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Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026: Civil Judge Exam Paper Pattern

The Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026 differs from one state to another. Several states follow a three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. However, the number of papers, marks, duration, subjects and negative marking differ.

Last Updated on 19 Aug 2026

Judiciary Exam Pattern

For example, Gujarat Civil Judge has a 100-mark law paper in Prelims, while Madhya Pradesh Judiciary conducts a 150-question Preliminary Exam. Haryana's Civil Judge Prelims carries 500 marks, whereas Chhattisgarh Judiciary prelims exam has a 100-mark paper. 

The Mains stage also varies, with some states focusing heavily on descriptive law papers, while others include language, translation, essay and judgment-writing papers.

Continue reading to know about the Civil Judge exam pattern along with the marking scheme and other details.

 

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Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

The Civil Judge exam pattern generally has three different stages:

  • Prelims: Objective questions designed to screen candidates for the next stage.
  • Mains: Descriptive papers that test legal knowledge, analysis, writing and language skills.
  • Interview/Viva-Voce: Assesses personality, general awareness and suitability for judicial service.

Here is a quick comparison of the states covered in this guide:

State Prelims Mains Interview/Viva
Gujarat 100 marks + Gujarati Language Test 2 papers, 200 marks 50 marks
Rajasthan Objective, 100 marks Law + Hindi + English 35 marks
Madhya Pradesh 150 questions, 150 marks 4 papers, 400 marks 50 marks
Haryana 125 questions, 500 marks 5 papers, 900 marks 200 marks
Chhattisgarh 100 questions, 100 marks 3 descriptive papers, 100 marks 15 marks
Odisha 100 questions, 100 marks 2 compulsory + 3 optional papers 100 marks
Maharashtra 100 questions, 100 marks 2 papers, 200 marks 50 marks
Telangana 100 questions, 100 marks 3 papers, 300 marks 30 marks
West Bengal 200 questions, 200 marks 8 compulsory + 3 optional papers 100 marks

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Gujarat Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

The Gujarat Judiciary selection process includes Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Viva-Voce.

Gujarat Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

Paper I contains 100 multiple-choice questions based on law and related areas. The paper carries 100 marks and lasts 2 hours.  A separate Paper II tests Gujarati language proficiency. This paper is applicable to candidates who have not studied Gujarati as a subject in the SSC or HSC examination.

Paper  Subject Maximum Marks Duration
Paper I 

Law:

  • Part A: Criminal Law
  • Part B: Civil Law
  • Part C: General Knowledge, English Language, Test of Reasoning, Numerical & Mental Ability and Basics of Computer Applications. 
100 marks 2 hours
Paper II Test of Gujarati Language 50 marks 1½ hours 

Gujarat Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Gujarat Main Written Examination is descriptive. It consists of two papers.

Paper  Subject Maximum Marks Duration
Paper I Criminal Law 100 marks 3 hours
Paper II Civil Law 100 marks 3 hours

Gujarat Judiciary Viva-Voce Pattern 2026

Candidates qualifying in the Main Written Examination are called for the Viva-Voce. The interview carries 50 marks.

Check the complete Gujarat Judiciary Exam Pattern here!

Rajasthan Civil Judge Exam Pattern 2026

The Rajasthan Judiciary selection process begins with the prelims exam, followed by Mains and the interview round.

Rajasthan Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

Rajasthan Civil Judge Preliminary Examination is conducted on an OMR sheet. There is no negative marking for wrong answers in the Prelims.

Component Questions/Marks Duration
Law 100 marks 2 hours
Hindi Proficiency
English Proficiency

Rajasthan Judiciary Mains and Interview Pattern

The Mains includes two law papers and two language papers.

Stage Paper Marks Duration
Law Law Paper I 100 3 hours
Law Paper II 100 3 hours
Language Hindi Essay 50 2 hours
English Essay 50 2 hours
Interview Viva-Voce 35

Check Rajasthan Judiciary Exam Pattern in detail!

MP Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates should analyse the MP Judiciary exam pattern to understand the exact requirements of the prelims, mains and interview round.

MP Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The Madhya Pradesh Judiciary Preliminary Examination is an online screening test. It contains 150 multiple-choice questions, with four options for each question. The total duration is 120 minutes.

Topic Questions Marks
Constitution of India 5 questions 5 marks
Code of Civil Procedure 1908 20 questions 20 marks
Transfer of Property Act 1882 7 questions 7 marks
The Indian Contract Act of 1872 8 questions 8 marks
Specific Relief Act of 1963 6 questions 6 marks
Limitation Act of 1963 4 questions 4 marks
MP Accommodation Control Act of 1961 5 questions 5 marks
MP Land Revenue Act of 1959 5 questions 5 marks
Indian Evidence Act of 1872 15 questions 15 marks
Indian Penal Code 1861 15 questions 15 marks
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 15 questions 15 marks
Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881 5 questions 5 marks
Information Technology Act, 2000 4 questions 4 marks
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 3 questions 3 marks
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 3 questions 3 marks
General Knowledge 10 questions 10 marks
Computer Knowledge 10 questions 10 marks
English Language 10 questions 10 marks
Total 150 150

MP Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains comprises four papers. Each paper carries 100 marks, and the test duration will be 3 hours.

Paper Subject Maximum Marks Exam Duration
1 Constitution, Civil Law, and Procedure 100 marks 3 hours
2 Article Writing, Summarisation 100 marks 3 hours
3 Local Law, Criminal Law, and Procedure 100 marks 3 hours
4 Judgment Writing 100 marks 3 hours

MP Judiciary Interview 2026

The interview carries 50 marks. Candidates must score at least 40% in the interview to remain eligible for final selection.

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Haryana Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

The Haryana Judiciary exam pattern for prelims, mains, and interview is as follows:

Haryana Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The paper carries 500 marks, with 4 marks assigned to each question. The duration is 2 hours. A deduction of 0.8 marks, equivalent to one-fifth of the marks assigned to a question, is made for every incorrect answer.

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Exam Duration
Current Events of National and International Importance 125 500 2 Hours
Indian Legal and Constitutional History and Governance
Analytical skills, Reasoning and Aptitude 

Haryana Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Haryana Main Written Examination consists of five papers. The maximum marks shall be 900 marks.

Paper Topic Maximum Marks
Paper ICivil Law-I
  • Code of Civil Procedure
  • Punjab Courts Act
  • Indian Contract Act 
  • Indian Partnership Act
  • Sale of Goods Act
  • Specific Relief Act
  • Indian Evidence Act
  • Haryana Urban (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act, 1973
200 Marks
Paper-II Civil Law-II
  • Hindu Law
  • Mohammadan Law
  • Customary Law
  • Law of Registration and Limitation
200 Marks
Paper-IIICriminal Law
  • Indian Penal Code
  • Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Indian Evidence Act
200 Marks
Paper-IV English

The English paper will be of 200 marks and consist of the following:-

  • English Essay(1000-1100 words) 
  • Precis 
  • Words and Phrases (Make sentences of the given words and Phrases)
  • Comprehension 
  • Corrections
200 Marks
Paper-V Language 

Hindi(in Devanagari Script) language paper shall comprise the following:

  • Translation of an English passage into Hindi
  • Explanation of Hindi passage in prose and poetry in the same language
  • Composition [essay, idioms and corrections etc.] 
100
Total 900 marks

Haryana Judiciary Interview

The viva voce carries 200 marks. It assesses personal qualities, general interest, mental alertness, intelligence and overall outlook.

Get the Best Judiciary Test Series here!

Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

The Chhattisgarh Judiciary selection process consists of three stages: the Prelims Examination, the Mains Written Examination, and the Viva Voce

Chhattisgarh Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The prelims exam carries 100 marks, and the exam duration will be 2 hours.

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023* 100 100 2 hours
Code of Civil Procedure
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023*
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023*
Constitution of India
Transfer of Property Act
Contract Act
Limitation Act
The Chhattisgarh Rent Control Act, 2011
Court Fees Act
Specific Relief Act
Registration Act
Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code
The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
The Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915
General Knowledge of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Main Written Examination consists of three descriptive papers. The exam duration will be 3 hour.

Paper Maximum Marks Duration
Framing of issues and writing of Judgement in Civil Cases 40 marks 3 hour
Framing of charges and writing of Judgement in Criminal Cases 40 marks
Translation
(1) English to Hindi 10 marks
(2) Hindi to English 10 marks
Total 100 marks

Chhattisgarh Judiciary Interview 2026

Candidates qualifying in the Mains are shortlisted for Viva-Voce. The interview carries 15 marks.

Learn About Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam Pattern Here!

Odisha Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

The Odisha Judiciary selection process has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam and Interview. The Prelims have 100 questions. The Mains exam comprises five papers, with each paper carrying 150 marks. 

Odisha Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The Odisha Preliminary Examination contains one objective paper covering multiple areas of law. Candidates get 1½ hours to complete the paper.

Topics Number of Questions Maximum Marks Exam Duration
  • The Constitution of India
  • The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
  • The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
  • The Indian Penal Code, 1860 and The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • The Limitation Act
  • The Transfer of Property Act
  • The Law of Contract
  • The Law of Succession (Indian Succession Act and Hindu Succession Act)
  • The Specific Relief Act
  • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and any other relevant topics in law(s).
100  100  1½ hours

Odisha Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Odisha Main Written Examination contains two compulsory papers and three optional papers.

Type Papers Subject Maximum Marks
Compulsory Paper 1 General English 150 Marks
Paper 2 Procedural Laws 150 Marks
Optional Papers You may choose any of the three subjects among the following: Law of Crime & Law of Torts 150 Marks
Personal Laws 150 Marks
Law of Property 150 Marks
Law of Contract 150 Marks
Jurisprudence and The Constitution of India 150 Marks

Odisha Judiciary Interview

The OPSC OJS Interview carries 100 marks.

Go through the complete Odisha Judiciary Exam Pattern!

Maharashtra Civil Judge Exam Pattern 2026

The Maharashtra Judiciary prelims is a 100-mark objective test, while the Main Written Exam consists of 2 papers, each paper carrying 100 marks.

Maharashtra Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The Maharashtra Preliminary Examination carries 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.

Topics Number of Questions  Maximum Marks
  • Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Civil Procedure Code
  • Evidence Act
  • Transfer of Property Act
  • Specific Relief Act
  • Maharashtra Rent Control Act
  • Limitation Act
  • Constitution of India
  • Indian Penal Code
  • Law of Contract, The Sale of Goods Act and The Partnership Act
  • Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
  • Bhartiya Nagrik Surksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
100 100

Maharashtra Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The MPSC Civil Judge Main Written Examination has two compulsory papers. Each paper carries 100 marks and lasts 3 hours.

Paper Subject Maximum Marks Exam Duration
Paper 1 
  • Civil Procedure Code. 
  • Transfer of Property Act.
  • Specific Relief Act.
  • Law of Contracts, Sale of Goods Act and Partnership Act
100 marks  3 hours
Paper 2
  • Indian Penal Code. 
  • Evidence Act.
  • Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955.
  • Essay on Current Legal topics (Approximately 800 words)
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
  • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, (BNSS)
100 marks  3 hours

Maharashtra Judiciary Interview

The MPSC Judiciary interview carries 50 marks.

Explore Maharashtra Judiciary Exam Pattern details here!

Telangana Civil Judge Exam Pattern 2026

The Telangana Civil Judge recruitment includes a Computer-Based Screening Test followed by written examinations and Viva-Voce. 

Telangana Civil Judge Screening Test Pattern

Check the Screening Test details below:

Stage Name Screening Test
Question Type Multiple-Choice
Number of Questions 100
Maximum Marks 100
Exam Duration 2 hours

Telangana Civil Judge Mains Exam Pattern

The Written Examination contains three papers:

Paper Subject Marks Duration
Paper I Civil Laws 100 3 hours
Paper II Criminal Laws 100 3 hours
Paper III English: Translation, Essay Writing, Grammar and Vocabulary 100 3 hours

Telangana Civil Judge Viva-Voce

The viva voce carries 30 marks.

Read more related articles:

Time Management Tips for Judiciary Exam Judiciary As Career in India
Hierarchical Structure of Judiciary in India  

West Bengal Civil Judge Exam Pattern 2026

The selection process is divided into three stages, i.e. Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test. Check the paper pattern below:

West Bengal Judiciary Prelims Exam Pattern

The West Bengal Preliminary Examination contains 200 objective type questions. The paper carries 200 marks and is conducted for 2½ hours.

Subject Marks
English Composition 30
General Knowledge, Current Affairs and Reasoning 40
Indian Constitution 20
Law of Contracts and Torts 20
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 20
Civil Procedure Code 20
BNSS / BNS 20
Personal Law 10
Law of Limitation 20
Total 200

West Bengal Judiciary Mains Exam Pattern

The Final Examination consists of eight compulsory papers and three optional papers. Each paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of 3 hours.

Paper Subject
Compulsory Papers
  • English Composition, Essay and Précis Writing
  • Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali composition, essay and translation
  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs
  • Civil Procedure Code
  • BNSS and BNS
  • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
  • Law of Contracts and Torts
  • Transfer of Property Act
Candidates select three optional subjects from areas:
  • Hindu Law
  • Muhammadan Law
  • Jurisprudence and principles of legislation
  • Indian Law relating to Companies and Insurance
  • Principles of Equity including the Law of Trusts and Specific Relief
  • Partnership Act
  • Law of Limitation and Law of Prescription
  • The Indian Constitution and Constitutional Law.

West Bengal Personality Test

The Personality Test carries 100 marks. Final merit is based on the marks obtained in the Final Examination and Personality Test.

Civil Judge Exam Paper Pattern: What Changes Across States?

The civil judge exam paper pattern can change depending on the state recruitment rules. Some states have a relatively compact Mains structure. Gujarat, for instance, has two descriptive law papers. Madhya Pradesh has four papers, including article writing, summarisation and judgment writing. Haryana has five papers with a substantial language component.

West Bengal is more extensive, with eight compulsory and three optional papers. This means that aspirants should not prepare only from a generic national-level Civil Judge syllabus. The state-specific paper structure should determine how you divide your preparation time.

Judiciary Exam Marking Scheme 2026

The judiciary exam marking scheme varies by state. The Gujarat Civil Judge exam deducts 0.33 marks for an incorrect or multiple answer in Paper I. Odisha Judiciary exam deducts 0.25 marks for every wrong answer, while the Maharashtra Civil Judge paper follows a 1/4-mark deduction. Haryana Judiciary exam has a comparatively higher penalty of 0.8 marks for each incorrect answer.

On the other hand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Civil Judge exam have no negative marking in the Preliminary Exam. The Civil Judge exam marking scheme is shared below.

State Marks Per Correct Answer Negative Marking
Gujarat 1 mark 0.33 mark
Rajasthan 1 mark No negative marking
Madhya Pradesh 1 mark No negative marking
Haryana 4 marks 0.8 mark
Chhattisgarh 1 mark Not specified
Odisha 1 mark 0.25 mark
Maharashtra 1 mark 0.25 mark
Telangana 1 mark Not specified
West Bengal 1 mark Not specified

Go Through These Important Topics for Judiciary Aspirants:

Hierarchy of Judiciary in India Judiciary Exams Syllabus
Judiciary as a Career in India  

Important Topics of Indian Constitution:

Basic Structure Doctrine Schedules of Indian Constitution
Sources of Indian Constitution Articles of Indian Constitution
Amendments to Indian Constitution Parts of Indian Constitution
Preamble to Constitution of India Drafting Committee of Indian Constitution
Salient Features of Indian Constitution Facts About Indian Constitution

FAQs About Civil Judge Exam Pattern 2026

Most state judiciary recruitments include Prelims, Mains, and an Interview/Viva Voce.

It depends on the state. Gujarat, Haryana, Odisha and Maharashtra have negative marking, while Rajasthan and MP have no negative marking.

The number varies. MP Civil Judge exam has four papers, the Gujarat Judiciary exam has two, the Haryana Civil Judge exam has five, and the West Bengal Judiciary exam has eight compulsory plus three optional papers.

Not always. In Gujarat and West Bengal, the Civil Judge Preliminary Examination is used as a screening stage, and its marks do not contribute to final merit.

Yes, in some states. MP includes a dedicated Judgment Writing paper, while Chhattisgarh includes civil and criminal judgment writing in its Mains structure.

No. The civil judge exam paper pattern is state-specific. Hence, you should prepare according to the recruitment rules applicable to your target state.
Virendra Soni
Virendra Soni

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Virendra heads SEO & Content at LPT. A writer at heart, he focuses on building exam-focused content that informs, guides, and supports aspirants in their preparation journey.

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