What is the salary of a Civil Judge after clearing PCS-J?

A Civil Judge (Junior Division) selected through PCS-J earns approximately ₹77,840–₹1,36,520 per month (7th Pay Commission, pay level 10–11) plus judicial allowances, accommodation, and other perquisites. Senior positions like District Judge can earn up to ₹2,05,700 per month.

What is the complete selection process for PCS-J?

PCS-J typically has three stages: (1) Preliminary Exam (Objective MCQ on law), (2) Main Exam (Subjective — law papers, language papers, general knowledge), and (3) Viva-Voce/Interview. Candidates must clear all three stages to be appointed as Civil Judge.

Which law subjects are most important for PCS-J Preliminary?

The Preliminary exam primarily covers CPC (Civil Procedure Code), CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code), IPC (Indian Penal Code), Indian Evidence Act, Transfer of Property Act, Contract Act, Specific Relief Act, and the Indian Constitution. Law of Limitation and Registration Act are also frequently tested.

What is the career progression after selection as Civil Judge?

Civil Judges progress through the ranks: Civil Judge (JD) → Civil Judge (SD) → Additional District Judge → District & Sessions Judge → High Court Judge (through HC elevation). The career offers complete judicial independence, job security, and social prestige.

How difficult is PCS-J compared to other judiciary exams?

PCS-J is considered one of the toughest state-level exams in India as it requires in-depth knowledge of multiple law acts with case law understanding. The Main Exam demands analytical writing in law, and competition is extremely high — selection rate is typically 0.5–2% of applicants.

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Judicial Services (PCS-J) Preparation Guide

State Public Service Commission / High Court

Your Complete Preparation Guide for Judicial Services (PCS-J) 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyVery Hard

Total Marks200

Duration180 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Frequency

Once a year

Next Exam Date

September 2027

EEligibility Criteria

LLB degree (3-year or 5-year integrated), age 21–35 years

ANumber of Attempts

Typically 3–6 attempts depending on state

Study Plan by Subject

Law

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Indian Constitution

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

General Knowledge

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Read bare acts directly — CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act — and understand landmark Supreme Court judgments for each provision

Solve MCQ-based law questions daily; accuracy with negative marking is critical at 200-question level

For the Main Exam, practice writing law answers in structured format with relevant sections and case citations

Join a dedicated PCS-J coaching or study group for peer learning and mock interview practice

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Law	67	67	60 min
Indian Constitution	67	67	60 min
General Knowledge	67	67	60 min
Total	200	200	180 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

June 2027

Next Exam Date

September 2027

Conducted By

State Public Service Commission / High Court

Frequently Asked Questions

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