What is Jharkhand APO Exam 2025? All Details for Beginners

“Law isn’t just a profession—it’s a purpose.”

And if you’re eyeing the Jharkhand APO post, you’re already on the right track.

Being an APO isn’t just about winning cases; it’s about defending justice and representing the law with integrity. But before you wear the advocate’s robe, there’s an exam to clear, and we’ve got your back.

This guide covers everything from eligibility and exam pattern to syllabus, admit card, results, and smart prep tips.

Let’s break it down, prep right, and get you courtroom-ready.

APO stands for Assistant Prosecution Officer. The Jharkhand APO is a respected legal officer who works for the government, helping to prosecute criminal cases and maintain law and order. This role falls under the Department of Home, Jail, and Disaster Management, and recruitment is handled by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). 

The Jharkhand Assistant Prosecution Officer exam is a competitive recruitment test conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission. It aims to select qualified law graduates for the role of Assistant Prosecution Officer across various districts in Jharkhand. 

As an APO, your primary responsibility is to represent the state in criminal cases, assist in legal research, and ensure justice is served per the law.

This exam is a golden opportunity for those aiming to build a strong legal career in public service. The selection process includes a written exam, both prelims and mains, followed by an interview. The role offers job security with decent pay and gives you the power to make a real impact in Jharkhand’s legal system.

Below is a quick look at all the key details you need to know about the Jharkhand APO exam 2025:

ParticularsDetails
Exam Conducting BodyJharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)
PostAssistant Prosecution Officer (APO)
DepartmentDepartment of Home
LocationJharkhand
Exam ModeOffline
Selection ProcessPrelims

Mains & Interview
Official Websitewww.jpsc.gov.in.

The official Jharkhand APO exam 2025 notification was released on 19 June 2025. It’s your complete guide to kickstart the application process. Below is what it covers:

  • Total Vacancies: Number of APO posts announced by JPSC
  • Eligibility Criteria: Required educational qualifications and age limit
  • Application Details: Start and end dates, step-by-step process, and official website info
  • Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Subjects, marking scheme, and paper structure
  • Salary & Job Location: Pay scale during probation and after confirmation, along with the posting areas
  • Selection Process: Written exam (Prelims + Mains) followed by an interview

A total of 134 vacancies have been announced under the Jharkhand APO vacancy 2025. Check the detailed category-wise breakup to see where you stand and what’s available for your category.

CategoryNo. of VacanciesReserved for Women
General52
EWS15
SC12
ST35
BC-I111
BC-II80
Total1347

Important things:

  • 4% of the total vacancies are reserved for Blind, Deaf & Dumb, and Locomotive Disability, or Cerebral Palsy, Autism, or Multiple Disabilities.
  • 2% of the total ST vacancies are reserved for the Primitive Tribe.
  • 3 vacancies are reserved for the Sports quota.

Check the complete list of Jharkhand APO exam dates 2025 to stay on track with your application and study schedule:

ParticularsJPSC APO Dates
Notification Released19 June 2025
Application Start Date29 June 2025
Last Date to Apply21 July 2025
Last Date to Pay Fee22 July 2025 (Till 5 pm)
Admit Card Release DateTo be announced
Jharkhand APO Prelims Exam DateTo be announced
Jharkhand APO Mains Exam DateTo be announced
Jharkhand APO Interview DateTo be announced
Jharkhand APO Result DateTo be announced

Below is a complete breakdown of the Jharkhand APO eligibility 2025, including age limits, educational qualifications, and category-wise relaxations:

Educational Qualification

To apply for the Jharkhand Assistant Public Prosecutor post, you must have a law degree (LLB) that makes you eligible to register and practice as an advocate in a court of law. This is the basic and essential qualification required.

Additional Requirement

You must also hold a certificate in computer operation from an institute recognized by the State Government.

Age Limit

  • Minimum Age: 21 years
  • Maximum Age: Depends on your category. 
CategoryMax Age LimitMax Age (PwD)Age Relaxation
Unreserved (Male)35 years45 years
EWS (Male)35 years45 years
BC-I / EBC-I (Male)37 years47 years5 years
Female (UR / BC-I / EBC-II)38 years48 years5 years
SC / ST (Male & Female)40 years50 years5 years

Note:

  • Ex-servicemen are also eligible for 5 years of age relaxation.
  • Age limits may be relaxed for state government employees who have completed 3 continuous years of service.

Submission of Documents After Prelims

Candidates who qualify in the preliminary examination must submit the following self-attested hard copies, along with a signed printout of the online application, to the Commission before the mains exam:

  1. Matriculation certificate or mark sheet (proof of DOB)
  2. Law degree mark sheet and certificate (mandatory for APO eligibility)
  3. Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the prescribed format
  4. Local residence certificate (if claiming domicile reservation)
  5. EWS certificate (if applicable)
  6. Disability certificate (if applicable)
  7. NOC (for Jharkhand government employees seeking age relaxation)
  8. Ex-Serviceman certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
  9. Sports quota certificate (if applicable)

Note:

Failure to submit these documents on time will result in disqualification from the mains.

The selection for the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor in Jharkhand will be done through a two-stage competitive examination:

  1. Prelims Examination
  2. Mains Examination
  3. Interview

Only those who clear the prelims will be shortlisted for the mains. Final selection will be based on performance in both the written exam and the interview.

Here’s a detailed look at the Jharkhand APO exam pattern 2025, covering all stages—from prelims to mains and interview, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Preliminary Examination

The Jharkhand APO prelims exam consists of two objective papers:

  • Paper I: General Studies – 100 marks
  • Paper II: Law Subject – 200 marks

Both papers are 2 hours each.

Based on the prelims performance, 13 times the number of total vacancies (1:13 ratio) will be shortlisted for the mains exam.

PaperSubjectMarksDurationLevel
IGeneral Studies1002 hoursGeneral
IILaw2002 hoursLaw Graduate

Mains Examination

  1. As part of the Jharkhand APO mains exam, candidates must appear for a 100-mark paper in one of the nine regional languages approved by the Government of Jharkhand:
Santali Language and LiteratureMundari Language and LiteratureKharia Language and Literature
Ho Language and LiteratureKudukh Language and LiteratureNagpuri Language and Literature 
Kurmali Language and LiteratureKhortha Language and Literature Panchpargania Language and Literature

Although the marks obtained in this paper won’t be counted in the final merit list, it is mandatory to qualify this paper by scoring the minimum required marks:

CategoryMinimum Qualifying Marks
General40%
Backward Class (BC)36.5%
Extremely Backward Class (Annexure 1)34%
SC / ST / Women32%
Primitive Tribe30%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)40%

Note:
Failing to secure these marks will lead to disqualification, regardless of performance in other papers.

  1. The Jharkhand APO main examination includes two stages:
  • Written Examination
  • Personality Test (Interview)

The written exam covers General Hindi, English, Essay, General Studies, and Law subjects. Below is the detailed structure, including marks, duration, and difficulty level:

Sl. No.PaperSubjectMarksDurationLevel
1First PaperGeneral Hindi1003 HoursBasic (Preface)
2Second PaperEnglish1003 HoursBasic (Preface)
3Third PaperEssay1003 HoursBasic (Preface)
4Fourth PaperGeneral Studies1003 HoursGeneral
5Fifth PaperEvidence & Criminal Procedure2003 HoursLaw Graduate
6Sixth PaperIndian Penal Code2003 HoursLaw Graduate
7Seventh PaperIndian Constitutional Law2003 HoursLaw Graduate
8Eighth PaperCriminal Minor Acts2003 HoursLaw Graduate
9Interview50 General

Interview

  • After qualifying for the written exam, candidates will appear for the interview, carrying 50 marks.
  • The personality test will assess legal awareness, communication skills, and suitability for the post.

This stage-wise selection ensures that candidates are evaluated thoroughly on both academic and practical grounds.

The Jharkhand APO syllabus covers everything from General Studies to core law subjects. Here’s a complete breakdown to help you plan your prep smartly:

Prelims Exam

Paper I – General Studies
Current national and international eventsIndian history
Geography, economy, and political system of IndiaGeneral science
Jharkhand’s modern history, geography, economy, and culture
Paper II – Legal Studies
Indian Evidence ActCriminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
Indian Penal Code (IPC)Indian Constitution

Mains Exam

General Hindi
Essay writingLetter writing (official and semi-official)
GrammarSentence structure
Precis writing(Minimum 30% required to qualify; marks not counted in final merit)
English
Essay writingLetter writing (official and semi-official)
GrammarSentence structure
Precis writing(Minimum 30% required to qualify; marks not counted in final merit)
Essay
Two sections: one on Law, the other on General topics

Write one essay from each section
General Studies
National and international affairsIndian economy and geography
General scienceModern Indian history
Indian political systemLegal terminology (with explanations)
Jharkhand-specific topics like History, Economy, Geography, and Culture
Evidence and Criminal Procedure
Includes both the Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act
Indian Penal Code
Covers core concepts, legal provisions, and practical problem-based questions
Indian Constitutional Law
Focus on key Constitutional doctrines, case laws, and interpretation
Criminal Minor Acts
Group A: Forest Act, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Criminal Law Amendment Act, Motor Vehicles ActGroup B: Electricity Act 2003, Information Technology Act 2000, Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and Bihar/Jharkhand Prevention of Specified Corruption Act 1983, Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954
Group C: Essential Commodities Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, SC/ST Atrocities Act, Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Acts

Interview

Candidates who qualify the written exam appear for an interview to assess:

  • Legal aptitude and awareness
  • Communication skills
  • Suitability for the role of APO

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the Jharkhand APO application form smoothly and correctly through the official JPSC portal:

1. Visit the official website

Go to jpsc.gov.in.

2. Go to the Recruitment/Notices section

Look for the Jharkhand APO 2025 notification.

3. Read the notification carefully

Check eligibility, instructions, and the list of required documents.

4. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

If you’re a new user, register as per the instructions.

5. Fill out the application form

Enter your personal, academic, and other required details correctly.

6. Upload documents

Scan and upload the necessary certificates and ID proof.

7. Pay the application fee

– Use the available online payment options.

8. Submit the form

Review all details and submit your application.

9. Download and print

Save a copy of your filled form and payment receipt for future use.

Important Instructions for Jharkhand APO Application Form

  • Apply Online: Submit your application through the OTR system on www.jpsc.gov.in.
  • Upload Documents: Attach all required documents while filling out the form.
  • Double-Check Info: Make sure all details match your certificates. No changes allowed after the deadline.
  • Follow Guidelines: Read the “How to Apply” section on the JPSC site before starting.
  • Govt. Employees: Mention your NOC details if you’re in government service.
  • Photo & Signature: Upload a recent passport-size photo and a clear signature.
  • Correct Spelling: Use BLOCK LETTERS (except signature). Name and father’s name must match your 10th certificate.
  • Enter Details Carefully: Include accurate educational, caste, residence, age, and other relevant info.
  • Non-Refundable Fee: Exam fee won’t be refunded. Applications without proper payment will be rejected.
  • False Info = Rejection: Any incorrect details or mismatched documents can lead to disqualification.

Need Help?

Application queries9431301419 / 9431301636
Technical support7979970382 / 8340331314
Fee issues:7070970302 / 8340331314
(Available on working days, 10 AM – 5 PM)

Here’s a quick look at the Jharkhand APO exam application fee, including category-wise charges and payment details:

CategoryExam Fee
General / EWS / BC-II / EBC-I₹600 + bank charges
SC / ST (Jharkhand State only)₹150 + bank charges
PwD (Minimum 40% disability)Exempted

Note:

  • Mode of Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, Wallet, UPI, Bharat QR
  • Incorrect or unpaid applications (except for eligible PwD) will be rejected.
  • The exam fee is non-refundable

The Jharkhand APO admit card will be released on the official JPSC website a few weeks before the exam. Candidates can download it using their login credentials. The admit card will contain important details like exam date, time, venue, and instructions. Don’t forget to carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center. No entry without it!

The Jharkhand APO answer key will be published shortly after the exam. It helps candidates cross-check their answers and estimate their scores. If you find any errors in the provisional key, you’ll get a chance to raise objections within the given deadline. The final answer key will be released after reviewing all objections.

To qualify in the Essay, General Studies, and Law papers of the preliminary exam, mains exam, and interview, candidates must secure the following minimum qualifying marks:

CategoryMinimum Marks
General40%
Backward Class (BC)36.5%
Extremely Backward Class (Annexure-1)34%
SC / ST / Women32%
Primitive Tribe30%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)40%

The Jharkhand APO result 2025 will be announced in separate stages—Prelims, Mains, and Final (after Interview). You can check your result on the JPSC website using your roll number. The final merit list will be prepared based on marks obtained in the mains and interview. Stay updated on result notifications through the official portal.

The salary for the Jharkhand Assistant Public Prosecutor is quite attractive and follows the 7th Pay Commission rules. Selected candidates are placed under Pay Level 8, which means the monthly salary ranges from ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100.

Under the earlier 6th Pay Commission, the pay scale was ₹9,300 to ₹34,800, with a Grade Pay of ₹4,800.

This salary structure is based on the official resolution issued by the Planning-cum-Finance Department on 18 January 2017. In addition to basic pay, APOs receive other allowances as per government norms, making it a well-paying and secure career in the legal field.

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern for all stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. This helps you plan your preparation smartly from the start.
  • Focus on prelims by building strong concepts in General Studies and Law subjects like IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act. Stay updated with daily current affairs and practice MCQs to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Prepare for the mains with regular answer writing. Practice descriptive answers for all law papers and consistently revise core legal topics.
  • Work on Hindi and English papers, as they are qualifying in nature but mandatory. Practice essays, formal letter writing, grammar, and précis writing.
  • Strengthen your essay writing by practicing both general and law-related topics. Focus on clarity, structure, and logical flow.
  • Keep track of recent legal developments, especially those related to Jharkhand. This will help in both the mains and the interview.
  • Practice for the interview by revising important laws, building clarity in basic concepts, and improving communication skills.
  • Take mock tests and solve previous year papers regularly. This builds exam confidence and helps you identify weak areas.
  • Stay consistent, revise regularly, and follow a realistic study schedule. Confidence, discipline, and clarity will make all the difference.
Who conducts the Jharkhand APO exam?

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) conducts the APO exam.

What is the selection process for Jharkhand APO 2025?

The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and an Interview.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Jharkhand APO exam?

You must have a Law degree (LLB) and a certificate in computer operations from a state-recognized institute. The age limit varies by category.

Is there any age relaxation for Jharkhand government employees or ex-servicemen?

Yes, 5 years of relaxation is provided to ex-servicemen and state employees with 3+ years of service.

Are Hindi and English papers in the mains counted in the merit list?

No, they are qualifying in nature. You must score at least 30% to pass, but their marks are not added to the final score.

What is the salary for Jharkhand APO?

APOs, along with other allowances, are placed under Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) as per the 7th Pay Commission.

How can I apply for the Jharkhand APO exam?

Apply online through the One Time Registration (OTR) system on the JPSC website: www.jpsc.gov.in.

Is there any reservation for women or persons with disabilities?

Yes, horizontal reservations are provided for women, PwDs, sports quota, and Primitive Tribes within their respective categories.

How can I prepare effectively for the APO exam?

– Start with the syllabus and previous papers
– Focus on law topics (IPC, CrPC, Constitution, etc.)
– Practice essays and writing skills
– Read daily current affairs
– Take mock tests and revise regularly
– Prepare for the interview with mock sessions


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