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Bihar Judicial Services Examination: Syllabus, Books and Previous Year Papers
The Bihar Judicial Services Examination (BJSE) is a competitive examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) for recruitment to the post of Civil Judge in the state of Bihar, India. The examination is held in three stages – the Preliminary Exam, the Main Exam, and the Interview – and candidates who qualify in all three stages are recommended for appointment as Civil Judges.
The Preliminary Exam consists of objective-type questions and serves as a screening test for the Main Exam. The Main Exam is a written examination and includes both subjective and objective-type questions. Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam are called for the Interview, which is the final stage of the selection process.
The Bihar Judicial Services Examination is considered to be one of the most competitive exams in the state of Bihar and requires a thorough understanding of the Indian legal system and current affairs. Candidates who qualify in this exam are appointed as Civil Judges and are responsible for dispensing justice at the district level.
Notification of the Vacancies
The official notification regarding the filling up of vacancies for the post of Civil Judge in Bihar Judicial Services Exam will be announced by Bihar Public Service Commission on their website, which can be accessed at https://www.bpsc.bih.nic.in/
Eligibility Criteria for the Bihar Judiciary Examination
Before diving into the syllabus and pattern, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria for the Bihar Judiciary Examination:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university, demonstrating their foundational understanding of legal concepts and principles.
- Age Limit: Candidates should be between the ages of 22 and 35. For reserved categories, relaxations in the upper age limit may apply as per government regulations.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
Bihar Judiciary Examination: Pattern Overview
The Bihar Judiciary Examination consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective-type questions.
- Mains Examination: Subjective/descriptive-type questions.
- Interview Round: Personal and professional evaluation.
Each stage serves as a filter, progressively narrowing down the pool of candidates to ensure only the most deserving individuals are selected.
Bihar Judicial Services Exam: Exam Pattern
The Bihar Judicial Services Exam conducted in three stages namely Preliminary, Mains & Interview. The details regarding these stages of the exam are as follows:
| S.No | Examination | Exam Type | Duration Time | No. of Questions | Marks |
| 1 | Preliminary Examination (General Studies) | Objective | 2 Hours | 100 | 100 |
| Preliminary Examination (Law) | Objective | 150 | |||
| 2. | Mains Examination (Compulsory Paper I) | Descriptive | 3 hours | 100 | |
| Mains Examination (Compulsory Paper II) | Descriptive | 3 hours | 100 | ||
| Mains Examination (Compulsory Paper III) | Descriptive | 3 Hours | 100 | ||
| Mains Examination (Compulsory Paper IV) | Descriptive | 3 Hours | 150 | ||
| Mains Examination (Compulsory Paper V) | Descriptive | 3 Hours | 150 | ||
| Mains Examination (Optional Paper I) | Descriptive | 150 | |||
| 3. | Interview/Viva- Voce | 100 |
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is the first hurdle in the Bihar Judiciary selection process. It is designed to test candidates’ general awareness and foundational knowledge of the law.
Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: General Studies (100 Marks)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Objective: Test candidates’ knowledge of current events, general awareness, and elementary science.
- Paper 2: Law (150 Marks)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Objective: Evaluate candidates’ understanding of key legal concepts and subjects.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- General Category: 45%
- Reserved Categories: 40%
Syllabus for the Preliminary Examination
Paper 1: General Studies This paper assesses candidates’ grasp of general knowledge and current affairs. Key topics include:
- Indian History: Important events, freedom struggle, and cultural heritage.
- Geography: Physical and political geography of India.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, governance, and public administration.
- Current Affairs: National and international news, recent legal developments.
- Elementary General Science: Everyday science and its applications.
Paper 2: Law This paper covers essential legal subjects, including:
- Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Indian Evidence Act)
- Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code)
- Constitutional Law
- Hindu and Mohammedan Law
- Law of Transfer of Property
- Principles of Equity
- Law of Trusts and Specific Relief
- Law of Contracts and Torts
- Commercial Law
Stage 2: Mains Examination
The Mains Examination is a crucial stage in the Bihar Judiciary selection process. Unlike the Preliminary Examination, which is objective, the Mains focuses on descriptive and analytical skills.
Exam Pattern
The Mains Examination consists of five compulsory papers and three optional papers. The total marks for the written exam are 1050.
Compulsory Papers:
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs (150 Marks)
- Elementary General Science (100 Marks)
- General English (100 Marks)
- General Hindi (100 Marks)
- Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam & Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (150 Marks)
Optional Papers: (Choose three)
- Constitution and Administrative Law of India (150 Marks)
- Hindu Law and Mohammedan Law (150 Marks)
- Transfer of Property, Principles of Equity, Law of Trusts & Specific Relief Act (150 Marks)
- Law of Contracts and Torts (150 Marks)
- Commercial Law (150 Marks)
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- Candidates must score a minimum of 35% in General Hindi and General English to qualify for the next stage.
Stage 3: Interview Round
The Interview Round is the final stage of the Bihar Judiciary Examination and is worth 100 marks. This stage evaluates candidates’ personality, legal knowledge, and decision-making skills.
Key Focus Areas:
- Legal Acumen: Proficiency in law and understanding of recent legal developments.
- Personal Attributes: Confidence, communication skills, and ethical judgment.
- Current Affairs: Awareness of recent events and their implications in the legal domain.
Bihar Judicial Services Exam: Exam Syllabus
Preliminary Examination
Paper I: General Studies (100 Marks)
- History
- Geography
- Current events of national and international importance
- Indian polity and governance
- Constitution
- Political system
- Panchayat raj
- Public policy
- Right issues
- Economic and social development
- General Science
Paper II: Law (150 Marks)
- Law of Evidence and Procedure
- Constitutional & Administrative Law of India
- Hindu Law and Muhammadan Law
- Law of Transfer of Property
- Principles of Equity
- Law of Trusts and Specific Relief
- Law of Contracts and Torts
- Commercial Law
Mains Examination
Compulsory Papers
- Paper I: English (100 Marks)
- Paper II: Hindi (100 marks)
- Paper III: General Science (100 Marks)
- Paper IV: General Studies & Current Affairs (150 Marks)
- Paper V: Law of Evidence & Procedure (150 Marks)
Optional Papers
- Constitutional & Administrative Law of India
- Hindu Law and Muhammadan Law
- Law of transfer of property, principles of equity, the law of trusts, and specific relief
- Law of Contracts and Torts
- Commercial Law
Out of the five categories of optional papers mentioned above, Candidates can choose any one of the categories & have to give one optional paper in the Mains examination along with the five Compulsory papers.
Bihar Judiciary Exam Syllabus: Study Tips
Preparing for the Bihar Judiciary Examination requires a well-structured approach, dedication, and thorough knowledge of the syllabus. With its multi-stage selection process—Preliminary, Mains, and Interview—aspirants must develop a strategy that not only focuses on legal concepts but also enhances analytical and writing skills. Success in this competitive examination demands a balanced combination of smart work, effective time management, and the right resources. Here are five essential tips to help you navigate your preparation effectively:
1. Understand the Examination Pattern and Syllabus
Begin by thoroughly reviewing the syllabus and understanding the structure of each stage—Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Familiarize yourself with the weightage of subjects and allocate your preparation time accordingly. Focus on high-scoring sections like General Studies and Law in the Preliminary exam while paying attention to descriptive writing for the Mains.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan
A well-planned schedule is the backbone of effective preparation. Divide your syllabus into manageable sections and assign specific time slots for each topic. Ensure that your study plan includes regular revisions, mock tests, and breaks to avoid burnout. Stick to your schedule consistently, but remain flexible enough to adapt as needed.
3. Prioritize Quality Study Materials
Use standard textbooks, study guides, and previous years’ question papers to build your knowledge base. Online platforms and coaching notes can supplement your preparation but always prioritize trusted resources. For current affairs, refer to newspapers and magazines to stay updated on recent events and legal developments.
4. Practice Descriptive Writing and Time Management
The Mains Examination requires descriptive answers, making it crucial to develop strong writing skills. Practice writing essays, summaries, and case analyses to enhance clarity and articulation. Solving mock tests within the stipulated time will help improve your speed and accuracy, essential for both Mains and Prelims.
5. Stay Consistent and Motivated
Consistency is key to cracking the Bihar Judiciary Exam. Avoid procrastination and maintain a steady pace throughout your preparation. Stay motivated by setting achievable goals, celebrating small victories, and visualizing your success. Join study groups or forums to share knowledge and stay inspired.
Reference Books For Bihar Judicial Services Exam
| Subject Related | Author/ Publisher | Name of the Book | Links of the Books |
| Constitution of India | MP Jain | Indian Constitutional Law | View Here |
| J N Pandey | Constitution of India | View Here | |
| Universal’s Constitution of India Bare act | Bareact | View Here | |
| Code of Criminal Procedure | RV Kelkar | Lectures on Criminal Procedure | View Here |
| Ratanlal & Dhirajlal | Code of Criminal Procedure by RV Kelkar | View Here | |
| Universal The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 | Bareact | View Here | |
| The Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (CRPC) Bare Act with Amendments | Bareact | View Here | |
| Code of Civil Procedure | CK Takwani | Civil Procedure with Limitation Act | View Here |
| Avtar Singh | The Code of Civil Procedure | View Here | |
| Indian Penal Code | K.D Gaur | Textbook on Indian Penal Code | View Here |
| Indian Penal Code, 1860 | Bareact | View Here | |
| Evidence Law | Batuk Lal | The Law of Evidence Paperback | View Here |
| Dr. Avtar Singh | Principles of the Law of Evidence | View Here | |
| The Indian Evidence Act 1872 Bare Act | Bareact | View Here | |
| The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Bare Act with Short Notes (Universal Publications) | Bareact | View Here | |
| Indian Contract Act Specific Relief Act | Avtar Singh | Law of Contract & Specific Relief | View Here |
| Dr RK Bangia | Law of Contract & Specific Relief | Part 1: View Here Part 2: View Here | |
| Transfer of Property Act | Poonam Pradhan | Property Law Paperback | View Here |
| Dr R K Sinha | The Transfer of Property Act | View Here | |
| Universal Publication (Transfer of Property Act) Bareact | Bareact | View Here | |
| Hindu Law | Paras Diwan | Modern Hindu law | View Here |
| Muslim Law | Akhil Ahmed | Outlines of Mohammedan Law | View Here |
| Principles of Equity including the Law of Trusts | Rishi Kumar and Priya Kumari (Singhal Law Publications) | Short guide to administrative trust and equity law | View Here |
| Universal’ Publication (The Indian Trusts Act) | Bareact | View Here | |
| Commercial Law | KC Garg | Commercial Law | View Here |
| Law of Torts | RK Bangia | Law of Torts | View Here |
| Practice Questions | Rajiv Ranjan Sahay | Guide for Bihar Judicial Services (Mains) Examination | View Here |
| Practice questions | Samarth Agrawal | A Compendium of Multiple-Choice Questions for Judicial Services Examinations Paperback | View Here |
Previous Year Papers of Bihar Judicial Services Exam
Bihar Judicial Services Exam 2017 Paper
| Paper Name | Links to Paper |
| 2017 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General English) | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General Science) | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General studies _ Current Affairs) | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (Hindi) paper | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (Law of Evidence _ Procedure) | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar judicial Services Mains-Optional-Paper-I | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar judicial Services Mains-Optional-Paper-II | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar judicial Services Mains-Optional-Paper-III | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar judicial Services Mains-Optional-Paper-IV | View Here |
| 2017 Bihar judicial Services Mains-Optional-Paper-V | View Here |
Bihar Judicial Services Exam 2018 Paper
| Paper Name | Links to Paper |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General English) | View Here |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (Hindi) paper | View Here |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Services Mains (General Studies _ Current Affairs | View Here |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Services Prelims (General Studies paper) (EDIT) | View Here |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Services Prelims (Law paper) | View Here |
| 2018 Bihar Judicial Service Main Law Paper (2) | View Here |
Bihar Judicial Services Exam 2021 Paper
| Paper Name | Links to Paper |
| 2021 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General English) | View Here |
| 2021 Bihar Judicial Service Mains (General Science) | View Here |
| 2021 Bihar Judicial Service Prelims (General Studies) | View Here |
| 2021 Bihar Judicial Service Prelims (Law Paper) | View Here |
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