One point to ponder in terms of lifestyle: when you're a judge, you won't really have quite the same normal life any more as you may be used to, particularly as you get more senior and you will need to publicly be seen to behave like a member of the judiciary. So probably no hanging out at 2am at 4S getting drunk anymore with other lawyers: instead much of your social circle may shrink towards other judges.

Quality of life at lower judicial services is far better than law firm in terms of -

1) pressure

2) timing

3) work-life balance, etc.

Yes, you will have a slightly fancier house, a car with some aesthetic value - but it's not wolf of wall street level rich (Mukesh ambani ya gautam adani nhi ban jaoge, lol)

In judiciary, 10-30 LPA (along with govt bungalows, car, perks and most importantly, not having to save 50% of your income for retirement) versus

In corporate, 15 LPA - 3 crores with zero employee benefits, constant pressure to save and retire early and living in Mumbai. So, the margin between the two isn't really as wide as it's made out to be.

Finally, let me sum up, If you want respect and power, choose "JUDICIAL SERVICES" any day. Of course, there will be frequent transfers to remote places but it does not matter much. Firms are ruthless and you can replaced any day.

1. "Better lifestyle" - means what?

Ans- If you will go by the 2nd judicial pay commission, a entry level salary of a judge is somewhat 1lakh20+, and if you will sum up the total amount which is basically 1lakh20+ multiplies by 12 then it will be 14 to 15 lakh somewhere which is as equal as entry level associate of a top tier law firm!! And with govt. Bungalow, govt. Vehicle, other allowances as well!!

And yaa don't forget "FAME" which a judge carries,,, do you think same with corporate lawyers?? They have only one (+) point which is money,,, and nothing else,,,

2. "Sovereign lifestyle" - means what?

Ans - means having agency and autonomy over your life; being able to make your own decisions not like slavery part of corporate lawyers!! In judiciary you have the autonomy but exceptions are there,,, HCs & SC,, In contrary,,, you don't have sovereignity over you,,, have to constantly work like slavery under your senior associate, principle associate, partner or whosoever!!

And yaa in any way I'm not justify highhandedness! I'm only justifying the truth!

1. "Better lifestyle" - better than what buddy? And yes, 1lpm is decent, but nowhere close to what a lawyer makes.

2. Sovereign workstyle - what does that even mean? Another attempt at justifying highhandedness, perhaps.

3. So do lawyers. And even beyond.

4. ???

Again - really depends on what you consider to be a good lifestyle. There are many who prefer being in metropolitan cities for a whole lot of reasons, and no moth-infested bungalows (no matter the size) can change that.

Hey Bro/Sis, whosoever are you,,,, look,,,

If u want -

(1) better lifestyle + decent pay (1lakh+ pm)

(2) sovereign workstyle (exception - HCs & SC)

(3) earning till 60s,,,

(4) many more.............

Then choose "PCS-J" a.k.a "CIVIL JUDGE".

Charm of government is still there but steasily declining. For example, in UPSC one of the challenges is to finish paper on time. Is it a speed writing contest.

30-35% middle class are going abroad. Students are not even shying from going to European country. India is going thru a HUGE change in social structure.

IMHO, govt salaries are always bare minimum and will never catch up with what business class or pvt mnc job people earn.

Before LPG, in 1990s there were not many mnc jobs, our parents drilled that in our brains that Givt Officer is god. Yes, govt jobs are stable but recently J&k notified about contractual civil judge jobs. Soon or later , this may happen.

If you are from Nlu dont sacrifice law firm jobs for preparation of judiciary. Success rate is low.

Hey, I would like to recommend you all to visit this channel, you may get some insight about the lifestyle of civil judge -
https://youtube.com/c/LIFEASINDIANJUDGEadityajha
https://youtu.be/JGinNz4F9kU
https://youtu.be/cVya2GqtmQk
https://youtu.be/JRjoCZDMa38

Thanks 😊

Although not so sure about other states, I'll write down what I know of about Delhi -

Monthly salary - 75 to 80 k (post TDS and 10% deduction for NPS).

Electricity allowance - if staying in government accommodation then a fixed number of units are provided (enough for a family of four) post which you have to shell out money from your pocket. If staying in rented accommodation then you get around 50% repayment of the total monthly bill.

Water allowance - same as electricity.

Saving/Pension fund (contributory scheme under NPS) - 10% from your basic pay + DA and 14% from the government. So around 24% of your salary goes into savings which would be around 15-17k as a fresher.

House rent allowance - a fixed amount of 18-19 k. So, you can get a decent 1 bhk but would have to shell out 5-10 k extra for a 2 bhk (depending on the area).

Furniture allowance - 1.25 L every four years.

Mobile allowance - 20k every two years.

Laptop allowance - 50k every four years.

House maintenance allowance (if government accommodation) - not sure about the exact amount, would depend on the amount approved based on application to DJ.

House orderly allowance - 6.5 - 7 k.

Monthly medical allowance - 1.5-3k (unsure of the exact amount). Furthermore, 100% free treatment in government and government associated private hospitals, as well as emergency cases in private hospitals - extends to all family members. (This is common among nearly all the state judiciaries and can be availed post-retirement as well.)

Fuel allowance - 75 Ltr/month. (only given if not availing carpool facility). Official vehicles are only given to CJM and DJ. However, providing escorts and official vehicles to DJ cadre judges is under consideration, especially those handling criminal and family law matters.

Armed guards - Same as above. Although judges colonies do have guards, rented accommodations don't.

Internet + mobile bill allowance - 2000/month.

Magazine + Newspaper allowance - 1000/month.

Robe allowance (every 2-4 years).

Significantly subsidised home loans and car loans.

LTC is on par with civil servants, as well as HTC.

A few other miscellaneous allowances that I'm unsure of.
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Everything, when counted together, comes up to 14.5-16L as a fresher judge. Most states have similar allowances; however, there'll be minor differences in the amount given or type of allowance. On an avg, each state judiciary has a cumulative pay of around 13L/annum as a fresher judge.

Although the implementation of SNJPC will take some time, the starting yearly pay would come up to 17-20L. Wherein we'll return to the old pension scheme, .i.e. Half of the last drawn pay and 30% of last drawn pay to family members post demise.
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Societal perks - Respect that comes with being a Judicial officer. Being able to network with people in power - High Court judges, Senior Counsels, other government officers. Access to Government clubs; thus, more networking opportunities.
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Economic perks - Ethically, none to speak of. If you won't shy away from some(*100) extra income then a lot, but beware of HC vigilance teams and other such teams. The grey area - not actively taking money for things but taking other considerations, such as "unsolicited" gifts, political affiliations and power, getting licensed for different ventures and starting them in the name of a family member and the list goes on.
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If you have no big debts and Financial responsibilities and are not eager to settle down and start a family, as soon as you get a job. The money you get in the judiciary as a fresher is as good as any other job. Furthermore, the money you get will keep on growing continuously till you retire. And if you use your money prudently, then you will have a lofty career and retirement.

If you want fancy offices and cars, as soon as you start your career, the judiciary is not for you. I only consider judiciary as an option because I don't have many needs, a decent and comfortable home, a gaming console, good tv for gaming, a music system, food, going out once or twice a week, access to a gym and time for family, friends and me. Even on a judges salary, you can manage to afford most, of the things your corporate peers do or would flaunt.

Remember, the biggest advantage you will have while being a judge would be the ability to live your life 👀

Lastly, remember if you don't like the work, you can always move to litigation. Starting your career as a judge will give you certain advantages. You will develop the ability to think like a judge, what takes years for fresh lawyers to develop will be inculcated in your thought process during your year in the academy. You will completely understand the functionality of a court - remember, the biggest bags you can rack in as a fresher lawyer would be from trial courts and not appellate courts, and I cannot emphasise enough on your position to network. That network will help you even when you transition to being a lawyer.