How to Become Supreme Court Lawyer in India? 2025

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how to become supreme court lawyer in India
how to become supreme court lawyer in India
how to become supreme court lawyer in India

By Arjun Mehra, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

Arjun Mehra is an Advocate on Record (AOR) practicing in the Supreme Court of India, the apex judicial body of our nation.

Standing in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court, arguing cases that shape India’s legal landscape, is both a privilege and a responsibility.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely an aspiring lawyer with dreams of practicing in this prestigious court by 2025.

Let me share his journey—from a law student in Delhi to a Supreme Court lawyer—and guide you through the steps, challenges, and strategies to achieve this goal.

It’s a demanding path, but with dedication, it’s within your reach.

The Dream Takes Root: Choosing Law

Arjun Mehra journey began in 2013, when he was a 17-year-old in Class 12, fascinated by courtroom dramas and landmark judgments like the Kesavananda Bharati case.

He knew he  wanted to be a lawyer, not just anywhere, but in the Supreme Court, where the Constitution is interpreted, and justice sets precedents. The first step was clear: He needed a law degree.

To become a Supreme Court lawyer by 2025, start with your education. After Class 12, you’ll need at least 45% aggregate marks to qualify for most law colleges in India.

Arjun Mehra opted for a five-year integrated BA LLB program at a National Law University, clearing the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in 2014.

You could also pursue a three-year LLB after a bachelor’s degree in any stream—science, commerce, or arts.

Choose a college recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI). By 2025, CLAT and other entrance exams like AILET remain the gateways, with digital test formats possibly making preparation more accessible.

Study subjects like constitutional law, political science, and history to build a strong foundation.

Becoming an Advocate: The Bar Council and AIBE

After graduating in 2019, Arjun Mehra faced the next milestone: becoming a practicing advocate.

The Indian Advocates Act, 1961, mandates registration with the Bar Council of India (BCI) or a State Bar Council to practice law.

He enrolled with the Delhi Bar Council, submitting my LLB degree and paying a nominal fee. This step is crucial—you can’t practice in any court, let alone the Supreme Court, without it.

Then came the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), a mandatory test for all law graduates to practice in Indian courts. The AIBE, a 100-mark, 3.5-hour exam with 100 objective questions and no negative marking, tests your knowledge of legal principles, from constitutional law to criminal procedure.

I prepared using BCI study materials and past papers, passing AIBE XIII in 2020. By 2025, AIBE remains a prerequisite, possibly with online testing options. Clear it early to start gaining court experience. 

The First Steps in Litigation: Building Experience

The Supreme Court isn’t a place for beginners. To practice there, you need experience, and I started at the grassroots.

After AIBE, Arjun Mehra joined a law firm in Delhi, working under a senior advocate in the Delhi High Court.

For two years, He handled cases in district courts—property disputes, criminal trials, consumer cases. It was humbling;

Arjun Mehra drafted pleadings, researched precedents, and observed courtroom etiquette. This groundwork is vital.

By 2025, aim to practice in subordinate courts (district or high courts) for at least five years to build expertise.

Specialize in areas like constitutional law, criminal law, or corporate law to stand out. Arjun Mehra focused on constitutional matters, which aligned with Supreme Court practice. Internships during college helped me network with advocates,.

Join legal forums, attend seminars, and volunteer for pro bono cases to learn the ropes. The Supreme Court values seasoned advocates, so don’t rush—master the craft first.

Entering the Supreme Court: Junior Assistant Role

In 2022, Arjun Mehra took a pivotal step: He became a junior assistant to a senior Supreme Court advocate.

This role was his entry into the apex court’s ecosystem. I worked in the Supreme Court’s lawyer chambers, drafting petitions, researching landmark cases like Golak Nath, and attending hearings.

The senior advocate mentored him, teaching him the court’s unique procedures—filing protocols, arguing before justices, and handling high-stakes cases.

For 2025 aspirants, becoming a junior to a Supreme Court advocate is the easiest way to break in. Reach out to advocates through your network or the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).

You’ll learn to navigate the court’s registry, understand vakalatnama filings, and absorb the apex court’s culture.

This phase also builds connections—my senior’s recommendations later helped Arjun Mehra secure opportunities. Expect long hours and intense work, but it’s a masterclass in advocacy. By 2025, digital case management tools, like the Supreme Court’s e-filing systems, might streamline tasks, but personal mentorship remains irreplaceable.

The Advocate on Record (AOR) Exam: The Gateway

To practice independently in the Supreme Court, you must become an Advocate on Record (AOR). This was his biggest hurdle.

The AOR exam, conducted by the Supreme Court under the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, tests your readiness to handle cases in the apex court.

Eligibility requires five years of practice (including two years as an apprentice) and one year of training under an AOR.

I met these criteria by 2024, having practiced in the Delhi High Court and trained under my senior.

The AOR exam consists of four papers, each 100 marks, conducted over four days:

  • Practice and Procedure of the Supreme Court: Tests knowledge of court rules, filing processes, and jurisdiction (e.g., Article 136 for Special Leave Petitions).
  • Drafting: Involves drafting petitions, affidavits, and vakalatnamas as per Supreme Court formats.
  • Professional Ethics: Covers the Advocates Act, 1961, and BCI rules.
  • Leading Cases: Requires analyzing landmark judgments like Kesavananda Bharati or ADM Jabalpur.

Arjun Mehra prepared for six months, studying Supreme Court Rules, BCI guidelines, and past question papers. The exam, held offline in June 2024, was grueling—three hours per paper, with a minimum of 50% per subject and 60% aggregate to pass. Arjun Mehra cleared it on my first attempt. By 2025, the exam may shift to online mode, and applications open around March. Register via the Supreme Court website, submit your enrollment certificate, and pay ₹250.

Becoming an AOR: Final Steps

After passing the AOR exam, Arjun Mehra registered as an AOR with the Supreme Court Bar Association in July 2024.

I set up an office within 16 kilometers of the court (a requirement) in Delhi’s Lawyers Chambers and hired a registered clerk to assist with filings.

As an AOR,Arjun Mehra could now file vakalatnamas, represent clients directly, and plead cases (unless instructed by another AOR).

This status is unique—only AORs can file cases in the Supreme Court, making them indispensable.

By 2025, ensure you meet these logistical requirements post-exam. The SCBA may use digital platforms for registration, but the clerk and office rules will likely persist.

Budget for chamber costs—Delhi’s legal hubs are expensive. Once registered, you’re a Supreme Court lawyer, ready to practice in India’s highest court.

Life as a Supreme Court Lawyer: Challenges and Rewards

Now, in 2025, Arjun Mehra handles cases ranging from constitutional challenges to criminal appeals.

His first solo case was a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on environmental rights, argued before a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.

The adrenaline of presenting before justices, citing Article 21, was unmatched. But the job isn’t glamorous—expect 12-hour days, tight deadlines, and constant learning.

Financially, it’s rewarding. Arjun Mehra charges ₹50,000–80,000 per hearing, though senior advocates earn ₹5–25 lakh.

Emotionally, it’s fulfilling—shaping justice feels like a calling. Yet, challenges persist: managing workloads, staying updated with judgments (e.g., 2025’s Waqf Amendment Act cases), and balancing life.

By 2025, tools like the Supreme Court’s “Landmark Judgment Summaries” webpage can help you stay current.

Roadmap for you to become supreme court lawyer in 2025

  • Education: Secure a BCI-recognized LLB (5-year or 3-year). Excel in CLAT or equivalent exams.
  • AIBE: Pass the AIBE within a year of graduating. Use online resources for prep.
  • Experience: Practice in district or high courts for 5+ years. Specialize in a niche.
  • Junior Role: Work under a Supreme Court advocate for 1–2 years to learn court procedures.
  • AOR Exam: Train under an AOR, study the syllabus (Supreme Court Rules, leading cases), and clear the exam.
  • Registration: Set up an office, hire a clerk, and join the SCBA as an AOR.
  • Skills: Hone legal research, drafting, and oratory skills. Join legal tech platforms like Vakilsearch for networking.

Start early—internships in college can lead to junior roles. Read judgments on LiveLaw or the Supreme Court website.

Attend AOR exam prep courses by institutes like Lawsikho. Most importantly, stay ethical—professional ethics is non-negotiable.

A Moment of Doubt: The Turning Point

In 2023, during my high court days, Arjun Mehra lost a case due to a poorly drafted petition. He questioned if he was cut out for the Supreme Court.

My mentor, a senior advocate, told him, “Mistakes are your best teachers.” He doubled down, refined his drafting, and aced the AOR exam a year later. You’ll face setbacks too—use them to grow.

Conclusion

Becoming a Supreme Court lawyer by 2025 took Arjun Mehra 11 years—five in college, five in practice, and one in AOR training. It’s a marathon of study, grit, and sacrifice, but standing in the Chief Justice’s courtroom, arguing for justice, makes it worth it. Start today: enroll in a law program, aim for AIBE, and seek mentors. The Supreme Court, established on January 26, 1950, awaits advocates who dare to uphold its legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary educational qualification to become a lawyer in India?

To become a lawyer in India, one must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university or institution.

How do I register to practice law in India?

After completing the LL.B., graduates must register with their respective State Bar Council and clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to receive the “Certificate of Practice.”

What is the role of a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court?

A Senior Advocate is a lawyer recognized for their expertise and standing in the bar. They primarily focus on presenting cases in court and work in tandem with other advocates who handle the case’s groundwork and briefing.

Is it mandatory to specialize in a specific area of law?

No, it’s not mandatory. However, specializing in a particular area can provide an edge, allowing lawyers to offer expert advice and representation in that domain.

How long does it typically take to become a Supreme Court lawyer?

The journey varies for each individual. After obtaining an LL.B., lawyers usually gain experience in lower courts, high courts, and then move to the Supreme Court. The entire process can take several years, depending on one’s career choices and opportunities.

Are there any specific exams to practice in the Supreme Court?

While there’s no specific exam to practice in the Supreme Court, lawyers must clear the AIBE to practice law in India. However, to be designated as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court, there’s a nomination and approval process.

What’s the difference between a regular lawyer and a Senior Advocate?

A Senior Advocate is recognized for their expertise and is given precedence in court proceedings. They wear distinct robes and primarily focus on presenting cases, without directly dealing with clients for instructions.

Can a lawyer practice in the Supreme Court immediately after obtaining the LL.B. degree?

While technically possible, it’s advisable for fresh graduates to first gain experience in lower courts or under senior lawyers to understand the intricacies of the legal system before practicing in the Supreme Court.

Is the profession of a Supreme Court lawyer financially rewarding?

Yes, successful Supreme Court lawyers are among the highest-paid professionals in the country. However, like any profession, the initial years might require building a reputation and clientele.

How important is networking in the legal profession?

Networking is crucial in law. Building relationships with fellow lawyers, judges, and legal professionals can lead to collaborations, client referrals, and career advancement opportunities.

References and Further Reading

  1. Constitution of India
  • The foundational document that establishes the framework of the Indian legal system. It provides insights into the role and functioning of the Supreme Court.
  • Read Online
  1. The Advocates Act, 1961
  • A comprehensive act that governs the legal profession in India, including the role of the Bar Council and the designation of Senior Advocates.
  • Read Online
  1. “Legal Eagles: Stories of the Top Seven Indian Lawyers” by Indu Bhan
  • A book that offers insights into the lives and careers of seven of India’s most renowned lawyers, providing a glimpse into their journey to the Supreme Court.
  • Available on Amazon
  1. “Turning Points of the Common Law” by Lord Cooke
  • While focused on common law, this book provides valuable insights into the evolution of legal principles, many of which are relevant to the Indian context.
  • Available on Amazon
  1. Bar Council of India Official Website
  • The official website provides detailed information on the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), registration processes, and other relevant guidelines for lawyers in India.
  • Visit Website
  1. Supreme Court of India Official Website
  • The official portal of the Supreme Court of India offers judgments, rules, notifications, and other essential resources related to the apex court.
  • Visit Website
  1. “Law, Lawyers, and Judges: At the Helm of Justice” by H.R. Bhardwaj
  • A book that delves into the intricacies of the Indian legal system, the role of lawyers, and the challenges and rewards of the profession.
  • Available on Amazon
  1. Journals and Law Reviews
  • Various Indian law schools and institutions publish journals and law reviews that discuss contemporary legal issues, judgments, and trends. Some notable ones include the “Indian Law Review,” “Supreme Court Cases (SCC),” and “All India Reporter (AIR).”
  1. Legal News Websites

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