Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026 — Complete Guide
The Uttarakhand PCS-J (Provincial Civil Services — Judicial) examination, also known as the Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination, is conducted under the supervision of the Uttarakhand High Court. It is one of the most prestigious state judicial service examinations in North India, offering an opportunity to enter the Uttarakhand State Judiciary as a Civil Judge.
Overview — Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Uttarakhand High Court (Nainital) |
| Post | Civil Judge (Junior Division) |
| Exam Level | State |
| Medium | Hindi and English |
| Eligibility | LLB degree + enrolled as Advocate |
| Age Limit | 22–35 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC) |
| Stages | 3 — Preliminary → Mains → Viva Voce |
Eligibility Criteria — Uttarakhand Civil Judge 2026
Educational Qualification
- Must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university
- Must be enrolled as an Advocate with a Bar Council
- Three-year and integrated five-year law degree holders both eligible
Age Limit
- Minimum: 22 years
- Maximum: 35 years (General category)
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST; 3 years for OBC; 10 years for PwD
Domicile
Domicile of Uttarakhand is generally required for unreserved seats. Check the official notification for specific requirements.
Exam Pattern — Three Stages
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Law (Substantive and Procedural) | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 50 | 1 hour |
| Total | 150 | 3 hours |
- MCQ / Objective type
- Negative marking applies (typically 1/4 deduction)
- Qualifying in nature — marks not counted for final merit
Stage 2: Mains Examination (Written)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Law of Evidence + CPC + Limitation Act | 200 |
| Paper II | IPC/BNS + Cr.PC/BNSS + Transfer of Property Act + Specific Relief Act | 200 |
| Paper III | Constitutional Law + Administrative Law | 200 |
| Paper IV | Language (Hindi + English Essay and Drafting) | 200 |
| Total | 800 |
Stage 3: Viva Voce (Interview)
- Marks: 75
- Tests personality, legal acumen, communication skills and judicial temperament
- Only candidates who qualify Mains are called for Viva
Syllabus — Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026
Law Papers (Core — Mains)
- Substantive Law: BNS 2023 (IPC), Transfer of Property Act, Contract Act, Specific Relief Act, Hindu Law, Muslim Personal Law, Family Law
- Procedural Law: BNSS 2023 (CrPC), CPC, Limitation Act, BSA 2023 (Evidence Act)
- Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Judicial Review, Centre-State Relations, Emergency Provisions
- New Criminal Laws: BNS, BNSS and BSA 2023 — heavily tested since 2024
General Knowledge (Preliminary)
- Current Affairs — National and Uttarakhand-specific
- History and Culture of Uttarakhand
- Indian Constitution basics
- Uttarakhand geography, economy, polity
Important Books for Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| BNS / IPC | Ratanlal & Dhirajlal’s Law of Crimes | Ratanlal & Dhirajlal |
| BNSS / CrPC | Code of Criminal Procedure | R.V. Kelkar |
| CPC | Code of Civil Procedure | C.K. Takwani |
| BSA / Evidence | Law of Evidence | Batuk Lal / Avtar Singh |
| Constitutional Law | Introduction to the Constitution of India | D.D. Basu |
| Transfer of Property Act | Transfer of Property Act | Mulla / Subba Rao |
| Contract + Specific Relief | Law of Contract & Specific Relief | Avtar Singh |
Preparation Strategy — Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026
Phase 1 — Foundation (Months 1–3)
- Read bare acts: BNS, BNSS, BSA, CPC, Constitution
- Make section-wise notes for each law
- Focus on definitions and key provisions
- Start GK reading for Uttarakhand-specific topics
Phase 2 — Core Law Depth (Months 4–6)
- Study standard reference books for each law paper
- Solve previous year Uttarakhand PCS-J papers
- Practice case law analysis and judgment writing
- Solve Judiciary Gurukul mock tests for law subjects
Phase 3 — Mains Writing Practice (Months 7–9)
- Write 2–3 answers daily in exam conditions
- Practice judgment writing — pleadings, orders, decrees
- Revise bare acts weekly
- Focus on new criminal laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA) — high weightage
Phase 4 — Revision and Mock Tests (Final 2 Months)
- Revise all subject notes twice
- Attempt 10+ full mock tests
- Practice Viva Voce — current affairs, legal opinion questions
- Read newspapers for current legal developments
Previous Year Cut-offs — Uttarakhand PCS-J
| Year | General Cut-off (Mains + Viva) | OBC Cut-off | SC Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~550–580 out of 875 | ~520–540 | ~480–500 |
| 2020 | ~540–560 | ~510–530 | ~470–490 |
Cut-offs are approximate based on candidate reports. Official cut-offs should be verified from the Uttarakhand High Court website.
Quiz data missing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026
Who conducts the Uttarakhand PCS-J exam?
The Uttarakhand Civil Judge (Junior Division) / PCS-J exam is conducted under the supervision of the Uttarakhand High Court, Nainital.
Is domicile of Uttarakhand required for PCS-J?
Domicile requirements vary with each notification. In general, Uttarakhand domicile is required for unreserved and state-reserved seats. Always check the specific notification for domicile requirements.
Are the new criminal laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA) included in Uttarakhand PCS-J 2026?
Yes. Since BNS, BNSS and BSA came into force in July 2024, they replace IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act respectively in the Uttarakhand PCS-J syllabus. Questions on the new laws are expected in all 2025–2026 exams.
What is the salary of a Civil Judge in Uttarakhand?
A Civil Judge (Junior Division) in Uttarakhand receives a pay in the Level 8 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix, starting at approximately ₹53,100/- per month, plus allowances. The total CTC is significantly higher with HRA, DA, and judicial allowances.
How many vacancies are typically announced in Uttarakhand PCS-J?
Uttarakhand PCS-J vacancy numbers vary. Previous recruitment drives have announced 15–35 vacancies. The exact number for 2026 will be specified in the official notification from the Uttarakhand High Court.
