Punjab and Haryana Civil Services (Judicial Branch) Exam

The HCS-J selection is a 3-stage process: Preliminary Examination (objective law and GS MCQs), Main Examination (descriptive law papers), and Viva Voce/Personality Test. Candidates must cross the Prelims cutoff to appear in Mains. Final merit is calculated based on Mains and Viva Voce scores. Both Punjab and Haryana conduct separate recruitment cycles.

Civil Judges appointed through the Punjab or Haryana Judicial Service receive a basic pay of Rs. 77,840 per month as per Scale 1 under the 7th Pay Commission framework. This is supplemented by DA, HRA, and other allowances, making the gross salary significantly higher than the basic component.

No, Punjab and Haryana conduct their respective judicial service exams independently. Punjab PSC manages recruitment for Punjab state courts, while Haryana PSC handles Haryana state court vacancies. However, the syllabus, structure, and difficulty level are broadly similar as both are governed by the same High Court (Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh).

HCS-J Mains covers Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act, Transfer of Property Act, Contract Act, Hindu Law, Mohammedan Law, Limitation Act, and relevant state laws of Punjab or Haryana. The GS paper covers national affairs, state-specific topics, and current events in law and governance.

Yes, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria for both states can apply separately for Punjab PSC and Haryana PSC judicial service exams. Enrollment with the Bar Council of the respective state is required for each application. Managing preparation for both is feasible since the syllabus overlaps significantly.