Judicial Services: How to become A Judge

A Highly Reputed Profession: Judgeship 

If you are a law student or an advocate, and passionate for the judgeship, you must know about exam patterns and eligibility criteria for this most honoured profession of our nation.

In this article, we will discuss eligibility criteria and exam procedure across the country for all levels of judicial services.

Different levels of Judicial services

Currently in our nation judicial services are under the control of high courts of respective states. 

For direct entry in the judiciary, there are two levels of exams, which are conducted throughout the nation.

• Provincial Civil services-Judicial( PCS-J)
• Higher Judicial Services(HJS)

PCS-J    

It is commonly known as Civil Judge Exam.
This exam is for direct entry in the judiciary of law graduates for the post of civil judge. This exam is conducted by, state public service commission in some states like Rajasthan, M.P., and in some states, it is conducted by High Courts of respective states like Delhi 

These posts are known as a subordinate judiciary. A fresh graduate can join judiciary through this exam.

Eligibility criteria

• Age limit:- you have to be between 21 to 35 years of age to be eligible for this exam. There is a 5 years relaxation in age limit for the Reserved categories in the upper limit of age. Apart from that in some states like Rajasthan, domicile women have  been provided 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit (21years to 40Years)

• Graduation in Law:- you have to be a graduate in law from a recognised university.

• Experience:- In some states, the experience of 3 years of advocacy is required. But in maximum states this criterion is not applicable, it varies from state to state.

• Knowledge of state language:-  In some states like Punjab, Gujrat, Maharashtra etc, knowledge of their respective local language is compulsory. i.e you must be able to read, write and speak that particular language.

Exam pattern.

1. Pre-exam:- Objective Pattern
2. Mains exam:- written exams
3. Interview

Higher judicial Services

This examination is the direct entry in higher Judicial Services for experienced Advocates. This exam is conducted by the High courts of respective states for the Post of  “Additional District Judge.”This exam is commonly known as the ADJ Exam.

Eligibility Criteria.

Age limit:- 35 to 45 years of age.

Experience:- 7 years of Advocacy.

Exam Pattern

Pre Exam- 
it is an objective Pattern-based exam. 
It varies from state to state. In some states like Rajasthan there is no pre-exam for Higher Judicial services, whereas, in some other states like Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh and Delhi, Pre exams are conducted.

Mains Exam-
it is a Written Examination. 
Generally, there are four papers in this exam in most of the states. These papers/subjects are mentioned below.

1. Civil Law
2. Criminal Law
3. Knowledge of Languages 
4. Judgement Writing 

Interview - 
level of the interview in HJS is far more difficult than PCS-J, as this exam is direct entry for District Judge’s post. It is observed that many times in HJS vacancy/posts remain vacant due to non-clearance of the exam by the aspirants.

However, though the standard of this exam is very high, the level of competition is very less due to the specific eligibility criteria.

Thus, in essence, we can say these are the gateways for becoming a judge. Although in any conditions in these exams standard of quality assessment is very high. Still, if you are dedicated enough towards it, you can surely clear it.

Be prepared for hard work, Set your goal and achieve it!

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life -- think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success." - Swami Vivekananda

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