The Supreme Court of India has invited online applications for approximately 90 Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate positions on a short-term contractual basis for the term 2026-2027.
Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Supreme Court of India (Recruitment Cell) |
| Post Name | Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate |
| Number of Positions | Approximately 90 |
| Job Type | Full-time, contractual (short-term) |
| Assignment Term | 2026-2027 |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹1,00,000/- (consolidated) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | www.sci.gov.in |
| Application Portal | https://www.sci.gov.in/judicial-clerkship/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application start date | 20.01.2026 |
| Last date for online application | 07.02.2026 |
| Examination date | 07.03.2026 |
| Upload of model answer keys | 08.03.2026 |
| Last date for submission of objections | 09.03.2026 (till 11:59 PM) |
Objection fee: ₹100/- per objection (refundable if the objection is found valid).
Vacancy and Salary Details
Number of Positions
- Approximately 90 Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate posts are available for the 2026-2027 term.
Salary
- Consolidated remuneration of ₹1,00,000/- per month.
- No separate allowances are mentioned in the notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic qualification | Bachelor Degree in Law (LL.B.) from an institution recognized by the Bar Council of India |
| Integrated law course | Candidates with an Integrated Law Degree are eligible |
| Final year students | 5th year of 5-year course or 3rd year of 3-year course can apply, subject to proof of degree before joining |
| Skills required | Strong research and analytical skills, good writing ability, and computer proficiency |
| Legal database familiarity | e-SCR, Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis, Westlaw, etc. |
Age Limit (as on 07.02.2026)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Maximum age | 32 years |
Candidates must satisfy the age criteria as on the cut-off date mentioned above.
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted in three stages:
- Part I – Objective Test (MCQs)
- Multiple choice questions to assess understanding and application of law and reading comprehension.
- Negative marking: 0.25 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Part II – Subjective Written Test
- Descriptive questions to evaluate legal analysis, drafting, and writing skills.
- Part III – Interview
- Personal interaction to assess suitability, communication skills, and overall legal aptitude.
Candidates will be shortlisted for successive stages based on their performance in the earlier parts, as per the Supreme Court’s criteria.
Examination Centres
The examination will be held in the following cities across India:
- Ahmedabad
- Ambala
- Bengaluru
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Chennai
- Dehradun
- Delhi
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Imphal
- Jodhpur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- Patna
- Pune
- Raipur
- Ranchi
- Srinagar
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Visakhapatnam
Application Fee
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ₹750/- (non-refundable) |
| Payment mode | Online via UCO Bank Payment Gateway only |
Note: Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official Supreme Court website: www.sci.gov.in.
- Go to the Judicial Clerkship section or directly open https://www.sci.gov.in/judicial-clerkship/.
- Register and fill in the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature as per the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee of ₹750/- through the online payment gateway (UCO Bank).
- Submit the form and download/print the final submitted application for future reference.
- Carefully note your Application Number and keep it safe for all future correspondence.
Nature of Work
Selected Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates are expected to assist Hon’ble Judges and the Registry in a variety of legal and research-oriented tasks.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Conducting in-depth research on legal issues and case law.
- Assisting in preparation of draft notes, speeches, and orders.
- Summarizing case files and precedents for ready reference.
- Assisting in court and chamber work, including at the Residential Offices of the Hon’ble Chief Justice and Hon’ble Judges.
- Handling tasks that may require working beyond regular hours and on holidays, depending on workload and urgency.
Important Instructions and Conditions
Please read these points carefully before applying:
- The engagement is purely contractual and does not confer any right to claim regular or permanent appointment in the Supreme Court of India.
- The Registry reserves the right to terminate the engagement at any time, following the terms mentioned in the official notification.
- Law Clerks are not allowed to take up any other assignment, employment, or professional engagement during the term of their clerkship.
- Law Clerks are barred from practicing as Advocates in any court during the period of their engagement.
- Candidates must be prepared to work at odd hours and on holidays, if required.
- No TA/DA will be provided for appearing in the written test or interview.
- Any application that does not comply with the instructions given in the official advertisement is liable to be rejected without further notice.
Useful Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official website | www.sci.gov.in |
| Judicial clerkship portal | https://www.sci.gov.in/judicial-clerkship/ |
| Detailed advertisement PDF | https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s3ec0490f1f4972d133619a60c30f3559e/uploads/2026/01/2026012040.pdf |
Interested and eligible law graduates and final-year students who aspire to work closely with the highest court of the country should apply within the stipulated dates and carefully follow all instructions given in the official notification.
