The Supreme Court has ruled that judicial service experience cannot replace law practice for appearing in judicial services exams. Aspirants must complete three years of law practice or internships before applying.
If you’re preparing for the Judicial Services Examination, here’s an important update from the Supreme Court of India that every law student and aspirant must know.
What Was the Issue?
A Madhya Pradesh judge had filed a petition before the Supreme Court. He wanted the court to allow serving judicial officers to count their judicial experience (years spent working as a judge) in place of the mandatory three years of law practice required to appear for the judicial services exam.
Supreme Court’s Previous Ruling
On May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court made a major decision:
- Fresh law graduates cannot directly apply for judicial service exams.
- Candidates must have at least three years of active law practice to be eligible.
- The court allowed three years of internship work to count toward this requirement.
- But it refused to recognize years of service as a judicial officer as an alternative.
What Happened in the Petition?
When the Madhya Pradesh judge requested a modification, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) firmly declined, remarking:
“What is wrong in Madhya Pradesh? … we will not modify this. This will open Pandora’s box.”
The court believed that allowing judicial officers’ experience would create loopholes and inconsistencies in the recruitment process across states.
Why Is This Important for Students?
This ruling sends a clear message to aspirants:
👉 Practical law practice is valued more than judicial service experience when it comes to eligibility.
The Supreme Court wants future judges to have real-world exposure in courts—arguing cases, handling clients, and understanding legal procedures—before they step into judicial roles.
What Should Aspirants Do Now?
- Law graduates should plan to gain three years of active practice before applying.
- Internships are helpful and can count, but judicial service roles won’t.
- Use this period to develop advocacy, drafting, and courtroom skills.
✅ Key Takeaways for Students
- Fresh graduates cannot directly sit for judicial service exams.
- 3 years of law practice is compulsory for eligibility.
- Internship work (up to 3 years) counts towards this requirement.
- Judicial service experience does not count as law practice.
- The Supreme Court wants judges with courtroom exposure, not just administrative service.
Also Read: From Courtroom to Bench: SC Mandates Practice Period for Civil Judges
