Supreme Court Law Clerk Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 90 Posts
Important Dates
Notification Release Date: 20 January 2026
Online Application Start Date: 20 January 2026
Last Date for Online Application: 7 February 2026
Written Exam Part I (MCQ) Date: 7 March 2026
Answer Key Release Date: 8 March 2026
Last Date for Objections: 9 March 2026
Part II (Subjective) Exam: To be notified later
Personal Interview: To be notified later
Application Fee
Application Fee: No Fee
Age Limit
Minimum Age: 20 years
Maximum Age: 32 years
Age as on: 7th February 2026
Age Relaxation: Applicable as per Government rules for reserved categories
Qualification
Essential Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B. or integrated law degree) from an institution recognized by the Bar Council of India
For Final Year Students: Students in the 5th year of Five-Year Integrated Law Course or 3rd year of Three-Year LL.B. Course may also apply
Condition: Must produce proof of law degree completion before joining
Complete Job Details
Supreme Court of India Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026
The Supreme Court of India has announced a prestigious recruitment opportunity for law graduates across the nation through Advertisement No. F.21(LC)/2026-SC(RC). This recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 90 vacancies for the position of Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate for the term 2026-2027. This is an exceptional opportunity for fresh law graduates and final-year law students to work directly with the highest judicial authority in India and gain invaluable experience in legal research, case analysis, and judicial proceedings.
About the Position
Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates play a crucial role in assisting the Hon'ble Judges of the Supreme Court by conducting comprehensive legal research, preparing case summaries, analyzing legal precedents, and drafting judicial opinions. Selected candidates will work in a dynamic legal environment, handling matters of constitutional importance and gaining exposure to landmark cases that shape Indian jurisprudence. The position offers a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000, making it one of the most lucrative opportunities for young legal professionals in the country.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment
This contractual assignment is valid for one year (2026-2027 term) with possibilities of extension based on performance and organizational requirements. The selected Law Clerks will be stationed at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi and will work under the direct supervision of the Hon'ble Judges. The role demands exceptional analytical skills, comprehensive understanding of Indian constitutional law, statutory interpretation abilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Candidates will be expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and dedication to judicial work.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Law, including integrated law degree courses such as B.A. LL.B., B.Com. LL.B., or B.Sc. LL.B., from any institution recognized by the Bar Council of India. The qualification must be from a School, College, University, or Institution established by law in India. An important provision allows students currently enrolled in the fifth year of a Five-Year Integrated Law Course or the third year of a Three-Year LL.B. Course to apply, provided they furnish proof of completing their law degree before joining the assignment.
Age Criteria
Applicants must be between 20 and 32 years of age as on 7th February 2026. The minimum age requirement ensures that candidates have attained sufficient maturity and legal understanding, while the upper age limit is designed to attract fresh talent with contemporary legal perspectives. Age relaxations may be applicable as per Supreme Court rules and Government of India norms for reserved categories.
Selection Methodology
The Supreme Court has designed a rigorous three-phase selection process to identify the most suitable candidates:
Phase I - Multiple Choice Based Questions (Online Mode): This preliminary screening test will assess candidates' ability to understand and apply legal principles, comprehension skills, and basic knowledge of Indian constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, and procedural laws. The test will be conducted online on 7th March 2026. Candidates must secure a minimum of 60% marks to qualify for the next phase. Each incorrect answer will attract negative marking of 0.25 marks. The model answer key will be published on 8th March 2026, and candidates can raise objections until 9th March 2026.
Phase II - Subjective Written Test: Candidates qualifying Phase I will be required to appear for a comprehensive subjective examination designed to evaluate their writing skills, analytical abilities, and depth of legal knowledge. This phase will test the candidate's capacity to draft legal opinions, analyze complex legal issues, and present arguments in a structured and persuasive manner. Questions will cover various aspects of law including constitutional law, case analysis, statutory interpretation, and current legal developments.
Phase III - Personal Interview: The final phase involves a personal interview conducted by a selection committee. The interview will assess the candidate's personality, communication skills, clarity of thought, subject knowledge, and overall suitability for working in the Supreme Court environment. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to handle pressure, think analytically, and demonstrate a genuine passion for legal research and judicial work.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply exclusively through the online mode on the official Supreme Court website at www.sci.gov.in. The online application portal is active from 20th January 2026 and will remain accessible until 7th February 2026. Candidates should carefully fill in all required details, upload necessary documents including educational certificates, identity proof, and recent photographs as per specifications mentioned in the official notification. After successful submission, candidates must take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Important Documents Required
Applicants must keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the online application: (1) Latest passport-size photograph, (2) Signature image, (3) Educational certificates and mark sheets, (4) Date of birth proof, (5) Category certificate (if applicable), (6) Identity proof (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID), and (7) Proof of law degree or provisional certificate for final-year students.
Application Fee Details
There is no application fee for applying to this prestigious position, making it accessible to all eligible law graduates regardless of their economic background. This is in line with the Supreme Court's commitment to providing equal opportunities to all meritorious candidates.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a consolidated remuneration of ₹1,00,000 per month for the duration of the contractual assignment. This remuneration is significantly higher than many entry-level legal positions and reflects the prestigious nature of the assignment. Additionally, Law Clerks gain invaluable professional experience, networking opportunities with senior legal professionals, and an impressive credential that significantly enhances career prospects in litigation, judiciary, corporate law, or academia.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Working as a Law Clerk at the Supreme Court is considered one of the most prestigious accomplishments for young lawyers. The experience gained provides a strong foundation for careers in litigation before higher courts, judicial services, legal academia, corporate legal departments, and policymaking roles. Many former Law Clerks have gone on to become successful advocates, judges, legal consultants, and professors at premier law schools.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026 represents an unparalleled opportunity for law graduates to serve at the apex judicial institution of India. Candidates interested in this position should prepare thoroughly for the competitive selection process, stay updated with current legal developments, and apply before the deadline. For detailed information, official notifications, and application guidelines, visit the official Supreme Court website at www.sci.gov.in.
Vacancy Details
| Organization Name | Supreme Court of India |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 90 Posts |
| Advertisement Number | F.21(LC)/2026-SC(RC) |
| Contractual Period | One Year (2026-2027 Term) |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹1,00,000/- (Consolidated) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B./Integrated Law Degree) |
| Age Limit | 20 to 32 years (as on 07-02-2026) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Start Date | 20 January 2026 |
| Application End Date | 07 February 2026 |
| Written Exam Part I Date | 07 March 2026 (Online Mode) |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Selection Process | MCQ Test + Subjective Test + Interview |
| Work Location | Supreme Court of India, New Delhi |
| Official Website | www.sci.gov.in |
Apply Online & Download Links
Important Instructions
- Read the official notification carefully before applying
- Check eligibility criteria including age limit and qualification
- Keep all required documents ready before filling the form
- Apply online before the last date to avoid last-minute rush
- Take a printout of the filled application form for future reference
- For any queries, contact the official helpline mentioned in notification