Bihar Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026, Check Prelims, Mains and Interview Paper Pattern

The Bihar Judiciary 2026 official notification is out, marking the start of the journey for aspirants aiming to become Civil Judges (Junior Division) in Bihar. Understanding the Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern, including the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages, is essential for planning an effective preparation strategy.

This guide provides a complete breakdown of the Bihar Judiciary 2026 syllabus, exam structure, and key updates, helping candidates focus on the right topics, manage time efficiently, and maximize their chances of success.

From screening to final selection, here’s the complete Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern breakdown:

StageType of ExamPapersTotal MarksDurationPurpose
Preliminary ExamObjective (MCQ – OMR)2 Papers (General Studies + Law)2503.5 HoursScreening Test
Mains ExamDescriptive (Written)Compulsory + 3 Optional1050*3 Hours per PaperMerit Determining
InterviewViva-VocePersonality Test100Final Selection

Explore the complete Bihar Judiciary Notification!

The BPSC prelims exam consists of two papers: one tests your general awareness, while the other evaluates your legal knowledge.

Sl. No.PaperSubjectType of QuestionsNo. of QuestionsMarksDuration
1First PaperGeneral StudiesObjective (MCQ – OMR Based)1001001.5 Hours
2Second PaperLawObjective (MCQ – OMR Based)1501502 Hours

Note:

  • Total Marks: 250
  • Total Duration: 3.5 Hours
  • Negative Marking: None
  • Nature: Screening Test (Qualifying Only)
  • Candidates up to 10 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the Mains examination.

The BPSC Mains exam is divided into Compulsory Papers (mandatory for all) and Optional Papers (candidates choose 3 out of 5).

1. Compulsory Papers (Total: 600 Marks)

These papers are mandatory and test candidates’ general awareness, language proficiency, and knowledge of procedural laws.

Sl. No.SubjectMarksDurationNature of ExamQualifying Criteria
1General Hindi1003 HoursDescriptiveMinimum 30 marks (Qualifying Only)
2General English1003 HoursDescriptiveMinimum 30 marks (Qualifying Only)
3General Knowledge & Current Affairs1503 HoursDescriptiveMarks Counted in Merit
4Elementary General Science1003 HoursDescriptiveMarks Counted in Merit
5Law of Evidence & Procedure*1503 HoursDescriptiveMarks Counted in Merit

2. Optional Papers (Choose Any 3, Total: 450 Marks)

Candidates must select three optional law papers based on their strengths and interests.

Sl. No.SubjectMarksDurationNature of Exam
6Constitutional & Administrative Law of India1503 HoursDescriptive
7Hindu Law & Muhammadan Law1503 HoursDescriptive
8Transfer of Property, Equity, Trusts & Specific Relief1503 HoursDescriptive
9Law of Contracts & Torts1503 HoursDescriptive
10Commercial Law1503 HoursDescriptive

Note:

  • Each paper carries 3 hours duration.
  • Hindi and English papers are qualifying in nature and are not added to the final merit list.
  • Candidates must select any 3 optional subjects out of the given 5.
  • Total marks counted for final merit (excluding qualifying papers): 1050 Marks.

The BPSC interview round tests your personality, confidence, and legal knowledge, whereas a panel assesses your legal knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills.

StageTypeMarksQualifying MarksSelection RatioMerit Consideration
Interview (Viva-Voce)Oral / Personality Test10035%1:3 (based on Mains marks)Marks added to the final merit

Note:

  • Only candidates who qualify in the Written (Main) Examination are called for the interview.
  • Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio based on Mains performance.
  • Minimum 35% marks are required to qualify for the interview.
  • Final merit list is prepared on the basis of Mains (merit papers) + Interview marks.

Checkout Bihar Judiciary Exam Date here!

The Bihar Judiciary syllabus 2026 covers Hindi, English, General Knowledge, the updated Law of Evidence & Procedure, and optional law subjects for Prelims and Mains.

StageSubject CategorySubjects Included
Preliminary ExaminationGeneral StudiesGeneral Knowledge (including Current Affairs)
Elementary General Science
LawLaw of Evidence & Procedure 
Constitutional & Administrative Law of India 
Hindu Law & Muhammadan Law 
Transfer of Property 
Equity 
Trusts & Specific Relief 
Law of Contracts & Torts, Commercial Law
Mains Examination – CompulsoryLanguage PapersGeneral Hindi
General English
General StudiesGeneral Knowledge (including Current Affairs)
Elementary General Science
Core Law PaperLaw of Evidence & Procedure*
Mains Examination – Optional (Any 3)Optional Law SubjectsConstitutional & Administrative Law of India 
Hindu Law & Muhammadan Law 
Law of Transfer of Property 
Principles of Equity
Law of Trusts & Specific Relief 
Law of Contracts & Torts 
Commercial Law

Check out top preparation resources for Bihar Judiciary Exam:

Bihar Judiciary Online CoachingJudiciary Mock Tests
Judiciary Current AffairsJudiciary Study Material

The BPSC Prelims syllabus 2026 covers General Studies, Elementary Science, and key law subjects, including Evidence, Constitutional Law, Property, Contracts, and Commercial Law.

Subject CategorySubjects Included
General StudiesGeneral Knowledge (including Current Affairs)
Elementary General Science
LawLaw of Evidence & Procedure
Constitutional & Administrative Law of India
Hindu Law & Muhammadan Law
Transfer of Property 
Equity
Trusts & Specific Relief
Law of Contracts & Torts
Commercial Law

Read more about Bihar Judiciary Eligibility Criteria here!

The 2026 BPSC Mains syllabus covers Hindi, English, General Knowledge, and key laws, including the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, as well as optional law papers.

Paper TypeSubjectSubjects / Areas Covered
Compulsory PaperGeneral HindiEssay
Precis Writing
Translation
Grammar
General EnglishEssay
Precis Writing 
Translation
Grammar
General Knowledge & General ScienceCurrent Affairs 
Static GK 
Elementary General Science
Law of Evidence & ProcedureBharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 
Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887 
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Optional Papers (Any 3)Law SubjectsConstitutional & Administrative Law of India 
Hindu Law & Muhammadan Law 
Law of Transfer of Property 
Equity 
Trusts & Specific Relief 
Law of Contracts & Torts 
Commercial Law

Must check: Bihar Judiciary Application Form

The Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern features a major update in the Law of Evidence & Procedure syllabus, now including the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Code of Civil Procedure, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. 

This revision impacts the descriptive Main Examination, making it essential for candidates to follow the updated syllabus. Preliminary exams and interviews continue, but the key change is in evidence and procedure.

Ace the Bihar Judiciary 2026 with the following stage-wise preparation tips for Prelims, Mains, and Interview:

Preliminary Exam Stage:

  • Understand the Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern and syllabus.
  • Focus on General Studies and Law papers.
  • Practice objective-type questions regularly.
  • Solve previous year question papers to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Manage your time effectively during practice and exams.

Main (Written) Exam Stage:

  • Prioritize compulsory and optional subjects.
  • Focus on the updated Law of Evidence & Procedure syllabus, including Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
  • Practice writing answers to improve clarity, structure, and speed.
  • Revise all topics multiple times before the exam.

Interview/Personality Test Stage:

  • Stay updated on current affairs and legal developments.
  • Practice clear and confident communication.
  • Review key laws and concepts from the syllabus to answer questions effectively.

General Tips for All Stages:

  • Develop and follow a strict study plan.
  • Strengthen weak areas and maintain your strong subjects.
  • Read newspapers and legal journals daily.
  • Take regular breaks and ensure proper sleep.
  • Stay physically and mentally fresh for peak performance on exam day.

Explore State Wise Judiciary Exams Across India here:

Jharkhand Judiciary ExamDelhi Judiciary Exam
Rajasthan Judiciary ExamUP Judiciary Exam
MP Judiciary Exam Gujarat Judiciary Exam
Himachal Pradesh Judiciary ExamChattisgarh Judiciary Exam
What is the Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern?

The Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern includes three stages: Preliminary (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Interview (personality test). Prelims is a screening test, Mains determines merit, and Interview adds 100 marks to the final selection.

How many papers are there in the Preliminary Exam?

The Preliminary Exam has 2 papers: General Studies (100 marks, 1.5 hours) and Law (150 marks, 2 hours), totaling 250 marks.

Are there negative marks in the Bihar Judiciary Preliminary Exam?

No, the official notification does not specify negative marking.

What is the duration of the Bihar Judiciary 2026 Mains Exam?

Each Mains paper is 3 hours long. There are 5 compulsory papers, and candidates choose 3 optional papers from the given law subjects.

Which papers are qualifying for the Mains Exam?

General Hindi and General English papers are qualifying in nature, with a minimum of 30 marks required. Marks from these papers are not added to the final merit.

What are the key updates in the Bihar Judiciary 2026 exam pattern?

The Law of Evidence & Procedure syllabus has been updated to include Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, along with other laws such as the Code of Civil Procedure and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.

How is the final merit list prepared?

Final merit is based on marks obtained in Mains (merit papers) plus Interview (100 marks). Candidates must score a minimum 35% in the Interview to qualify.

How many candidates are shortlisted from Prelims to Mains?

Candidates up to 10 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the Mains exam based on Preliminary marks.

What is the total number of marks in Bihar Judiciary 2026 Mains Exam?

The total marks for merit papers in the Mains are 1050, excluding qualifying papers such as General Hindi and General English.

What is the focus for preparation for Bihar Judiciary 2026?

Candidates should focus on the updated Law of Evidence & Procedure, General Knowledge, current affairs, and optional law subjects. Practicing previous papers, time management, and revision are critical.

What is the qualifying criteria for the Interview stage?

Candidates must score at least 35% in the Interview. Only those qualifying in the Mains are called for the personality test, and the marks are added to the final merit.

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