Why India’s coaching institutes are eyeing the domain of judiciary exams

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in demand for judicial services in India, with law graduates increasingly opting for judicial exams as their pathway to a secure and prestigious career. Unlike the competitive and often stressful careers in corporate law or litigation, the judiciary offers job stability, financial security, and social respect — qualities that make it an appealing choice. This growing interest in judiciary careers has prompted coaching institutes to ramp up their offerings, as the market for judiciary exam preparation expands rapidly. Much like the coaching industry’s earlier focus on UPSC exams, the judicial services sector is now emerging as the next big opportunity for aspirants.
Judicial services: How popular are they?
The number of law graduates entering the workforce each year has been steadily increasing, and many are now turning to judicial exams as a viable alternative to the highly competitive field of corporate law. According to Bar and Bench, the number of applicants for judicial exams has grown exponentially in recent years, while the number of vacancies has often failed to keep pace. For instance, in Delhi, approximately 15,000 candidates competed for just 123 judicial posts in 2023, compared to 10,000 applicants for 50 vacancies in 2019. As more aspirants flood the competitive landscape, coaching centres are tapping into this growing demand with a variety of preparatory courses tailored for success in judicial services exams.

A career in judicial services: Triggers behind the rush
A key factor driving the surge in judicial aspirants is the increasing appeal of government jobs, especially in the judiciary. For many law graduates, the judiciary offers 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 provided by government employment — along with additional perks such as pensions, healthcare, and paid leaves — has made judicial services an increasingly sought-after option. Furthermore, the social prestige that comes with being a judge adds to the appeal of this profession.

Unlike other competitive exams, such as those for civil services or corporate law, judicial services exams offer a relatively predictable career trajectory. Aspirants often perceive the judiciary as a prestigious yet stable profession that provides long-term financial benefits. Given the growing interest in judicial services, coaching centres have begun to adjust their strategies and focus more on providing quality training for these exams.
Once appointed, judicial officers not only enjoy a steady income, job security, they also earn several other perks, including healthcare benefits and pension schemes. These advantages make judicial services a preferred career choice, especially for law graduates looking for a stable and respected profession. The growing number of aspirants vying for judicial positions each year reflects the increasing recognition of these benefits.
While competition remains fierce, the stability and rewards associated with a career in the judiciary make it a compelling option for many law graduates. With a growing number of coaching institutes offering specialised training for judicial exams, students are better equipped to face the competitive exams that lie ahead.
Pandemic-driven shift: Online and hybrid learning models
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning, which has proven to be particularly beneficial for judiciary exam aspirants. During the pandemic, coaching institutes across the country swiftly moved to online platforms, offering students greater flexibility and accessibility. This shift has allowed aspirants from small towns and rural areas, where in-person coaching centres are often scarce, to access quality coaching at an affordable price.
Institutes such as Physics Wallah and StudyIQ have capitalised on this growing demand by offering online courses for judicial exams. These platforms not only provide convenience and affordability but also allow students to study at their own pace. With courses that range from free introductory modules to comprehensive paid programmes, these institutes are catering to a wider audience than ever before. This has proven to be a game-changer for many students, particularly those who cannot afford the high fees of traditional in-person coaching.
Popular coaching institutes offering judicial exam preparation courses
To cater to the growing demand for judicial services coaching, several institutes across India have ramped up their offerings. These institutes provide a range of courses, from foundation-level coaching to intensive preparatory sessions designed for students aiming to clear the exam in a single attempt. Below are some of the popular institutes that have expanded their focus to 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: Judiciary Foundation, Prelims & Mains Test Series, Interview Preparation
Duration: 6-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
Fees: Rs 50,000 – Rs 1,00,000
Law Excellence (Bengaluru): Law Excellence is a well-established name in judicial exam coaching, particularly in South India. The institute offers coaching for both national and state judiciary exams, with a focus on delivering high-quality content and comprehensive preparation.
Courses Offered: Judiciary Exam Foundation, State Judiciary Exams Coaching
Duration: 6-9 months
Mode: Offline & Online
Fees: Rs 40,000 – Rs 75,000
Mahendras (Mumbai): Mahendras has expanded its services to include judicial exams preparation, offering both offline and online coaching for state and national judicial exams. The institute is well-known for its competitive environment and comprehensive course materials.
Courses Offered: Judiciary Prelims, Mains, and Interview Preparation
Duration: 6-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
Fees: Rs 45,000 – Rs 80,000
Vajiram & Ravi (Kolkata): Vajiram & Ravi, a leader in UPSC coaching, has also ventured into judiciary exam preparation, offering specialised courses for aspirants across East India. The institute provides in-depth study materials and extensive coaching for judiciary exams.
Courses Offered: Judiciary Prelims, Mains, and Interview Coaching
Duration: 9-12 months
Mode: Offline & Online
Fees: Rs 50,000 – Rs1,00,000

The judiciary has emerged as one of the most sought-after career options for law graduates, and coaching institutes across India have responded to this demand with a wide array of preparatory courses. With growing competition and the increasing appeal of government jobs, judicial services offer aspirants a unique opportunity for financial security, job stability, and social prestige. The ongoing expansion of coaching institutes into this sector is providing students with the necessary resources to excel in these highly competitive exams and secure a fulfilling career in the judiciary.
Popular Judicial Exams and Selection Process
Some of the most prominent judicial exams in India include:
• Civil Judge (Junior Division) Exam
• State Judicial Services (e.g., Delhi Judicial Services, UP Judicial Services, etc.)
• Higher Judicial Services (District Judge Exams)
The selection process typically involves three stages:
Preliminary Exam: Objective type questions, testing general knowledge, law, and language.
Mains Exam: Descriptive questions, including essays, law papers, and case studies.
Interview: A personality test, assessing suitability for judicial duties.