Supreme Court Law Clerk (2026) Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for the Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate position at the Supreme Court of India, candidates must satisfy the following academic and professional requirements:

• Core Degree: The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) from an institution or university recognized by the Bar Council of India.
• Integrated Courses: Candidates who are in the fifth year of a five-year integrated law course or the third year of a three-year law course post-graduation are eligible to apply. However, they must demonstrate proof of completing their degree before the commencement of the assignment.
• Research Skills: Proficiency in modern legal research methodologies is mandatory. This includes the ability to perform complex research on digital platforms such as LexisNexis, Manupatra, SCC Online, Westlaw, and e-SCR.
• Core Competencies: Applicants must possess strong analytical, writing, and research capabilities, as these are critical for fulfilling the duties associated with the role.

The Supreme Court of India has defined a specific age bracket to ensure the recruitment of young and agile legal professionals capable of managing the intense workload of the Supreme Court. The age criteria are as follows:

• Minimum Age: 20 Years
• Maximum Age: 32 Years
• Crucial Date for Calculation: The candidate’s age will be calculated as of February 7, 2026.

Candidates failing to fall within this age range as of the specified date will be ineligible for the selection process. It is essential for applicants to have valid proof of age, such as a birth certificate or secondary school leaving certificate, ready for verification during the document verification stage.

The selection process for the Supreme Court Law Clerk is structured to ensure that only the most qualified candidates, demonstrating both depth of legal knowledge and practical efficiency, are engaged. The process is divided into three comprehensive stages:

• Written Examination (Part I - MCQs): This is an online, objective-based examination. It tests the candidate's core legal understanding, comprehension, and procedural knowledge. Candidates also have the right to challenge the questions provided they pay the requisite fee, which is refundable if the challenge is successful.
• Written Examination (Part II - Subjective): This is a pen-and-paper test focusing on subjective questions. This stage requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to articulate legal concepts, write cohesive arguments, and present information clearly. The questions for this section are provided on the computer, but responses are written on paper.
• Interview (Part III): This is the final stage, evaluating the candidate's personality, communication skills, and overall aptitude for the research role. It focuses on the candidate's ability to engage with high-level legal issues in a professional capacity.

The information provided in the official documentation for the current recruitment cycle does not specify a list of age relaxation categories. All candidates are required to adhere to the standard age bracket of 20 to 32 years as of February 7, 2026. Applicants should ensure they meet this requirement precisely to avoid any disqualification at the initial screening stage.