Supreme Court of India Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026

Supreme Court of India Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026:
Complete Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary & Apply Online Guide

The Supreme Court of India, through its Recruitment Cell, has officially released the Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment Notification 2026. This recruitment is conducted to prepare a panel of approximately 90 candidates for engagement as Law Clerks-cum-Research Associates for the assignment term 2026–2027.

This is one of the most prestigious legal opportunities in India for law graduates and final-year law students who aspire to work closely with Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The assignment offers unmatched exposure to constitutional law, judicial research, drafting, and court functioning at the highest judicial level of the country.

The engagement is purely contractual, full-time in nature, and carries a consolidated remuneration of ₹1,00,000 per month.

1. Overview of the Recruitment

2. Nature of Engagement

It is clearly mentioned in the notification that the engagement as a Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate:

• Is purely contractual
• Is a full-time assignment
• Does not confer any right to regular appointment in the Supreme Court of India
• Can be terminated by the Registry at any time as per the prescribed notice
• Prohibits the Law Clerk from:
  • Practising as an Advocate in any court
  • Accepting any other assignment during the term

This role is designed exclusively for academic, research, and judicial assistance purposes.

3. Essential Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for this recruitment, a candidate must fulfill one of the following conditions:

3.1 Law Graduates

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Law
• Degree can be:
  • 3-year LL.B. course
  • 5-year Integrated Law course
• The degree must be from a recognized institution approved by the Bar Council of India

3.2 Final-Year Law Students

Candidates who are:

• Studying in the 5th year of a 5-year integrated law course, OR
• Studying in the 3rd year of a 3-year law course

are also eligible to apply, provided that they furnish proof of acquiring the law degree before taking up the assignment.

4. Skills & Competencies Required

Apart from educational qualifications, candidates must possess:

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• Good legal drafting and writing ability
• Sound knowledge of computers
• Ability to retrieve legal information from online databases such as:
  • e-SCR
  • SCC Online
  • Manupatra
  • LexisNexis
  • Westlaw

These skills are essential, as Law Clerks are expected to assist judges in research-intensive judicial work.

5. Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 20 years
• Maximum Age: 32 years

The age is calculated as on 07 February 2026.

Candidates falling outside this age range are not eligible to apply.

6. Selection Process (Three-Phase Process)

The selection process consists of three distinct phases:

Phase I – Multiple Choice Based Test (MCQ)

• Objective-type questions
• Tests:
  • Understanding and application of law
  • Legal reasoning
  • Comprehension skills
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer

Phase II – Subjective Written Test

• Tests:
  • Legal writing skills
  • Analytical ability
  • Structured legal answers
• Question paper is displayed on the computer screen
• Answers must be written in pen-paper mode

Phase III – Interview

• Candidates qualifying both written tests are called for interview
• Interview assesses:
  • Legal aptitude
  • Research capability
  • Communication skills
  • Suitability for judicial research work

7. Ratio for Evaluation & Interview

If a large number of candidates qualify:

• Evaluation of Part-II answer sheets will be done in 1:10 ratio against tentative vacancies
• Interview calls will be issued in 1:3 ratio against the number of vacancies

This ensures a highly competitive and merit-based selection.

8. Examination Centres

The written tests will be conducted in 23 cities across India, including:

Ahmedabad, Ambala, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Dehradun, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam.

Both Part-I and Part-II tests will be held on the same day in two sessions, with a break in between.

9. Important Dates

10. Answer Key & Objection Process

• Model answer keys for Part-I (MCQ) will be uploaded on the website
• Candidates can submit objections online
• Fee per objection: ₹100
• Fee is refundable if objection is found valid
• Objections through email or post are not accepted

11. Application Fee

• Fee is non-refundable
• Payment must be made online only
• Fee is paid through UCO Bank Payment Gateway

12. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official Supreme Court website
2. Go to the Law Clerk Recruitment section
3. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number
4. Fill the online application form carefully
5. Upload:
   • Recent photograph
   • Signature
6. Pay the application fee online
7. Submit the form and note the Application Number
8. Download and print the application for future reference

Only the last submitted application will be considered if multiple applications are submitted.

13. Scribe Facility for PwD Candidates

• PwD candidates can avail scribe and compensatory time
• Medical certificate in prescribed format is mandatory
• Scribe must:
  • Not be a law graduate
  • Have qualification lower than the candidate
• Failure to produce documents will lead to cancellation of candidature

14. Duties & Work Profile of a Law Clerk

A Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate typically assists in:

• Legal research on constitutional, civil, criminal, and commercial matters
• Preparing case summaries and briefs
• Drafting research notes for Hon’ble Judges
• Studying precedents and comparative jurisprudence
• Assisting during court hearings and conferences

The work may require long hours, holidays, and urgent assignments, depending on judicial requirements.

15. Why This Opportunity Is Highly Valuable

• Work directly with Supreme Court Judges
• Exposure to constitutional law at the highest level
• Strengthens profile for:
  • Judicial services
  • Academia
  • Senior litigation
  • International law opportunities
• Highly respected credential in the legal field

16. Official Notification & Apply Online Links

The Supreme Court of India Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to gain unparalleled judicial exposure. With a high stipend, national prestige, and deep learning experience, this assignment acts as a powerful foundation for a successful legal career.

Eligible candidates are strongly advised to apply before 07 February 2026 and prepare thoroughly for both objective and subjective legal examinations.

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