Higher Judicial Service LDCE (Civil Judge to District Judge)

Limited Departmental Competitive Examination through which serving Civil Judges (Senior Division) are promoted on merit to the Higher Judicial Service as District Judge. Conducted by each state High Court under its own service rules. The Supreme Court raised the share of District Judge posts filled this way from 10 per cent to 25 per cent and reduced the qualifying service to three years (All India Judges Association, May 2025). Papers cover civil law, criminal law, evidence and procedure, and judgment writing.