SC Reduces Practice Requirement for Judicial Service

On 21st August 2026, the Supreme Court reduced the required legal practice for law graduates appearing in entry-level judicial service examinations from three years to one year.

Key Points

Split Verdict: The decision was delivered by a 2:1 majority while dismissing the review petition.
Exemption Period: Candidates appearing for examinations notified between 25 May 2025 and 31 March 2027 remain eligible regardless of prior experience.
Trainee Judges: Selected candidates will initially be appointed as trainee judicial officers.
Judicial Training: Trainees must undergo one year of training at a judicial academy.
Clerkship: This will be followed by one year of structured clerkship.