For those who are inclined towards public service and want to serve the nation, the Judiciary can be a worthwhile option. Not only do you get a chance to remain closely connected with the law profession throughout your life, but also get a chance to offer your services for the betterment of society. It offers a safe career with a lot of financial benefits and gains. But, making a career in the Indian Judiciary is not a cakewalk. To make a career in the Indian judiciary system, applicants need to clear entrance exams conducted by different authorities in India. Let’s discuss the career opportunities in the Indian Judiciary.
Lower Judiciary Services
Lower Judiciary Services comprises three cadres of judges: District Judges, Senior Civil Judges & Civil Judges (Junior Division). The law graduates from any recognized institution can apply for the exam conducted by the respective state public service commission or Delhi High Court. There is no experience required to apply for the lower judiciary services. Even the final year candidates can apply for the exam. The age of the candidates should be between 21-35 years. The syllabus for the exams can be found on the website of the commissions. It includes law subjects along with English, GK and the local language of the state. Entry through this avenue will assure you of timely promotions and secured employment early in your career.
Higher Judiciary Services
The Higher judicial services or HJS is the second avenue through which you may join the judicial services. This service is open for lawyers with a minimum of seven years of litigating practice as a member of the Bar Council of India (BCI). The age limit of the candidates is between 21-35 years. Candidates have to appear for a Judicial Services Examination to enter the HJS. The syllabus for the exam is available on the website of the commissions. If you clear the exam, you can be posted as an additional district judge, which significantly hastens promotional prospects.
What is Judicial Services Examination?
Judicial Services Examination, commonly referred to as Provincial Civil Service Judicial Examination, PCS J, are entry-level tests for law graduates to become members of the subordinate courts. The state governments under the administartion of the high courts appoint members of the lower Judiciary based on the results of the examination. The exam focuses on the Indian legal, history and constitutional governance of our country, current developments of national and international interest, analytical aptitude and skills of the candidates. Around 50,000-60,000 candidates appear for the Judicial Services Examination every year, and merely 15-20% can clear the exam. The candidates who wish to pursue their career in Judiciary and serve people can clear the Judicial Services Exam and perform any of the following job roles:
- District and Sessions Judge
- Magistrate
- Sub-Magistrate
- Solicitors
- Public Prosecutor
- Attorney General
- Notary
- Advocate General
- Oath Commissioner
Structure of the exam
The Indian Judicial services exam is divided into three steps.
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Personal Interview
Preliminary Examination
The pre-exam comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This exam is conducted to perform the screening of the candidates before they appear for the mains examination. The marks secured by a candidate in this exam are not considered for the final selection.
Category-wise Minimum Qualifying Percentage:
- General Category, 60%
- Reserved Category, 55%
Mains Examination
It is a subjective type test and consists of three to four papers. The marks scored in this exam are considered for the final selection. The minimum qualifying marks vary from state to state. Candidates equivalent to three times the number of vacancies are called for the interview.
Personal Interview
This is the final step in which the candidate is evaluated on the basis of his personality, general knowledge and other skills. This test carries 50 marks out of which the candidate needs to secure a minimum of 20 marks to get selected.
A judicial service is an excellent option for those who aim to serve the public with high social esteem. So, if you are planning to pursue your career in Law, you can start your CLAT preparation now. Also, if you are looking for an honorable position in life with other social and financial benefits, you must try your best to get into this highly rewarding job.
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