Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025, Check State-Wise Age Limit & Educational Criteria

Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025: The Judiciary Exam provides a prestigious career to an aspirant in the judicial services of India. Understanding the eligibility criteria for these exams is important for aspiring candidates. With the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on May 20, 2025, the eligibility landscape has changed significantly. Read on to get an in-depth analysis of the updated Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025, including the latest mandatory 3-year legal practice requirement for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts, covering both lower and higher judiciary exams. State-specific criteria are highlighted to help candidates understand their prospects clearly.

Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025 - Supreme Court Restores Mandatory 3 Year Practice Rule

In a landmark judgment delivered on May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of India has reinstated the condition that a minimum of three years of legal practice is mandatory for all candidates aspiring to join the judiciary as Civil Judge (Junior Division).

A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice A.G. Masih, and Justice K. Vinod Chandran emphasised that allowing fresh law graduates without practical experience has caused significant issues in the administration of justice.

This practice requirement will apply to all future recruitment processes initiated after May 20, 2025. Any recruitment already notified by the High Courts before this date will not be affected.

Key Takeaways from the Supreme Court Judgment on Judicial Entry Eligibility

• Mandatory 3-Year Practice: All candidates must now have a minimum of three years' experience as an advocate before applying for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts.

• Start Date of Practice: The period of legal practice can be calculated from the date of provisional enrollment with the Bar Council.

• Proof of Practice:

  • A certificate issued by an advocate with at least 10 years of experience, countersigned by a judicial officer, will serve as valid proof.

  • For those practising in the Supreme Court or High Courts, a similar certificate must be endorsed by an officer designated by the respective Court.

• Inclusion of Law Clerk Experience: Time spent working as a judicial law clerk will also count toward the three-year requirement.

• Exceptions:

  • This ruling will not affect recruitments already notified or processes already underway before May 20, 2025.

  • Sikkim and Chhattisgarh were the only High Courts opposing the reinstatement of this practice requirement.

Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025 Overview

1. Lower Judiciary Exams : Open to fresh law graduates and lawyers with limited practice experience.
2. Higher Judiciary Exams : For experienced advocates with a minimum number of years in practice.

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Judiciary Exam Levels (Updated Classifications)

• Lower Judiciary Exams (Civil Judge - Junior Division):
  Now requires at least 3 years of legal practice after graduation for recruitments notified after May 20, 2025.

• Higher Judiciary Exams:
  Requires a minimum of 7 years of practice, as before.

State-Wise Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025

UP Civil Judge Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Age Limit : Candidates must be between 22 and 35 years as of January 1, 2025.
• Educational Qualification : A Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from a recognized university is required.
• Other Requirements : Candidates should be enrolled as Advocates under the Advocate Act 1961 or equivalent.
• Language Proficiency : Knowledge of Hindi in Devanagari script is mandatory.

Madhya Pradesh Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025 

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 21 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : An LLB degree from a recognized institution; final-year law students can also apply.
• Language Proficiency : Knowledge of Hindi is required.

Bihar Judicial Services Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 22 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : A law degree recognized by the Bar Council of India.
• Physical Fitness : Candidates must meet specific physical standards.

Rajasthan Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 23 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : An LLB degree from a recognized university.
• Language Proficiency : Knowledge of Hindi in Devanagari script is required.

Haryana Civil Judge Exam Eligibility 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 21 to 42 years.
• Educational Qualification : LLB degree from a recognized institution.
• Language Proficiency : Knowledge of Hindi or Sanskrit is mandatory.

Delhi Civil Judge Exam Eligibility 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 21 to 32 years.
• Educational Qualification : A Bachelor of Law degree and enrollment as an Advocate.

Chhattisgarh Civil Judge Exam Eligibility 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 21 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : LLB degree from a recognized university.

Himachal Pradesh Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025

Eligibility Criteria :

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 22 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : A law degree and enrollment as an Advocate.

Punjab Judiciary Eligibility Criteria 2025 

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 21 to 37 years.
• Educational Qualification : LLB degree from a recognized university.

Uttarakhand Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2025 

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality : Indian citizen.
• Age Limit : 22 to 35 years.
• Educational Qualification : LLB degree and proficiency in Hindi.