The following table lists the 24 Indian states that conduct separate Judicial Service Exams, along with their corresponding bodies responsible for the recruitment:
| Region | State /UT | Exam name | Conducting authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern | Delhi | Delhi Judiciary (DJS) | Delhi High Court |
| Haryana | Haryana Judiciary | HPSC | |
| Punjab | Punjab Judiciary (PCS-J) | PPSC | |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP Judiciary (UP PCS J) | UPPSC | |
| Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand Judiciary Exam (UKPSC‑J) | UKPSC | |
| Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh Judiciary | HPPSC | |
| Jammu and Kashmir | JKPSC Civil Judge | J&K High Court | |
| Central | Madhya Pradesh | MP Judiciary | MP High Court |
| Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh Judiciary | CGPSC | |
| Western | Rajasthan | Rajasthan Judiciary | Rajasthan High Court |
| Gujarat | Gujarat Judiciary | Gujarat High Court | |
| Maharashtra | MPSC‑J (Maharashtra Judiciary) | MPSC | |
| Eastern | Bihar | BPSC Judicial Service | BPSC |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand Judiciary (JPSC‑J) | JPSC | |
| West Bengal | West Bengal Judiciary | WBPSC | |
| Odisha | Odisha Judicial Services Exam | OPSC | |
| Southern | Tamil Nadu | TNPSC Civil Judge Exam | TNPSC |
| Karnataka | Karnataka Judiciary | Karnataka High Court | |
| Andhra Pradesh | APJS – Andhra Pradesh Judiciary | Andhra Pradesh High Court | |
| Telangana | TSJS – Telangana Judiciary | Telangana High Court | |
| Northeastern | Assam | AJS – Assam Judicial Services | Gauhati High Court |
| Tripura | TJS – Tripura Judiciary | Tripura High Court | |
| Meghalaya | MJS – Meghalaya Higher Judicial | Meghalaya High Court | |
| Manipur | Manipur Judicial Service Exams | Manipur High Court | |
| Nagaland | NJS – Nagaland Judicial Services | Nagaland High Court | |
| Mizoram | MZJS – Mizoram Judicial Services | Mizoram High Court | |
| Sikkim | SJS – Sikkim Judicial Services | Sikkim High Court |
Indian Judiciary Exam 2025: Important dates
Below is a table highlighting some of the key application start dates, last dates, and exam dates for select state Judiciary Exams in 2025:
| Exam/State | Application start | Last date to apply | Exam date(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPSC APO (Jharkhand PSC) | 24 Jun 2025 | 15 Jul 2025 | — |
| JKPSC Civil Judge | 19 May 2025 | 18 Jun 2025 | — |
| Delhi Judicial Services | 4 Apr 2025 | 3 May 2025 | — |
| Rajasthan High Court Civil Judge | 1 Mar 2025 | 30 Mar 2025 | — |
| AP High Court District Judge | 12 Mar 2025 | 27 Mar 2025 | — |
| AP Civil Judge | 3 Feb 2025 | 12 Mar 2025 | — |
| Karnataka High Court Civil Judge | 10 Feb 2025 | 12 Mar 2025 | — |
| Assam Judicial Service | 17 Feb 2025 | 3 Mar 2025 | — |
| Gujarat High Court Civil Judge | 1 Feb 2025 | 1 Mar 2025 | 23 Mar 2025 (Prelims) |
| West Bengal Judicial Service | 1 Jan 2025 | 31 Jan 2025 | — |
| Himachal Pradesh Civil Judge | 15 Dec 2024 | 5 Jan 2025 | 15–19 Jul 2025 (Exams) |
| Orissa High Court District Judge | 6 Nov 2024 | 22 Nov 2024 | 5 Jan 2025 |
| Bombay High Court District Judge | 5 Sep 2024 | 26 Sep 2024 | 18–19 Jan 2025 |
| Maharashtra Civil Judge | 24 Jun 2024 | 8 Jul 2024 | 24 Aug 2024 |
Judiciary Exam 2025: Eligibility criteria
Examining the eligibility requirements:
Two entry levels:
- Lower Judiciary Services (e.g., Civil Judge, Junior Division)
- Higher Judicial Services (e.g., District Judge, Senior Division)
Lower Judicial Service — Eligibility criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Educational qualification | LL.B. degree (3-year or 5-year) |
| Bar Enrolment | Generally not mandatory, but some states require it; some states require enrollment and clearing the AIBE |
| Age Limit | Typically 21–35 years; some states extend up to 40 or more |
Higher Judicial Service — Eligibility criteria
While specifics vary by state, commonly:
- Requires law degree.
- Minimum years of practice (often 7 years) for higher judiciary positions.
How to apply for Judicial Service Examination 2025
Each state issues its own official notification via High Court or State PSC websites. Candidates must follow the prescribed process, which typically includes:
- Filling the application form online.
- Paying applicable fees (may vary for general vs reserved categories).
- Submitting documents and fees via the official portal.
Judicial Services Exam 2025: Selection process
The selection usually involves three stages:
- Prelims – Objective type (screening; often not counted in final merit).
- Mains – Descriptive papers testing law knowledge and writing ability.
- Interview (Viva-Voce) – Assesses personality, judgment, and suitability.
Prelims for Judiciary Exam
- Objective questions on law and general knowledge.
- Used to shortlist candidates for mains.
Mains for Judiciary Exam
- Several descriptive papers on civil, criminal, constitutional law, and regional specifics.
- Usually includes language or translation papers.
- Marks are critical in determining final merit.
Interview (Viva-Voce)
Selected candidates are interviewed to assess suitability for judicial roles. Decision influenced by legal awareness and demeanour.
Judiciary syllabus and exam pattern 2025
Judicial Services Exams follow three-stage pattern: Prelims, Mains, Viva-Voce. Testing legal knowledge, analytical skills, and aptitude for judicial roles.
Judiciary Prelims – Key elements
- Objectives covering Law, GK, regional proficiency.
- Syllabus varies state-wise.
Judiciary Mains – Key elements
- Descriptive law papers, essay writing, language translation.
- State-specific laws included (e.g., Karnataka Rent Act, Goa Land Laws, MP Revenue Code).
Judicial Service Examination 2025 – State‑wise subjects
Here’s a snapshot of state-specific subject inclusion in prelims/mains:
| State(s) | Additional/Regional subjects covered |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Partnerships, Arbitration law |
| Kerala | Kerala Building (Lease & Rent Control) Act |
| Goa | SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Sales of Goods, Goa Land Laws |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP Accommodation Control Act, MP Land Revenue Code |
| Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, J&K, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland | Official language proficiency requirement |
| Bihar | General science, personal laws, equity, trusts, specific relief, commercial law |
| Chhattisgarh | Land revenue code, accommodation control, specific relief, court fees |
| Karnataka | Karnataka Rent Act among core laws |
How to prepare for Judicial Examination 2025
Strategies and tips:
- Study Bare Acts diligently, especially procedural laws.
- Focus on eliminating incorrect options during Prelims.
- For Mains, refine writing skills, judgment drafting, and essay clarity.
- Seek guidance from mentors, alumni, teachers, and judicial professionals.
- Practice extensively with past papers and mock interviews.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Judicial Service Examination is a significant step toward a prestigious and impactful career in the Indian judiciary. With multiple states conducting their own exams, candidates have diverse opportunities to serve in various judicial capacities across the country. Understanding the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and state-specific syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. By following a disciplined study plan, focusing on key legal principles, and staying updated on important dates, aspirants can enhance their chances of success. Additionally, leveraging financial support options like a lawyer loan or a professional loan can provide the necessary resources to focus entirely on this career-defining journey. Embarking on this path requires dedication, but it opens the door to a rewarding role in upholding justice and the rule of law.
