How to Become a Judge?

A Judge is a person with legal authority who makes the final judgment in a legal proceeding for both civil and criminal cases. The journey of becoming a judge is challenging but rewarding as the position of Judge in India holds great significance. The position of a judge in India is among the most powerful and influential. 

To become a Judge in India candidates are required to study hard and appear for competitive judiciary examinations. In this post, let us take a look at the process of how to become a judge to make it easy for aspirants to fulfill their dreams of serving the judiciary of India.  

What are the Duties Performed by a Judge?

Judges hold prominent positions in India and they preside over court proceedings where they give final verdicts in different cases after listening to the parties involved. Their position is crucial since they settle legal disputes, hear allegations, witness testimony, and determine whether a person is guilty or innocent. They also impose death sentences if needed.    

How to Become a Judge?

To become a Judge in India candidates are required to take competitive exams like Judicial Services Examination or Provincial Civil Service (PCS) Judicial Examination. These examinations allow law graduates to practice as subordinate judiciary members. Let’s take a look at the steps to become a Judge after 12^th in India:

1.      Enroll in a Law School – To enroll in a law school, candidates must appear for CLAT, AILET, and LSAT-India exams if they want to enroll in some of the top law entrance colleges in India. 

2.      Earn a Bachelor’s Degree – You can opt for a 5-year integrated program in law such as BA LLB, or BBA LLB, or you may opt for a 3-year LLB followed by a 2-year LLM program as per your requirement. 

3.      Appear for the Competitive Examination (Judiciary) – After completing their bachelor’s candidates can appear for the Judicial Services Examination or the PCS (J) exam to become practicing members of the judiciary. These exams are conducted in different rounds such as preliminary, main, and viva for Lower and Higher Judicial Services. 

4.      Lower Judicial Services – Lower judicial services can be taken up to get recruited as civil judges in state courts. 

5.      Higher Judiciary Services – Higher judicial services can be taken up to get promotion from Civil Judges to District Judges or for appointing Advocates as District Judges. 

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Eligibility

·        A bachelor’s degree in law is the minimum qualification required to enter Indian Judicial Services.

·        Individuals who practiced law for a minimum of seven years can also apply for the Judiciary. The seven years’ experience should be in a court of law either as a public prosecutor, advocate, or pleader.

·        Another important criterion is that the candidate should be an Indian citizen with a good moral character.

·        Also, it requires one to clear the state judiciary examination, which is conducted by the State Public Service Commission.

·        A merit list is prepared as per the performance in the written examination and the candidates are interviewed

·        Once the selection process is complete, candidates undergo training. After completing the training, they are appointed as judicial or metropolitan magistrates.

·        After serving three years in that position, the candidates become eligible to apply for the position of district judge. 

·        With experience, they can apply for promotion to higher positions including High Court Judge and Supreme Court Judge.

How to become a Judge without being a lawyer?

To become a judge without practicing law as an advocate in India, one directly has to qualify for higher judicial services exams conducted by State Public Service Commissions or the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), depending on the jurisdiction.

Salary and Perks

The salary of judges varies depending on their position and jurisdiction. A lower judiciary Judge in a District Court will have a low salary compared to judges serving in the High Court and Supreme Court. Judges serving in the lower judiciary may earn within the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 25 lakh with an average salary of 11.4 lakh per annum. 

On the other hand, High Court and Supreme Court Judges may earn an enhanced salary. Besides the salary, Judges also are entitled to many benefits and perks like official residence, vehicle, and medical facilities, among others.

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Tips for Aspiring Judges

·        Have a strong foundation in law

·        Acquire practical experience through apprenticeships in law firms

·        Prepare well for state judicial service examinations

·        Understand the Constitution of India including the relevant laws

·        Stay abreast with legal updates in the country

·        Participate in legal debates and moot court competitions
Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced legal professionals

·        Maintain truthfulness and high ethical standards

Conclusion

As discussed, the process of becoming a judge can be demanding but the fruits of this demanding process are immensely sweet and rewarding. As a judge, you get the opportunity to choose the right path of integrity and honesty to bring justice. You must be unbiased and compassionate while making judgments. 

If the field of judiciary excites you and you see yourself as a judicial professional in the future, you must work hard to reach your destination. Getting the required qualification is the first step in this regard and if you are looking for online courses in law and related areas, Amity Online University is the best option to opt for such courses. To learn more and to enroll, visit Amity Online today. 

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