1. Has the eligibility for Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam changed?

Yes. The Supreme Court, on 20th May 2025, restored the requirement of three years' practice as an advocate before appearing for the exam, in the case of All India Judges Association v. Union of India (2025). 

2. Can fresh law graduates still appear directly for the Civil Judge exam?

No. Now, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of experience at the Bar before applying. 

3. From when is this 3-year practice requirement applicable?

It applies prospectively (for future recruitments), meaning students currently studying or recently graduated have time to plan accordingly. 

4. Is the 3-year experience requirement applicable to all states?

Yes. The Supreme Court has directed all High Courts to amend their recruitment rules uniformly, so this requirement will apply pan-India.

5. Will the 3-year practice be counted from AIBE or enrollment?

It will be counted from the date of provisional enrollment with the State Bar Council, not from the date of passing AIBE. 

6. Why was the 3-year practice rule re-introduced?

To ensure that judges have practical court experience, legal maturity, and better decision-making capabilities. 

7. What should I do if I’m still in law school and want to become a judge?

Plan to practice law for 3 years after enrollment, gain courtroom exposure, and prepare simultaneously for the judicial exam. 

8. Does this mean the judiciary has become inaccessible for fresh graduates?

No. It’s still accessible—you just need to gain practical experience first, which will also make you a better judge. 

9. Can I practice under a senior to gain the required experience?

Yes. Practicing under a senior advocate and appearing in courts will fulfill the experience criteria. 

10. Will there be any relaxation in the 3-year practice for SC/ST or other categories?

Currently, no relaxation has been specified. It is a uniform requirement for all. 

11. What if I worked in a law firm but didn’t go to court—will that count?

Yes, such practice will be counted toward the 3-year requirement, as there is no specification regarding the body before which the practice must be undertaken. Administrative roles in bodies will not count. 

12. Is it better to practice in trial courts or high courts?

Either is fine, but trial court practice gives better exposure to case handling and court processes relevant to junior judges. 

13. Can I appear for the Civil Judge exam while completing my 3 years of practice?

Yes. You can prepare and appear once your 3-year experience is complete by the time of final selection. 

14. Will previous judgments delivered by junior judges with no experience be affected?

No. The judgment is prospective, and past appointments are not invalidated. 

15. Will this ruling bring consistency across all states?

Yes. All states and High Courts have been directed to align their recruitment rules uniformly with this judgment. 

16. What are the advantages of having practiced law before joining judiciary?

You’ll have a better understanding of courtroom conduct, client interaction, legal procedures, and empathy for advocates. 

17. How are current Civil Judges (Jr. Division) affected by this?

Those already selected remain unaffected. The change applies to new aspirants only. 

18. Does this mean Civil Judges will be more competent now?

Yes. The court aims for better courtroom readiness and mature temperament in the lower judiciary. 

19. Will this make me a better judge in the long run?

Definitely. Practical exposure makes you more empathetic, decisive, and effective on the bench. 

20. Can I work part-time while completing 3 years of practice?

Only active and registered court practice counts. Side work may reduce your exposure and effectiveness. 

21. Will the age limit for Civil Judge exams be extended now that experience is required?

No . There is nothing specified yet. Some states may consider adjusting the upper age limit, but no uniform extension has been mandated yet. Keep checking official notifications.

22. What is the difference between the State Bar Council and the High Court Bar Association?

• State Bar Council: A statutory body regulating advocates and responsible for licensing your legal practice. 
• High Court Bar Association: A professional body of advocates associated with a High Court. Membership is voluntary. 

23. Who can issue the certificate of 3 years of practice, and who endorses it?

The certificate of 3 years of practice can be issued by an advocate with a minimum of 10 years' standing, and it must be endorsed by a Principal Judicial Officer of the district or station for candidates practicing in metropolitan or large stations. For those practicing in High Courts or the Supreme Court, the certificate must similarly be issued by an advocate with at least 10 years' standing and endorsed by an officer designated by the respective High Court or the Supreme Court. In mofussil courts, Judicial Officers at the station themselves can certify the practice. Additionally, experience gained as a Law Clerk with any Judge or Judicial Officer is to be counted toward the total years of practice. 

Important: The responsibility for endorsement lies with the advocate, not the student. 

24. Will this ruling apply to already ongoing recruitment exams?

No. As per Para 90 of the judgment, it does not apply to previously notified vacancies: 

• Rajasthan Judicial Services Prelims Exam  
• Uttarakhand Judicial Services Prelims Exam  
• Chhattisgarh Judicial Services Prelims Exam  
• Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services (Mains)  
• Jharkhand Judicial Services (Mains) 

25. Will this reduce competition in future judiciary exams?

Yes. Many casual aspirants will step back. The pool will be more serious, resulting in: 

• Focused preparation 
• Less crowded exams 
• Better scoring for dedicated students 

26. Can I pursue an LL.M. or UGC-NET alongside the 3 years of practice?

Yes. You can pursue LL.M. and attempt UGC-NET while practicing. We recommend multi-track preparation. 

27. Will law clerkship experience count toward the 3-year requirement?

Yes. Clerkship roles post-registration with the Bar Council will count. 

28. I’ve already spent 1.5 years studying and I’m registered with the Bar Council. What now?

You are halfway there! Focus on gaining practice experience and continue your studies. 

29. Will procedural law gain more weight in judicial exams?

Absolutely. CPC, CrPC(BNSS), and Evidence(BSA) will be tested deeply. Our classes focus on: 

• Drafting 
• Framing charges/issues 
• Practical courtroom training 

30. How does our coaching institute help you under the new mandate?

• Procedure-Oriented Classes 
• Bar Council Registration Guidance 
• Flexible Schedules 

31. Can I still buy test series for upcoming RJS, UJS, and CGJS prelims examinations?

Yes, and if you're serious about cracking the exam, now is the perfect time to enroll. 

A well-designed test series isn't just a tool, it's your preparation accelerator. It helps you: 

• Master the exam pattern with full-length and topic-wise mocks 
• Stay consistent and focused with a structured study schedule 
• Identify your strengths and improve your weak areas 
• Build real exam stamina and time management skills 
• Track progress with performance analytics and peer comparison 

Think of it like this: every mock test is a rehearsal for success. When you face the actual exam, it should feel familiar, not overwhelming. 

The most confident candidates on exam day are the ones who’ve already faced the pressure in practice.