EXAM SYLLABUS

The Haryana Judicial Service (HJS) syllabus covers core LLB subjects with emphasis on civil/criminal laws, Haryana-specific acts, language proficiency, and judicial sensitivity to sexual offences. It tests principles, procedures, case laws, and practical application for judicial roles.

Preliminary Examination

EXAM PATTERN

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has announced the exam pattern for Haryana Judicial Service (HJS). The pattern outlines the structure across three stages: Preliminary (objective, screening), Main (narrative, merit-based), and Viva-Voce (interview).

Candidates should review this before preparation. The prelims is qualifying only; mains requires minimum marks per paper.

Mode of Examination

Preliminary: Offline (objective);

Main: Offline (narrative);

Viva-Voce: Oral interview.

Preliminary Examination (Screening – Objective Type)

Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with 5 options (A, B, C, D, E).

Number of Questions: 125

Marks: 500 total (each correct answer = 4 marks)

Duration: 2 hours

Negative Marking: 0.80 marks (i.e., 1/5th or 20%) deducted for each wrong answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions (but if no option is marked for >10% questions, disqualification may apply in some rules).

Qualifying Marks: Minimum 150 marks for General category; 100 marks for reserved categories (to qualify for Mains). Marks not counted in final merit.

Purpose: Shortlisting – Usually 10 times the vacancies are called for Mains (subject to variation)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Based on the official HPSC Notification, the eligibility criteria for recruitment to the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch) are as follows. 

Nationality

Candidates must be:

(a) A citizen of India; or

(b) A citizen of Nepal; or

(c) A subject of Bhutan; or

(d) A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling; or

(e) A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age Limit

Candidates must not be less than 21 years and not more than 42 years as on (closing date for applications).

Relaxations in Upper Age Limit:

Up to 5 years (maximum age 47 years):

Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) and Backward Classes (BC) of Haryana only (where posts are reserved for them).

Women of Haryana State: Including those whose husbands have been ordered by civil/criminal courts to pay maintenance; women whose husbands have remarried; widows; women legally separated/divorced; women living separately from husbands for more than 2 years due to desertion; wives of serving disabled military personnel; widows of those killed in action.

For desertion cases: Submit an affidavit countersigned by two responsible persons (e.g., MLA, local body members, Bar Association). Re-married women are ineligible for this relaxation.

Unmarried women of Haryana State only (up to 45 years).

Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Military service period + 3 years (maximum 5 years), provided continuous service of at least 6 months and release not due to misconduct/inefficiency. Disabled military personnel: Deduct period from disablement to application date (maximum 5 years).

NCC Cadet Instructors: Service period deducted from actual age (if resulting age exceeds limit by not more than 3 years). Those released early after 6 months service also eligible.

Physically Handicapped (PH)/Persons with Disabilities (PwD) of Haryana: Up to 10 years (15 years for SC/ST of Haryana).

Essential Qualifications (Educational)

No person shall be eligible for appointment unless they hold a degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a university established by law and recognized/approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

The LLB degree must entitle the candidate to enrollment as an Advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the rules made thereunder.

This includes both 3-year and 5-year integrated LLB programs.

Additional Notes

Reservation: Governed by Haryana Government instructions. ESM dependents considered if no suitable ESM available (up to 10 times reserved vacancies for shortlisting). Freedom Fighters' children/grandchildren: Limited to 2% if ESM/BC quotas unfilled.

PH Adjustment: Selected on merit without relaxation not adjusted against reserved quota; reserved posts filled separately. Low vision candidates need scribe permission 10 days prior.

Application Fee: Varies by category (e.g., General Male: Rs. 1,000; SC/BC/ESM: Rs. 250; PH: Nil). No refund.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Haryana Public Service Commission has not yet issued any official notification for the Haryana Judicial Service 2026. The previous recruitment cycle (2023-2024) declared prelims results on April 9, 2024, with qualified candidates downloading mains e-admit cards through the HPSC online portal using their login ID and password. The mains exam was conducted from July 12 to 14, 2024. The application window closed on January 31, 2024, with hard copy submission and fee payment allowed until February 8, 2024. The next notification is expected soon, potentially in late 2025 or early 2026.

EXAM ANALYSIS

The Haryana Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Preliminary Examination 2023–24 was conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) on 3 March 2024, in a single shift from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The examination was conducted for the recruitment of Civil Judge (Junior Division) against the advertised 174 vacancies.

The overall difficulty level of the HCS (Judicial Branch) Prelims 2024 was Moderate to Difficult. The paper was not dominated by simple factual questions; candidates faced a considerable number of conceptual, section-based and application-oriented questions. Compared with some earlier Haryana Judiciary papers, the 2024 paper required more precise knowledge of statutory provisions.

The Criminal Law section was an important part of the examination. Questions were asked from areas including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act. Several questions were provision-specific, requiring candidates to remember particular sections and understand their application. The paper also included direct questions from specific IPC provisions, including Sections 82 and 463.

The Civil Law portion covered major subjects such as the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Contract Act, Family Law, Limitation Act, Registration Act, Sale of Goods Act, Partnership Act and other prescribed laws. CPC and other core laws required relatively greater conceptual and statutory understanding.

General Knowledge and Current Affairs questions were comparatively manageable. The questions were generally considered easy to moderate, although candidates still needed awareness of relevant national, Haryana-specific and legal developments.

One notable feature of the 2024 paper was that some minor Acts received comparatively fewer questions. The analysis indicates relatively fewer questions from areas such as the Specific Relief Act, Sale of Goods Act, Registration Act, Limitation Act and Partnership Act. Therefore, the paper was more heavily concentrated on the major core laws.

The examination was conducted in four question-paper sets (A, B, C and D). The official/previous-year question paper is useful for understanding the exact nature of questions asked and the level of preparation required for future HCS Judicial Branch examinations.

Overall Assessment

Overall, the HCS (Judicial Branch) Prelims 2024 was Moderate to Difficult. The paper placed significant emphasis on CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence, Family Law and Constitutional Law, while questions from smaller Acts were comparatively limited. Candidates with strong Bare Act knowledge, section-wise preparation and familiarity with previous-year questions had an advantage.

Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Exam Date: 3 March 2024

Mode: Offline / Objective

Duration: 2 Hours

Major Focus: CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence & Family Law

Question Nature: Section-based, Conceptual & Application-oriented

Easier Area: GK & Current Affairs

Major Challenge: Precise statutory knowledge and distinguishing between similar legal provisions.

STUDY TIPS

To prepare effectively for the Haryana Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam, give primary importance to thorough study of Bare Acts, as most Prelims questions are directly based on them. Regularly solve previous year question papers to improve time management and understand the exam pattern.

Study major laws such as IPC, CPC, CrPC, the Evidence Act, and the Constitution in detail, along with relevant local laws and current affairs. Additionally, ensure that you fulfill all eligibility requirements, including holding a recognized LLB degree and completing the mandatory three years of legal practice.

Preparing for the Haryana Civil Judge exam requires strong conceptual clarity, consistent Bare Act reading, and disciplined practice. Follow these effective study tips:

1. Master the Bare Acts

Read Bare Acts repeatedly, especially for Prelims.

Focus on definitions, important sections, provisos, and illustrations.

Highlight frequently asked provisions.

2. Focus on Core Law Subjects

Study IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and the Constitution in depth.

Give proper attention to Haryana-specific local laws.

3. Prepare Prelims & Mains Together

Practice MCQs daily for Prelims.

Simultaneously improve descriptive answer-writing for Mains.

4. Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Analyze trends and important topics.

Practice under time limits to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Strengthen Answer Writing (For Mains)

Follow a structured format: Introduction – Legal Provision – Analysis – Conclusion.

Quote relevant sections and case laws wherever possible.

6. Improve English Language Skills

Practice essay writing, précis, comprehension, and grammar.

Work on clarity and presentation.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Focus on legal developments, constitutional amendments, and landmark judgments.

8. Attempt Regular Mock Tests

Take sectional and full-length mocks.

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas regularly.

STUDY PLANS

6 Month Study Plan

Month 1 – Build Strong Foundation

Start with major subjects: IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.

Read Bare Acts thoroughly and prepare short notes.

Begin daily MCQ practice (topic-wise).

Start improving English (essay, grammar, précis).

Month 2 – Complete Core & Procedural Laws

Revise and strengthen major laws again.

Cover Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act.

Practice 2–3 Mains answers daily.

Weekly revision of previously studied subjects.

Month 3 – Local & Minor Laws

Study Haryana-specific local laws.

Cover remaining minor subjects.

Increase MCQ practice for Prelims.

Attempt sectional mock tests.

Month 4 – Intensive Practice Phase

Attempt 2 sectional mocks per week.

Write 3–4 descriptive answers daily.

Focus on presentation and quoting relevant sections/case laws.

Revise Bare Acts again thoroughly.

Month 5 – Full-Length Mock Tests

Attempt 2–3 full-length Prelims mocks weekly.

Write at least 1 full Mains paper per week.

Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.

Revise important case laws and constitutional provisions.

Month 6 – Final Revision & Polishing

Quick revision of all major and minor laws.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers again.

Practice final mock tests under exam conditions.

Light preparation for Interview (legal awareness, personality, current issues).

Daily Study Schedule (Suggested)

6–7 hours Law subjects

1–2 hours English + Current Affairs

1–2 hours MCQs / Answer Writing

1 day weekly only for revision

3 Month Study Plan

Month 1 – Major Laws & Strong Foundation

Revise core subjects: IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.

Read Bare Acts thoroughly and mark important sections and provisos.

Start daily MCQ practice (topic-wise).

Practice 2–3 Mains answers daily.

Improve English (essay, précis, grammar).

Month 2 – Remaining Subjects & Practice

Cover Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, and Haryana-specific local laws.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs).

Attempt sectional mock tests for Prelims.

Improve answer-writing speed and structure.

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 paper weekly.

Revise all Bare Acts and important case laws.

Strengthen weak areas identified in mock analysis.

Revise English and important legal developments.

Daily Study Routine (Suggested)

5–6 hours Law subjects

1–2 hours English + Current Affairs

1–2 hours MCQs + Answer Writing

Weekly full revision session

1 Month Study Plan

Week 1 – Major Laws Revision

Revise IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution thoroughly from Bare Acts.

Highlight important sections, provisos, and definitions.

Solve topic-wise MCQs daily.

Practice 2–3 descriptive answers each day.

Week 2 – Minor & Local Laws

Revise Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, and Haryana-specific local laws.

Attempt sectional mock tests.

Improve answer structure (introduction, relevant sections, conclusion).

Revise important case laws.

STUDY TIPS

To prepare effectively for the Haryana Civil Judge (Junior Division) exam, give primary importance to thorough study of Bare Acts, as most Prelims questions are directly based on them. Regularly solve previous year question papers to improve time management and understand the exam pattern.

Study major laws such as IPC, CPC, CrPC, the Evidence Act, and the Constitution in detail, along with relevant local laws and current affairs. Additionally, ensure that you fulfill all eligibility requirements, including holding a recognized LLB degree and completing the mandatory three years of legal practice.

Preparing for the Haryana Civil Judge exam requires strong conceptual clarity, consistent Bare Act reading, and disciplined practice. Follow these effective study tips:

1. Master the Bare Acts

Read Bare Acts repeatedly, especially for Prelims.

Focus on definitions, important sections, provisos, and illustrations.

Highlight frequently asked provisions.

2. Focus on Core Law Subjects

Study IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and the Constitution in depth.

Give proper attention to Haryana-specific local laws.

3. Prepare Prelims & Mains Together

Practice MCQs daily for Prelims.

Simultaneously improve descriptive answer-writing for Mains.

4. Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Analyze trends and important topics.

Practice under time limits to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Strengthen Answer Writing (For Mains)

Follow a structured format: Introduction – Legal Provision – Analysis – Conclusion.

Quote relevant sections and case laws wherever possible.

6. Improve English Language Skills

Practice essay writing, précis, comprehension, and grammar.

Work on clarity and presentation.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Focus on legal developments, constitutional amendments, and landmark judgments.

8. Attempt Regular Mock Tests

Take sectional and full-length mocks.

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas regularly.

STUDY PLANS

6 Month Study Plan

Month 1 – Build Strong Foundation

Start with major subjects: IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.

Read Bare Acts thoroughly and prepare short notes.

Begin daily MCQ practice (topic-wise).

Start improving English (essay, grammar, précis).

Month 2 – Complete Core & Procedural Laws

Revise and strengthen major laws again.

Cover Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act.

Practice 2–3 Mains answers daily.

Weekly revision of previously studied subjects.

Month 3 – Local & Minor Laws

Study Haryana-specific local laws.

Cover remaining minor subjects.

Increase MCQ practice for Prelims.

Attempt sectional mock tests.

Month 4 – Intensive Practice Phase

Attempt 2 sectional mocks per week.

Write 3–4 descriptive answers daily.

Focus on presentation and quoting relevant sections/case laws.

Revise Bare Acts again thoroughly.

Month 5 – Full-Length Mock Tests

Attempt 2–3 full-length Prelims mocks weekly.

Write at least 1 full Mains paper per week.

Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.

Revise important case laws and constitutional provisions.

Month 6 – Final Revision & Polishing

Quick revision of all major and minor laws.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers again.

Practice final mock tests under exam conditions.

Light preparation for Interview (legal awareness, personality, current issues).

Daily Study Schedule (Suggested)

6–7 hours Law subjects

1–2 hours English + Current Affairs

1–2 hours MCQs / Answer Writing

1 day weekly only for revision

3 Month Study Plan

Month 1 – Major Laws & Strong Foundation

Revise core subjects: IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution.

Read Bare Acts thoroughly and mark important sections and provisos.

Start daily MCQ practice (topic-wise).

Practice 2–3 Mains answers daily.

Improve English (essay, précis, grammar).

Month 2 – Remaining Subjects & Practice

Cover Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, and Haryana-specific local laws.

Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs).

Attempt sectional mock tests for Prelims.

Improve answer-writing speed and structure.

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 paper weekly.

Revise all Bare Acts and important case laws.

Strengthen weak areas identified in mock analysis.

Revise English and important legal developments.

Daily Study Routine (Suggested)

5–6 hours Law subjects

1–2 hours English + Current Affairs

1–2 hours MCQs + Answer Writing

Weekly full revision session

1 Month Study Plan

Week 1 – Major Laws Revision

Revise IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution thoroughly from Bare Acts.

Highlight important sections, provisos, and definitions.

Solve topic-wise MCQs daily.

Practice 2–3 descriptive answers each day.

Week 2 – Minor & Local Laws

Revise Contract Act, Torts, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, and Haryana-specific local laws.

Attempt sectional mock tests.

Improve answer structure (introduction, relevant sections, conclusion).

Revise important case laws.

Week 3 – Full-Length Practice

Attempt 3–4 full Prelims mock tests this week.

Write at least 2 full Mains practice papers.

Analyze mistakes carefully and revise weak topics.

Work on time management.

Week 4 – Final Polishing

Quick revision of all Bare Acts.

Re-solve Previous Year Question Papers.

Revise English (essay formats, précis writing, grammar rules).

Avoid new topics; focus only on strengthening what you already know.

Daily Study Plan (Suggested)

6–7 hours Law revision

1–2 hours MCQs practice

1–2 hours Answer writing

30 minutes current legal updates

OVERVIEW

The Haryana Judicial Service Examination is a state-level competitive exam conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission for law graduates who want to obtain the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division). The exam is held in three stages: Preliminary (objective), Main (narrative), and Viva-Voce. It is open to holders of a 3-year or 5-year LLB degree recognized by the Bar Council of India. 

SELECTION PROCESS

The process comprises three stages: Preliminary Examination (screening/qualifying), Main Written Examination (merit-based), and Viva-Voce (interview). The Preliminary marks are not counted in the final merit, which is based solely on Mains (800 marks) + Viva-Voce (200 marks).

1. Preliminary Examination

Nature: Objective-type (MCQ) with multiple-choice questions; serves only to shortlist candidates for Mains (no re-checking/re-evaluation of OMR sheets).

Structure: Single paper with 125 questions (each carrying 4 marks, total 500 marks).

Duration: 2 hours.

Negative Marking: 0.80 marks (20% or 1/5th) deducted for each wrong answer; no penalty for unattempted questions.

Syllabus: General overview of Main Examination subjects (Civil Law I/II, Criminal Law, English, Hindi), plus current events (national/international importance), Indian legal/constitutional history, governance, analytical skills, reasoning, and aptitude. Standard: Law graduate level.

Qualifying Marks: Minimum 150 marks (out of 500) for General; 100 marks for reserved categories (SC/ST/BC/PwD/ESM).

Shortlisting: Candidates equal to 10 times the number of advertised vacancies (category-wise, in merit order) are eligible for Mains. If tie at the cutoff, all tied candidates are included.

Mode: Offline (OMR-based).

2. Main Written Examination

Nature: Subjective/narrative/descriptive type (long-answer/essay-based questions).

Structure: 5 papers, total 800 marks.

Syllabus: Detailed coverage of principles, procedures, case laws, and practical application (including judicial sensitivity to sexual offences integrated in Criminal Law). Hindi standard: Haryana Board of School Education Matriculation level.

Qualifying Criteria: Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories); no per-paper minimum specified, but overall merit-based.

Application for Mains: Separate form required (informed via HPSC website announcement).

Shortlisting for Viva-Voce: Thrice the number of advertised vacancies (category-wise, merit-based from Mains).

Mode: Offline (descriptive answers).

3. Viva-Voce (Interview)

Nature: Oral interview to assess judicial temperament, general knowledge, personality, and suitability.

Marks: 200.

Qualifying Marks: Minimum 50% (100 marks); part of final merit.

Mode: In-person before the Selection Committee.

Final Merit and Selection

Aggregate: Mains (800) + Viva-Voce (200) = 1,000 marks.

Tie-Breaker: Higher marks in Viva-Voce, then Mains Paper III (Criminal Law).

Reservation: Category-wise as per Haryana Government rules (e.g., SC 16%, BC-A/B 16%/11%, EWS 10%, ESM 5%, PwD 4%, FF 2% if quotas unfilled).

Document Verification: Post-final merit list, before appointment.

For detailed syllabus and updates, refer to HPSC website (hpsc.gov.in) or Punjab & Haryana High Court (highcourtchd.gov.in).