Judiciary Exam 2026: State-Wise Exams, Syllabus, Eligibility, Exam Pattern

What is Judiciary?

The judiciary is the branch of government responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law. The judiciary operates independently from the executive and legislative branches, providing a system of checks and balances. It is responsible for maintaining the rule of law and protecting the individual freedoms within a democratic society. 

The judicial exams 2026 are an opportunity for law graduates who are aspiring to be part of the judicial system. To become a judge, the candidates have to clear the state PCS J exams, which is the first step for law graduates. 

We at PW Judiciary Wallah, are an online platform for Judicial Services Exam, Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO), and other competitive law exams across India. Our mission is to be your single source of preparation, offering guidance for all your preparation needs.

With a dedicated team of educators, our comprehensive coaching programs are designed to meet the evolving and diverse demands of these highly competitive examinations, including the critical three-phase structure of most judiciary exams: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

In response to the Supreme Court judgment in All India Judges Association v. Union of India, (2025) reinstating the requirement of a minimum three years of legal practice to qualify for judicial service exams—placing emphasis on practical courtroom experience for aspirants—PW Judiciary is introducing enhanced training batches designed specifically to align with these new criteria. These specially curated programs deliver:

• Pleading and drafting modules to help develop practical advocacy skills.

• Comprehensive coverage of the judicial service syllabus as well as relevant competitive exam topics.

• Personalised mentorship, extensive mock tests, and meticulously updated study material.

All delivered on a single, integrated platform for convenience. At an accessible price point, making quality education possible. These updated offerings support rigorous practice while ensuring alignment with the newly restored eligibility norms.

Judiciary Exam 2026

The Judiciary Exams to be conducted in 2026 are designed to select candidates for judicial service positions and typically includes multiple stages, such as Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Let’s decode the judiciary exams into stages-

Decoding the Judicial Services Exam: The Three Stages

The Judicial Services Examination is a rigorous selection process typically conducted in three distinct phases, each designed to test different facets of a candidate's legal knowledge, analytical skills, and suitability for the judiciary. Understanding these stages is fundamental to your preparation.

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

• • Purpose: This is primarily the first stage of every Judicial service exam to filter a large number of applicants.

  • Format:  Objective Type Questions (MCQs).

  • Syllabus: Generally covers:

    • Law Subjects: Core legal subjects such as Indian Penal Code (IPC)(Now, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), Indian Evidence Act (Now, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam), Code of Criminal Procedure (Now, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Torts, Family Law (Hindu & Muslim Law), etc. and state specific local laws in accordance of the available vacancy.

    • General Knowledge/Current Affairs: This often includes questions on general knowledge, current events/affairs, history, geography, science, and current amendments in the Indian Constitution as well as newly formed Legal Statutes. The list is not exhaustive and may vary state to state.

    • Language: English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension) is a common component as well as Hindi Grammar Language of intermediate/secondary level depending upon the demand of some particular state in accordance with the vacancy.

  • Nature: Marks obtained in Prelims are generally not counted towards the final merit list; they only qualify you for the Mains examination. There may be a negative marking scheme in some of the states.

Phase 2: Main Examination (Mains)

• • Purpose: This is the most crucial stage, testing your in-depth legal knowledge, analytical abilities, and most importantly, your answer-writing skills.

  • Format: Subjective/Descriptive Type Questions.

  • Syllabus: It includes:

    • Law Subjects: Detailed questions on major/ minor subjects including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Indian Penal Code,  Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, Indian Evidence Act, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Code of Criminal Procedure, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Limitation Act, 1963,  Transfer of Property Act, 1882, Family Law, Contract Act, 1872, Constitutional Law, Specific Relief Act, 1963, Indian Partnership Act, 1932, Sale of Goods Act, 1930, Law of Torts, Jurisprudence, Other Minor Criminal Laws, and Other Minor Civil Laws.

    • Emphasis on the application of procedural laws that includes order, judgment writing, framing of issues, pleadings and drafting etc.

    • Many states include specific local laws relevant to their jurisdiction.

    • Language Papers: Essay writing, précis writing, translation, grammar, etc., in English and sometimes the regional language.

    • Current Affairs/General Knowledge: Often integrated with legal question papers or as a separate paper in many states.

  • Nature: Marks obtained in the Mains examination are counted towards the final merit list. Strong answer-writing skills, clarity of thought, and a comprehensive understanding of legal principles are paramount to secure a good position in the merit list.

Phase 3: Viva Voce / Interview

• • Purpose: This is the final stage, designed to assess your personality, general awareness, legal aptitude, temperament, and suitability for judicial service.

  • Format: An oral examination conducted by a panel constituted by either the State High Court or the State Public Service Commission.

  • Assessment: Judges your communication skills, confidence, presence of mind, ethical values, and overall personality. While legal knowledge is important, the focus here is on applying that knowledge, demonstrating judicial temperament, and handling hypothetical scenarios.

  • Nature: Marks obtained in the Interview are added to the Mains marks to determine the final selection.

Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2026

To appear in the Judiciary 2026 Exam, candidates must adhere to the prescribed Judiciary eligibility criteria of the respective states. The eligibility criteria outline the minimum requirements such as age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and minimum qualifying marks necessary for the Judiciary 2026 exam. The judiciary exam 2026 eligibility criteria ensure that only qualified individuals with the necessary experience and qualifications participate in the selection process.

Judiciary 2026 Exam Details

While the three-stage structure is common, each state conducting the Judicial Services Examination has its unique syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and eligibility criteria (especially regarding age and domicile). It is imperative to understand the specific requirements of the state you are targeting.

Bihar Judicial Services (BJS / Bihar PCS J)

The Detailed Bihar Judiciary Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

Uttar Pradesh Judicial Services (UP PCS J)

The Detailed UP PCS J Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services (MP Civil Judge)

The Detailed MP Judiciary Exam Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

Delhi Judicial Services (DJS)

The Detailed Delhi Judiciary Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch)

The Detailed Haryana Judiciary Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

West Bengal Civil Service (Judicial)

The Detailed West Bengal Judiciary Eligibility 2026 regarding Qualification, Age Limit, Experience is mentioned below.

State-wise Judiciary Exams 2026

State-wise Judiciary Exams 2026 are conducted across various states in India to recruit eligible candidates into the subordinate judiciary. With a growing number of law graduates aspiring for judicial roles, these exams play a crucial role in shaping the legal framework of each state. The table below outlines key details of judiciary exams conducted by different states.

Gujarat Judiciary Exam 2026

Gujarat Judiciary Exam 2025-26 is conducted by the Gujarat High Court to recruit Civil Judges. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and a Viva-Voce. As per the notification released on 30th January 2025, there are 212 vacancies. 

RJS Exam 2026

Rajasthan Judicial Services RJS Exam 2026 is conducted by the Rajasthan High Court to recruit Civil Judges. It includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. The exam is offline and held in English and Hindi. The RJS Notification 2026 is expected in March-April 2026.

Uttarakhand Judiciary Exam 2025-26

The Uttarakhand Judiciary Exam 2025-26 is conducted by UKPSC to recruit Civil Judges (Junior Division). The recruitment process comprises three stages: Preliminary exam, Main examination, and Interview. As per the notification released on 16 May 2025, there are 8 vacancies. Eligible law graduates aged 22–35 years can apply online.

Upcoming Judiciary Exams 2026

Aspiring candidates preparing for various state-level judicial services should stay updated with the Upcoming Judiciary Exams 2025-26. The table below provides a quick overview of expected vacancies, notification release dates, and eligibility criteria across multiple states. Keeping track of these details can help candidates plan their preparation and application strategy in advance.

Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026: A Detailed Overview

The Judiciary exam pattern 2026 is designed to test candidates’ comprehensive knowledge of the legal system. The exam pattern includes the following key aspects. 

Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026

The judiciary exam syllabus typically covers a broad range of legal subjects essential for a judicial career. It includes constitutional law, which focuses on fundamental rights, the structure of government, and judicial review. Key procedural laws such as the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) (Now, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), IPC (Now, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) are examined, along with the Evidence Act (Now, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam). Candidates will be tested on legal reasoning, current legal developments, and general knowledge relevant to the legal system. 

Below in the table are the detailed  state wise syllabus:

Judiciary Exam Preparation Tips 2026

Preparing for the Judiciary 2026 Exams requires a strategic approach and a disciplined study plan. Some of the effective Judiciary preparation tips are listed below. 

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a detailed study plan that allocates time for each subject based on its weight and complexity. Include regular revisions and practice sessions in your schedule. 

• Use Suggested Study Materials: Rely on authoritative books, previous year’s question papers, reliable study guides and notes for judiciary exams. Ensure your resources are up-to-date with current legal standards. 

• Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Prioritize understanding legal concepts and their applications. 

• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current legal developments, landmark judgments, and amendments. 

• Practice Regularly: Solve mock tests and sample papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve your time management skills. 

• Avail the designed Mentorship Services specialised in Judiciary exams by PW. 

AIBE 20 Result 2025-26

Judiciary Previous Years Question Papers

Judiciary previous years question papers are invaluable for judicial exam preparation. PW is one of the value-driven judiciary coaching options in India and provides a collection of previous years' question papers, insights into the exam pattern and the types of questions typically asked, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the structure and format of the exam. Practising with the Judiciary's previous years' question papers enhances time management skills and boosts confidence by simulating actual exam conditions. 

Why Consider Judiciary Online Coaching for Judiciary Exam Preparation?

Judiciary Online Coaching can provide structured guidance, planned study schedules, and access to resources aligned with the judiciary syllabus. It can support aspirants in the following ways:

• Better Understanding: Simplifying complex legal concepts and their practical use.
  
  

• Answer Writing Practice: Developing clear and well-structured answers for the Mains examination.
  
  

• Performance Tracking: Attempting mock tests to assess preparation levels and identify areas of improvement.
  
  

• Staying Updated: Receiving regular inputs on current affairs and recent legal developments.
  
  

• State-Focused Approach: Understanding different state exam patterns and their common elements.

What PW Judiciary Wallah Offers You?

PhysicsWallah (PW) Judiciary Wallah provides structured courses designed to support preparation needs, offering study from home with flexibility and accessibility. The offerings cover a wide range of subjects required for Judicial Services and law examinations.

• Major Laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; Limitation Act, 1963; Transfer of Property Act, 1882; Family Law; Contract Act, 1872; Constitutional Law.
  
  

• Minor Laws: Specific Relief Act, 1963; Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Sale of Goods Act, 1930; Law of Torts; Jurisprudence; other state-prescribed minor civil and criminal laws.
  
  

• Mains Preparation Concepts: Judgment writing (Civil and Criminal), charge framing, issue framing, pleadings and drafting.
  
  

• Additional Offerings: Daily legal current affairs, English grammar, essay and précis writing, Hindi grammar and language practice, translation (Hindi ↔ English), general studies, general science, and court-related drafting and conveyance.
  
  

• State-Specific Local Laws: Recorded lectures on local laws relevant to states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.
  
  

• Answer Writing Practice: Sessions on descriptive writing with faculty assessment and individual feedback.
  
  

• Practice Questions: 10,000+ MCQs provided through daily practice papers (DPPs), sectional tests, and prelims tests on batch completion.
  
  

• Sectional Tests: Subject-specific, full-length (100 MCQ) prelims tests after completion of major laws.
  
  

• Mock Test Series: Regular, full-length practice tests for Prelims and Mains.
  
  

• Monthly Current Affairs Updates: Coverage of recent developments in law and general awareness relevant to the judiciary exams.
  
  

• Mentorship and Doubt-Clearing: Scheduled one-on-one doubt resolution and guidance sessions.
  
  

• Study Material: Access to updated notes and reference content.
  
  

• APO/APP/ADPO/ADA Preparation: Classes cover eight states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand) with focus on bare provisions, case laws, general knowledge, answer writing, and MCQ practice. Includes 2,500+ MCQs, daily practice and sectional tests. Subjects include major and minor laws, local laws, general Hindi, English, current affairs, general studies, science, and computer basics.

Our Featured Courses

PhysicsWallah (PW) Judiciary Wallah offers courses aligned with the three stages of the judicial examinations—Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Courses Offered:

• Foundation Course for Judicial Services Exams: A structured program covering all core legal subjects for comprehensive preparation. (Current batches: Neeti, Justice, Vidhan).
  
  

• Foundation Course for APO Exams: Introductory course covering all stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview) for APO/APP/ADPO exams. (Current batch: Abhiyojan APO/APP Foundation).
  
  

• Crash Course for APO Exams: Focused sessions on criminal law and procedural aspects, updated as per exam notifications.
  
  

• All India Bar Examination (AIBE): Preparation based on latest AIBE notifications. 
  
  

• State-Specific Judiciary Crash Courses: Short-term programs tailored to state-level requirements.
  
  

• Mains Test Series and Interview Guidance: Includes structured answer writing sessions and interview preparation with guidance from faculty and legal professionals.
  
  

• Preliminary Booster Programme: Prelims-focused practice with 10,000+ MCQs.