Puducherry Junior Advocate Stipend Scheme 2026: ₹5,000 Monthly Assistance

At a glance

About the scheme

The Grant of Stipend to Junior Advocates Scheme (GSJAS) is implemented by the Law Department, Union Territory of Puducherry, to financially assist early-career legal practitioners. The programme awards a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 to 25 selected junior advocates for two years or until they start independent practice. Beneficiaries are selected based on academic merit in their law degree and 12th standard examinations, with one-third of the seats reserved for women. In return, advocates must assist senior advocates, participate in free legal aid camps, conduct assigned legal aid matters, and intern with the courts.

Benefits

• Monthly financial stipend of ₹5,000 disbursed directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Assistance provided for a period of two years or until starting independent practice, whichever is earlier.
• Financial support provided to 25 eligible junior advocates every year.
• One-third of total beneficiary slots are earmarked for women candidates.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• Must be a native by birth or a resident of the Union Territory of Puducherry continuously for at least five years.
• Must have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Law from a recognised Government Law College.
• Must be enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Must have successfully cleared the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by the Bar Council of India.
• Total annual family income must not exceed ₹2,00,000.
• Must not be more than 30 years of age at the time of application.
• Must be attached to the chamber of a Senior Advocate and regularly attend it.
• Must participate in Free Legal Aid camps, conduct allotted legal aid cases, and assist courts as an intern.
• Must assist a Government Pleader or Public Prosecutor on rotation for at least three months.

Who cannot apply

• Advocates who pursued their law degree from private law colleges.
• Applicants with an annual family income exceeding ₹2,00,000.
• Applicants aged above 30 years.
• Advocates who fail to provide an undertaking to refund the stipend with 6% simple interest if they leave the profession within five years of enrolment without entering government service.

Documents required

• Attested copy of Enrolment Certificate from the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Attested copy of Certificate confirming pass in the All India Bar Examination.
• Income Certificate issued by a revenue official not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
• Nativity or 5-year continuous residence certificate issued by an official not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Election Identification Card (Voter ID).
• Ration Card.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card.
• First page of Bank Passbook showing account details.
• Attendance and Conduct Certificate from the President or Secretary of the Bar Association and Member Secretary, Puducherry Legal Services Authority.
• Attendance Certificate issued by the attached Senior Advocate.

How to apply

1. 1Download and print the official application format from the Law Department Puducherry website (law.py.gov.in) during the annual application window in April.
2. 2Complete all required fields, affix a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all prescribed certificates.
3. 3Submit the completed form to the General Secretary of the Puducherry Bar Association (for Puducherry region) or the respective President of the Bar Association (for Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions).
4. 4Await eligibility verification by the Member Secretary and selection by the State Level Committee based on merit and reservation norms.
5. 5Selected beneficiaries must execute an Undertaking to refund funds if leaving practice within five years before monthly payments begin via DBT.

Frequently asked questions