Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination

The Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination, conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), is a highly prestigious exam for aspiring legal professionals seeking a career in the judiciary. This examination aims to recruit Civil Judges (Entry Level) for the Chhattisgarh High Court.

The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and viva voce (Interview). Each stage evaluates candidates on their legal knowledge, analytical skills, and overall suitability for judicial responsibilities.

Open to law graduates, this competitive exam offers a promising career path in judicial services, with a structured syllabus covering both central and state laws. Success in this examination requires thorough preparation, strong legal acumen, and a clear understanding of the judicial process.

Overview of the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam

Eligibility Criteria for Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
• Educational Qualification: A degree in law from a recognised university.
• Character and Health: Candidates must possess good character and sound health. Must be free from any disability rendering them unfit for the appointment.

Disqualifications for Direct Recruitment

• Multiple Spouses: Candidates with more than one spouse living are ineligible.
• Dismissal or Removal: Those dismissed from service by any High Court, Government, or statutory authority.
• Convictions:
  • Convicted for an offence involving moral turpitude.
  • Permanently debarred/disqualified by the High Court, UPSC, State PSCs, or Service Selection Boards.
• Professional Misconduct:
  • Found guilty under the Advocates Act, 1961, or other laws.

Age Criteria for CG Judicial Service Examination

General Age Limit

• Minimum: 21 years.
• Maximum: 35 years (as of January 1 of the next recruitment year).

Age Relaxation

How Many Attempts Are There in the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam?

Candidates are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts to appear for the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam for the post of Civil Judge in the Chhattisgarh High Court.

Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Exam Pattern and Scheme

The Chhattisgarh Judicial Service Examination consists of three stages:

Preliminary Examination

• Type: Objective (MCQs).
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Total Marks: 100.
• Language: English and Hindi.
• Key Notes:
  • No marks are carried forward to the Main Exam.
  • Top candidates (1:10 ratio of vacancies) qualify for the Mains.

Syllabus:

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC)
2. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
3. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
4. Indian Evidence Act
5. Constitution of India
6. Transfer of Property Act
7. Contract Act
8. Limitation Act
9. Chhattisgarh Rent Control Act
10. Court Fees Act
11. Specific Relief Act
12. Registration Act
13. Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code
14. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
15. Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915

Main Examination (Written)

• Type: Descriptive and Subjective.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Total Marks: 100.
• Key Notes:
  • Top candidates (1:10 ratio of vacancies) qualify based on Preliminary Exam merit.
  • The Main Exam decides the merit list.

Syllabus:

Viva-Voce (Interview)

• Total Marks: 15.
• Eligibility:
  • Candidates shortlisted (1:3 ratio of vacancies) based on Main Exam performance.
• Minimum Passing Marks:
  • Unreserved: 33%.
  • Reserved (SC/ST/OBC): 25%.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Legal knowledge.
• General awareness.
• Current affairs.
• Personality, confidence, and articulation.

Final Selection:

• Based on combined scores of Mains and Viva-Voce.

How to Prepare for the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam

Preparation for the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam requires a structured plan. Begin with a detailed understanding of the syllabus for all three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Viva-Voce. Focus on bare acts for central laws like IPC, CPC, and CrPC, ensuring you understand definitions and landmark sections.

For the Prelims, practice multiple-choice questions and previous years’ papers to improve speed and accuracy. For the Mains, emphasise judgment writing, framing of charges, and translations. Regular practice is crucial to develop clarity and coherence in descriptive answers.

Allocate time for current affairs and general knowledge, which are important for both Prelims and the interview. Mock interviews can help improve articulation and boost confidence for the Viva-Voce. Use standard books like J.N. Pandey for Constitution and Takwani for CPC, along with online resources like Indian Kanoon, to strengthen legal knowledge. Consistency and revision are key to success.

When to Start Preparing for the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam

The ideal time to start preparing for the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam depends on your academic background. If you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law degree, start exploring legal fields in the first three years and begin focused preparation in your fourth year. For 3+3 law students, utilise your initial three years to build a strong foundation in law and start judiciary-specific preparation from the first year of your law degree. 

If you’re pursuing a 3-year law degree, begin preparation early during your studies or immediately after graduation. Focus on mastering procedural laws, local laws of Chhattisgarh, and Hindi language proficiency. Starting early ensures thorough syllabus coverage, multiple revisions, and effective preparation for both Prelims and Mains.

Preparation Strategy for  Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam

Preparation Strategies

Effective preparation is essential to excel in all three stages of the Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam. Here’s how to approach each stage:

Preliminary Exam Preparation

• Study Bare Acts: Focus on definitions, illustrations, and key sections of laws like the CPC, IPC, and Evidence Act.
• Use Standard Books:
  • Constitution of India: J.N. Pandey
  • CPC: C.K. Takwani
  • IPC: K.D. Gaur
• Regular Revision: Create concise notes and revise frequently.
• Solve Previous Papers: Analyze trends and improve time management by solving past question papers.

Mains Exam Preparation

• Answer Writing Practice: Focus on writing structured answers with clear headings and subheadings. Practice judgment writing and translations regularly.
• Translation Skills: Improve language proficiency by translating passages from English to Hindi and vice versa.
• Landmark Judgments: Study recent Supreme Court and High Court rulings to strengthen your legal reasoning.
• Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions and practice writing within the time limit.

Viva-Voce Preparation

• Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews to improve articulation and confidence.
• Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and recent legal developments.
• Build Confidence: Practice public speaking and maintain a calm demeanour.

Recommended Resources

Important Points to Remember

1. Online Application:
   • Applications must be submitted online through the official website.
   • Keep all documents (e.g., degree certificates, photo ID) ready before applying.
2. Error Correction:
   • Free correction window: Limited period.
   • Paid correction: ₹500 fee applicable.
3. Admit Card:
   • Issued online; must be downloaded before the exam.

Conclusion

The Chhattisgarh Judiciary Exam is a gateway to a rewarding career in the judicial services. With a well-structured preparation strategy and consistent effort, candidates can excel in all stages of the exam. Focus on understanding the syllabus, practising regularly, and staying updated with legal developments to achieve success. Best of luck!