JUDICIARY PREP | APRIL 2026
Your comprehensive guide to Bihar Judicial Service (Bihar PCS-J) 2027 — exam pattern, complete syllabus with new criminal laws, salary, and preparation strategy.
Bihar Judicial Service is one of the most sought-after state judiciary exams in India. With the introduction of the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) replacing IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act from July 2024, aspirants who master the new laws gain a significant edge.
Last Updated: April 2026
Bihar PCS-J Overview — Exam Conducting Body and Posts
• Conducting Body: Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
• Post: Civil Judge (Junior Division)
• Eligibility: LLB degree from recognized university, Age 22-35 years
• Approximate vacancies per cycle: 200-500
• Starting salary: ₹57,700 per month (Pay Level 9)
• Maximum salary: ₹1,82,400 per month
• Selection process: Preliminary + Mains + Interview
The Bihar Civil Judge exam is conducted by BPSC to recruit Civil Judges (Junior Division) for courts across Bihar. The post carries immense prestige, job security, and a clear promotion pathway from Civil Judge to District Judge and higher courts.
Bihar PCS-J Exam Pattern 2027
Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination:
The Preliminary exam is an objective-type screening test consisting of 150 MCQs for 150 marks, with a time limit of 2 hours. It tests Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law. There is negative marking (generally 1/4 mark deducted per wrong answer).
Stage 2 — Mains Examination:
Candidates who clear Prelims are eligible for Mains. The Mains consists of 5 descriptive papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Knowledge | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Language (Hindi/English) | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | Civil Law I (CPC + Limitation Act + Specific Relief) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | Civil Law II (Transfer of Property, Contract, Evidence/BSA) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | Criminal Law (BNS + BNSS) | 200 | 3 hours |
Stage 3 — Interview/Viva Voce: 120 marks. Tests legal knowledge, personality, and suitability for judicial temperament.
Bihar PCS-J Syllabus — Updated with New Criminal Laws
• BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) 2023 replaces IPC 1860 — 358 sections (vs 511 in IPC)
• BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) 2023 replaces CrPC 1973 — 531 sections
• BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) 2023 replaces Indian Evidence Act 1872 — 170 sections
All three new laws came into force on July 1, 2024. These are now core subjects for Bihar PCS-J.
Core Syllabus areas for Bihar PCS-J:
- Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Judiciary provisions (Articles 124-147, 214-237)
- Civil Procedure Code (CPC) 1908: Orders, Rules, Suits, Appeals, Executions
- Transfer of Property Act 1882: Sale, Mortgage, Lease, Gift, Exchange
- Contract Act 1872: Formation, Discharge, Remedies, Specific Contracts
- BNS 2023 (replaces IPC): Offences against person, property, state
- BNSS 2023 (replaces CrPC): Arrest, Bail, Trial procedure, Appeals
- BSA 2023 (replaces Evidence Act): Relevancy, Admissions, Electronic records, Burden of proof
Bihar PCS-J vs UP PCS-J Comparison
| Aspect | Bihar PCS-J | UP PCS-J |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | BPSC | Allahabad High Court |
| Age Limit | 22-35 years | 22-35 years |
| Prelims Type | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Mains Papers | 5 papers | 5 papers |
| Starting Salary | ₹57,700/month | ₹77,840/month |
| Approx. Vacancies | 200-500 per cycle | 400-600 per cycle |
P-M-I = Prelims (150 MCQs) → Mains (5 Papers) → Interview (120 marks)
Remember: “Prelims Moves Into the court” — P for Prelims screening, M for Merit in Mains, I for Interview judgment
And for new criminal laws: BNS replaces IPC | BNSS replaces CrPC | BSA replaces Evidence Act
Practice MCQs — Bihar Judicial Service
Practice Quiz — 10 Judiciary Exam-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bihar PCS-J
Q: Has IPC been replaced in Bihar PCS-J syllabus?
A: Yes. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 replaced IPC 1860 from July 1, 2024. BNSS replaced CrPC and BSA replaced the Indian Evidence Act. Bihar PCS-J exams from 2025 onwards will test the new laws.
Q: Can I apply for Bihar PCS-J while appearing in my final year of LLB?
A: No. You must have completed your LLB degree at the time of application. Appearing candidates are not eligible unlike some other exams.
Q: What is the promotion structure after Civil Judge (Junior Division)?
A: Promotions follow: Civil Judge JD → Civil Judge Senior Division → Additional District Judge → District Judge → High Court Judge (through elevation).
Q: How often does Bihar PCS-J notification come?
A: Bihar PCS-J notifications are irregular, typically once every 2-3 years depending on vacancies in Bihar’s subordinate courts.
Sources: BPSC official notifications, Bihar Judicial Service Rules, official government notifications on BNS/BNSS/BSA. Content accurate as of April 2026.
Prepare for Bihar PCS-J with expert coaching — explore Judiciary Coaching, take a Free Mock Test, and download the complete PCS-J Syllabus.
