Haryana Judiciary Service Exams

The Haryana Judicial Services Exam, officially known as the Haryana Civil Judge Junior Division Exam, is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The exam recruits qualified candidates for the posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) or Judicial Magistrate in the cadre of the Haryana Civil Service. This guide provides an in-depth look at the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips for this coveted examination.

Haryana Judiciary Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Haryana Judicial Services Exam, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. These criteria include:

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a university recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
• The degree should qualify the candidate for enrollment as an Advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961.
• The LLB degree must be obtained by the last date of application submission.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 21 years.
• Maximum Age: 42 years (as of the last date of application).
• Relaxation for Reserved Categories:

Nationality

• Candidates must be Indian citizens and provide the required documentation to prove their nationality.

Haryana Judicial Services Exam Structure

The Haryana Judicial Services Exam is divided into three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Mains Examination
3. Viva-Voce/Interview

Let’s explore each stage in detail.

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. It serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not considered for the final selection.

Key Features

• Type: Objective (Multiple-Choice Questions).
• Total Questions: 125.
• Marks Per Question: 4.
• Total Marks: 500.
• Negative Marking: -0.8 marks for each incorrect answer.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Subjects Covered

• General Knowledge: Current national and international events.
• Indian Legal History: Constitutional evolution and governance.
• Law: Includes topics from Civil Law-I, Civil Law-II, and Criminal Law (covered in Mains syllabus).

Qualifying Criteria

• General Category: Minimum 150 marks.
• Reserved Categories: Minimum 100 marks.

Tips for Prelims Preparation

• Focus on accuracy to minimise negative marking.
• Regularly update yourself on current events and legal developments.
• Practice previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.

Mains Examination

The Mains Examination is the most critical stage of the Haryana Judicial Services Exam. It is a written, subjective test that evaluates candidates’ in-depth legal knowledge and analytical skills. The marks obtained in the Mains Examination significantly impact the final ranking.

Key Features

• Type: Descriptive/Narrative (Essay-type questions).
• Total Marks: 900.
• Duration: 3 hours per paper.
• Medium: English (except Hindi paper).

Subjects and Marking Scheme

Detailed Syllabus

1. Civil Law-I:
   • Civil Procedure Code, 1908
   • Indian Contract Act, 1872
   • Indian Evidence Act, 1872
   • Punjab Courts Act, 1918
   • Specific Relief Act, 1963
   • Haryana Urban (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act, 1973
2. Civil Law-II:
   • Hindu Law
   • Mohammedan Law
   • Customary Law
   • Law of Registration
   • Law of Limitation
3. Criminal Law:
   • Indian Penal Code, 1860
   • Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
   • Indian Evidence Act, 1872
4. English:
   • Essay writing, precis, comprehension, corrections, idioms, and phrases.
5. Hindi (Language):
   • Translation from English to Hindi.
   • Explanation of Hindi passages (prose and poetry).
   • Essay, idioms, and corrections.

Passing Criteria

• General Category: 50% aggregate.
• Reserved Categories: 45% aggregate.
• Minimum 33% marks in each individual paper.

Tips for Mains Preparation

• Master the basics of procedural and substantive laws.
• Practice essay writing to improve articulation and coherence.
• Focus on accuracy and clarity in language papers.

Viva-Voce/Interview

The Viva-Voce is the final stage and aims to assess candidates’ personalities, communication skills, and suitability for judicial roles.

Key Features

• Total Marks: 200.
• Medium: English.
• Qualifying Aggregate:
  • General Category: 50% (Mains + Viva-Voce).
  • Reserved Categories: 45%.

Evaluation Criteria

• Legal knowledge and reasoning.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Awareness of current affairs.
• Problem-solving and decision-making through hypothetical scenarios.

Tips for Interview Preparation

• Build confidence by participating in mock interviews.
• Stay updated on current legal developments and general knowledge.
• Prepare for practical legal scenarios to demonstrate reasoning skills.

Final Selection

• The final merit list is based on the combined scores of the Mains Examination and Viva-Voce.
• Candidates must participate in the Viva-Voce to be considered for final selection.

Marking Scheme Overview of Haryana Judicial Services Exam

Preliminary Examination:

Mains Examination:

Viva-Voce:

Preparation Tips for Haryana Judicial Services

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarise yourself with the structure and requirements of each stage.
2. Master the Syllabus: Focus on key laws and procedural topics. Prioritise areas with higher weightage in the Mains.
3. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers. Participate in mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Develop Writing Skills: Practice essay writing to articulate legal concepts clearly. Work on précis, comprehension, and grammar for language papers.
5. Stay Updated: Follow current legal developments, national and international events.
6. Prepare for the Interview: Develop confidence and clarity in communication. Practice answering legal and general knowledge questions concisely.

Haryana Judiciary Cut-Off Previous Year

Check out the table below for last year’s Haryana Judiciary cut-off:

Reference Book For Haryana Judicial Services Exam

This comprehensive guide should provide you with all the necessary details regarding the Haryana Judiciary Recruitment 2024. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, adhere to the application process, and prepare thoroughly according to the provided syllabus and exam pattern.