SC cuts mandatory legal practice for entry-level judicial exam from three years to one
Key facts
- On 21 August 2026, the Supreme Court decided review petitions against its May 2025 verdict.
- That verdict required three years of legal practice to apply for Civil Judge (Junior Division).
- By 2:1, the Court kept the practice rule but cut it to one year.
- Selected candidates will then do one year of academy training and one year of law clerkship.
- The one-year practice rule applies fully from 1 April 2027.
Why it matters
[SC Ruling] The aim is judges with real courtroom exposure. The shorter rule also keeps the door open for fresh law graduates.
Asked before: CAPF 2022 asked about the appointment of District Judges.