The Supreme Court of India modified its earlier requirement of three years’ Bar practice for candidates appearing for Civil Judge (Junior Division) examinations. In Bhumika Trust v. Union of India, the majority comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Augustine George Masih, with Justice K. Vinod Chandran dissenting, adopted a transitional approach balancing judicial maturity and accessibility. The Court recognised that courtroom experience is important but held that conventional Bar practice need not be the sole method of developing judicial competence. During the transition period up to March 2027, fresh graduates may apply and receive deemed practice credit, followed by Judicial Academy training and Law Clerkship. After April 2027, candidates will require actual practice before appearing for the examination, followed by structured training. The judgment invokes Article 233, Article 32, the Advocates Act, 1961, legitimate expectation, equality and access to judicial service.