After completing B.A. LLB. course, what are the eligibility to enroll in judiciary exam.

Dear aspirant,

Judicial Services Examination or the PCS (J)-Provincial Civil Service-Judicial Examination which they are commonly referred to, are entry-level exams for law graduates to become members of the subordinate judiciary. The state governments under the supervision of the respective high ourts appoint members of the lower judiciary based on the competitive examination.

Judicial Services Examination– Eligibility Criteria

Lower Judiciary Services – The eligibility criteria for appearing in Judicial Services Examination is a degree in LL.B and he/she has enrolled or qualified to be enrolled as an advocate under the Advocates’ Act 1961. No experience is required and final year candidates can also appear. The age limit varies according to the state. it is usually between 21 to 35 years.

Higher Judiciary Services – Candidates must be graduates in law and have a minimum number of years of litigating practice; usually seven years.

Judicial Services Examination– Structure of the exam

Judicial Service Examination is held in three successive stages namely Preliminary Examination, Mains and Viva-Voce/Interview.

Preliminary Examination – The preliminary examination serves as a screening for mains exam. It comprises objective type questions. The marks secured in the preliminary examination are not counted for the final selection. The percentages of qualifying marks vary as per state. The minimum qualifying marks in the preliminary examination is 60 percent for general and 55 percent for reserved categories.

Mains Examination – The mains examination is subjective type. The exam comprises three to four papers. The marks secured by candidates are counted for the final selection. Candidates equal to three times the number of vacancies are called for viva-voce.

Viva-Voce/Personal Interview – This is the final stage of selection where candidates are assessed on general interest, personality and intelligence among other factors.

Judicial Services Examination– Syllabus

The syllabus varies across states. It is broadly divided into Civil law, Criminal Law and Language paper. The weight given to the language paper is around 20 percent to 35 percent. The mains examination constitutes six to seven papers and almost 70 percent of the questions are of law.

Candidates must prepare a plan of action and implement the same diligently. Besides knowledge of the subject, one must also be aware of current affairs. “Candidates should first understand the syllabus and then begin their preparation. They should create a proper study plan. Reading newspapers and magazines is a must,” says Prof. K Madan of Delhi Law Academy.

Judicial Services Examination– Scope

The position of a judge is the most respected post in the Indian legal system. Candidates appointed through Judicial Services Examination enjoy a secure and comfortable tenure. A career in judicial services has two levels. First is the lower judicial service for fresh graduates selected through an entrance exam conducted by the respective State Public Service Commission (UP, MP, Rajasthan etc) or the high courts (Delhi). An entry through this assures time-bound promotions and secured tenure. The second level is Higher Judicial Services for practicing lawyers. The selected applicants get posted as Additional District Judges, which and their promotion is faster.

Candidates appointed as Civil Judge (junior division) have the powers of Judicial Magistrate (Second Class) and those promoted to Chief Judicial Magistrate have the powers of Judicial Magistrate (First Class). Candidates appointed as Additional District and Session Judge are posted to High Court and in an exceptional case to the Supreme Court.

Judicial service is a worthwhile option for those who aim to serve the public with a high social esteem. It offers a secure and safe career with a comfortable compensation package.

Hope the answer is helpful.

Good luck!