1. Introduction

Every law student in India, at some point, imagines what it would be like to work inside the Supreme Court of India-not as a visitor, but as someone directly assisting a sitting Hon’ble Judge. The SCI Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate role is one of the very few entry-level opportunities that make this possible.

This is not a routine government job. It is intense, intellectually demanding, and short-term. But for the right candidate, it can fundamentally reshape career direction-whether towards litigation, judiciary, academia, or policy work.

This opportunity primarily benefits:

  • High-performing law students who enjoy research and writing
  • Aspirants aiming for judiciary or Supreme Court litigation
  • Candidates seeking exposure rather than long-term job security

If your primary goal is stability, predictable hours, or long-term government service, this role may not align with your expectations.

2. Key Details Table (Verified)

ParticularDetails
Recruiting AuthoritySupreme Court of India
Post NameLaw Clerk-cum-Research Associate
Advertisement No.F.21(LC)/2026-SC(RC)
Total VacanciesApproximately 90
Job LocationNew Delhi
Salary₹1,00,000 per month (consolidated)
Nature of EngagementContractual (2026-2027)
Application ModeOnline
Exam Date2026-03-07

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - What It Really Means

Educational Qualification (Decoded)

Eligible candidates include:

  • Law graduates (3-year or 5-year course) from BCI-recognised institutions
  • Final-year students (3rd year of 3-year course or 5th year of 5-year course)

What matters in practice:
Merely holding a law degree is not enough. Selected candidates usually demonstrate:

  • Strong command over constitutional law, civil and criminal procedure
  • Ability to read judgments critically and summarise them accurately
  • Prior experience with legal research databases (SCC Online, Manupatra, etc.)

Students who struggled consistently with reading judgments or writing structured answers should reflect honestly before applying.

Age Limit

  • Minimum: 20 years
  • Maximum: 32 years (as on 2026-02-07)

Professional Restrictions

During the assignment:

  • You cannot practice as an advocate
  • You cannot take up any other job or assignment

This restriction is non-negotiable and often overlooked by candidates who are already enrolled with a Bar Council.

4. How to Apply - Guided Walkthrough

  1. Read the notification fully before starting the form. Many candidates rush and make avoidable mistakes.
  2. Visit the official SCI application portal using the apply link above.
  3. Complete registration with accurate personal and academic details.
  4. Upload photograph and signature strictly as per size and format instructions.
  5. Pay the application fee (₹750 + bank charges).
  6. Submit the form and save the application number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Uploading unclear or old photographs
  • Entering mismatched dates between certificates and application form
  • Assuming “final year” means results can be submitted later without proof
  • Forgetting to download or print the final application page

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook (Reality Check)

Salary

  • ₹1,00,000 per month (fixed, consolidated)
  • No DA, HRA, or pension benefits

Career Value (More Important Than Salary)

Former law clerks often go on to:

  • Clear judicial services examinations
  • Join top litigation chambers
  • Secure LLM admissions abroad
  • Work in policy think tanks or constitutional law firms

The real value lies in:

  • Daily exposure to constitutional interpretation
  • Understanding how judgments are researched and drafted
  • Direct mentorship under Supreme Court judges

This role is a career accelerator, not a permanent destination.

6. Preparation Plan & Study Strategy

Understanding the Selection Process

  • Phase I: Objective test (MCQs, with negative marking)
  • Phase II: Subjective written test (same day)
  • Phase III: Interview

8-Week Focused Preparation Plan

Daily (4-5 hours recommended):

  • 1.5 hours: Constitutional law (recent judgments)
  • 1 hour: Civil & Criminal Procedure basics
  • 1 hour: Legal writing practice (case notes, issue-argument-conclusion format)
  • 30 minutes: Reading editorials or legal blogs

Resources (Indicative, Not Exhaustive)

  • Bare Acts (Constitution, CPC, CrPC)
  • Supreme Court judgments from last 2-3 years
  • SCC Online / Manupatra practice
  • Previous years’ law clerk question trends (if available)

Avoid overloading yourself with too many books. Depth matters more than breadth here.

7. Pros & Cons (Honest Assessment)

Pros

  • Unmatched exposure to Supreme Court functioning
  • Strong credential for future legal careers
  • High monthly remuneration for fresh law graduates

Cons

  • Extremely competitive selection process
  • Long working hours and high expectations
  • No job security beyond the contract period
  • Cannot practice or earn separately during the term

This role rewards resilience and intellectual discipline-not those seeking comfort.

8. Applicant Checklist

Before applying, ensure you have:

  • Law degree or valid final-year proof
  • Clear scanned photo and signature
  • Familiarity with legal research platforms
  • Willingness to relocate to Delhi
  • Availability for full-time engagement without parallel work

Double-check eligibility and deadlines. The system does not allow corrections later.

9. Conclusion

The SCI Law Clerk Recruitment 2026 is not for everyone, and that is precisely why it holds such value. If you are genuinely interested in law as a discipline-not just as a degree-this experience can be transformative.

Apply with clarity, prepare with seriousness, and treat this opportunity as a learning investment rather than a mere job application.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is this a permanent government job?
No. It is a contractual assignment for one term only.

Q2. Can I practice as an advocate after office hours?
No. Practice is strictly prohibited during the assignment.

Q3. Are average students selected?
Selection favours candidates with strong conceptual clarity, writing skills, and discipline. Academic excellence helps, but preparation matters more.

Q4. Is coaching necessary?
Not mandatory. Structured self-study with judgment reading and writing practice is usually sufficient.

Q5. What if some details are unclear?
Always rely on the official notification and SCI website. When in doubt, do not assume-verify.