Career as a Judge

Judge have crucial task when it comes to safeguarding the person’s legal rights. They are responsible in overseeing various legal proceedings such as trials, hearings and sentencing. Judges have enormous responsibilities to make sure that the legal rights are protected in all stakeholders of the court process.

They enforce the rules of the court and hear arguments from attorneys, receive and review evidence and listen to witness testimony. Throughout the trial, judges must make accurate rulings on whether evidence or testimonies are admissible and relevant to the trial. Throughout the entire judicial process, judges must remain impartial. They must put aside all personal feelings and beliefs and make all rulings and decisions based on the evidence and relevant laws.

Job Profiles

Ø  Magistrate/Civil Judge (Lower Judiciary)

Ø  Sessions Judge/District Judge (Higher Judiciary)

Ø  High Court Judge

Ø  Supreme Court Judge

Eligibility

Judicial service exams are conducted by the various High courts of India with the cooperation of The State Public Service Commission of the respective State. Judicial service examinations are conducted for various categories of posts i.e Grade I, Grade II and Grade III.

For Grade I and Grade II posts, the eligibility criteria’s are like-

1. Citizen of India,

2. A LL.B degree from a recognized university,

3. At least 7 yrs of working experience as a legal practitioner.

For Grade III posts, the eligibility criteria are like 

1. Citizen of India,

2. A LL.B degree from a recognized university.

The usual criteria for appointment as a judge of the High Court require an advocate to be of "high standing" and to have practiced for minimum period of 10 years. The practice earlier was for the senior judges of a particular High Court to then recommend the name of an advocate for elevation. Certain courts now provide for an application process (both formal and informal) through which advocates so inclined can apply for the position as well and the appointment committee would take such application under consideration. The actual appointment through this method is based more on subjective criteria and opinions rather than a fixed list of qualifications.

Admission Criteria

Process One

Ø  Bachelor’s Degree of Law from a recognized University / Institute.

Judicial Services Examination is a degree in LL.B and he/she has enrolled or qualified to be enrolled as an advocate under the Advocates’ Act 1961. No experience is required and final year candidates can also appear. The age limit varies according to the state. it is usually between 21 to 35 years.

Process two                                                          

Ø  The usual criteria for appointment as a judge of the High Court require an advocate to be of "high standing" and to have practiced for minimum period of 10 years. The practice earlier was for the senior judges of a particular High Court to then recommend the name of an advocate for elevation. Certain courts now provide for an application process (both formal and informal) through which advocates so inclined can apply for the position as well and the appointment committee would take such application under consideration. The actual appointment through this method is based more on subjective criteria and opinions rather than a fixed list of qualifications.

Subject/Syllabus

Judicial Services Examination– Structure of the exam

Judicial Service Examination is held in three successive stages namely Preliminary Examination, Mains and Viva-Voce/Interview.

The syllabus varies across states. It is broadly divided into Civil law, Criminal Law and Language paper. The weight given to the language paper is around 20 percent to 35 percent. The mains examination constitutes six to seven papers and almost 70 percent of the questions are of law.

Careers Prospects

The position of a judge is the most respected post in the Indian legal system. Candidates appointed through Judicial Services Examination enjoy a secure and comfortable tenure. A career in judicial services has two levels. First is the lower judicial service for fresh graduates selected through an entrance exam conducted by the respective State Public Service Commission (UP, MP, Rajasthan etc) or the high courts (Delhi). An entry through this assures time-bound promotions and secured tenure. The second level is Higher Judicial Services for practicing lawyers. The selected applicants get posted as Additional District Judges, which and their promotion is faster.

Employment Sector

Ø  Supreme Court

Ø  High Court

Ø  District Court

Income

The Chief Justice of India get a monthly salary of  ₹ 2.80 lakh, up from the present  ₹1 lakh. Similarly, judges of the Supreme Court and chief justices of high courts draw a monthly salary of  ₹ 2.50 lakh, up from the current Rs90,000, according to the act notified by the law ministry. The judges of high courts get ₹ 2.25 lakh per month.

District Judge

Super time Scale - ₹76,470 per month.

Selection grade - ₹70,290 per month.

Entery level - ₹63,070 per month.

Civil Judge (Senior division)- ₹ 56,470 per month.

Civil Judge (Junior division) - ₹45,854 per month.

Civil Judge (New appointed or on training basis or Magistrate-II Class )- ₹44,770 per month.