law
Judge (Judicial Services)
Deliver justice from the bench.
Typical earnings: ₹8–15 LPA as judicial officer (govt pay scales)
What is this career?
Judges preside over courts, hear cases and deliver judgments — the most authoritative legal career, entered via state judicial service exams.
What does this professional do?
Conducts trials, evaluates evidence, interprets law and delivers binding judgments.
Who may enjoy this career?
Students with deep interest in law, strong ethics, patience, and the ability to make fair decisions under pressure.
What to do after Class 12
Any stream, then 5-year BA LLB (CLAT) or 3-year LLB. After LLB, appear for State Judicial Services exams (lower judiciary).
Course duration
5 years LLB + exam preparation (1–3 years typical)
Approximate fees
₹1,00,000–₹4,00,000 per year — verify per college
Further study
LLM (optional).
Subjects to consider after Class 10
- Any stream
Available courses
- BA LLB / LLB
- Then Judicial Services exam
Entrance examinations
College options
- Any recognised law college; NLUs preferred
Career opportunities
- Civil Judge / Judicial Magistrate
- Promotion to District & High Courts
- Tribunals
Alternative careers
LawyerPublic ProsecutorLaw Professor
Step-by-step roadmap
- 1LLB via CLAT or after graduation
- 2Intern in courts
- 3Judicial services exam prep
- 4Clear state judiciary exam
- 5Training at judicial academy
- 6Posting as Civil Judge