What is Judicial Service Exam in India?

One of the most coveted exams for those aspiring to practice law in India is the judicial service exam. For those who wish to work in the judiciary, the exam is a fantastic opportunity. In order to select candidates for the positions of civil judge and magistrate, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and state governments administer this exam.

Among the oldest legal systems in the world is the Indian legal system. One can trace the history of the Indian judiciary back to the Vedic period. The foundation of the Indian legal system is the idea of dharma, which is essential to the Hindu way of life. Dharma includes notions of justice, equity and fairness.

During their time in India, the British established the country's first official court. The Indian Constitution was ratified on January 26, 1950, following the country's independence. It was published in 1950. The Constitution calls for an impartial judiciary to preserve the rule of law and safeguard citizens' rights.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts examinations for recruitment to various posts in the All-India Judicial Service (AIS). The AIS is a service created by statute i.e., Advocates Act, 1961 for recruitment of members for subordinate judiciary through an All India Competitive Examination conducted by UPSC every year known as Civil Judge (Junior Division) examination or Judicial Magistrate First Class (JD-I) examination depending on whether selection is made direct from Bar or from among serving members respectively working as Munsifs (Civil Judges Junior Division)/Civil Judges Senior Division/Judicial Magistrates First Class/Assistant District Attorneys etc..

 The Commission also recruits members for the Higher Judicial Service (HJS) through an All-India Competitive examination known as Civil Judge (Senior Division)/District Judge (Entry Level) examination.

 Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible to appear for the judicial service exam, a candidate must:

(i) be a citizen of India;

(ii) have completed 21 years of age; and

(iii) have obtained a degree in law from a recognized university or institution.

 What is the judicial service exam in India?

People often ask us how they can qualify for the judicial service exam in India. The answer is simple – by qualifying the entrance examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The judicial service exam in India is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to the posts of Civil Judges in the subordinate judiciary. The entrance examination comprises two stages – a written examination and an interview.

To be eligible to appear for the written examination, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognised university. Candidates who are enrolled as advocates with a Bar Council are also eligible to apply. The age limit for appearing for the judicial service exam is 35 years.

The written examination consists of three papers – Paper I, Paper II and Paper III. Paper I is an objective type paper consisting of 100 multiple choice questions on General Knowledge and current affairs. Paper II is a conventional type paper consisting of 200 marks and it tests the candidate’s ability in English language, Precis writing and drafting skills. In Paper III, candidates have to attempt four out of eight given essay-type questions carrying 50 marks each on different legal topics such as Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, etc.

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for an interview which carries 100 marks. The final selection is made on the basis of merit taking into account both the performance in the written examination and interview.

The judicial service exam is one of the most competitive exams in India and thus, requires systematic preparation and hard work to crack it.

 Also Read: Which is Better? Judicial Service vs. Civil Service: A Comprehensive Guide

How can one qualify for the judicial service exam in India?

Preparation for the judicial service exam requires systematic approach and hard work. The first step is to become familiar with the syllabus and pattern of the examination. Candidates must start preparing well in advance so that they can cover the entire syllabus before the examination.

Candidates must focus on building their knowledge base and brush up their skills in legal research, writing and drafting. They must also solve as many mock papers and previous years’ question papers as possible to get an idea about the type of questions that are asked in the examination.

In order to qualify for the judicial service exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in law from a recognized university. They must also be enrolled as an advocate with a bar council.

The age limit for the examination is 37 years for general category candidates and 40 years for reserved category candidates. Candidates must also meet the physical and medical standards prescribed by the authorities.

 

What are the rules to qualify for the judicial service exam in India?

Once a candidate has become familiar with the syllabus and pattern of the examination, they can start preparing for the examination.

Candidates must focus on building their knowledge base and brush up their skills in legal research, writing and drafting. They must also solve as many mock papers and previous years’ question papers as possible to get an idea about the type of questions that are asked in the examination.

In order to qualify for the judicial service exam in India, candidates must:

1. Be a citizen of India.

2. Possess a degree in law from a recognized university or institution.

3. Have completed their 21st year of age and not have attained the age of 35 years on the date of notification for the examination.

4. Candidates who are already in government service may also apply, provided they fulfil the above conditions and are due for retirement within three years from the date of appointment as Judicial Officer, if selected.

5. Candidates who have been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or have been dismissed from government service will not be eligible to apply.

 

What is the process of qualifying for the judicial service exam in India?

A candidate who wishes to appear for the judicial service exam in India must first ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria laid down by the authorities.

The next step is to register themselves with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates can do so by visiting the official website of UPSC. After registering, candidates will be required to login and fill up the application form. They must then pay the requisite application fee and submit the form.

Candidates will be required to appear for a written examination which consists of three papers – Paper I, Paper II and Paper III. Paper I is an objective type paper consisting of 100 multiple choice questions on General Knowledge and current affairs. Paper II is a conventional type paper consisting of 200 marks and it tests the candidate’s ability in English language, Precis writing and drafting skills. In Paper III, candidates have to attempt four out of eight given essay-type questions carrying 50 marks each on different legal topics such as Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, etc.

After the written examination, shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview which is conducted by a panel of judges. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the written examination and the interview.

Candidates who clear the judicial service exam are appointed as judges in subordinate courts.

 

Conclusion

Those who want to work in the judiciary should begin studying for the Judicial Service Exam well in advance. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the entrance exam, which consists of two parts: an interview and a written test.

Those with a Bachelor of Laws degree from an accredited university are required to be eligible to take the written exam. Applicants may also be those who are registered with a Bar Council as advocates. The judicial service exam has an age restriction of 35 years.

Paper I, Paper II, and Paper III are the three papers that make up the written exam. Paper I is an objective-style paper with 100 multiple-choice questions covering current events and general knowledge. Paper II is a traditional format paper with 200 marks that assesses the candidate's proficiency in the English language as well as their ability to write clearly and draft well. In Paper III, applicants must answer four of the eight provided essay-style questions (worth 50 marks each) covering various legal subjects, including the Indian Penal Code and Constitution.

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for an interview which is conducted by a Board of Judges. The interview carries 150 marks and the candidate’s suitability for the post of District Judge is tested through questions on various aspects such as general awareness, legal knowledge, etc.

The final selection of candidates is done on the basis of their performance in the written examination and interview taken together.

Candidates who are selected for the post of District Judge are appointed on probation for a period of two years. After successful completion of the probationary period, they are confirmed in their posts.

Also Read: How To Prepare For Judiciary Exams 2024 [Prelims & Mains]

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