Judiciary Exam FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Judiciary exams (also called Judicial Services Examination or PCS-J) are state-level exams conducted by High Courts for recruitment of Civil Judges (Junior Division) and Additional Public Prosecutors (APO). Each state conducts its own exam. There are approximately 4,855 vacancies across India with 50,000-60,000 candidates appearing annually.

For most state PCS-J exams: candidates must hold an LLB/BA LLB degree from a recognized university. Age limit: typically 21-35 years (varies by state, relaxation for reserved categories). Some states require enrollment with the Bar Council. Final-year law students may also be eligible in certain states.

BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), and BSA (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) are India's three new criminal laws that replaced IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act respectively from July 1, 2024. These are now mandatory for all judiciary exam preparation.

PCS-J typically has 3 stages: (1) Prelims — 150 MCQs covering General Knowledge, Law, and current affairs; (2) Mains — 4-6 descriptive papers on Substantive Law, Procedural Law, Language, and General Knowledge; (3) Interview/Viva Voce. Pattern varies by state.

A Civil Judge (Junior Division) starting salary is approximately ₹56,100-₹1,77,500 per month (7th Pay Commission) depending on the state. With allowances, the total package is ₹80,000-₹1,50,000/month. District Judges earn ₹1,44,840-₹2,24,100/month. Judiciary positions also come with government accommodation, vehicle, and other perks.

Judiciary prep strategy: (1) Study bare acts thoroughly — BNS, BNSS, BSA, CPC, Constitution; (2) Read landmark judgments and legal maxims; (3) Practice MCQs for prelims daily; (4) Write answer practice for mains; (5) Follow current legal developments; (6) Take mock tests regularly. Minimum 6-8 months dedicated preparation needed.

Judiciary Gurukul is an online judiciary coaching platform by Ready For Exam. It offers PCS-J, APO, and Civil Judge preparation with updated BNS/BNSS/BSA coverage, daily MCQ practice, mock tests, and bare act analysis. Courses start at ₹1,999.

States with significant judiciary vacancies include: Bihar (BPSC Judicial Services), Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS-J), Madhya Pradesh (MP Judiciary), Rajasthan (RJS), Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi. Bihar and UP typically have the highest number of vacancies among Hindi-speaking states.

PCS-J (Provincial Civil Services - Judicial) is for entry-level Civil Judge posts (Junior Division) for fresh law graduates. HJS (Higher Judicial Service) is for District Judge posts requiring 7+ years of law practice or judicial service. PCS-J is the starting point for a judicial career.

While self-study is possible, judiciary exams require structured preparation due to vast syllabus (bare acts, case laws, new criminal laws). Good coaching provides: updated study material for BNS/BNSS/BSA, answer writing practice for mains, mock tests, and interview preparation. Judiciary Gurukul offers affordable online coaching starting at ₹1,999.