The Supreme Court of India’s 2023 recruitment for Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates is closed: online applications ran from 9 to 30 April 2023. The official advertisement reviewed does not confirm the “90 posts” figure in the original title, so it should not be treated as an established vacancy count. This guide explains the cycle’s eligibility, selection process, assignment and pay for readers checking the historical notice.
What was the Supreme Court law clerk recruitment in 2023?
The Supreme Court invited online applications to prepare a panel of Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates for a full-time, short-term contractual assignment during the 2023–24 term. Applications opened on 9 April and closed on 30 April 2023. The closing date also determined the age limit. The [official recruitment advertisement](s001) contains the cycle’s application notice; the [engagement scheme](s002) sets out further selection and assignment terms.
The advertisement reviewed does not state that there were 90 posts. Although the scheme says a recruitment advertisement should indicate the number of vacancies in judges’ offices, that general provision does not verify a 90-post count for this particular cycle.
Who was eligible to apply?
Age limit
Applicants had to be at least 20 and no older than 30 on 30 April 2023, the online application deadline.
Law degree and final-year students
Applicants needed a Bachelor of Laws degree, including an integrated law degree, from an institution established by law in India and recognized by the Bar Council of India for enrolment as an advocate. Students in the fifth year of a five-year integrated course or the third year of a three-year law course after graduation could also apply, provided they obtained the required law qualification before taking up the assignment.
Skills and legal research tools
The notice called for research and analytical ability, writing skills and computer knowledge. It specifically referred to retrieving legal information through services including e-SCR, Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis and Westlaw.
How did the application process work?
Applications were online only; postal applications were not accepted. The fee was ₹500 plus bank charges, if applicable, payable online. Applicants were instructed to check eligibility, upload a photograph and signature, and retain their application number. An admit card did not guarantee selection.
The application period ended on 30 April 2023. The Supreme Court’s [judicial clerkship page](s003) lists the 2023 materials alongside later cycle information; anyone checking for a current opportunity should rely on the notice for that specific cycle rather than this historical application notice.
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What was the exam pattern and selection process?
Selection had three phases: a multiple-choice test, a subjective written test and an interview by individual judges.
Part I: multiple-choice test
Part I comprised 100 one-mark questions over three hours. It tested English reading comprehension, legal analysis across named core statutes, and recent developments in law and jurisprudence from the preceding year. Each incorrect response incurred a deduction of 0.25 marks.
Part II: written work
Part II carried 300 marks and lasted three and a half hours, including reading time. It required a case brief of no more than 750 words and a draft research memorandum of no more than two pages or 750–1,000 words.
Cut-offs, ranking and interview
The scheme set a qualifying threshold of 40% or a specified cut-off for Part I and at least 50% or a specified cut-off for Part II. Written-test ranking combined the marks from both parts. Candidates who qualified supplied preferences for judges’ offices before interviews. The scheme also allowed a reserve pool and waitlist, subject to its stated requirements and rules.
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The Supreme Court’s [sample guide, dated 10 May 2023](s004), is expressly indicative rather than exhaustive. It includes sample multiple-choice questions and examples of the brief and research-memorandum tasks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the assignment involve?
Duration and employment terms
The assignment was full-time and contractual, initially running from the Court’s reopening after summer vacation until the end of the following year’s summer vacation. The scheme allowed an extension into a succeeding year, subject to approval and satisfaction of its conditions. The assignment did not confer a right to regular appointment or continued service.
Pay and allowances
The 8 April 2023 advertisement set initial consolidated remuneration at ₹80,000 per month, with no other allowances or perquisites. Under the 2023 scheme, an extension after twelve months carried remuneration of ₹90,000 per month.
Work and restrictions
Duties included summarizing fresh admission matters, preparing hearing synopses, noting arguments in court, conducting legal research for draft judgments, assisting with speeches and academic papers, and preparing headnotes when required. The scheme described a full-time role that could require attendance at a judge’s residential office and on holidays. During the assignment, clerks could not take another assignment or practise as advocates.
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The Supreme Court scheme states: “The Supreme Court of India is an equal opportunity workplace, and shall formulate and implement a diversity and inclusion policy, as and when approved.” The official recruitment materials reviewed do not establish a named-person quotation, applicant totals, selection odds or a verified count of 90 vacancies for this cycle.
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