How does the Punjab-Haryana HCS-J selection process work?

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.

What is the salary for judges appointed through HCS-J?

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.

Are the exams for Punjab and Haryana conducted jointly?

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).

What law subjects are covered in HCS-J Mains?

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.

Can I apply for both Punjab and Haryana judicial service exams simultaneously?

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.

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Punjab-Haryana HCS-J Preparation Guide

Punjab Public Service Commission / Haryana Public Service Commission

Your Complete Preparation Guide for Punjab-Haryana HCS-J 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyVery Hard

Total Marks200

Duration120 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Frequency

Annual

Next Exam Date

2026-10-05

EEligibility Criteria

LLB degree; Bar Council enrollment in Punjab or Haryana; age 21–37 years

ANumber of Attempts

Within age limit; SC/ST/OBC relaxations as per state norms

Study Plan by Subject

Law (Civil & Criminal)

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 Studies

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

Study Punjab and Haryana state-specific laws in addition to central statutes, as state legislation appears in both the Prelims and Mains.

Focus on GS with a tilt towards Punjab and Haryana history, geography, economy, and current affairs for the respective state exam.

Practice MCQs intensively for the Prelims stage as the law MCQs test nuanced knowledge of statutory provisions and recent amendments.

Build a reading habit for law journals and High Court judgments from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to prepare for Viva Voce discussions.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Law (Civil & Criminal)	50	100	60 min
General Studies	50	100	60 min
Total	100	200	120 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

2026-07-10

Next Exam Date

2026-10-05

Conducted By

Punjab Public Service Commission / Haryana Public Service Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

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