Judicial Service Exams Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide

The Judicial Service Examination syllabus varies across states in India, covering both procedural and substantive laws. While fundamental legal principles remain constant, variations exist based on local laws and languages.

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

The preliminary exam consists of objective-type questions covering:

Core Subjects

• Constitutional Law – Fundamental principles and structure of the Indian Constitution.
• Contract Law and Tort Law – Legal aspects of contracts and civil wrongs.
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs – Awareness of national and international events.
• IPC, CPC, CrPC & Indian Evidence Act – Proficiency in the Indian Penal Code, Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act.
• English Language & Aptitude – Competency in comprehension, writing skills, and logical reasoning.
• Transfer of Property Law – Understanding property transfer regulations.

Additional General Knowledge Topics

• Communications, National Issues, Geography, History, Indian Culture, Economy, Polity, International Affairs, Science & Technology.

State-Wise Judicial Service Exam Subjects

Each state has additional subjects relevant to local laws:

Examples of State-Specific Subjects

• Delhi – Arbitration Law, Partnership Act.
• Goa – Sales of Goods Act, Land Laws of Goa, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
• Kerala – Kerala Building (Lease & Rent Control) Act.
• Madhya Pradesh – MP Accommodation Control Act, MP Land Revenue Code.
• Bihar – Hindu & Muslim Personal Laws, Administrative Law, Principles of Equity.
• Karnataka – Karnataka Rent Act.
• Chhattisgarh – Registration Act, Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code.
• Various Northeastern States – Proficiency in the respective state’s official language.

Mains Examination Syllabus

The syllabus for the Mains exam varies by state. Below are some key details:

Delhi Judicial Services Examination

• Paper I: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Essay Writing, Translation.
• Paper II: Civil Law I – Contract Law, Specific Relief Act, Hindu & Muslim Law, Torts.
• Paper III: Civil Law II – Evidence Law, Limitation Act, CPC, Registration Act.
• Paper IV: Criminal Law – CrPC, IPC, Indian Evidence Act.

UP Judicial Services Syllabus

• Paper 1: General Knowledge.
• Paper 2: Language Proficiency.
• Paper 3: Substantive Law.
• Paper 4: Procedure & Evidence Law.
• Paper 5: Penal, Revenue, and Local Laws.

West Bengal Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Compulsory Papers: English, Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali, General Knowledge, CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act, Contract & Torts, Transfer of Property.
• Optional Papers (Choose 3): Hindu Law, Muslim Law, Jurisprudence, Equity, Partnership Act, Constitutional Law, etc.

Bihar Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Compulsory Papers: General Knowledge, Elementary Science, Hindi, English, Law of Evidence & Procedure.
• Optional Papers: Constitutional Law, Property Law, Law of Trusts, Commercial Law, etc.

MP Judiciary Exam Syllabus

• Paper I: Civil Law & Procedure.
• Paper II: Criminal Law & Procedure.
• Paper III: Court Practice, Translation, Judgment Writing.
• Paper IV: Judgment Writing.

Jharkhand Judiciary Syllabus

• Paper I: IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Limitation Act.
• Paper II: CPC, Contract Law, Arbitration, Transfer of Property.
• Paper III: Hindu & Muslim Law, Rent Law, Specific Relief Act.
• Paper IV: Language Proficiency.

Goa Judicial Services Examination Syllabus

• Paper I: Contract Law, Specific Relief Act, Limitation Act, Family & Land Laws of Goa.
• Paper II: Criminal Law, Prevention of Atrocities Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Essay Writing.

Haryana & Punjab Judiciary Syllabus

• Civil Law I & II: CPC, Partnership Act, Hindu & Muslim Law, Registration Act, Limitation Act.
• Criminal Law: IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act.
• Language Papers: English Composition, Hindi (Devanagari Script).

Odisha Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Paper I: General English.
• Paper II: Procedural Laws (CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act).
• Paper III (Optional): Crime & Torts, Contract Law, Property Law, Jurisprudence, Constitution.

Karnataka Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Paper I: Translation.
• Paper II: Civil & Criminal Law, Pleadings, Constitution.
• Paper III: Framing Issues & Judgment Writing (Civil Cases).
• Paper IV: Framing Charges & Judgment Writing (Criminal Cases).

Himachal Pradesh Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Civil Law I & II: CPC, Contract Act, Hindu Law, Rent Control Act.
• Criminal Law: IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Negotiable Instruments Act.

Rajasthan Judiciary Syllabus

• Law Paper I: Constitution, CPC, Contract & Tort Laws, Rent Control, Personal Laws.
• Law Paper II: Criminal Law, Cybercrimes, Juvenile Justice, Probation Law.
• Language Papers: Hindi & English Essay Writing, Translation & Grammar.

Uttarakhand Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Paper I: Substantive Law.
• Paper II: Evidence & Procedure.
• Paper III: Revenue & Criminal Law.
• Paper IV: Current Affairs & General Knowledge.
• Paper V: Language Proficiency.

Kerala Judicial Service Exam Syllabus

• Paper I: General English.
• Paper II: Contract Law, Property Law, Limitation Act, Family Laws.
• Paper III: Criminal Laws (IPC, Evidence Act, Domestic Violence Act, Juvenile Justice Act).

Other States Judicial Exams

• Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Maharashtra, J&K: Essay, Precise Writing, Aptitude, Constitution, Property Law, IPC, CrPC, Torts, Evidence Act.
• Chhattisgarh: Framing of Issues & Judgment Writing (Civil & Criminal), Translation (English-Hindi & Vice Versa).

Conclusion

The Judicial Service Examination syllabus is extensive and varies significantly across states. Aspiring candidates should carefully review their respective state’s syllabus and tailor their preparation accordingly. A strategic study plan covering fundamental legal principles, state-specific laws, and general knowledge is key to success in these exams.

Read Also: 

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