How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule? Pro's & Con's, Preparation Strategies
How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule explains the Supreme Court’s decision making three years of legal practice mandatory before applying for the Civil Judge exam. How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule also covers its benefits, challenges, preparation tips, and key eligibility steps.
Muskan Verma30 Oct, 2025
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How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule: The dream of becoming a judge is one of the most respected goals for law students and advocates. Recently, the Supreme Court of India introduced a new eligibility condition for students that has changed the way students who are preparing for judiciary exams. According to this change, candidates must now have at least three years of legal practice before applying for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam.
This decision is also known as the 3-Year Practice Rule. It aims to make the judges more experienced and practical in handling the legal matters. Below, we’ve mentioned how to become a Judge after 3 Years Practice Rule and how this change shapes the journey of future judges.
What is the Supreme Court’s 3 Year Practice Rule?
Supreme Court’s 3-Year Practice Rule states that every candidate who wishes to become a Civil Judge must complete three years of legal practice after enrolling with the State Bar Council.
This rule applies prospectively, which means it will affect future judiciary exams, not those that have already been announced. The rule ensures that judges have proper courtroom experience before they enter the judicial services.
In simple words, you can apply for the judiciary exam only after three years of active legal practice. This new step strengthens the quality and understanding of future judges.
Supreme Court’s 3 Year Practice Rule Importance
The 3-Year Practice Rule has been introduced to make the judiciary more experienced and mature. It helps future judges gain real courtroom knowledge and understand the challenges faced by advocates.
| Supreme Court’s 3 Year Practice Rule Importance | |
| Aspect | Importance of 3-Year Practice Rule |
| Practical Exposure | Helps candidates understand real courtroom procedures and arguments. |
| Better Decision-Making | Enables judges to make more informed and balanced judgments. |
| Professional Confidence | Builds self-confidence through daily interaction with senior advocates and judges. |
| Understanding of Law | Encourages a deeper and more practical understanding of legal provisions. |
| Uniformity | Creates equal eligibility standards for all states, ensuring fairness in recruitment. |
Pros and Cons of 3 Year Practice Rule
Every change have comes with both positive and challenging factors. The pros and cons of 3-year practice rule show that while it demands more time, it will also create stronger and more capable judges.
| Pros and Cons of 3 Year Practice Rule | |
| Pros (Advantages) | Cons (Challenges) |
| Candidates gain valuable legal experience before entering the judiciary. | Fresh graduates must wait three years before they can apply for the exam. |
| Improves understanding of legal procedures and real-life case handling. | Balancing daily court practice with exam preparation can be difficult. |
| Encourages professional maturity and responsibility. | Some aspirants may lose motivation due to the longer path. |
| Makes judicial officers more confident and practical in their judgments. | The change may initially reduce the number of candidates appearing for exams. |
How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule?
Now that you understand the new rule, below, we’ve mentioned how to become a Judge after 3 Years Practice Rule:.
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Complete Your Law Degree (LLB): Start by completing your 5-year integrated LLB or 3-year LLB after graduation.
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Enroll with the State Bar Council: After graduation, register yourself with the Bar Council of your state to start legal practice.
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Start Practicing as an Advocate: Join a senior advocate or a law chamber where you can gain exposure to real cases and court procedures.
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Gain Experience in Trial Courts: Trial courts provide the best learning opportunities in criminal and civil cases. Attend hearings and observe how cases are handled.
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Maintain Records of Practice: Keep your work certificates and case records safe. They will be needed as proof of your 3-year practice.
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Prepare for Judiciary Exams Side-by-Side: Use your free time to study law subjects, current affairs, and Judiciary past papers.
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Apply for the Judiciary Exam: Once you complete three years of active practice, you can apply for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam.
How to Prepare for the Judiciary with 3 Year Practice Rule
Preparing for the judiciary exam while practicing law can seem tough, but with the right plan, it’s completely achievable. Below, we’ve mentioned how you can manage both effectively:
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Plan Early: Start preparation during your law college days. Build a strong base in core subjects like IPC, CrPC, CPC, and the Constitution.
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Use Daily Court Experience: What you see and learn in court will help you understand real-life legal problems, which is useful in exams.
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Study for 1–2 Hours Daily: Even a short, consistent study routine helps you stay connected with the syllabus.
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Join a Test Series: Take mock tests to understand your strengths and weak areas. They help you manage time during the actual exam.
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Revise Bare Acts Regularly: Read one Bare Act daily. Highlight key sections and write short notes.
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Learn from Seniors: Ask questions and discuss cases with experienced advocates. Their insights can strengthen your understanding.
The journey to becoming a judge is now longer but more meaningful. The How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule makes sure that candidates who enter the judiciary can have both knowledge and wisdom.
This new rule encourages discipline, patience, and experience. Whether you’re a law student, a fresh graduate, or already in practice, use these three years as your foundation. Learn, observe, and prepare, because when your time comes, you’ll be ready to serve justice with confidence and compassion.
The How to Become a Judge After 3 Years Practice Rule is not just a change in eligibility. It’s an opportunity to create a generation of judges who are more skilled, thoughtful, and ready for the real world.
Explore the Judiciary Coaching 2025 to access essential resources for Judiciary exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Judiciary 2025 for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants excel in their exams.