Imagine a post where you can command authority and transform the lives of people as well, then a career in the Judicial service is one such one. Further, career aspects in the field of law are blooming with India entering into the digital era empowered with its free economic policy. The opportunity in the field of law is not just restricted to becoming an advocate but it includes from being a corporate lawyer to being a policy analyst.
Career in law
Law has always been regarded as one of the fields with the highest prestige and admiration. The first step to make a career in the field of law is doing a law degree (BALLB/LLB) from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Various entrance exams are conducted in India including CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc. to get into a university recognized by the BCI which includes National Law Universities as well. Those students who wish to practice in court, have to sit for and pass the Bar Council of India's (BCI) All India Bar Examination (AIBE) after completing their law degree.
After completing the law degree, the bundle of options for the student is opened and the student can explore various career options like Corporate Lawyer with a law firm, Human Rights Lawyer, Environmental Lawyer, Legal Journalist, Public Policy Analyst, Legal Researcher, Law Professor etc.
Judiciary AS A career option
The judiciary is considered as one of the most prestigious jobs in the country. Becoming a judge in India is not an easy path. It takes extensive education, training, exams, and dedication. To become a judge, candidates must take the Judicial Services Examination, also known as PCS (J) or the Provincial Civil Service Judicial Examination, after completing their law degree. This exam is meant for law graduates who want to join the subordinate judiciary. This is the only way a recent law graduate can become a judge. Additionally, experienced advocates with 7 years of practice can enter the judiciary by passing the Higher Judicial Service Exam (HJS).
Lower judiciary examination (PCS-J)
The Lower Judicial Services (J) Examination is conducted to appoint civil judges in state courts. It is conducted by the State Public Service Commission or the High Court. The exam format is-
- Preliminary Exam- It is an MCQ-based exam aimed to test the legal knowledge of the candidate.
- Mains Exam- It is a Descriptive type exam where the candidates are required to write detailed answers. The answers in the mains exam range from writing legal answers to writing judgments. The exam tests the candidates' writing skills along with legal knowledge.
- Interview – This round includes face-to-face interaction with the selection panel. Candidates passing the main examinations thereby appear for the interview round for final selection. Generally, an interview is taken by a panel of High Court Judges.
The final selection of the candidate is based on a rank list prepared based on Mains and interview exam marks combined.
Eligibility
The eligibility to appear in the exam is-
- The Candidate must be a Citizen of India.
- Must have an integrated 5 year or 3 years after graduation LLB degree or LLM degree (optional).
- Knowledge of local/ regional language
Syllabus
The syllabus for the lower judiciary exam varies from state to state. Along with core legal subjects such as Civil Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Constitution Law etc, various local laws of the state are also asked in the examination. The syllabus also includes General Knowledge and Language papers.
Age Limit
It's important to know that the age limit for the Lower Judicial Services Examination varies by state. However, the minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age for general candidates is usually 35. Candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories get age relaxation.
Conclusion
The saying "with great power comes great responsibility" holds true for judges. While the prestige of being a judge is impressive, reaching that position requires much more than just one day’s work. It demands hard work, determination, willpower, and the right guidance to build a successful legal career. For students who have just completed class 12th, it’s important to start by selecting the right law college. They should research colleges based on the track record of judges who graduated from there and any special training or skill development offered for those aiming for a judicial career. This step is crucial in shaping their future. Many colleges offer judiciary training as part of their 5-year integrated course or 3-year LLB program.
