The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word INMATE
I
N
M
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result INMATE
- Novice being unable to save most important board man?
- Popular sort of tea one kept in jug
- One behind bars in pub mentioned pal
- Prisoner’s popular with friend
- Con elected, winning move
- Batting partner who's doing a stretch
- How many chess games end for prisoner, perhaps
- I’m at rear of Barlinnie, welcoming new prisoner
- Popular friend, prisoner
- Prisoner perhaps popular with friend
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Novice" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case novice = inmate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INMATE mean?
INMATE noun- A person confined to an institution such as a prison (as a convict) or hospital (as a patient).
- A person who shares a residence, such as a lodger, a hotel guest, or a student living on campus.