How to become a lawyer or judge
5-year and 3-year LLB, CLAT, Bar Council enrolment, AIBE, and how to become a judge through judicial service exams.
Routes to a law degree
- After 12th: 5-year integrated LLB (BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB) through CLAT (National Law Universities), AILET (NLU Delhi), and university or state law entrance tests.
- After graduation: 3-year LLB through university entrance tests (such as DU LLB) or state law CETs.
To practise as an advocate
- Complete an LLB recognised by the Bar Council of India.
- Enrol with your State Bar Council.
- Pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to get your Certificate of Practice.
- Work under a senior advocate to learn practice.
Becoming a judge
- Civil Judge (Junior Division) – through the judicial service exam conducted by the state PSC or high court (prelims, mains, interview). A 2025 Supreme Court ruling requires three years of practice as an advocate before applying – check your state's current rules.
- District Judge – through higher judicial service (needs years of practice).
Other legal careers
Corporate law firms, in-house legal teams, legal officer posts in banks and PSUs (some recruit through CLAT PG), legal journalism, policy research, and teaching.
Still confused?Take the 2-minute career finder quiz, or check which government exams you are already eligible for.Career quizEligibility
Course fees, seats, exam patterns and salaries change over time and differ between institutions and states. Use this guide to plan, and confirm details on official websites before you decide.
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