Must a law graduate practice for three years before becoming a judge?

The Supreme Court of India decided on a very important rule about who can become a junior judge (Civil Judge, Junior Division). Earlier, in 2025, the Court had made a strict rule saying that anyone who wants to sit for the judge's exam must have practiced as a lawyer in court for at least three years. This sudden change shocked many fresh law graduates, especially those from poor families, women, and disabled candidates who cannot easily afford to practice for three years with little or no pay. In this new judgment, the Court found a middle path to help these students. For exams announced up to March 31, 2027, fresh law graduates do not need three years of practice to apply. Instead, if selected, they will spend their first year in intensive training at a Judicial Academy, and their second year working as a 'Law Clerk' under senior judges. This training and clerkship will count as their practice. For exams announced after April 1, 2027, candidates will only need one year of actual court practice to apply, followed by the same two years of training and clerkship. This ensures that judges are well-trained and have practical court experience without putting an unfair financial burden on young law graduates.

Earlier, the court ordered that only lawyers with three years of court experience could sit for junior judge exams. Young law graduates and disabled candidates challenged this, saying it is unfair to people who cannot afford to wait three years with no income.

The Court modified the rules: for exams up to March 2027, fresh graduates can apply directly but must undergo a two-year trainee and clerkship program after selection. After March 2027, only one year of actual practice is required before applying.

This judgment protects the dreams of young law students from modest backgrounds, women, and disabled individuals. It balances the need for experienced judges with the need for equal opportunities for those who cannot survive without a salary.