A Session Court Judge in Pakistan holds a critical position in the criminal justice system. They preside over serious criminal cases such as murder, terrorism, and narcotics offenses and ensure trials adhere to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
These judges also hear appeals from lower courts (like Magistrate Courts) and issue verdicts that impact lives and communities.
Appointed at BPS-18 or higher, Session Court Judges enjoy prestige, authority, and lifelong job security. However, the path to this role demands extensive legal expertise, competitive exam success, and a deep commitment to justice.
This guide breaks down the process from eligibility to exam strategies using insights from serving judges and official Punjab & Sindh High Court guidelines.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Session Court Judges?
1. Age Limit for Applicants
- You must be 25 to 40 years old at the time of application.
- Age relaxation (up to 3 years) applies to government servants and disabled candidates in provinces like Balochistan.
2. Educational and Professional Qualifications
- Mandatory Degree: An LLB or LLM from a recognized university.
- Experience: Minimum 5–7 years as a practicing lawyer or lower-court judge (e.g., Civil Judge). For example:
- Punjab requires 7 years of legal practice.
- Sindh mandates 5 years of advocacy experience.
3. Provincial Quotas and Reservations
Provinces reserve seats for:
- Local candidates (e.g., Balochistan residents for Quetta-based posts).
- Minorities (5% nationwide, per the 2010 Punjab Government Notification).
- Differently-abled individuals (3%, as per the 1981 Disabled Persons Ordinance).
Salary and Benefits of a Session Court Judge
Session Court Judges are appointed in BPS-18, with monthly earnings ranging from PKR 150,000 to PKR 250,000 (including allowances). Key perks include:
- Government housing or a 45% house rent allowance.
- Free healthcare for the judge and family.
- Official vehicle with a driver and fuel allowance.
- Pension plans and post-retirement benefits.
With promotions, they can advance to BPS-19 (Additional District Judge) or BPS-20 (District & Sessions Judge).
Exam Structure:
1. Preliminary Exam (MCQs)
The screening test includes 100 multiple-choice questions on:
- Criminal Law: Pakistan Penal Code, Anti-Terrorism Act.
- Civil Law: Contract Act, Qanoon-e-Shahadat.
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, Pakistan Studies.
Candidates need 45% per subject and 50% overall to qualify.
2. Written Exam
This subjective test evaluates in-depth legal knowledge across 6–8 papers, such as:
- Criminal Procedure: Framing charges, bail applications, and trial processes.
- Essay Writing: Legal topics in English and Urdu (e.g., “Challenges in Combating Cybercrime”).
- Islamic Jurisprudence: Hadood Ordinances and inheritance laws.
3. Psychological Test & Interview
A 300-mark interview assesses ethics, critical thinking, and communication. For instance, candidates might be asked:
- “How would you handle political pressure in a high-profile case?”
- “Explain the importance of judicial neutrality.”
Preparation Strategies for the Session Court Judge Exam
1. Master Key Legal Documents
Focus on CrPC, Pakistan Penal Code, and Supreme Court judgments. For example, study landmark rulings like Benazir Bhutto Case for criminal procedure insights.
2. Enhance Legal Drafting Skills
Practice writing judgments, charge sheets, and bail orders daily. Use templates from the Lahore High Court website for reference.
3. Stay Updated on Legal Reforms
Subscribe to Pakistan Law Journal or follow Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Twitter for updates on new ordinances or amendments.
4. Join Reputable Coaching Programs
Institutes like Punjab Judicial Academy and Sindh Judicial Training Institute offer mock exams and interview workshops.
FAQs:
1. Can I Skip Lower Judiciary Roles and Directly Become a Session Judge?
No! Most provinces require prior experience as a Civil Judge or advocate. For example, Punjab promotes Civil Judges to Session Court roles after 5–7 years of service.
2. How Often Are Exams Held?
Exams are announced yearly, but vacancies depend on provincial needs. Punjab and Sindh typically have more openings than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan.
3. Is the Exam Available in Urdu?
Most papers are in English, but Urdu essays and translations are part of the syllabus.
4. What Training Follows the Exam?
Successful candidates undergo 6–12 months of training at provincial Judicial Academies, covering courtroom management and ethical practices.