The Supreme Court of India has announced the recruitment of Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on a prestigious short-term contractual assignment for the 2026-2027 term. This highly sought-after opportunity is aimed at preparing a panel of approximately 90 candidates. The online application process begins on 20th January 2026 and the last date to apply is 7th February 2026. This recruitment offers a unique chance for law graduates and final-year law students to gain invaluable experience at the apex court, working closely with the judiciary on a consolidated remuneration of ₹1,00,000 per month.
Supreme Court Law Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview
The Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is conducted by the Registry of the Supreme Court of India under its established scheme. This program is designed to engage bright young legal minds to assist the Hon’ble Judges in legal research, analysis, and case preparation. The engagement is purely contractual and full-time, offering an unparalleled professional learning experience in the heart of India’s judicial system.
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| Recruitment Name | Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026 |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Supreme Court of India |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approximately 90 (for panel preparation) |
| Nature of Post | Short-Term Contractual Assignment |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹1,00,000 (Consolidated) |
| Assignment Term | 2026-2027 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | www.sci.gov.in |
Supreme Court Notification 2026 PDF & Scheme
The official advertisement (No.F.21(LC)/2026-SC(RC)) has been released on the Supreme Court website. The complete details, including the selection process, exam pattern, and all terms & conditions, are governed by the “Scheme of Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates on Short-Term Contractual Assignment in the Supreme Court of India- January 2024, as amended”. Candidates must download and read this scheme document meticulously from the official website before applying.
Download Supreme Court Law Clerk Scheme & Notification
Supreme Court Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following schedule. No requests for extension will be entertained.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release & Start of Online Application | 20th January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7th February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 7th February 2026 |
| Date of Written Examination | 7th March 2026 |
| Model Answer Key Upload (Part-I) | 8th March 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Objections on Key | 9th March 2026 (till 11:59 PM) |
Supreme Court Vacancy 2026
The recruitment aims to prepare a panel of approximately 90 candidates for engagement as Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates. The final number of engagements will be as per the requirement of the Hon’ble Court.
| Post Name | Tentative Panel Size | Engagement Period |
|---|---|---|
| Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate | ~ 90 candidates | 2026-2027 Term |
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Supreme Court Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must fulfill the following essential conditions to be eligible for application.
1. Essential Educational Qualification:
- Must be a Law Graduate (before commencement of assignment) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B. – 3 years or integrated 5-year course) from a recognized Indian University/Institution.
- Final Year Students studying in the 5th year of the 5-Year Integrated Course or the 3rd year of the 3-Year LL.B. course are also eligible to apply. However, they must furnish proof of acquiring the law degree before taking up the assignment.
- The degree must be from an institution recognized by the Bar Council of India for enrolment as an Advocate.
2. Age Limit (as on 07.02.2026):
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- (Age relaxation rules, if any, are as per the Supreme Court Scheme.)
3. Desired Skills:
- Strong research, analytical, and legal writing abilities.
- Proficiency in computer usage and legal research databases (e.g., e-SCR, Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis, Westlaw).
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Supreme Court Recruitment 2026 Apply Online Link
The application will be accepted only through online mode on the Supreme Court website. The application link is active from 20th January 2026.
Apply Online for Supreme Court Law Clerk 2026
How to Apply for Supreme Court Law Clerk Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps carefully to complete your application:
Step 1: Visit the official Supreme Court website
Step 2: Navigate to the “Recruitment” / “Law Clerks” section or find the direct advertisement link.
Step 3: Click on the “Apply Online” link for Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate Recruitment 2026.
Step 4: Register by providing basic details to generate login credentials.
Step 5: Log in and fill the detailed online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
Step 6: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and any other required documents as per prescribed format and size.
Step 7: Pay the non-refundable Application/Test Fee of ₹750/- (plus bank charges) online using the provided payment gateway (UCO Bank). SC/ST/PwBD candidates may check for exemptions as per rules.
Step 8: Review all details thoroughly, submit the application, and take a printout of the final submitted form for your records. Note: No modification is allowed after submission.
Application Fees
The application fee is mandatory and non-refundable.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / Others | ₹ 750/- (plus applicable bank charges) |
| SC / ST / PwBD | As per Supreme Court rules (Refer to Notification) |
Payment Mode: Online only via Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking through the UCO Bank payment gateway on the application portal.
Supreme Court Selection Process 2026
The selection is a rigorous three-stage process:
- Part I – Online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Test: Tests legal aptitude, comprehension, and application of law. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Part II – Subjective Written Test: Conducted on the same day after a break. Evaluates legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills. The question paper will be on-screen, but answers are to be written on paper.
- Part III – Interview: Candidates shortlisted based on combined performance in Part I and Part II will be called for a personal interview.
Exam Cities: Tests will be conducted in 23 major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc.
Supreme Court Salary
Selected candidates engaged as Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates will receive a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000 for the duration of their contractual assignment (the 2026-2027 term).
FAQs
Q1. Is this a permanent job in the Supreme Court?
A1. No. This is a purely short-term contractual assignment for one term (2026-2027). It does not confer any right for regular appointment in the Supreme Court.
Q2. Can final year law students apply?
A2. Yes. Students in their final year of a 3-year or 5-year law course can apply, provided they submit proof of passing the LL.B. degree before joining the assignment.
Q3. What is the exam date and pattern?
A3. The written test is on 7th March 2026. It has two parts: an Online MCQ Test (Part I) and a Subjective Written Test (Part II), followed by an Interview (Part III) for shortlisted candidates.
Q4. Are there any exam centers in [My City]?
A4. Exams are planned in 23 cities (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.). The final list is in the notification. The Court reserves the right to add or remove centers.
Q5. Where can I get the detailed “Scheme” document?
A5. The complete “Scheme of Engaging Law Clerk-cum-Research Associates…” is available for download on the Supreme Court’s official website: www.sci.gov.in.
