Judiciary

1 What this path is

This path leads to the bench, starting as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) and rising with experience. Each state runs its own judicial services exam, usually with a preliminary exam, a mains exam and an interview.

2 Who this path may suit

The work involves careful reading, balancing both sides and writing reasoned orders and judgments every day.

3 The roadmap, step by step

1. Know the exam and the rules. In May 2025 the Supreme Court restored the requirement of at least three years of practice as an advocate before sitting for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam. Direct recruitment as a District Judge also requires years of practice. States apply these through their own notifications.
   Learn: the eligibility, syllabus and pattern for your target state from its latest notification.
   Practise: by collecting the last several years of question papers.
2. Build a strong Bare Act base.
   Learn: the Constitution, CPC, BNSS, BNS, BSA, Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act 1882, Specific Relief Act, Limitation Act, family laws and registration and stamp laws.
   Practise: by writing your own section by section notes.
3. Learn your state's local laws.
   Learn: the rent, land revenue and other local laws your state tests.
   Practise: by solving past questions on local laws.
4. Practise answer writing.
   Learn: to structure mains answers with issue, sections, case law and conclusion.
   Practise: by writing two answers a week and getting them checked.
5. Practise judgment writing.
   Learn: to frame issues and charges and write civil and criminal judgments in the format courts use.
   Practise: by writing ten judgments on given facts.
6. Use your practice years well.
   Learn: trial court work from the inside, because that is where a Civil Judge works.
   Practise: in trial courts and keep proof of your practice.
7. Consider a law clerk position.
   Learn: how judges read files and write decisions by working as a law clerk or research associate with a High Court or the Supreme Court, if an opportunity arises.
   Practise: research and drafting under a judge's guidance.
8. Test and revise.
   Learn: your weak areas through full length mock tests.
   Practise: by revising every subject at least three times and tracking recent judgments.
9. Prepare for the interview.
   Learn: to discuss your practice, recent developments and your state's legal issues.
   Practise: with mock interviews.

4 Your levels and checkpoints

Beginner level

• Know your state's syllabus and eligibility
• Read every core Bare Act once

Intermediate level

• Write mains answers and judgments within time
• Cover state local laws

Advanced level

• Meet the practice requirement
• Score above past cut offs in mock tests

Advanced professional level

As a judicial officer, you manage a docket, decide matters fairly and write sound judgments.

These checklists are for honest self assessment. They are not an official certification.

5 Build these projects

1. Section by section notes on every core Act
2. Ten practice judgments
3. A list of landmark judgments with one line on each

6 Internship direction

Intern with judges where possible, and in trial court chambers. Before applying, be able to brief judgments well. During internships, observe how judges frame issues and record evidence.

7 Portfolio evidence

Practice judgments, answer writing samples and proof of practice.

8 Common mistakes

• Wasting practice years without real trial court work
• Ignoring state local laws
• Relying on guide books over Bare Acts

9 Go deeper

Legal Research Guidebook · Case Analysis Guidebook

All 76 skill roadmaps · Interactive roadmap explorer

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