“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.
Jharkhand APO Full Form
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).
What is Jharkhand APO Exam?
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.
Jharkhand APO Exam 2025: Key Details
Below is a quick look at all the key details you need to know about the Jharkhand APO exam 2025:
Particulars | Details |
Exam Conducting Body | Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) |
Post | Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) |
Department | Department of Home |
Location | Jharkhand |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Selection Process | Prelims Mains & Interview |
Official Website | www.jpsc.gov.in. |
Jharkhand APO Notification 2025
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
Jharkhand APO Vacancy 2025
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.
Category | No. of Vacancies | Reserved for Women |
General | 52 | 2 |
EWS | 15 | 1 |
SC | 12 | 1 |
ST | 35 | 2 |
BC-I | 11 | 1 |
BC-II | 8 | 0 |
Total | 134 | 7 |
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.
Jharkhand APO Exam Dates 2025
Check the complete list of Jharkhand APO exam dates 2025 to stay on track with your application and study schedule:
Particulars | JPSC APO Dates |
Notification Released | 19 June 2025 |
Application Start Date | 29 June 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | 21 July 2025 |
Last Date to Pay Fee | 22 July 2025 (Till 5 pm) |
Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
Jharkhand APO Prelims Exam Date | To be announced |
Jharkhand APO Mains Exam Date | To be announced |
Jharkhand APO Interview Date | To be announced |
Jharkhand APO Result Date | To be announced |
Jharkhand APO Eligibility Criteria 2025
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.
Category | Max Age Limit | Max Age (PwD) | Age Relaxation |
Unreserved (Male) | 35 years | 45 years | – |
EWS (Male) | 35 years | 45 years | – |
BC-I / EBC-I (Male) | 37 years | 47 years | 5 years |
Female (UR / BC-I / EBC-II) | 38 years | 48 years | 5 years |
SC / ST (Male & Female) | 40 years | 50 years | 5 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:
- Matriculation certificate or mark sheet (proof of DOB)
- Law degree mark sheet and certificate (mandatory for APO eligibility)
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the prescribed format
- Local residence certificate (if claiming domicile reservation)
- EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- NOC (for Jharkhand government employees seeking age relaxation)
- Ex-Serviceman certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
- Sports quota certificate (if applicable)
Note:
Failure to submit these documents on time will result in disqualification from the mains.
Jharkhand APO Exam Selection Process
The selection for the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor in Jharkhand will be done through a two-stage competitive examination:
- Prelims Examination
- Mains Examination
- 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.
Jharkhand APO Exam Pattern 2025
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.
Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Level |
I | General Studies | 100 | 2 hours | General |
II | Law | 200 | 2 hours | Law Graduate |
Mains Examination
- 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 Literature | Mundari Language and Literature | Kharia Language and Literature |
Ho Language and Literature | Kudukh Language and Literature | Nagpuri Language and Literature |
Kurmali Language and Literature | Khortha 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:
Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
General | 40% |
Backward Class (BC) | 36.5% |
Extremely Backward Class (Annexure 1) | 34% |
SC / ST / Women | 32% |
Primitive Tribe | 30% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 40% |
Note:
Failing to secure these marks will lead to disqualification, regardless of performance in other papers.
- 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. | Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Level |
1 | First Paper | General Hindi | 100 | 3 Hours | Basic (Preface) |
2 | Second Paper | English | 100 | 3 Hours | Basic (Preface) |
3 | Third Paper | Essay | 100 | 3 Hours | Basic (Preface) |
4 | Fourth Paper | General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours | General |
5 | Fifth Paper | Evidence & Criminal Procedure | 200 | 3 Hours | Law Graduate |
6 | Sixth Paper | Indian Penal Code | 200 | 3 Hours | Law Graduate |
7 | Seventh Paper | Indian Constitutional Law | 200 | 3 Hours | Law Graduate |
8 | Eighth Paper | Criminal Minor Acts | 200 | 3 Hours | Law Graduate |
9 | Interview | 50 | 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.
Jharkhand APO Exam Syllabus
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 events | Indian history |
Geography, economy, and political system of India | General science |
Jharkhand’s modern history, geography, economy, and culture | |
Paper II – Legal Studies | |
Indian Evidence Act | Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) |
Indian Penal Code (IPC) | Indian Constitution |
Mains Exam
General Hindi | |
Essay writing | Letter writing (official and semi-official) |
Grammar | Sentence structure |
Precis writing(Minimum 30% required to qualify; marks not counted in final merit) | |
English | |
Essay writing | Letter writing (official and semi-official) |
Grammar | Sentence 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 affairs | Indian economy and geography |
General science | Modern Indian history |
Indian political system | Legal 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 Act | Group 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
Steps to Apply for Jharkhand APO Exam 2025
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 queries | 9431301419 / 9431301636 |
Technical support | 7979970382 / 8340331314 |
Fee issues: | 7070970302 / 8340331314 (Available on working days, 10 AM – 5 PM) |
Jharkhand APO Exam Application Fee
Here’s a quick look at the Jharkhand APO exam application fee, including category-wise charges and payment details:
Category | Exam 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
Jharkhand APO Admit Card
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!
Jharkhand APO Answer Key
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.
Jharkhand APO Exam Cut off
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:
Category | Minimum Marks |
General | 40% |
Backward Class (BC) | 36.5% |
Extremely Backward Class (Annexure-1) | 34% |
SC / ST / Women | 32% |
Primitive Tribe | 30% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 40% |
Jharkhand APO Result 2025
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.
Jharkhand APO Salary
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.
Jharkhand APO Exam Preparation Strategy
- 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.
FAQs About Jharkhand APO Exam 2025
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) conducts the APO exam.
The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and an Interview.
You must have a Law degree (LLB) and a certificate in computer operations from a state-recognized institute. The age limit varies by category.
Yes, 5 years of relaxation is provided to ex-servicemen and state employees with 3+ years of service.
No, they are qualifying in nature. You must score at least 30% to pass, but their marks are not added to the final score.
APOs, along with other allowances, are placed under Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100) as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Apply online through the One Time Registration (OTR) system on the JPSC website: www.jpsc.gov.in.
Yes, horizontal reservations are provided for women, PwDs, sports quota, and Primitive Tribes within their respective categories.
– 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