SC reduces mandatory practice for junior judge exams to one year, eases transition

The Supreme Court on Friday modified its May 2025 verdict, reducing to one year the mandatory requirement of three years of legal practice for law graduates appearing for entry-level judicial service examinations. The decision comes as a reprieve for young lawyers who had faced hardship due to the earlier rule, which had no transitional arrangement.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices A.G. Masih and K. Vinod Chandran delivered a 2:1 split verdict while dismissing a batch of review petitions challenging the original judgment. The majority upheld the principle that candidates must have some exposure to the legal profession before joining the judiciary, but held that the requirement must not cause undue hardship to young advocates.

Under the modified arrangement, candidates appearing in judicial exams notified between May 25, 2025 and March 31, 2027 will be eligible regardless of prior experience. However, upon selection, they will be appointed as trainee judicial officers for one year, followed by a further one-year structured clerkship. This ensures that successful candidates receive adequate training before taking up full judicial responsibilities.

The May 2025 judgment had sparked widespread concern among law students and young lawyers, who argued that the sudden imposition of a three-year practice condition effectively barred fresh graduates from entering the judiciary. The Supreme Court acknowledged this hardship, stating that the restoration of the three-year rule without any transitional arrangement warranted a limited intervention.

For examinations notified after April 1, 2027, the new arrangement will apply, as the court clarified the timeline for implementation. The top court also observed that the earlier decision does not require reconsideration on the aspect of prior experience, affirming the need for practical exposure but balancing it with the concerns of aspirants.

The verdict comes after the court had, on March 13, directed all High Courts to extend the last date for submission of applications for civil judge (junior division) posts to April 30. It had also sought opinions from High Courts, National Law Universities, and other law schools on the three-year criterion, reflecting the broader consultation process.

The decision is significant for the judicial recruitment process, as it aims to strike a balance between ensuring competent judges and providing fair opportunities to young law graduates. The training and clerkship requirements are designed to bridge the gap created by the reduced practice period, ensuring that candidates are adequately prepared for the demands of the judiciary.