🧭 1. Introduction

The Judicial Services Exam (PCS–J) is conducted by various State Public Service Commissions and High Courts to recruit Civil Judges (Junior Division) across India.

Commonly known as Provincial Civil Services – Judicial (PCS–J), this exam is the gateway for law graduates aspiring to join the subordinate judiciary. The PCS–J 2026 examination tests candidates’ legal knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of the judicial system.

This guide covers the latest syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, and preparation tips as per recent state notifications (UP, MP, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, etc.).

🪜 2. Selection Process

The Judicial Services (PCS–J) 2026 selection generally follows a three-stage process:

Preliminary Examination – Objective type (screening test)
Mains Examination – Descriptive written papers
Viva-Voce / Interview – Personality and legal aptitude test

⚖️ Each state’s Judicial Service Commission may have slight variations, but the structure remains consistent across India.

📘 3. Exam Pattern

A. Preliminary Examination

Component	Details
Exam Mode	Online / Offline (State-specific)
Type	Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Total Marks	100–200 (varies by state)
Duration	2–3 hours
Negative Marking	Usually 0.25 per wrong answer (varies by state)
Subjects	Law, GK, English, Current Affairs, Aptitude

B. Mains Examination

Paper	Subject	Marks
Paper I	Civil Law / Procedural Law	200
Paper II	Criminal Law	200
Paper III	English Language	100
Paper IV	Hindi Language / Local Language	100
Paper V	Essay / Judgment Writing	150–200
Total		700–800 (varies by state)

C. Interview / Viva-Voce

Component	Details
Type	Oral Personality Test
Marks	100 (approx.)
Purpose	Tests candidate’s knowledge, ethics, confidence, and judicial temperament

📚 4. Detailed Syllabus (Section-wise)

A. Law Paper I – Civil Law

Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Partnership Act, 1932
Sale of Goods Act, 1930
Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Specific Relief Act, 1963
Hindu and Muslim Laws (Personal Laws)
Law of Torts

B. Law Paper II – Procedural & Criminal Laws

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC)
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC)
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC)
Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Limitation Act, 1963
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

C. Language Papers

English: Essay writing, comprehension, translation, and précis.
Hindi/Regional Language: Grammar, essay, and translation from English.

D. General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Indian Polity and Constitution
History and Geography of India
Legal Developments and Landmark Judgments
Recent Legal Amendments

E. Viva-Voce / Interview

Legal reasoning and ethics
Situational judgment and decision-making
Awareness of current national and international legal issues
Communication and personality assessment

🎯 5. Final Selection & Marks Weightage

Stage	Marks
Preliminary Exam	Qualifying only
Mains Exam	700–800 Marks
Interview	100 Marks
Total	800–900 Marks

The final merit list is prepared based on Mains + Interview marks.
Prelims are qualifying in nature and used to shortlist candidates for the Mains.
Appointment is made to the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) under the State Judiciary.

💡 6. Practical Preparation Tips

✅ Understand the Pattern: Review previous year papers from your target state (UP, MP, Rajasthan, etc.).
✅ Read Bare Acts Daily: Focus on sections, illustrations, and case laws.
✅ Current Legal Affairs: Follow Supreme Court and High Court updates regularly.
✅ Mock Writing: Practice judgment writing, essay, and translation exercises.
✅ Use Standard Textbooks:

R.K. Bangia – Contract & Torts
K.D. Gaur – Criminal Law
M.P. Jain – Constitutional Law
✅ Revise Procedural Laws Thoroughly: CPC and CrPC questions are high scoring.
✅ Interview Prep: Develop balanced opinions on legal reforms and ethics.
✅ Time Management: Allocate 60% of your study time to Law papers, 20% to Language, and 20% to GK & Current Affairs.

🔗 7. Useful Official Resources

⚖️ Union Public Service Commission: https://upsc.gov.in

⚖️ Judicial Services Exam (PCS–J) 2026 – Complete Guide