Sample Papers
Previous Year Papers
Syllabus
EXAM SYLLABUS
This stage consists of subjective/descriptive-type questions. The Bihar Judiciary Mains Examination comprises five compulsory papers and three optional papers. The written examination carries a total of 1,050 marks, with candidates required to answer descriptive questions across various subjects, including General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Hindi, General English, Elementary General Science, Law of Evidence and General Procedure, along with other prescribed law subjects. General Hindi and General English are qualifying papers among the compulsory subjects. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% aggregate marks in these two qualifying papers to become eligible for the Interview/Viva-Voce stage.
Type of Examination | Subject | Marks |
Compulsory | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 150 |
Compulsory | Elementary General Science | 100 |
Compulsory | General English | 100 |
Compulsory | General Hindi | 100 |
Compulsory | Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam & Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita | 150 |
Optional | Constitution Law of India | 150 |
Optional | Hindu Law & Mohammedan Law | 150 |
Optional | Transfer of Property, Principal of Equity, Law of Trust & Specific Relief Act | 150 |
Optional | Law of Contract & Torts | 150 |
Optional | Commercial Law | 150 |
Interview Round
1. The third and last part of the Bihar PCS J test is the interview phase, which entails a variety of personal and legal questions.
2. You must possess a profound understanding of your professional experience, personal history, and recent legal breakthroughs in addition to a full understanding of every aspect of the law in order to perform effectively on the Bihar PCS J curriculum for the interview.
3. In the Bihar Judiciary test, the in-person interview is worth 100 marks
Mains Syllabus
The written examination carries a total of 1,050 marks, with candidates required to answer descriptive questions across various subjects, including General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Hindi, General English, Elementary General Science, Law of Evidence and General Procedure, along with other prescribed law subjects. General Hindi and General English are qualifying papers among the compulsory subjects. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% aggregate marks in these two qualifying papers to become eligible for the Interview/Viva-Voce stage.
Compulsory Subjects
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
Indian History
Indian Culture
Indian Geography
Indian Polity
Current Events
Countries, Currencies and Capitals
Static General Knowledge
Elementary General Science
Everyday Science
Basic Scientific Concepts
General Awareness of Science and Technology
General English
Unseen Passage
Summary/Precis Writing
Letter Writing
Grammar and Language Usage
General Hindi
Nibandh Lekhn
Vakya Vinyaas
Vyakaran
Bhasha evum Shabd Prayog
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887
Optional Subjects
Constitutional Law of India
Constitution of India: Articles 1 to 395 and the Schedules
Administrative Law and Delegated Legislation
Control of Delegated Legislation through Judicial and Legislative mechanisms
Principles of Natural Justice
Tribunals and Quasi-Judicial Authorities
Regulatory Authorities
Judicial Review of Administrative Action
Writ Jurisdiction and Statutory Judicial Remedies
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Tortious Liability of the State and Compensation
Promissory Estoppel
Legitimate Expectation and Doctrine of Proportionality
Government Contracts
Ombudsman
Hindu Law
Schools of Hindu Law
Marriage
Adoption
Impartible Estates
Endowments
...Format
EXAM FORMAT
This stage consists of subjective/descriptive-type questions. The Bihar Judiciary Mains Examination comprises five compulsory papers and three optional papers. The written examination carries a total of 1,050 marks, with candidates required to answer descriptive questions across various subjects, including General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Hindi, General English, Elementary General Science, Law of Evidence and General Procedure, along with other prescribed law subjects. General Hindi and General English are qualifying papers among the compulsory subjects. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% aggregate marks in these two qualifying papers to become eligible for the Interview/Viva-Voce stage.
Type of Examination | Subject | Marks |
Compulsory | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 150 |
Compulsory | Elementary General Science | 100 |
Compulsory | General English | 100 |
Compulsory | General Hindi | 100 |
Compulsory | Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam & Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita | 150 |
Optional | Constitution Law of India | 150 |
Optional | Hindu Law & Mohammedan Law | 150 |
Optional | Transfer of Property, Principal of Equity, Law of Trust & Specific Relief Act | 150 |
Optional | Law of Contract & Torts | 150 |
Optional | Commercial Law | 150 |
Interview Round
1. The third and last part of the Bihar PCS J test is the interview phase, which entails a variety of personal and legal questions.
2. You must possess a profound understanding of your professional experience, personal history, and recent legal breakthroughs in addition to a full understanding of every aspect of the law in order to perform effectively on the Bihar PCS J curriculum for the interview.
3. In the Bihar Judiciary test, the in-person interview is worth 100 marks.
Eligibility
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates who qualify the Bihar PCS-J Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear in the Mains Examination. Candidates are shortlisted for the Mains on the basis of their performance in the Preliminary Examination, subject to the conditions prescribed by BPSC.
To appear in the Mains Examination:
The candidate must have qualified the Preliminary Examination.
The candidate must fulfil the educational and other eligibility conditions prescribed in the Bihar Judicial Service recruitment notification.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university/institution as prescribed for the recruitment.
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age, nationality and other eligibility requirements of the concerned recruitment.
Candidates who qualify the Mains are called for the Interview/Viva-Voce as per the prescribed selection process.
Schedule
IMPORTANT DATES
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has published the Exam Calendar 2026, which provides the tentative dates for the 33rd Bihar Judicial Services Examination.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
Notification Release Date | February 2026 |
Application Starts Date | March 2026 |
Prelims Exam Date | May 30, 2026 (As per BPSC Calendar) |
Mains Exam Date | September 2026 |
Interview Date | December 2026 |
Analysis
EXAM ANALYSIS
The latest completed Bihar PCS-J / Civil Judge Mains Examination was the 32nd Bihar Judicial Services Competitive Examination, conducted in November 2023. The Mains examination was scheduled from 25 November to 29 November 2023. The 32nd cycle was for 155 Civil Judge posts.
Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The 32nd Bihar Judiciary Mains was a descriptive and application-oriented examination. The papers required candidates to demonstrate not only knowledge of statutory provisions but also the ability to explain legal principles, apply law to factual situations and present answers in a structured manner. Previous-year papers are available separately for the compulsory and optional subjects, including Constitutional & Administrative Law, Evidence & Procedure, Hindu & Muslim Law, TPA/Equity/Trust/SRA, Contract & Tort and Commercial Law.
Compulsory Papers
General Knowledge & Current Affairs — Moderate
The paper covered areas such as Indian History, Geography, Culture, Polity, Current Affairs and general awareness. Questions required a combination of static knowledge and awareness of contemporary developments. The availability of a dedicated 32nd BJS Mains General Knowledge paper confirms that this was a substantial descriptive component of the examination.
Elementary General Science — Easy to Moderate
The paper focused on fundamental scientific concepts and everyday applications of science. Candidates with a sound understanding of basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology and everyday science could attempt the paper effectively.
General Hindi — Easy to Moderate
The paper tested candidates' ability to express themselves clearly and correctly in Hindi. Important areas included essay writing, grammar, sentence formation and précis/summary writing. The paper was qualifying in nature, so accuracy and adequate preparation were more important than attempting highly advanced content.
General English — Easy to Moderate
The English paper focused on practical language skills, including unseen passages, summary/précis writing, letter writing and language usage. Candidates with regular practice in descriptive English generally found the paper manageable.
Law of Evidence & Procedure — Moderate to Difficult
This was one of the important compulsory law papers. Questions required knowledge of Evidence law and procedural law, with emphasis on statutory provisions, legal principles and their application. The availability of a dedicated 32nd BJS Mains Evidence & Procedure paper confirms its importance in the Mains examination.
Optional Law Papers
Candidates had to select three optional subjects from the prescribed options. The available 32nd Mains papers included Constitutional & Administrative Law, Hindu & Muslim Law, Transfer of Property/Equity/Trust/SRA, Contract & Tort and Commercial Law.
Constitutional & Administrative Law — Moderate to Difficult
The paper required strong conceptual understanding of constitutional provisions, judicial review, administrative law, delegated legislation, natural justice, writ jurisdiction and important constitutional doctrines. Candidates with good knowledge of leading judgments were at an advantage.
Hindu & Muslim Law — Moderate
The paper tested fundamental principles of personal laws, including marriage, adoption, succession, guardianship, wills and related doctrines. Both conceptual knowledge and knowledge of important legal developments were useful.
Transfer of Property, Equity, Trust & Specific Relief — Moderate to Difficult
This paper required detailed knowledge of property-law concepts, equitable principles, trusts and remedies under the Specific Relief Act. Application-based questions could make the paper challenging for candidates relying solely on rote learning.
Contract & Tort — Moderate
The paper covered the Indian Contract Act and major principles of tortious liability and remedies. Questions required candidates to understand concepts such as breach, liability, nuisance, defamation, negligence and other important tort principles.
Commercial Law — Moderate
The paper covered areas such as Sale of Goods, Negotiable Instruments, Company Law and Partnership. The questions generally required clear understanding of statutory provisions and commercial-law principles.
Overall Assessment
The 32nd Bihar PCS-J Mains Examination was Moderate to Difficult overall. The major challenge was the descriptive nature of the examination. Candidates needed to combine Bare Act knowledge with legal reasoning, case-law awareness and good answer-writing skills.
Study Tips
STUDY TIPS
Success in the Bihar PCS J (Judiciary) exam demands a well-planned and disciplined strategy. Focus on thorough and repeated study of Bare Acts, and begin preparing for both Preliminary and Mains stages simultaneously from the start. Regular practice of Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) is essential to understand the exam pattern and important topics. Give special importance to core subjects such as IPC, CrPC, CPC, the Evidence Act, and the Constitution. Alongside legal preparation, dedicate daily time to General Knowledge and current affairs to strengthen your overall performance.
1. Master the Bare Acts
Read Bare Acts multiple times.
Focus on understanding the language, definitions, and important sections rather than rote learning.
Highlight frequently asked provisions.
2. Prepare Prelims & Mains Together
Do not prepare for Prelims and Mains separately.
Practice MCQs for Prelims while simultaneously improving descriptive answer-writing for Mains.
3. Practice Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Solve at least the last 10 years’ papers.
Analyze trends and identify high-weightage topics.
4. Focus on Core Law Subjects
Give priority to IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, and the Constitution.
Build strong conceptual clarity in these subjects.
5. Daily GK & Current Affairs
Read newspapers regularly.
Focus on legal developments, constitutional amendments, and Bihar-related current affairs.
6. Improve Answer Writing (For Mains)
Practice writing structured answers (Introduction–Body–Conclusion).
Use case laws and relevant sections wherever possible.
Work on speed and presentation.
7. Attempt Mock Tests
Take regular mock tests under exam-like conditions.
Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas.
8. Revise Regularly
Keep short notes for quick revision.
Schedule weekly revision sessions to retain concepts.
STUDY PLANS
6 Month Study Plan
Month 1 – Build Strong Foundation
Start with major subjects: IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.
Read Bare Acts line by line and make concise notes.
Begin daily GK & current affairs (especially Bihar-specific).
Solve basic MCQs topic-wise.
Month 2 – Complete Core Law Subjects
Cover Contract Act, Torts, Transfer of Property Act, Specific Relief Act, Hindu & Mohammedan Law.
Continue Bare Act revision.
Start writing 2–3 Mains answers daily.
Practice previous year questions (PYQs).
Month 3 – Minor & Procedural Laws
Cover Commercial Law, Administrative Law, and other remaining subjects.
Increase MCQ practice for Prelims.
Improve answer structure (Introduction–Body–Conclusion format).
Weekly revision of major subjects.
Month 4 – Intensive Practice Phase
Attempt sectional mock tests for Prelims.
Write 3–4 Mains answers daily with time limits.
Focus on weak areas identified in mock analysis.
Revise Bare Acts again thoroughly.
Month 5 – Full-Length Mock Tests
Attempt 2–3 full-length Prelims mocks per week.
Write at least 1 full Mains paper weekly.
Strengthen GK, current affairs, and language papers (Hindi & English).
Revise important case laws and landmark judgments.
Month 6 – Final Revision & Polishing
Intensive revision of all major and minor laws.
Revise short notes and frequently asked sections.
Attempt final mock tests in real exam conditions.
Begin light preparation for Interview (Viva-Voce) – personality, legal awareness, and current legal issues.
3 Month Study Plan
Month 1 – Complete Major Subjects & Basics
Cover core subjects: IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.
Read Bare Acts thoroughly and highlight important sections.
Start daily GK & current affairs preparation (Bihar-specific + national).
Solve topic-wise MCQs for Prelims.
Practice 2–3 descriptive answers daily for Mains.
Month 2 – Remaining Subjects & Practice
Complete Contract Act, Torts, Transfer of Property Act, Specific Relief, Hindu & Mohammedan Law, Commercial Law.
Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs).
Attempt sectional mock tests for Prelims.
Improve answer-writing structure and speed for Mains.
Weekly revision of major subjects.
Month 3 – Mock Tests & Final Revision
Attempt 2–3 full-length Prelims mocks per week.
Write at least 1 full Mains practice paper weekly.
Revise all Bare Acts and important case laws.
Focus on weak areas identified during mock analysis.
Begin light preparation for Interview (Viva-Voce).
1 Month Study Plan
Week 1 – Major Laws Revision
Revise IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, and Constitution thoroughly from Bare Acts.
Highlight important sections, definitions, and frequently asked provisions.
Solve daily topic-wise MCQs for Prelims.
Practice 3–4 Mains answers daily with proper structure.
Week 2 – Remaining Subjects & Language
Revise Contract Act, Torts, Transfer of Property Act, Specific Relief, Hindu & Mohammedan Law, Commercial Law.
Practice Hindi & English (essay, précis, translation, grammar).
Attempt sectional mock tests for Prelims.
Continue daily GK & current affairs revision.
Week 3 – Full-Length Mock Practice
Attempt 2–3 full-length Prelims mock tests under real exam conditions.
Write at least 1 full Mains practice paper this
...General info
OVERVIEW
The full name of the exam is Bihar Judicial Service Civil Judge (Junior Division) Examination (Bihar PCS J), and it is conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). The purpose of the exam is to recruit candidates for various judicial service posts as Civil Judges in the state. The exam is held once a year at the state level.
Particulars | Description |
Exam Full Name | Bihar Judicial Service Civil Judge (Junior Division) Examination (Bihar PCS J) |
Conducting Body | Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
Purpose of the Exam | Recruit various judicial service posts as Civil Judges in the Bihar |
Exam Level | State Level Exam |
Exam Date | Prelims - 30 May 2026 Mains - September 2026 (Tentative) |
Official Website |
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process is comprehensive and designed to ensure that only qualified and competent candidates are appointed as judicial officers. It comprises three key stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
Candidates must clear the Prelims to become eligible for the Mains examination. This stage evaluates general legal knowledge and awareness of current affairs. The marks obtained in Prelims are not included in the final merit list.
Stage 2: Main Examination (Descriptive)
The Mains exam assesses candidates’ analytical skills, depth of legal knowledge, and answer-writing ability. The marks secured in this stage are counted toward the final merit list.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (Viva-Voce)
The Interview carries 100 marks, with a minimum qualifying requirement of 35%. It evaluates the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for judicial service. Final selection is based on the combined performance in the Mains and Interview stages.
2026 exam
LATEST UPDATE
The Bihar PCS-J / Civil Judge Examination, officially known as the 33rd Bihar Judicial Services Competitive Examination, is being conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) for the recruitment of 173 Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts. The Preliminary Examination was conducted on 30 May 2026. The examination is currently progressing towards the Mains Examination, for which the date has not yet been announced by BPSC. Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Mains Examination, followed by the Interview/Viva-Voce for final selection.
IMPORTANT DATES
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has published the Exam Calendar 2026, which provides the tentative dates for the 33rd Bihar Judicial Services Examination.
Event | Date (Tentative) |
Notification Release Date | February 2026 |
Application Starts Date | March 2026 |
Prelims Exam Date | May 30, 2026 |
Mains Exam Date | September 2026 |
Interview Date | December 2026 |
VCANCY DETAILS
BPSC has officially declared the 33rd Bihar Judiciary Vacancy 2026, confirming a total of 173 posts.
Category | Vacancies |
Total Vacancies | 173 |
SALARY STRUCTURE
Candidates appointed as Junior Civil Judges receive an attractive starting salary as per the recommendations of the 2nd National Judicial Pay Commission. Apart from the basic pay, judicial officers are entitled to various allowances and benefits, which substantially enhance their overall monthly income.
Basic Pay Matrix Level J-1
Entry Level (Junior Civil Judge): 77,840 - 1,36,520
Starting basic pay: 77,840
Annual increment: Approximately 3% (as per pay commission guidelines)
Subsequent Assured Career Progression (ACP) stages within Junior Division:
After 5 years (ACP-I): 92,960 - 1,36,520
After another 5 years (ACP-II): 1,11,000 - 1,63,030
Allowances and Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently around 50% of basic pay (revised biannually; as of early 2026, it's 53%).
House Rent Allowance (HRA): 8-27% of basic pay, depending on city classification (e.g., 24% in Class A cities like Patna).
Medical Allowance: Reimbursement for self and family, plus fixed medical facility allowance.
Children Education Allowance (CEA): 2,250 per month per child (up to 2 children), plus 6,750 hostel subsidy if applicable; doubled for children with special needs.
Travel Allowance: For official duties, including Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
Other Perks: Pension under NPS, gratuity, concurrent charge allowance (up to 10% for additional duties), house building advance, and judicial-specific benefits like protocol facilities.
In-Hand Salary Estimate
Starting In-Hand (Gross Monthly): Approximately 1,00,000 - 1,20,000 (after adding allowances and before deductions like PF, NPS - 10%, and income tax).
Deductions typically reduce it by 15-20%, leading to a net take-home of 80,000 - 1,00,000 initially, increasing with experience and promotions.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the Bihar Judicial Services Examination, candidates must complete the online application process through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) website once the official notification is released.
Below is the complete step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official BPSC portal: https://bpsc.bihar.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
Click on “Apply Online”.
Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by entering your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and other required basic details.
Verify your email and mobile number through OTP.
Step 3: Login & Select the Examination
Log in using your registered credentials.
Select “Civil Judge (Junior Division)” from the list of active advertisements.
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
Enter personal details, correspondence address, category, and other required information.
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