justice is served without delay.
Anyone who thinks they can handle chaos with a cool head and make calls based on fairness will enjoy this career.
Eligibility to Become a Judge in India
This is one of the needed sections because many aspirants and parents are still confused about the eligibility. Here’s the simple version:
- Education Qualification
Someone must have an LLB degree (either 3-year LLB or 5-year integrated course).
This is needed for all judiciary exams like judicial services exam, civil judge exam, PCS J exam, and others.
- Citizenship
The person must be an Indian citizen.
- Age Limit
Different states have different age limits, but most fall between:
- 21 to 35 years for lower judiciary (PCS J)
- 35 to 45 years for higher judiciary (District Judge)
- Bar Council Registration
For some posts, the person must be registered with the State Bar Council.
- Practice Requirement (New Update)
As per a recent rule, some posts need 3 years of practice as an advocate.
But this differs from state to state.
These rules may look simple, but missing even one can block an aspirant from applying.
Types of Judges in India
To understand “how to become a judge,” someone first needs to know the types of judge posts in our system:
Lower Judiciary (Entry-Level)
- Civil Judge Junior Division
- Judicial Magistrate
- Metropolitan Magistrate
People clear the judicial services exam to reach this level.
Higher Judiciary
- District Judge
- Additional District Judge
Here, people need practice experience before applying.
High Court Judge
Chosen based on years of practice and performance.
Supreme Court Judge
Requires deep legal experience, strong knowledge, and years of service in High Court.
Most applicant start with the lower judiciary exam, so let’s break that down first.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Judge in India
This is the part every new student, parent, or law applicant looking for. Here are the steps in a simple way:
Step 1: Complete 12th Grade
Preferably with a focus on humanity subjects, but any stream works.
Step 2: Do LLB (3-year or 5-year)
Someone needs this law degree because this is the first needed qualification.
Step 3: Register with the Bar Council (Optional for Freshers)
Some states allow fresh graduates to appear without practice.
Step 4: Apply for Judicial Services Exam (PCS-J or Civil Judge Exam)
This is the main pathway for lower judiciary.
Step 5: Clear the Three Stages
- Prelims Exam
- Mains Exam
- Viva Voce / Interview
Step 6: Finish Training at Judicial Academy
State Judicial Academies teach courtroom behavior, writing orders, and court management.
Step 7: Become a Civil Judge
This is the entry point into the system.
Judicial Services Exam Explained (PCS J Exam)
This section uses needed LSI keywords like PCS J exam, civil judge exam, lower judiciary exam, judicial service exam pattern, and others.
The PCS J exam has three main parts.
Prelims Exam
- Objective type (MCQ)
- Tests general knowledge, current affairs, and basic law topics
- Works like a screening test for mains
Mains Exam
- Written exam
- Law subjects need deep writing skills
- Bare act study becomes very helpful here
Interview (Viva Voce)
- Tests reasoning
- Confidence
- Communication
- Ethical thinking
Judicial Exam Syllabus & Pattern (Simple Table)
Exam Stage Subject Area Notes
Prelims GK, Law, Current Affairs MCQs
Mains Civil Law, Criminal Law, Constitution, Judgment Writing Written papers
Interview Personality & Legal Thinking Final selection round
How Long Does It Take to Become a Judge in India?
Here’s the timeline:
- LLB degree: 3–5 years
- Judiciary preparation: 1–2 years
- Exam stages: 6–12 months
- Training: 6–12 months
Someone can become a judge as early as 23–26 years old, depending on state eligibility rules.
Salary, Perks & Career Growth of a Judge
This part is often missed by many competitors, so let’s write it clearly.
Civil Judge Salary
₹70,000 to ₹1,20,000 monthly (varies by state)
Perks
- Government bungalow
- Car
- Domestic help
- Security
- Strong retirement benefits
Career Growth Path
Civil Judge → Senior Civil Judge → District Judge → High Court Judge → Supreme Court Judge
This is a long journey, but very rewarding.
Real Tips to Prepare for Judicial Services Exam
Many guides skip real advice and only talk about books. Here are needed real-world tips:
- Focus on bare acts first. They form 60–70% of the paper.
- Practice answer writing every day to improve speed.
- Use case law examples wisely.
- Read previous year papers to know what states want.
- Keep current affairs simple but updated.
- Don’t ignore judgment writing practice.
- Use a planned daily routine and stick to it.
These steps help aspirants stay ahead of the crowd.
FAQs
Can someone become a judge right after LLB?
Yes, in many states. Some states have added a 3-year practice rule, while others allow freshers.
What is the needed age limit?
Most states ask for 21–35 years for lower judiciary.
Is coaching needed to crack the exam?
No. Good discipline and practice can work well, but coaching helps people who need guidance.
Can someone become a judge after 40?
People can apply for higher judiciary posts which have a higher age limit.
How difficult is the judiciary exam?
It’s difficult, but with the right plan, daily practice, and focus study habits, it becomes possible.
Final Thought
Becoming a judge in India is one of the most respected careers a person may choose. It demands effort, discipline and a genuine interest in law. The path appears long – yet those who remain patient plus consistent reach the goal sooner than they expect.
If a person dreams of delivering fairness aiding society or creating real change within the legal system, the judge’s chair waits.