Preparing for Judicial Service Exams 2024 demands commitment and comprehensive study. To gain a deeper understanding of these exams, read below the State-wise Judicial Services exam syllabi and other important details.
Judicial Services Exams 2024: The Judicial Services Exam 2024, also known as the PCS (J) – Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Services Exams, is an entry-level examination for law graduates aspiring to join the subordinate judiciary. Successful candidates who clear the Judicial Service Exams 2024 are appointed as judicial officers by the state government under the supervision of the respective High Court, based on their performance in this exam.
Various state public service commissions will administer the Indian Judicial Service Exams 2024 to select candidates for the esteemed roles of civil judges or judicial magistrates. By successfully passing this civil judge examination, law graduates have the opportunity to advance their careers as additional district magistrates, district court judges, or district magistrates throughout India.
What is the Judicial Services Exam 2024?
The Judicial Services Exam 2024, commonly referred to as the Provincial Civil Service – Judicial Examination (PCS-J), recruits candidates for subordinate judiciary positions in various Indian states. This competitive exam allows law graduates to pursue roles as civil judges or judicial magistrates. The primary goal is to select individuals to serve as judges in district and subordinate courts.
Importance of Judiciary Exam 2024
The importance of the judiciary exam for aspiring candidates can be seen in the following points:
- For those with a passion for public service and an interest in holding positions of authority within the state, the judiciary offers a rewarding career path. It allows professionals to remain deeply connected to the law while also providing the opportunity to serve society and uphold justice.
- Each High Court oversees the subordinate judiciary within its jurisdiction, ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system at the state level.
- Members of the subordinate judiciary, commonly referred to as the judicial service or PCS (J) – Provincial Civil Service (Judicial), serve as presiding officers in various courts, progressing to roles as District Judges over time. This makes it a prestigious and influential career option within the legal profession.
Judicial Service Exams 2024: List of States
Judiciary exams are conducted annually by each state. Candidates can check the list of states where Judicial Service Exams are conducted.
| State | State | State | State |
| Uttar Pradesh | Jammu & Kashmir | Assam | Manipur |
| Jharkhand | Goa | West Bengal | Mizoram |
| Bihar | Punjab | Karnataka | Delhi |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nagaland | Madhya Pradesh | Rajasthan |
| Kerala | Uttarakhand | Haryana | Odisha |
| Andhra Pradesh | Gujarat | Meghalaya | Tamil Nadu |
| Telangana | Tripura | – | – |
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Judicial Services Exams 2024: Eligibility Criteria
Judiciary exams are held for two entry levels: Lower Judiciary Services and Higher Judicial Services. Below is an overview of the eligibility criteria for each level:
Lower Judiciary Services
This category is designed for fresh law graduates and is conducted through entrance exams. The eligibility criteria for the judiciary exam at this level are as follows:
| Aspects | Lower Judiciary Exam Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidates should possess a degree in LLB |
| Experience | There is not any experience required |
| Age Limit | 21 to 35 years |
Higher Judiciary Services
The Higher Judiciary Exam is designed for experienced litigation lawyers. Candidates who pass this exam will be appointed as Additional District Judges. Below are the eligibility criteria for the exam:
| Aspects | Higher Judiciary Exam Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidates should possess a degree in LLB |
| Experience | Should have a minimum experience of 7 years |
| Age Limit | 21 to 35 years |
Judicial Services Exams 2024: Selection Process
Before beginning preparation for the judiciary exams, it’s crucial to understand the judiciary exam selection process. The upcoming judiciary exam 2024 will follow a three-phase selection process, as outlined below:
- Preliminary Examination: This is the first phase and is qualifying in nature. The questions in the PCS Judiciary Prelim Exam will be objective-type. The marks obtained in this exam will not be considered in the final merit list.
- Mains Written Examination: Candidates who pass the preliminary exam will advance to the mains, which will consist of subjective-type questions. Performance in the mains will be considered for the final ranking.
- Viva-Voce/Personal Interview: The final phase of the selection process is the viva-voce or personal interview round. Candidates will be evaluated based on their general knowledge, personality, and overall intelligence. This stage plays a critical role in the final selection.
Judicial Services Examination 2024: Syllabus
Each state has its own syllabus for judicial service exams, with variations in local laws and terminology, though procedural and substantive laws remain uniform across all states. The syllabus for the Judicial Services Examination’s preliminary phase typically consists of three key sections: Civil Law, Criminal Law, and a Language Paper. The language paper generally carries a weight of 20% to 35%. In the mains exam, there are usually six to seven papers, with more than 70% of the questions focusing on legal subjects.
Judicial Services Examination 2024 Syllabus: Preliminary Exam
In the Judicial Services Examination Syllabus for Preliminary Examination, the questions are generally asked from the following topics:
- Constitutional law
- Contract Law and Tort Law
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- IPC, CPC, CrPC, and The Indian Evidence Act
- Proficiency in English Language and Aptitude
- Transfer of Property law
In the preliminary examination, candidates are also tested on their general knowledge. Key topics to focus on within the general knowledge section include the following:
- Communications and Space
- Current National Issues & topics of Social relevance
- Geography of India
- History of India
- India and the World
- Indian Culture
- Indian Economy
- Indian Polity
- International Affairs and Institutions
- Science and Technology etc
Judicial Service Examination 2024 – State Wise Subjects
In addition to the aforementioned subjects, several state judiciary exams incorporate additional topics in their preliminary examinations. Candidates can explore the state-wise subjects included in the Indian Judicial Service Examination below:
| States | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Delhi Judicial Service Examination | Partnership Act, Principles Governing Arbitration Law |
| Kerala Judicial Service Exam | Kerala Building (Lease and Rent Control) Act |
| Goa Judicial Service Examination | The Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste (Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989) Sales of Goods Act, Land laws of Goa |
| Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services Exam | Madhya Pradesh Accommodation Control Act, Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code |
| Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, and Nagaland -judicial services examination | Proficiency in the official language of respective states |
| Bihar Judicial Service Examination | Elementary general Science, Administrative law, Hindu and Muslim personal laws, Principles of Equity, Law of trusts, Specific Relief Act, Commercial law |
| Chhattisgarh Judicial Service examination | Accommodation Control Act, Court fees act, Registration Act and Chhattisgarh Land revenue code, Limitation, and Specific relief acts |
| Karnataka Judicial Service Examination | Karnataka Rent Act |
Judiciary Services Exams 2024: Job Profile
The job profile for candidates selected through state judiciary exams typically begins with the position of Civil Judge. A Civil Judge primarily handles civil cases, which involve disputes between individuals, groups, or institutions. These cases usually pertain to issues like property disputes, contract enforcement, family law matters, and other civil litigation. The job responsibilities of a Civil Judge are mentioned below:
- Adjudicating Civil Disputes: A civil judge presides over cases involving civil rights and obligations. This can include matters like contractual disputes, property disputes, family law cases, and more.
- Analysis and Examination: To arrive at fair and just decisions, civil judges must thoroughly review and analyze all relevant evidence, legal arguments, and testimonies presented during the trial. This requires a deep understanding of legal principles and precedents.
- Judgment and Ruling: Civil judges have the authority to continue hearing a case until they have gathered enough information to make a well-informed and lawful judgment. Their goal is to ensure justice is served based on the facts and legal principles.
Judiciary Services Exams Job Salary
Upon selection through the Judiciary Exams, candidates are entitled to a range of attractive benefits and perks that make the role highly rewarding. In addition to a competitive salary, judicial officers receive several allowances and benefits, including:
- Fuel Allowance: To cover transportation costs
- Rent-Free Accommodation: Comfortable housing provided by the government
- Telephone Allowance: For communication needs
- Subsidized Utilities: Reduced rates for electricity and water
- Bursaries for Children’s Education: Financial support for their children’s schooling
The basic pay scale for a judicial officer typically ranges between Rs. 77,700/- to Rs. 1,50,000/, depending on the state.
Delhi Judiciary Examination 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Delhi Judiciary Exam |
| Conducted By | Delhi High Court |
| Candidate Age Range | Maximum age limit: 32 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ ST/ Ex Servicemen/ Short Service Commission Officers: 5 years, PwD/ General with disability: 10 years, SC/ ST with disability: 15 years |
| Educational Qualifications | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | delhihighcourt.nic.in |
Bihar Judiciary Examination 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Bihar Judiciary Exam |
| Conducted By | Bihar Public Service Commission |
| Candidate Age Range | Age limit between 22 and 35 years old |
| Age Relaxation | Reserved (including women & orthopedically handicapped)/ Unreserved Women candidates: 5 years |
| Educational Qualifications | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
Rajasthan Judiciary Examination 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Rajasthan Judiciary Exam |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur |
| Candidate Age Range | 21-40 years, with 5-year relaxation for SC/ ST/ OBC/ Women candidates |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
Uttar Pradesh Judiciary Examination 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | UP Judiciary Exam |
| Conducted By | Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission |
| Candidate Age Range | 22-35 years, with specified relaxations |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
Gujarat Judiciary Examination 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Gujarat Judiciary Exam |
| Conducted By | Gujarat Public Service Commission |
| Candidate Age Range | Maximum age limit is 35 years |
| Age Relaxation | Candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ Socially and Educationally Backward Classes/ Disabled Persons (PH)/ Ex-servicemen can apply until the age of 38 |
| Number of Vacancies | Approximately 208 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
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Every year, the High Courts administer the State Judicial Service Examination to select individuals for positions in the Civil Judge cadre and for direct recruitment as civil judges. But it may vary from state to state.
The duration required for judiciary preparation in India can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the individual’s prior knowledge of the law, their study habits, the intensity of preparation, and the specific requirements of the examination they are preparing for. Generally, many aspirants spend anywhere from 1 to 2 years preparing for judicial service examinations in India.
There are a total of 6 attempts in Judiciary Exams, however, it can vary from state to state.
