EXAM SYLLABUS

The Bihar PCS-J / Civil Judge Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies and Law. The syllabus below is based on the Bihar Judicial Service examination framework used by BPSC. 

EXAM PATTERN

The Bihar PCS-J / Civil Judge Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers carrying a total of 250 marks. Paper I is General Studies, including General Knowledge, Current Affairs and Elementary General Science, and carries 100 marks with a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper II is Law, carrying 150 marks with a duration of 2 hours, and covers subjects such as Evidence and Procedure, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Hindu Law and Muhammadan Law, Transfer of Property Law, Equity, Trusts and Specific Relief, Contract and Torts, and Commercial Law. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the Mains Examination.

1. Preliminary Examination

The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature.

Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final merit list.

Candidates who qualify Prelims are shortlisted for the Mains examination.

Minimum qualifying marks: 45% for Unreserved category; 40% for Reserved categories.

Important Points

1. Overall Selection Basis: Written (Mains) + Interview marks only.

2. Reservation in Qualifying Marks: Reserved categories (including women & physically disabled) get 5% less than general in each compulsory subject and overall.

3. Number of Attempts: Reserved category candidates (including women & physically disabled) maximum 5 attempts (as per notification dated 28.12.2016).

4. Resignation Rule: If a selected officer resigns before completing 3 years of service, they must give 3 months' notice or pay equivalent to 3 months' salary.

5. No hard copy of application or documents to be sent to BPSC office; everything is online.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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 criteria primarily cover nationality, educational qualifications, age limit, language proficiency, physical and mental fitness, and number of attempts. Detailed aspects are outlined below.

Nationality

Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Bihar Judicial Services (Civil Judge – Junior Division) examination. Candidates must fulfill the nationality requirement as prescribed in the official notification issued by BPSC.

As per the eligibility criteria, applicants are required to provide valid proof of Indian citizenship during the application process and document verification stage. Acceptable documents may include an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or any other government-issued identity proof.

Failure to submit proper proof of citizenship or providing incorrect information may lead to rejection of the application or disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process. Therefore, candidates should ensure that all submitted documents are authentic and up to date.

Age limit

Minimum age: More than 22 years.

Maximum age: Less than 35 years.

Age Relaxation

Specific categories enjoy age relaxations under the Bihar judiciary eligibility criteria 2025:

SC/ST/PwD: 5 years relaxation (up to 40 years)

OBC: 3 years relaxation (up to 38 years)

Women (All Categories): 5 years relaxation (22 - 40 years age range)

Educational Qualification

Candidate must hold a Law Graduate degree (LL.B. or equivalent) from a university/institution recognized by the Bar Council of India, New Delhi.

A certificate signed by the Principal/Head of the college/institution or competent authority of the university is mandatory, confirming that the institution was recognized by the Bar Council of India during the relevant academic session.

Without this certificate, the application will be rejected.

Physical Fitness / Medical Standards

Candidate must be of sound health, well-built physique, and active.

No physical defect should hinder the efficient performance of duties.

If the Medical Board finds the candidate unfit, they will not be appointed.

Exception: Defective Colour Vision (colour blindness) will not disqualify a candidate for judicial service.

Domicile Rules

Not explicitly stated as Indian citizenship requirement in the ad, but implied for reservation benefits (permanent resident of Bihar for full category benefits; out-of-state candidates get only 35% women horizontal reservation and disability reservation under unreserved category).

Number of Attempts

Reserved category candidates (including women and physically disabled) get a maximum of 5 attempts.

Reservation Benefits

Claimed only with valid certificates (e.g., caste, EWS, disability, non-creamy layer for BC/EBC). Out-of-state candidates limited to certain horizontal reservations.

Disability Reservation

1. 1% horizontal for Orthopedically Handicapped (OH), with 2 posts reserved. Certificate required (from competent authority; for OH in Bihar, PMCH Patna certificate at interview stage).

2. No experience required; fresh law graduates are eligible.

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.

EXAM ANALYSIS

The latest completed Bihar Judicial Services Preliminary Examination was the 32nd Bihar Judicial Services Examination, conducted on 4 June 2023. 

Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The 32nd Bihar PCS-J Prelims consisted of two objective papers carrying a total of 250 marks:

Paper I – General Studies: 100 marks

Paper II – Law: 150 marks

Paper I – General Studies

The General Studies paper was Easy to Moderate overall. Questions were largely direct and followed the broad trend of previous Bihar Judiciary papers.

The major areas included:

History – 35 questions

Ancient History – 15

Medieval History – 10

Modern History – 10

Science & Technology – 30 questions

Current Affairs – 20 questions

Geography – 15 questions

History had the highest weightage, followed by Science & Technology. The questions were generally factual and straightforward, with relatively few tricky questions.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Paper II – Law

The Law paper was comparatively more challenging, with an overall difficulty level of Moderate to Difficult. The paper tested both Bare Act knowledge and conceptual understanding.

Important observations from the paper include:

Constitutional Law: Several questions involved case laws, constitutional doctrines and principles.

Contract & Torts: Questions tested fundamental concepts and application of legal principles.

Transfer of Property Act: This was one of the more challenging areas, with a significant focus on case laws and legal doctrines.

CPC & CrPC: Questions were comparatively direct and included provisions relating to important Orders and procedural matters.

Personal Laws: Questions included concepts as well as some recent case-law developments.

Minor Laws: Questions were generally basic and foundational.

Evidence: Questions tested important statutory provisions and principles.

The official BPSC answer key confirms that the paper extensively tested provisions of the Evidence Act, CrPC, CPC and other prescribed laws.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Overall Assessment

The 32nd Bihar PCS-J Prelims was a moderate-to-difficult examination overall. The General Studies paper was relatively easier, while the Law paper required stronger conceptual clarity and knowledge of Bare Acts, case laws and legal doctrines.

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

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 week.

Analyze mistakes carefully and revise weak topics.

Revise important case laws and landmark judgments.

Week 4 – Final Revision & Polishing

Quick revision of all Bare Acts and short notes.

Go through previous year questions once again.

Focus on high-weightage topics.

Begin light preparation for Interview (Viva-Voce) – personality, legal awareness, and recent legal developments.

Daily Study Strategy

Study 8–10 hours daily with focused sessions.

5–6 hours Law

1–2 hours GK/Current Affairs

1–2 hours MCQs + Answer Writing

Keep the last 3–4 days for light revision only.

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.

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.