All India Judicial Services
The All India Judicial Services (AIJS) is a proposed judicial service in India aimed at creating a centralized and uniform system for recruiting judges at the lower judiciary level (i.e., below the High Courts). It is similar in concept to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other All India Services.
🔹 Key Objectives of AIJS
Uniformity in recruitment of lower judiciary officers across the country.
Improve the quality and integrity of judges.
Reduce judicial vacancies by centralizing recruitment.
Create a merit-based, transparent system for judicial appointments.
🔹 Proposed Structure
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or a specially created body.
Recruitment Level: Entry-level posts in the subordinate judiciary (Civil Judge, Judicial Magistrate).
Eligibility: Law graduates with a minimum number of years of experience (exact criteria not finalized).
🔹 Constitutional Basis
Article 312 of the Indian Constitution allows for the creation of All India Services through a Rajya Sabha resolution.
Judicial services are currently under the State List (List II), so any move to centralize them requires constitutional backing and political consensus.
🔹 Pros
Standardized recruitment process across states.
Reduction in vacancies, leading to faster justice delivery.
Encourages talented law graduates to join the judiciary.
Reduces nepotism and local influence in judicial appointments.
🔹 Cons / Criticisms
Federal concerns – States may resist losing control over judiciary recruitment.
Could undermine local laws, languages, and customs in state judicial systems.
May affect judicial independence if not structured properly.
Practical difficulties in implementing a central exam with regional diversity.
🔹 Current Status (As of 2025)
The AIJS remains a proposed idea.
The Union Government has sought views from various stakeholders.
Some states and High Courts oppose it, while others are supportive.
It has not yet been implemented due to lack of consensus.
🔹 Alternatives Currently Used
State Judicial Services Exams conducted by State Public Service Commissions or High Courts for Civil Judge (Junior Division) and other posts.
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A sample syllabus of the expected AIJS exam
A comparison between AIJS and State Judicial Services
Timeline or latest news on AIJS progress
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