There are six general advances you should pursue to end up a judge:

Stage 1: Attend Undergraduate School

Stage 2: Earn a Law Degree

Stage 3: Pass a Bar Exam

Stage 4: Work as an Attorney

Stage 5: Obtain a Judgeship

Stage 6: Complete Training

Hey Kartik.



In order to become a judge, yes, is compulsory to do a law degree. The basic minimum  requirement to become a judge is that you need to complete a Law degree from a college recognised by Bar Council of India. You can pursue law directly after completion of Class 12th with a 5 year integrated law course like BA LLB, BCOM LLB, BBA LLB etc. Or you can pursue a 3 year LLB degree after completing any bachelors degree like BA, BCOM, BBA etc. This will take you total 6 years.



You can become a judge directly after completion of your Law degree by attempting the Judicial Services Papers. Each state has its own Judiciary examinations. If you clear the exam and the interview you will be directly appointed to the Lower Judiciary as a Magistrate.

Process-

Judiciary  Exams are usually conducted in two successive stages like Judicial Service Preliminary Examination and Judicial Service Main Examination. The Preliminary Exam is conducted in order to shortlist the candidates for the Mains Exams. The score is prelim exams is not considered at a later stage while deciding the merit.

The Final merit list for selection of the judges is prepared on the basis of your total marks scored  oin the Main Exam and the Interview.

ELIGIBILITY-

The eligibility criteria for Judiciary exams varies from state to state.  Generally the aggregate marks required to qualify for the preliminary exam is around 60% for general category and around 55% for reserved categories. The minimum marks required in the Preliminary round to qualify for the Mains exam also varies each year for each of the state.

Syllabus-

The syllabus also differs from state to state, though the basic is mostly similar. The syllabus for the Prelims can include- The main subjects of Law, Current affairs of National as well as International knowledge, Indian Constitution,Analytical Skills and Aptitude.

The Syllabus for the Mains exam will include English and another Language as well along with Law subjects.

An interview is also conducted.

• Other than this if you practice in any court of Law for a minimum period of 7 years and are more than 35 years of age you can attempt the papers to become An Additional District and Session Judge directly skipping the Lower posts.
• To become a judge in the High court, or the Supreme court, you need a minimum practice of 10 years or holding a relevant judicial office for a minimum period of 10 years and expertise in an area of Law. You can't become a high court/ supreme court judge directly after law.

Best of luck