Supreme Court Law Clerk cum Research Associates Vacancy 2026–27 Term: Complete Guide to Apply

The Supreme Court of India Recruitment Notification has opened an exciting opportunity for aspiring legal professionals and law students to join the judiciary as Supreme Court Law Clerk cum Research Associates Vacancy 2026–27 assignment term. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this prestigious position, from eligibility criteria to the application process and selection methodology.

If you’re a law graduate or final-year law student with strong research and analytical skills, this could be your gateway to working directly with India’s highest court. With a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000 and the invaluable experience of serving in the Supreme Court, this opportunity is highly sought after by legal professionals across India.

What is a Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate?

A Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate is a contractual position within the Supreme Court of India designed to support judges and the judicial process through legal research, case analysis, and preparation of legal documents. These professionals work directly in the chambers of judges, assisting with judicial functions and contributing to the quality of judicial decision-making.

Key Points About the Position:

Nature of Assignment: Full-time, purely contractual engagement
Tenure: One assignment term (2026–27)
Monthly Remuneration: ₹1,00,000 (consolidated pay)
Panel Size: Approximately 90 candidates will be selected
No Permanent Position: The engagement does not confer any right to seek regular appointment or continuation in the Supreme Court
Exclusivity: Selected candidates cannot accept any other assignment or practice as advocates during their tenure

Educational Qualifications: Who Can Apply?

Primary Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates position, candidates must meet the following educational qualifications:

1. Law Graduates

You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from any school, college, university, or institution established by law in India and recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for enrollment as an advocate. This includes:

3-year LLB programs after graduation in any stream
5-year integrated law degree programs such as:
- BA LLB
- BBA LLB
- B.Com LLB
- BE LLB
- Other integrated law courses

2. Final-Year Law Students

Students currently in the final year of their law course are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the following conditions:

Students in the 5th year of a five-year integrated law course
Students in the 3rd year of a three-year law course (after graduation)

Important: Final-year students must furnish proof of acquiring their law degree before taking up the assignment. This means you must complete your degree before joining the position.

Additional Essential Qualifications

Beyond formal educational credentials, the Supreme Court requires candidates to possess:

Research and Analytical Skills

Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research
Strong capacity for analyzing complex legal issues
Capability to synthesize information from multiple sources

Writing Ability

Excellence in legal writing
Clarity and precision in expression
Ability to prepare concise yet comprehensive legal memoranda

Computer Proficiency

Working knowledge of computers and the internet
Proficiency in using legal research platforms and databases
Familiarity with:
- e-SCR (electronic Supreme Court Reporter)
- SCC Online (Supreme Court Cases Online)
- Manupatra (legal database)
- LexisNexis (legal research tool)
- Westlaw (legal research database)

Other Eligibility Criteria for Law Clerk

Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. There is no domicile restriction within India, meaning you can be from any state.

Age Limit: As on February 7, 2026, candidates must be between 20 and 32 years of age (inclusive).

Important Restrictions:

Once selected, Law Clerks-cum-Research Associates:

✗ Cannot accept any other assignment or employment during their tenure
✗ Cannot practice as advocates in any court of law during the assignment period
✗ Must not be currently enrolled as practicing advocates (if already enrolled, they cannot be actively practicing)

Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	January 20, 2026
Last Date to Submit Application	February 7, 2026
Written Examination Date	March 7, 2026
Model Answer Keys Release	March 8, 2026
Objection Submission Deadline	March 9, 2026 (11:59 PM)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Supreme Court Law Clerk cum Research Associates Vacancy 2026

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before starting the application process, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria:

✓ Are you an Indian citizen?
✓ Do you hold (or will hold) a BCI-recognized law degree?
✓ Are you between 20 and 32 years of age as on February 7, 2026?
✓ Do you possess strong research, analytical, and writing skills?
✓ Are you familiar with legal research databases?

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before you begin your application:

Recent passport-size photograph (digital format as specified)
Scanned copy of your signature (as instructed)
Valid identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
Educational certificates (degree/provisional certificate for final-year students)
Any other supporting documents as mentioned in the notification

Step 3: Visit the Official Supreme Court Website

Navigate to the official Supreme Court of India website:

URL: https://www.sci.gov.in

Look for the “Recruitment” or “Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates 2026–27” section. The direct application link will be available on this page.

Step 4: Complete Your Online Application

Create an Account (if required) or log into the Supreme Court India Recruitment portal
Fill in Personal Details:
- Name (as per official documents)
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Contact number (preferably mobile)
- Correspondence address
Educational Information:
- Name of law school/university
- Degree obtained/pursuing
- Year of completion (or expected completion for final-year students)
- Marks/percentage (if applicable)
Skills and Experience:
- Describe your research and analytical capabilities
- Mention your proficiency with legal research databases
- Detail any relevant experience or internships
Upload Documents:
- Upload your recent photograph (as per specifications provided)
- Upload your signature (as per specifications provided)
- Upload other required documents in the specified format

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Application and Test Fee: ₹750 + applicable bank charges

Payment Method: Online only through UCO Bank payment gateway

Important Notes:

The application fee is non-refundable
Bank charges (if any) will be borne by the candidate
Postal or offline applications will NOT be accepted
Payment must be made online during the application process

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review all entered information carefully before submission
Ensure all required fields are completed and documents are uploaded
Click the “Submit” button
Save/Download your submitted application with the Application Number

Step 7: Important Post-Application Steps

After submission, you will receive:

Confirmation: Your application has been successfully submitted
Application Number: Save this number—you’ll need it for all future communications
Admit Card: Will be issued provisionally (check the Supreme Court website closer to the exam date using your application number)

Note: Issuance of an admit card does not guarantee selection in the position.

Law Clerk Selection Process : Three-Tier Evaluation

The Supreme Court employs a rigorous three-stage selection process to identify the most suitable candidates:

Part I: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Test

Format: Online mode

Duration: As per the notification

What It Tests:

Understanding of fundamental legal concepts
Application of law to hypothetical scenarios
Legal comprehension and reasoning
General knowledge related to the Indian legal system

Qualifying Criteria: Candidates must score a minimum of 40% in Part I to proceed to Part II

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Important: If a large number of candidates score 60% or more in Part I, Part II will be evaluated in a 1:10 ratio, meaning only the top performers will proceed.

Part II: Subjective Written Examination

Format: Pen-and-paper mode (questions displayed on computer screen)

What It Tests:

Legal writing and analytical abilities
Depth of understanding of legal concepts
Ability to articulate legal reasoning
Research methodology and documentation

Qualifying Criteria: Candidates must score a minimum of 50% in Part II to be considered for the interview

Ranking: Candidates are ranked based on their combined marks from both Part I and Part II written examinations.

Part III: Interview

Selection Ratio: Approximately three times the number of vacancies are called for interviews (roughly 270 candidates for 90 positions)

What It Assesses:

Communication skills and articulation
Legal knowledge and understanding
Problem-solving approach
Suitability for the role
Personal conduct and temperament
Motivation for joining the Supreme Court

Supreme Court Examination 2026 Schedule and Test Centers

Supreme Court Examination 2026 Date and Timing

Date: March 7, 2026

Location: Across 23 major cities in India

Format:

Part I (MCQ): Conducted in online mode
Part II (Subjective): Questions displayed on screen; answers written on pen and paper
Both parts will be conducted on the same day in two separate sessions

Test Centers Available

Candidates can choose from the following 23 test center cities:

Test Centers
Ahmedabad
Ambala
Bengaluru
Bhopal
Bhubaneswar
Chennai
Dehradun
Delhi
Guwahati
Hyderabad
Imphal
Jodhpur
Kolkata
Lucknow
Mumbai
Nagpur
Patna
Pune
Raipur
Ranchi
Srinagar
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam

Note: The number and location of test centers may be modified based on the number of applications received, subject to the directions of the Chief Justice of India or the Judges’ Committee on Law Clerks.

Good News for Bengaluru Candidates: Bengaluru is one of the 23 cities, making it convenient for candidates from Karnataka and neighboring regions.

Model Answer Keys and Objection Process

Model Answer Key Release

Date: March 8, 2026

Model answer keys for Part I (MCQ) test will be uploaded on the Supreme Court website on March 8, 2026.

Submitting Objections

If you believe any answer in the model key is incorrect, you can submit objections online:

Deadline: Until 11:59 PM on March 9, 2026

Objection Fee: ₹100 per objection

Refund Policy: The objection fee is refundable if your objection is found to be valid

Important: Objections can only be submitted for the Part I (MCQ) examination. The Part II subjective answers are reviewed individually, so objections follow a different process.

Official Links and Resources

Primary Application Link

Supreme Court of India Official Website:
https://www.sci.gov.in

Recruitment Section: Look for “Recruitments” or “Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates 2026–27 Term”

The official notification document titled “Scheme for Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on Short-Term Contractual Assignment in the Supreme Court of India (January 2024, as amended)” contains detailed information about:

Complete eligibility criteria
Detailed selection process guidelines
Terms and conditions of engagement
Evaluation methodology

Contact Information

Should you have queries regarding the application process or the notification:

Supreme Court of India Registry
Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110 001

Phone: 011-23116400, 23116401, 23116402, 23116403

Email: supremecourt@nic.in

Helpline: Check the Supreme Court website for technical support helpline numbers

Important Instructions and Guidelines

Application Submission Rules

Online Only: Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official Supreme Court website
No Postal Submissions: Offline or postal applications will NOT be accepted under any circumstances
Application Validity: Only the latest application submitted will be considered if you apply multiple times
Non-refundable Fee: The application fee of ₹750 is non-refundable in all circumstances

Candidate Responsibilities

Accuracy: Ensure all information provided is accurate and truthful
Documentation: Comply with all prescribed instructions for uploading documents
Photography: Upload a recent, clear photograph and signature as specified
No Modifications: Applications cannot be edited or withdrawn after final submission
Application Number: Retain your application number for future reference and communication

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Rejection: Applications not complying with prescribed instructions will be summarily rejected
False Information: Providing false information will lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage
Unfair Means: Use of unfair means during the examination will result in disqualification and may invite legal action

Examination Day Guidelines

General Guidelines:

No traveling allowance (TA) or daily allowance (DA) will be paid for appearing in the written examination
Selected candidates may be required to work at odd hours and on holidays as per exigencies of work
Admit cards are issued provisionally and do not confer any right to selection

For PwD (Persons with Disability) Candidates:

Scribe facility is available (scribe must not be a law graduate)
Necessary certification must be provided
Scribe will be allowed inside the examination hall

Jurisdictional Provisions

Jurisdiction: In case of disputes, legal jurisdiction will lie exclusively in Delhi

Key Advantages and Legal Career Opportunity of This Position

Professional Growth

Direct Experience: Work alongside India’s highest court judges
Legal Expertise: Exposure to landmark cases and constitutional matters
Network Building: Interact with senior judicial officers, advocates, and legal professionals
Career Advancement: Valuable credential for future legal practice or academic pursuits

Financial Benefits

Attractive Salary: ₹1,00,000 per month (consolidated)
Regular Employment: For the full assignment term (2026–27)

Learning Opportunities

Judicial Functioning: Understand the working of India’s apex court
Case Research: Engage with complex legal issues
Legal Writing: Develop professional legal documentation skills
Mentorship: Learn from distinguished judges and legal experts

Candidate Checklist: Before You Apply

Ensure you have completed the following before submitting your application:

✓ Verified you meet all eligibility criteria (age, citizenship, education)

✓ Confirmed your law degree is from a BCI-recognized institution

✓ Assessed your proficiency with legal research databases

✓ Gathered all required documents (photograph, signature, certificates)

✓ Prepared a recent passport-size photograph (digital)

✓ Scanned your signature as per specifications

✓ Visited https://www.sci.gov.in and located the application portal

✓ Created/logged into your account on the Supreme Court India Recruitment portal

✓ Filled in all personal and educational details accurately

✓ Uploaded all required documents in the specified format

✓ Reviewed your application for any errors or omissions

✓ Made the online payment of ₹750 through UCO Bank gateway

✓ Submitted your application before February 7, 2026

✓ Saved your application number for future reference

✓ Noted the examination date (March 7, 2026) and your test center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can final-year students apply?
A: Yes, students in their final year of law (5th year of integrated course or 3rd year of LLB) can apply, provided they furnish proof of obtaining their law degree before taking up the assignment.

Q2: Is there a domicile requirement?
A: No, there is no domicile restriction. Candidates from any state in India can apply.

Q3: Can practicing advocates apply?
A: No, candidates who are currently enrolled as practicing advocates are not eligible. However, law graduates who are not actively practicing can apply.

Q4: What is the minimum passing percentage?
A: Part I (MCQ): Minimum 40% | Part II (Subjective): Minimum 50%

Q5: Will the application fee be refunded?
A: No, the application fee of ₹750 is non-refundable. However, objection fees are refundable if your objection is found valid.

Q6: Can I work while serving as a Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate?
A: No, selected candidates cannot accept any other assignment or practice as advocates during their tenure.

Q7: Does this position lead to permanent employment?
A: No, this is a contractual assignment for the 2026–27 term only. It does not confer any right to regular appointment or continuation in the Supreme Court.

Q8: What are the test centers available in South India?
A: Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam are available as test centers in South India.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates vacancy for 2026–27 represents a prestigious opportunity for law graduates and final-year students to gain invaluable judicial experience. With rigorous selection criteria, attractive remuneration, and the chance to contribute to India’s highest court, this position is a significant milestone in any legal professional’s career.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about legal research, judicial functioning, and serving India’s judiciary, this is your opportunity. Start preparing now, gather your documents, and submit your application before February 7, 2026.

Remember: This is not just a job it’s a stepping stone to a distinguished legal career.

Apply now at: https://www.sci.gov.in

Last-Minute Reminders

Application Deadline: February 7, 2026 (5:00 PM or as specified)
Application Fee: ₹750 (non-refundable)
Application Method: Online only via https://www.sci.gov.in
Examination Date: March 7, 2026
Test Centers: 23 cities including Bengaluru
For Queries: Contact Supreme Court Registry at the provided phone numbers or email