Supreme Court of India Judicial Law Clerk Recruitment 2026

The Supreme Court of India (SCI) has officially released the Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment Notification 2026 for engagement during the 2026–2027 term. This prestigious opportunity allows young law graduates to work closely with the Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court of India, gaining unparalleled exposure to constitutional law, judicial research, and court functioning.

The recruitment is governed by the “Scheme of Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates – January 2024 (as amended)” and aims to prepare a panel of approximately 90 candidates .

Key Highlights at a Glance

Important Dates: Judicial Clerkship 2026

20 Jan 2026 ── Online Applications Start
07 Feb 2026 ── Last Date to Apply
07 Mar 2026 ── Written Examination
08 Mar 2026 ── Answer Key Upload
09 Mar 2026 ── Objection Window Closes (11:59 PM)

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

A candidate must:

• Be a Law Graduate (3-Year or 5-Year Course) from a BCI-recognized institution, OR
• Be studying in:
  • 5th year of 5-Year Integrated Law Course, OR
  • 3rd year of 3-Year LL.B. Course
    (Subject to acquiring degree before joining)

Skill Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• Excellent legal writing ability
• Proficiency in legal databases such as:
  • SCC Online
  • Manupatra
  • LexisNexis
  • Westlaw
  • e-SCR

Age Limit (as on 07 February 2026)

Nature of Engagement (Very Important)

• Full-time contractual assignment
• No right to permanent appointment
• Law Clerks:
• • Cannot practice as Advocates
  • Cannot accept any other professional assignment
• Services may be terminated with notice by the Registry

Selection Process (3-Stage Examination)

Phase-Wise Selection Structure

Part I  →  Objective Test (MCQs)
Part II →  Descriptive Written Test
Part III→  Interview

Detailed Examination Pattern

📌 Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

Test Centres Across India (23 Cities)

Some major centres include:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Patna
• Lucknow
• Guwahati
• Srinagar
  (List subject to change based on applications)

Application Fee

Answer Key & Objection Process

• Model Answer Key Release: 08 March 2026
• Objection Window: Till 09 March 2026
• Fee per Objection: ₹100
  (Refunded if objection is valid)

Objections are accepted only online.

Ratio-Based Shortlisting (Highly Competitive)

This ensures merit-based shortlisting in case of high number of qualifying candidates.

PwD Candidates & Scribe Facility

• Scribe facility available on production of:
  • Annexure-I or Annexure-IA
• Scribe:
  • Must NOT be a law graduate
  • Must be one level below candidate’s qualification
• Failure to produce documents → Candidature cancelled

Posting & Work Conditions

• Posting may be in:
  • Judges’ Chambers
  • Registry
  • Courts
  • Residential Offices of Hon’ble Judges
• Work may involve:
  • Odd hours
  • Holidays
• No TA/DA for examination

Legal Jurisdiction

📍 Any dispute related to recruitment falls under Delhi jurisdiction.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Working as a Law Clerk at the Supreme Court of India offers:

• Direct exposure to constitutional adjudication
• Skill development in judgment writing & legal research
• Career boost for:
• • Judicial services aspirants
  • Academic researchers
  • Future litigators

Official Links

• 🔗 Supreme Court of India: https://www.sci.gov.in
• 🔗 Law Clerk Recruitment Portal: https://www.sci.gov.in/judicial-clerkship/