“Level Of Success Is Decided By Hard Work & Commitment To Profession, Not By Exam Score”: CJI Gavai

Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday urged aspiring lawyers not to measure their potential by academic rankings, stressing instead the importance of hard work, dedication, and professional commitment.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law in Miramar, Goa, he reflected on his own academic journey, offering a blend of humour and insight to inspire students stepping into the legal field.

“Don’t go by what your ranks are in the examination as these results don’t determine what level of success you will lead to,” CJI Gavai told students. “It is your determination, hard work, dedication and commitment to the profession that all matters.”

A Humble Beginning: “Don’t Try to Emulate Us”

Sharing personal anecdotes, CJI Gavai recalled his years at Government Law College, Mumbai, where, despite being a top student, he rarely attended class.

“I was an outstanding student, but would skip classes. But don’t try to imbibe (emulate) us,” he joked.

He described how he would often sit on the campus boundary wall, relying on friends to mark his attendance. Later, when his father — R.S. Gavai, then Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council — moved to Amravati, the young Gavai had to shift colleges. He admitted to attending classes there barely half a dozen times in his final year, with another friend — who would later become a High Court judge — helping maintain his attendance.

Reflecting on his law school cohort, the Chief Justice shared a striking example of how exam ranks don’t determine future stature.

“The student who topped became a criminal lawyer, the second became a High Court judge, and the third one was me — who is now the Chief Justice of India,” he said.

Though he stood third in the merit list, he attributed his academic success to consistent self-study, solving past exam papers, and reading extensively — rather than classroom attendance.

CJI Gavai highlighted the shift in legal education, praising the structure and rigor of modern five-year integrated law programs.

“Now you are fortunate enough that with the advent of a five-year course, the legal education system has taken a paradigm shift,” he said.

He also shared how presiding over moot court competitions as a judge impressed him, noting that many law students showcased stronger courtroom skills than practicing lawyers.

“Sometimes I would feel that High Court lawyers should attend moot courts and learn how to argue from these young students,” he remarked.

Challenges Faced By Young Lawyers

Addressing the struggles faced by junior members of the bar, the CJI pointed out the inadequate stipends many receive from senior advocates — a financial hurdle that can discourage fresh graduates from remaining in the profession.

He also emphasized the need for accessible legal aid, particularly in remote areas:

“We tried to percolate because unless citizens know they have the right to legal remedy, the remedy or rights would be of no use to them.”

Strengthening The Foundation Of Legal Education

The Chief Justice concluded by urging all stakeholders — institutions, bar councils, and governments — to focus on raising the quality of legal education across India. With thousands of law students enrolling annually, many institutions continue to face challenges in faculty strength, infrastructure, and curriculum development.

CJI Gavai’s address served not only as a reminder that success in law comes through perseverance and passion, but also as a call to action — to support, mentor, and prepare the next generation of legal professionals for a career rooted in justice and service.