UP PCS-J 2026 — Complete Syllabus, Exam Pattern and Preparation Strategy
UP PCS-J (Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services – Judicial) is one of the most competitive state judicial services exams in India, with hundreds of seats and lakhs of applicants. Conducted by Allahabad High Court, this exam tests candidates on substantive and procedural law. This guide covers the complete exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy for UP PCS-J 2026.
UP PCS-J 2026 — Exam Pattern
| Stage | Type | Papers | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | Objective MCQ | 1 paper (150 Qs) | 300 marks |
| Mains | Descriptive | 5 papers | 1000 marks |
| Interview/Viva | Oral | 1 round | 100 marks |
UP PCS-J Mains Syllabus — Paper-wise
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Knowledge + General Hindi | 200 |
| Paper 2 | Law — Substantive (IPC/BNS, Contract, Property, Hindu/Muslim Law) | 200 |
| Paper 3 | Law — Procedural (BNSS/CrPC, CPC, Evidence/BSA) | 200 |
| Paper 4 | Law — Drafting, Conveyancing, Constitutional | 200 |
| Paper 5 | Law — Revenue Laws, Local Laws, UP-specific | 200 |
Most Important Law Subjects for UP PCS-J
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 — replaced IPC, all criminal offences and punishments
- BNSS 2023 — replaced CrPC, criminal procedure, bail, FIR, trial
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 — replaced Evidence Act, rules of evidence
- Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 1908 — civil court procedure, jurisdiction, res judicata
- Contract Act 1872 — offer, acceptance, consideration, void contracts, damages
- Transfer of Property Act 1882 — sale, mortgage, lease, gift, actionable claim
- Constitution of India — fundamental rights, directive principles, judiciary structure
- UP Revenue Code 2006 — land records, zamindari abolition, UP-specific
UP PCS-J Preparation Strategy 2026
Phase 1 (6 months): Read bare acts of all major subjects. Start with BNS+BNSS+BSA (new laws — fresh reading mandatory). Then CPC, Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act. Phase 2 (3 months): Solve previous year UP PCS-J questions (2015-2023). Focus on Allahabad High Court judgments on key sections. Phase 3 (3 months): Write answer practice for Mains, draft practice (summons, warrants, judgments). Mock tests weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions — UP PCS-J 2026
What is the eligibility for UP PCS-J?
For UP PCS-J: Candidate must be an LLB graduate (or pursuing final year). Age: 22-35 years (age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per UP government norms). Must be a citizen of India. Must be enrolled as an advocate or eligible for enrollment.
How many vacancies are there in UP PCS-J typically?
UP PCS-J typically announces 200-400 vacancies per cycle for Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Additional Munsiff positions. The exact number varies by cycle and is announced with the official notification from Allahabad High Court.
Practice Quiz — 10 Judiciary Exam-Style Questions
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