Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 State Wise, Prelims & Mains, Preparation Tips

Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026  is very important for aspiring legal professionals in India. A proper command over PCS J syllabus topics makes it easy for candidates to clear the judiciary exam. It leads to recruitment as Civil Judges or Judicial Magistrates. Success in this exam demands thorough preparation. Understanding the syllabus is fundamental. It outlines key legal subjects and general knowledge areas. 

Knowing the syllabus helps candidates plan their studies effectively. It ensures focus on relevant topics. The syllabus also varies slightly across states. This makes it vital for candidates to check the specific Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026. A clear grasp of the syllabus aids in consistent and targeted preparation.

Introduction of Judiciary Exam 2026

The Judiciary Exam recruits judicial officers in various states. High Courts or State Public Service Commissions typically conduct these exams. The exam generally has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The PCS J syllabus covers fundamental legal principles, general awareness, and language proficiency. A deep understanding of the exam syllabus is essential for success in the Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026. It directs study efforts and helps candidates prioritize topics for effective preparation.

Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 Overview

The Judiciary exam syllabus 2026 covers a broad range of subjects. These subjects are divided into preliminary and main examinations. Candidates must prepare for both objective and descriptive paper formats.

Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 Subject-Wise 

This section provides in-depth information on key subjects within the Judiciary Exam syllabus 2026. These subjects form the backbone of both preliminary and main examinations.

Civil Law Syllabus

Civil Law forms a significant part of the Judiciary Exam. It covers various acts and codes.

Criminal Law Syllabus

Criminal Law examines offenses and their procedures. This subject is crucial for judicial roles.

Constitutional Law Syllabus

Constitutional Law covers the supreme law of the land. It is vital for understanding legal frameworks.

Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 State Wise

Each state has specific "rank-making" subjects. While core laws like CPC and Contract Law are common, success depends on mastering the state-specific local acts and unique paper formats listed below.

Madhya Pradesh Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (MPCJ)

The MPCJ syllabus is characterized by its focus on local statutes and mandatory technical skills.

Prelims Unique Subjects:

• Local Laws: MP Accommodation Control Act (1961) and MP Land Revenue Code (1959).

• Special Acts: IT Act 2000, POCSO Act 2012, and Juvenile Justice Act 2015.

• Non-Law Subjects: General Knowledge, English Knowledge, and Computer Science.

Mains Paper II (Practical Skills): Focuses on Social and Legal Essay Writing, Précis Writing, and Translation (English to Hindi & vice-versa).

Mains Paper IV (Judgment Writing): Mandatory assessment on Framing of Issues (Civil), Framing of Charges (Criminal), and full Judgment Writing for both.

Delhi Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (DJS)

Known for its analytical rigor, DJS syllabus prioritizes commercial laws and language proficiency.

• Prelims Specialization: Includes the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (1996) and the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act (2008).

• Mains Language Paper: A standalone paper testing high-level translation skills and expression.

• Local Municipal Laws: Mandatory study of the Delhi Rent Control Act, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Act, and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act.

• Commercial Focus: Includes the Commercial Courts Act (2015) and Trade Marks/Copyright Acts.

Rajasthan Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (RJS)

The RJS exam syllabus has a unique marks distribution pattern to ensure language proficiency.

• Prelims Distribution: Follows a 70:15:15 pattern (70% Law, 15% Hindi Proficiency, and 15% English Proficiency).

• Key Local Law: The Rajasthan Rent Control Act (2001) is a primary focus.

• Social Legislations: Heavy emphasis on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Indecent Representation of Women Act, and the Probation of Offenders Act.

• Mains Paper I & II: Includes Interpretation of Statutes and mandatory Judgment Writing.

Uttar Pradesh Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (UP PCS-J)

UP Judiciary Syllabus has one of the most expansive General Knowledge papers and unique law subjects.

• General Knowledge (Paper 1): Uniquely includes 9 New Minor Acts:

1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016

2. Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act 2007

3. Indecent Representation of Women Act

4. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO)

5. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act

6. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act

7. Dowry Prohibition Act

8. Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act

9. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act

• Law Subjects: Specifically includes Jurisprudence, International Organizations, and Current International Affairs.

Bihar Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (BPSC-J)

Bihar is the only state that offers a significant choice of optional subjects in the Mains stage. The Bihar Judiciary Syllabus Includes

• Compulsory Papers: General Knowledge, Elementary General Science, General Hindi (Qualifying), General English (Qualifying), and Law of Evidence & Procedure.

• Optional Subjects (Choose 3 out of 5):

1. Constitutional and Administrative Law of India

2. Hindu Law and Mohammedan Law

3. Law of Transfer of Property, Principles of Equity, Trusts, and Specific Relief

4. Law of Contract and Torts

5. Commercial Law (Sale of Goods, Negotiable Instruments, Company Law, Partnership)

Haryana Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (HJS)

The Haryana Judiciary syllabus is tied closely to regional customs and constitutional history.

• Prelims Focus: Includes Indian Legal & Constitutional History and Governance.

• Mains Local Laws: Mandatory study of the Punjab Courts Act and the Haryana Urban (Control of Rent & Eviction) Act 1973.

• Customary Law: Questions are specifically asked regarding the Customary Laws of Haryana and Punjab.

West Bengal Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (WBJS)

WBJS Syllabus follows a highly structured "8 Compulsory + 3 Optional" paper format.

• Compulsory Subjects: Includes English and Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali composition and the Transfer of Property Act.

• Optional Choice: Includes unique options like Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation and Laws relating to Companies and Insurance.

• Language: Except for language papers, candidates can write in either English or Bengali.

Chhattisgarh Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (CGPSC)

Chhattisgarh is arguably the most practical-focused judiciary exam in India. The CGPSC J Syllabus includes

• Prelims Unique Acts: Chhattisgarh Rent Control Act 2011, Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code, and the Chhattisgarh Excise Act 1915.

• Mains "Practical-Only" Paper: The Mains is often a single paper focused entirely on Framing of Issues/Charges and Judgment Writing (Civil and Criminal) plus Translation.

Maharashtra Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (JMFC)

Maharashtra places a heavy premium on local language and social legislation. The Maharashtra Judiciary Syllabus Includes

• Marathi Requirement: Mandatory proficiency in Marathi; the Mains exam includes translation and essay writing in the local language.

• Local Statutes: Maharashtra Rent Control Act and the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955.

• Special Acts: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

Uttarakhand Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (UKPSC-J)

Uttarakhand combines traditional law with modern technical and international requirements. The UKPSC J Syllabus includes

• The "Present Day" Paper: A unique Mains paper covering International Law, Neutrality, and Jurisprudence.

• Computer Practical Test: A mandatory 100-mark qualifying test on MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Windows.

• Local Land Laws: UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act (as applicable to Uttarakhand).

Summary Comparison of Unique State Requirements

Comparison of unique state requirements defines how different states emphasize distinct non-law subjects, local statutes, and practical components, reflecting regional legal priorities and administrative needs. This comparison helps aspirants understand key variations in syllabus focus at a glance. The following table provides a concise comparison of unique state-specific requirements across various judicial or legal examinations. 

Common Judiciary Exam Syllabus Pattern for Eastern & North-Eastern States

For states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu & Kashmir, the Mains structure typically follows this four-paper format:

• Paper I: English (Essays, Précis Writing, and Grammar).

• Paper II: General Aptitude and Objective Tests.

• Paper III: Civil Law (Transfer of Property, CPC, Contracts, Constitution).

• Paper IV: Criminal Law (IPC, CrPC, Evidence, and Torts).

How to Prepare for Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026?

Effective preparation for the Judiciary Exam syllabus requires a strategic approach. Here are some Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 preparation tips for candidates:

• Understand Syllabus: Carefully review the exam syllabus for your target state.

• Create Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan covering all subjects.

• Study Core Laws: Focus on foundational legal codes and acts.

• Practice Writing: Regularly practice answer writing for Mains exams.

• Solve Previous Papers: Analyse Judiciary previous year question papers for exam patterns.

• Stay Updated: Follow current legal affairs and general knowledge.

• Use Study Materials: Refer to recommended Judiciary Exam Syllabus 2026 preparation books.