The HJS (Higher Judicial Service) Exam is conducted for the recruitment of candidates to the position of Civil Judge/Senior Division in the judicial services of various states. Here is a concise breakdown of the HJS Exam content:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs:
    • Indian history, geography, economy, and polity.
    • National and international current affairs, government schemes, legal reforms.
  • Constitution of India:
    • Fundamental rights, duties, amendments, judiciary, and governance.
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC):
    • Offenses, punishments, defenses, and legal provisions.
  • Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):
    • Structure, police powers, investigation, trials, and judicial procedures.
  • Code of Civil Procedure (CPC):
    • Civil suits, court structure, procedures, decrees, and execution of judgments.
  • Indian Evidence Act:
    • Types of evidence, relevancy, admissibility, and proof.

2. Main Examination (Written)

  • Law Paper 1 (General Principles of Law):
    • Indian Penal Code (IPC), CrPC, CPC, Indian Evidence Act.
    • Contract law, family law, property law, and tort law.
  • Law Paper 2 (Specialized Laws):
    • Constitution of India, Land Laws, and laws related to the environment, human rights, etc.
  • Language Paper:
    • Essay writing, précis writing, translation (Hindi/English).
    • Legal drafting (writs, petitions, complaints, etc.).
  • Legal Knowledge and Drafting:
    • Drafting of legal documents, petitions, and opinions.

3. Viva-Voce (Interview)

  • Personality and Legal Knowledge Assessment:
    • Candidates' ability to apply legal knowledge in practical situations.
    • Communication skills, general awareness, and critical thinking.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on Key Laws: Study the IPC, CrPC, CPC, Indian Evidence Act, and the Indian Constitution.
  • Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international events and legal developments.
  • Legal Drafting Practice: Practice writing legal documents and essays.
  • Mock Tests: Regular mock exams for both objective and descriptive papers.