Many law students dream of becoming judges, but it’s a tough goal. In India, the judicial services exams are quite challenging and sought-after. To prepare, you need hard work, dedication, and a good strategy.
What’s more, you don’t have to wait until you’ve completed your law degree to start your journey toward this goal. In fact, it’s a smart move to start your preparation while you’re still in law college. This early start can give you a valuable edge over your competitors when the time comes to compete in the judiciary exams.
First, you need to get into law school. If you’re looking for a law college in Ghaziabad, do your research and choose the best law college in Ghaziabad that helps you prepare for the judiciary exam.
In this blog, I will share some tips and tricks on how to prepare for judiciary exams while in law college, based on the experiences of successful candidates and experts.
Eligibility Criteria for Judiciary Exams in India
Judiciary exams in India are conducted by different states to recruit civil judges and judicial magistrates. The eligibility criteria for these exams vary from state to state, but some common requirements are:
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university or institution in India.
- You must be enrolled or qualified to be enrolled as an advocate under the Advocates Act 1961, with membership in the state bar council. (This is mandatory for some states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.)
- You must be between 21 and 35 years of age, depending on the state. (This can change with respect to reservation criteria.)
- You must have proficiency in the official language of the state where you are applying.
Some states may have additional or specific eligibility criteria for judiciary exams, such as minimum years of practice as an advocate, minimum marks in LLB, or number of attempts. You should check the official notification of the state where you want to apply for the latest and most accurate information.
Why prepare for judiciary exams while in law college?
Preparing for judiciary exams while in law college has many advantages, such as:
- You will have more time to cover the vast syllabus and revise it multiple times.
- You will be able to apply the concepts and principles that you learn in your law academy curriculum to the questions of the judiciary exam.
- You will be able to take advantage of the resources and guidance available at your law college, such as the faculty, library, moot courts, etc.
- You will be able to develop your writing, communication, and analytical skills, which are essential for the judiciary exams.
- You will be able to save time and money that you would otherwise spend on coaching classes or online courses after graduation.
How do I prepare for judiciary exams while in the law academy?
To get ready for judiciary exams while you are still in law college, follow these steps:
- Choose the state you want to apply for: Pick the specific state where you want to take the judiciary exam. Each state has its own rules and requirements for these exams, so consider your preferences, domicile, language, and chances of success. You can apply for multiple states if you like, but be aware of the differences between them.
- Review the syllabus and past exam papers. Study the syllabus and past exam papers for the state you’ve chosen. This will help you understand what topics are covered, how difficult the questions are, and what’s typically asked in the exams. You can find this information on the state’s official website.
- Create a study plan and stick to it. Make a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Be sure to include time for revision, practice tests, and clearing up any doubts. Stick to your plan and avoid distractions or procrastination. Monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
- Study the legal texts and expert opinions: Focus on studying the primary legal texts (bare acts) and expert commentaries for the subjects in the syllabus. Reading the bare acts and expert interpretations will give you a strong foundation.
- Practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and writing answers: Solve as many MCQs as possible from various sources, and practice writing answers for descriptive questions like essays or case comments. Follow the guidelines for word limits and formats provided by the state you’re applying to.
- Stay updated with newspapers and magazines: Read newspapers and magazines daily to stay informed about current events and legal developments. Subscribe to national and regional newspapers and reputable magazines, and take notes on important news and opinions relevant to the judiciary exams.
- Join a test series or study group: Join a test series to assess your performance and get feedback. You can also form or join a study group with friends or peers who are preparing for the same exams. This way, you can discuss doubts, share tips, and motivate each other.
- Prepare for the interview: If the exam includes an interview, practice for it by being confident, polite, and honest in your answers. Be ready to discuss your background, academic achievements, hobbies, interests, current events, legal matters, and ethical considerations. Dress appropriately and maintain a positive demeanor.
Conclusion
Getting ready for judiciary exams while you’re still in law school might seem like a daunting task, but it’s definitely achievable. If you stick to the steps and advice I previously mentioned, you can move closer to making your dream of becoming a judge a reality. It’s important to recognize that success isn’t just about reaching a fixed destination; it’s a continuous journey. Embrace this journey, relish the learning process, and stay committed to your quest for excellence. Along the way, you’ll not only prepare for the exams but also grow as a legal professional, which is an invaluable part of your overall development.