In recent years, there has been a significant rise in judicial services in India, with law graduates increasingly opting for the judicial examination as a path to a secure and prestigious career. Unlike the competitive and often stressful careers in corporate law or litigation, litigation offers job stability, financial security, and social respect – qualities that make it an attractive choice. The growing interest in judicial careers has led coaching institutes to increase their offerings, as the judicial exam preparation market is growing rapidly. Just like the earlier focus of the coaching industry on the UPSC exam, the judicial services sector is now emerging as the next big opportunity for aspirants.
Judicial services: How popular?
The number of law graduates entering the workforce continues to increase each year, and many are now taking the bar exam as a viable alternative to the competitive field of corporate law. According to the Bar and Bench, the number of applicants for the judicial examination has increased in recent years, while the number of vacancies has often failed. For example, in Delhi, an estimated 15,000 candidates are vying for just 123 judicial posts in 2023, compared to 10,000 applicants for 50 vacancies in 2019. As more candidates flood the competitive landscape, coaching centers are tapping into this growing demand with various -various preparatory courses. tailored for success in judicial service examinations.
Career in the judicial service: Trigger behind the rush
The main factor behind the surge in judicial aspirants is the increasing number of appeals for government jobs, especially in the judiciary. For many law graduates, the courts offer an alternative to the high-pressure world of corporate law, with the promise of a stable work-life balance and attractive benefits. The job security afforded by the government workforce — along with fringe benefits such as pensions, health, and paid leaves — has made judicial service an increasingly popular option. Furthermore, the social prestige of being a judge adds to the attractiveness of this profession.
Unlike other competitive exams, such as those for the civil service or corporate law, the judicial service exam offers a predictable career trajectory. Aspirants often consider the judiciary as a prestigious but stable profession that offers long-term financial benefits. Due to the growing interest in judicial services, coaching centers have started to adjust their strategies and focus more on providing quality training for the exam.
Once appointed, judicial officers not only get a steady income, job security, but also several other benefits, including health benefits and pension schemes. These advantages make court service a preferred career option, especially for law graduates looking for a stable and respected profession. The increasing number of candidates vying for judicial positions each year reflects increasing recognition of these benefits.
While competition remains fierce, the stability and rewards associated with a career in the courts make it an attractive option for many law graduates. With many coaching institutes offering specialized coaching for judicial exams, students are better prepared to face the upcoming competitive exams.
Pandemic-driven shift: online and hybrid learning models
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, which has proven to be very beneficial for judicial exam candidates. During the pandemic, coaching institutes across the country are rapidly moving to online platforms, offering flexibility and accessibility to students. This shift allows candidates from small towns and rural areas, where private coaching centers are often scarce, to access quality coaching at an affordable price.
Institutions such as Fisika Wallah and StudyIQ have benefited from this growing demand by offering online courses for court exams. The platform not only provides convenience and affordability but also allows students to learn quickly. With courses ranging from free introductory modules to comprehensive paid programs, the institute caters to a wider audience than ever before. This has proven to be a game-changer for many students, especially those who cannot afford traditional coaching fees.
A popular coaching institute that offers judicial exam preparation courses
To meet the growing demand for judicial service training, several institutions in India have increased their offerings. The institute provides a variety of courses, from basic level coaching to intensive preparation sessions designed for students with the aim of clearing the exam in one attempt. Below are some popular institutes that have expanded their focus on judicial exam coaching:
Drishti IAS (Delhi): Drishti IAS is one of the leading coaching institutes for judicial exam preparation in Delhi, offering both offline and online courses. The institute provides detailed coaching for various state-level judicial exams and is known for its structured approach to exam preparation.
Courses Offered: Judicial Foundation, Prelims & Mains Test Series, Interview Preparation
Duration: 6-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
fee: Rs 50,000 – Rs 1,00,000
Law Excellence (Bengaluru): Law Excellence is an established name in judicial examination coaching, especially in South India. The institute offers coaching for national and state judicial exams, with a focus on delivering high-quality content and thorough preparation.
Courses Offered: Judicial Examination Foundation, State Judicial Examination Training
Duration: 6-9 months
Mode: Offline & Online
fee: Rs 40,000 – Rs 75,000
Mahendras (Mumbai): Mahendras has expanded its services to include judicial exam preparation, offering offline and online training for state and national judicial exams. The institute is well known for its competitive environment and comprehensive course material.
Courses Offered: Judiciary Prelims, Mains, and Interview Preparation
Duration: 6-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
fee: Rs 45,000 – Rs 80,000
Vajiram & Ravi (Kolkata): Vajiram & Ravi, a leading UPSC trainer, has also ventured into judicial exam preparation, offering special courses for candidates in Eastern India. The institute provides in-depth study material and extensive training for judicial exams.
Courses Offered: Preliminaries, Mains, and Judicial Interview Training
Duration: 9-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
fee: Rs 50,000 – Rs1,00,000
Judiciary has emerged as one of the most sought-after career options for law graduates, and coaching institutes in India have responded to this demand with various preparatory courses. With increasing competition and an increasing number of appeals in government jobs, the court service offers a unique opportunity for financial security, job stability, and social prestige. The continuous expansion of coaching institutes into this sector provides the necessary resources to students to excel in competitive examinations and secure a career in the judiciary.
Popular Judicial Examination and Selection Process
Some of the most popular court exams in India include:
• Civil Judge Exam (Junior Division).
• State Judicial Service (eg, Delhi Judicial Service, UP Judicial Service, etc.)
• Higher Judicial Service (District Judge Examination)
The selection process usually consists of three stages:
Preliminary Examination: Objective type questions, testing general knowledge, law, and language.
Main Exam: Descriptive questions, including essays, legal papers, and case studies.
Interview: Personality tests, assessing suitability for judicial duties.
