Supreme Court of India Invites Applications for 90 Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates (2026–27 Term): ₹1,00,000/Month, Age 20–32, Apply by 07 February 2026
Table of Contents
- Engagement Overview
- Essential Eligibility
- Academic Qualifications
- Age & Other Conditions
- Three-Stage Selection Process
- Application Process (Online Only)
- Remuneration & Perks
- Preparation Strategy
- MCQ (Part I)
- Written Test (Part II)
- Interview (Part III)
- Who Should Apply?
- Important Dates Table
- Why SCI LCRAs Stand Out?
The Supreme Court of India has opened online applications for a panel of approximately 90 Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates under its short-term contractual scheme for the 2026–2027 assignment term. With a consolidated remuneration of ₹1,00,000 per month, this prestigious 1-year engagement (non-renewable) offers unparalleled exposure to apex court adjudication for fresh law graduates and final-year students. Registration begins 20 January 2026 and closes 07 February 2026 via sci.gov.in.
Engagement Overview
Law Clerks-cum-Research Associates (LCRAs) assist Judges in researching cases, analysing precedents, drafting notes, and supporting chamber work. Selected from a competitive process, they work full-time in Judges’ chambers, gaining mentorship in constitutional law, research methodology, and judicial drafting. The scheme explicitly bars practice as advocates or other assignments during tenure, ensuring undivided focus.
Key Stats:
- Vacancies: ~90 (panel basis).
- Term: 2026–27 (1 year, non-extendable).
- Remuneration: ₹1,00,000/month (consolidated).
- Age: 20–32 years (as on 07.02.2026).
Essential Eligibility
Academic Qualifications
- Law Graduate (3-year LLB or 5-year integrated) from BCI-recognized institutions.
- Final-year students (5th year integrated / 3rd year post-graduation) eligible, subject to degree completion before joining.
- Strong research, analytical, writing skills, and computer proficiency (e-SCR, Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis, Westlaw).
Note: No minimum marks/percentage specified; academic record reviewed holistically.
Age & Other Conditions
- 20–32 years (relaxable for reserved categories? Scheme silent; check notification).
- Indian nationals; no prior practice as advocate during term.
- Full-time commitment; irregular hours/holidays possible.
Three-Stage Selection Process
The process is rigorous, testing research aptitude, writing, and interview poise:
| Stage | Mode | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Part I: MCQ Test | Online | Legal knowledge, reasoning, English (qualifying). |
| Part II: Subjective Written Test | Pen-paper (questions on screen) | Legal research/essay (assesses analysis, drafting). |
| Part III: Interview | In-person | Personal interaction (communication, suitability). |
Exam Date: Written test slated for 07 March 2026 (tentative).
Application Process (Online Only)
- Portal: https://www.sci.gov.in/ (registration opens 20.01.2026).
- Fee: ₹750 + bank charges (online UCO Bank gateway).
- Documents: Scanned photo, signature, degrees/mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable).
- Last Date: 07 February 2026 (no postal/offline).
Technical Support: erp.facrec@iitkgp.ac.in (wait, no—for SCI, check notification).
Remuneration & Perks
- Consolidated Pay: ₹1,00,000/month (taxable).
- No Other Benefits: No HRA/medical/LTC; full-time contractual (no regularisation).
- Library Access: Supreme Court library privileges.
Preparation Strategy
MCQ (Part I)
- Constitution, IPC/CrPC/ Evidence, Contracts, Torts.
- Recent SC judgments (Manipur violence, electoral bonds).
- Resources: Laxmikant, Bare Acts, SCC summaries.
Written Test (Part II)
- Practice 2-hour essays: “Discuss Article 21 evolution” or “Precedents on free speech.”
- Focus: Structure (IRAC), citations, clarity.
Interview (Part III)
- Be articulate; discuss moot court/internships.
- Know current affairs (SC hearings: CAA, LGBTQ+).
Pro Tip: Upload flawless documents; technical glitches disqualify.
Who Should Apply?
- Fresh LLB/Integrated Graduates (2025–26 batches).
- Final-year Students (complete degree pre-joining).
- Mooters, interns at HCs/SCs, NLSIU/NALSAR alumni shine.
Career Boost: 100% placement edge in litigation/firms (AZB, Cyril, Khaitan); many alumni become Judges/ASGs.
Important Dates Table
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 20 Jan 2026 |
| Last Date | 07 Feb 2026 |
| Written Exam (Tentative) | 07 Mar 2026 |
| Results/Interview | April–May 2026 (tentative) |
| Joining (2026–27 Term) | July 2026 |
Why SCI LCRAs Stand Out?
Unlike HCs, SCI exposure spans constitutional benches, landmark writs, and diverse benches. Alumni network includes CJIs, AGs, top litigators. ₹1 lakh/month for 1 year = unmatched ROI for career launch.
Caution: Purely contractual; prepare backup for post-term.
Apply now—90 spots fill fast. Tailor your narrative to research passion; this golden ticket awaits diligent researchers.
Official Notification: https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s3ec0490f1f4972d133619a60c30f3559e/uploads/2026/01/2026012040.pdf
