Supreme Court upholds 3 years of legal practice; bars fresh graduates from judicial exams
New law graduates will no longer be able to take the judicial service examination, according to a judgement by the Supreme Court.
New Delhi (India) May 20: The Supreme Court maintained the requirement that applicants for civil judge roles have at least three years of legal experience on Tuesday, stating that first-hand knowledge of courts and the administration of justice cannot be replaced. The court lifted the three-year restriction in 2002 in an effort to bring in the best talent.
On May 14, 2025, a bench consisting of Justice A G Masih, Justice K Vinod Chandran, and Chief Justice of India B R Gavai issued the ruling. The decision answered the All India Judges Association's request for reform and clarity in the hiring procedure for entry-level civil judge positions.
The Supreme Court said, “We hold that the three-year minimum practice requirement to appear for civil judges (junior division) exam is restored.” in the judgement.
The CJI said, "The appointment of fresh law graduates has led to several difficulties, as noted by multiple high courts. Practical experience in court is essential for ensuring judicial efficiency and competence."
According to documents submitted by different High Courts, the CJI noticed that the appointment of recent law graduates had resulted in "several challenges." The Court noted that "a foundational exposure to courtroom procedures is necessary for effective judicial functioning," agreeing with the High Courts' suggestion of a practice-based eligibility criteria.
The bench explained that places where the notification has been sent out or the hiring of civil judges (junior division) has started will not be affected by Tuesday's ruling. The court declared, "It will be applicable from the next recruitment process."
The court ruled that the date of a lawyer's provisional registration would be regarded as the start of their experience. Once the All India Bar exam has been passed, the formal registration process begins.
The court ordered that before being appointed to manage court proceedings, all newly appointed judicial officials had to finish a year of training.
In India, the Judicial Services Exam is a competitive test administered by state public service commissions or high courts to choose qualified applicants for lower judiciary positions as judges or judicial officers.
Aadrika Tayal
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