From the Editor's Desk

The Supreme Court of India has invited online applications for hiring Law Clerks-cum-Research Associates for the 2026–2027 term. The engagement will be made under the Court’s short-term contractual scheme for law clerks (January 2024, as amended).

According to the notification, the Court will draw up a panel of around 90 candidates for appointment on a purely contractual basis. Those selected will receive a fixed monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000.

The Court clarified that the role is full-time and does not create any entitlement to a permanent position or continued service in the Supreme Court. The Registry will also have the authority to end the engagement at any stage, subject to the notice conditions set out in the scheme. During the tenure, appointees will not be allowed to take up any other professional assignment and will be barred from practising as advocates in any court for the duration of the contract.

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Eligibility and age limit

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (including integrated programmes) from an institution recognised by the Bar Council of India for enrolment. Students in the final year of a five-year integrated law course or the third year of a three-year law programme after graduation can also apply, provided they submit proof of obtaining the degree before joining.

Candidates are expected to have strong research and analytical ability, good legal writing skills, and proficiency with computers and legal databases such as e-SCR, Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis and Westlaw.

The prescribed age bracket is 20 to 32 years, calculated as on 7 February 2026.

Selection process and exam schedule

The recruitment process will have three stages:

• Part I: an objective (MCQ) test assessing legal understanding, application of law, and comprehension

• Part II: a subjective written exam to evaluate writing and analytical skills

• Part III: an interview for candidates who clear both written components

The written examinations are scheduled for 7 March 2026. Part I will be conducted online, while Part II will be displayed on a computer screen but answered in pen-and-paper mode.

Tests will be held across 23 cities in two sessions on the same day, including major centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram and Srinagar. The Court noted that test centres may be revised depending on the volume of applications, subject to directions of the Chief Justice of India or the judges’ committee overseeing the process.

The model answer key for Part I is to be uploaded on 8 March 2026. Candidates will be able to raise objections online until 11:59 pm on 9 March 2026, with a charge of ₹100 per objection, refundable if the objection is accepted.

Application window and fee

Online applications will be accepted from 20 January 2026 through the Supreme Court’s website. The deadline to apply is 7 February 2026. Candidates must pay a non-refundable application and test fee of ₹750, along with applicable bank charges, through online payment only.

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The Registry has cautioned that applications not following instructions will be rejected. Admit cards will be issued on a provisional basis and will not guarantee selection. The Court also stated that no travel or daily allowance will be provided for appearing in the exam, and that selected clerks may be required to work beyond regular hours, including on holidays, depending on official requirements.

Any legal dispute arising from the process will fall under the jurisdiction of Delhi.