This article is written by Adv. Komal Arora. This is an exhaustive article dealing with Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam. It covers all the relevant details on the exam, eligibility, the syllabus, exam pattern, important books, and guidance on how to clear the exam. If you are a candidate appearing in any stages of the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam, this article will offer you immense help. It covers the important topics, tips to score better marks and also the frequently asked questions on the topic.

It has been published by Rachit Garg.

Introduction

Being a part of the judicial profession entails dignity and power for your entire life. The profession is more alluring and lucrative as it includes serving the general public, helping in the administration of justice and contributing back to society. It may be termed as an intelligent and challenging career option where your study never stops. Consequently, it attracts a huge number of candidates across the country. 

A judiciary aspirant appearing in any judiciary exam should commit to preparation in such a precise manner that they clear the exam in one go. Behind each attempt in any exam, there are years of hard work and dedication. So, how do you ensure that your preparation meets your expectations and lay the groundwork to become a judicial officer? This article will help and guide you on the right way to prepare for your judiciary exam.

Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam, 2023

An overview

Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission conducts the judiciary exam for the state of Himachal Pradesh to recruit eligible candidates to be appointed as judicial officers. The exam is held in three stages and checks the candidate’s knowledge of Indian laws, the practical applicability of law, and the candidate’s ability to make lawful decisions. After going through this thorough process of selection, the candidates are then appointed as judicial officers. This year, the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has invited online applications from eligible candidates to fill 17 posts. In pursuance of it, the preliminary exam has already been conducted on 9 July, 2023 and now is the time to buckle up for the mains exam. If you are a lawyer or a law student who wants to become a judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh but need the right guidance then don’t worry; this article covers everything about the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam.

Before delving into the syllabus and scheme of the exam let’s answer a few important questions:

Some common questions answered

Who conducts the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

The recruiting body for the exam is HPPSC, which stands for Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.

What is the official post called?

The post of lower judiciary is officially called Civil Judge.

What is the salary of a judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh?

The salary for being appointed as a civil judge in the state of Himachal Pradesh is in the pay scale of 77840-136520.

What is the selection process?

There are three stages in the exam:

Preliminary exam, Mains exam and interview.

What is the job location?

Your posting after being appointed a judicial officer will be in the state of Himachal Pradesh.Tabular representation of Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam, 2023

Recruiting body	Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
Link of the official notification	HImachal pradesh public service commission Online Recruitment Applications (ORA*) are invited from desirou0s and eligible candida.
Link to the official website	http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/
stages	Preliminary, Mains and interview
Total vacancies	17 (UR=04, SC of H.P.=01, ST of H.P.=02 & OBC=03)
Fees for applying for HP judiciary exam	Rs. 400 for general category  (Rs. 100 for reserved category )
Date of official notification	22 April, 2023
Date of preliminary exam	9 July, 2023
Date of result of preliminary exam	27 July, 2023
Date of Mains exam	19 August to 24 August, 2023
Date when admit cards were issued for mains exam	5 August,2023 (Click here to download it)
Date of interview	Yet to be notified
Pay scale	77840-136520

Number of vacancies in 2023

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission has invited applications from interested candidates to fill up a total 17 vacancies in 2023.  

Category	Vacancy
General	7 (including 4 anticipated)
Other Backward classes	4 (including 3 anticipated)
Scheduled caste	3 (including 1 anticipated)
Scheduled tribe	3 (including 2 anticipated)
Total	17

Previous year vacancies

Year	Vacancies
2019	11
2018	4
2017	12

Eligibility criteria for appearing in Himachal Pradesh judiciary exams

In order to be eligible for appearing in the lower judiciary exams certain criterions are set:

1.     The candidate must be a citizen of India.

2.   The candidate must hold a degree in law from a university or college which is recognised by the Bar Council of India. 

3.    Minimum age required to appear in this exam is 22 years while the maximum age is 35 years.

4.  For the maximum age, a relaxation of three years is provided for SC, ST and OBC category candidates belonging to Himachal Pradesh.

Essential qualification

The candidate must be a citizen of India and hold a degree in law from a university recognised by the Bar Council of India.

Desirable qualification

It is desired and not mandatory that the candidate is well versed with traditions, dialect, customs of Himachal Pradesh.

Age limit for Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam

The minimum age for appearing in Himachal Pradesh judiciary exams is 22 years while the maximum age is 35 years.

Age relaxation 

For only the category of SC, ST, and OBC the maximum age is relaxed by three years.

Number of attempts

There is no explicit limit on the number of attempts but the maximum age for applying for the post of judicial officer is to be considered which is 35 years.

Modes of Appointment

 There are two modes for appointment of a judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh

1. Appearing in the exam for lower judiciary which is conducted by HP Public Service Commission.

2.  Appearing in exam for Higher judiciary after fulfilling the minimum requirement of practising for a period of seven years.

Grounds for ineligibility and disqualifications

1. If a candidate is dismissed from a previous service.
2. If a candidate has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or is permanently debarred from taking part in any examination process.
3. If a candidate attempts to contact or influence the interview committee.
4. If a candidate is an undischarged insolvent.
5. If a candidate does not appear in all three preliminary exams, then he is disqualified.

Frequency of Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam

Generally, HPPSC used to conduct the exam every year, but after COVID the frequency is now disturbed. The last exam was in 2019. And now the exam is being conducted in 2023. Hopefully, the exam will now be conducted regularly every year.

How long does the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam take to complete

The whole process of the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam takes about a full year. There is a few months gap between each stage. However, it may vary at the discretion of the HPPSC.

How to apply for Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam

Documents required for application process

1. Matriculation certificate for age proof and marksheet of XII class.
2. Mark sheets of semesters of law degree.
3. Passing certificate of law degree.
4. Category certificate or the concerned certificate if the candidate is a widow, divorced or disabled. 
5. Bonafide Himachali certificate in case of reserved category.

Steps to follow to apply for Himachal Pradesh  judiciary exam

1.	Go to the official website of Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and click on the “Apply online” link on the homepage. For the official website, click here.
2.	Choose the option of “new user sign up”  and create your account on one time registration.
3.	After registering the account then log into the account by using your credentials.
4.	Fill out the application form by providing the personal information as required.
5.	Upload the scanned copies of your signature and photograph. Note the size and format in which copies are required.
6.	Pay application fee. (For fee payment see below)
7.	Verify all the details. Go through each entry you have made and then submit it.
8.	After submitting, remember to print it out or save it.

Please note: The application process is online and can be done from anywhere.

What is the fee for filing the exam

S.No	Category	Fees
	General	400
	Candidates of other states(including the reserved category)	400
	Scheduled caste, Schedules tribe or other backward class of Himachal Pradesh	100
	Ex-serviceman of Himachal Pradesh	no fees

Please note : The female candidates are exempted from paying any fee for applying for the exam as per the instructions of the government.

Mode of payment

The fee can be paid through debit card, credit card or internet banking through e-payment.

Scheme of the exam

Himachal Pradesh like other states conducts its judiciary exam in three stages:

Preliminary exam (300 Marks)

This is the first stage of the exam where the candidates attempt multiple choice questions in three papers: Civil law I, civil law II and criminal. Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking. Each paper weighs 100 marks and the duration is 1 hour. The result for Himachal Pradesh preliminary exam has already been declared and can be accessed here.

Mains/written exam (850 Marks)

The written exam is the second stage after screening the eligible candidates through the preliminary exam. It consists of five exams including 3 legal and 2 language exams. The language includes both English and Hindi. This mains exam’s total weightage is 850 marks. It is conducted over a period of 3-4 days. This year, the official date of Mains exams is 19 August to 24 August, 2023. The admit cards for it are already released. 

Interview (150 Marks)

This is the final stage of the exam and it weighs 150 marks. This is the stage where the candidate’s legal acumen and personality are tested. 

A timeline of Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam

Stage of exam	Date
application starts	21 April 2023
application ends	12 May 2023
preliminary exam	9 July 2023
date of result of preliminary exam	27 July 2023
date when admit card were issued for main	5 August 2023 (click here to download it)
mains exam	19 August to 24 August 2023
interview	end of September or start of October (tentative)

Tabular representation of the scheme of the exam

Stage of exam	Type of questions	Total paper	Duration	Total questions	Maximum marks
Preliminary exam	objective	3	Three hours	300	300
Mains exam	subjective	5	Each exam is of 3 hours	5 Questions are to be attempted in each paper.	850
Interview	both	–	15 to 20 minutes	–	150

Preliminary exam : Himachal Pradesh Judiciary

In the preliminary exam, there are three papers:

1. Civil law I
2. Civil law II
3. Criminal law

Syllabus

Civil law I	Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Indian Evidence Act(IEA), Indian Stamp Act, Himachal Pradesh Courts Act,1976 and Specific Relief Act.
Civil law II	Indian Contract Act(ICA), Hindu law, Indian Limitation Act, Transfer of Property Act (TPA), Himachal Pradesh Urban Rent Control Act.
Criminal law	Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code(CRPC), Negotiable Instruments Act (Chapter XVII Sections 138 to 143), Himachal Pradesh Excise Act as applicable to Himachal Pradesh, Wildlife Protection Act and Indian Forest Act.

Duration

For each exam there is one hour duration and are conducted with a two hours gap between each exam.

Maximum marks

Each exam is of 100 marks.

Negative marking

There is no negative marking in Himachal Pradesh judiciary preliminary exam which is why you should attempt all the questions. In case there is doubt about the answer, trust your instincts and choose the one option that you think is the best possible answer.

Examination centres

For the preliminary exam, there are three centres: Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala.

When to start preparing for the judiciary exam

Based on the candidate here is a quick look at the ideal time to start your preparation:

1. Remember that early rising candidates have the best shot at cracking the judiciary as it will give them more time to prepare than those who start preparing when the official date is announced. 
2. Do not wait to get selected in the preliminary exam to start preparation for the mains exam; opt for an integrated study plan. 
3. Do not wait for the coaching academies to start their courses. No coaching can help you crack the exam if you do not invest your time in self-reading and revising.  
4. The students who are in their fourth or fifth year of law degree should start by dividing their time between their law school and coaching. It is the ideal time to start your preparation.
5. Those who are law graduates or are working professionals, if they wish to dedicate their time to judiciary preparation should follow the simple rule of working 9 to 5 in their jobs or other commitments then studying everyday diligently for two to three hours at night. And devote their weekends to reading and revising.
6. For candidates who are giving their second or third attempt, understand that you should also not waste time thinking that you will start preparation when the official notification comes. Use the time you have to your benefit.

How to prepare for Himachal Pradesh Preliminary exam

1.   For clearing preliminary exams, make bare acts your best friends. Knowing the provisions of the legislation gives you an upper hand as some questions are directly from the bare act.

2.    Choose to read and revise the major laws first. The major laws are Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, Code of Civil Procedure and Code of criminal Procedure  and give them a two or three months to grasp the concepts.

3.  After completing the core subjects start with the local laws and other remaining subjects.

4.     Read all the illustrations of the bare Acts. 

5.    Go through the recent constitutional cases of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

6.  Read editorials everyday from newspapers which keeps you abreast of the current events.

7.  Also try to learn legal words in Hindi language as it always helps in Mains examination and interview. Timely preparation for language may help to focus on other subjects in the mains exam.

8.     Refer to the past question papers of at least two or three years.

9.  Do regular mock tests and try to solve at least  50- 100 questions every day. Being consistent with mock tests will help you evaluate your preparation and focus on your lacunas.

Why is a personalised study plan required

Every candidate is set in his own way. Some like to study at night, some in the early mornings. Some candidates make handwritten notes, some prefer printed hard copies. Some devote ten hours to study; others do not. The point is that there is no right way to prepare for the judiciary. Each candidate should make his own study plan as preparation for a judiciary exam is no easy feat and takes almost a whole year.

How to make a personalised study plan

While making your study plan, keep in mind the following tips:

1.   Devote sufficient hours to your preparation; the time of the day, whether morning or night is not material as long as enough time is given.

2.  Create a well-rounded schedule by including topics from major and minor subjects on repetition. For example: Once done with Code of Civil Procedure start with Indian Evidence Act, then once done start with Code of Criminal Procedure and then Indian Penal Code. After finishing IPC, revise CPC and so follow the pattern. It allows you to relate and link one subject to the other and it plays a great role in retaining the important provisions.

3.   Start your study plan at least one year before the exam approaches. It gives you enough time to conceptualise the subjects and it becomes a disciplined habit which is vital for any judiciary exams.

4.  Try to find the right balance between your personal life and preparation. If you have any pending law school exams, divide your time into two parts, one for each.

5.     Take frequent breaks in between your preparation to prevent burnout.

Common mistakes during preparation

1.    Do not prepare for more than one state at a time. Focusing on the syllabus of only one state at a time will help in having clarity in what subjects are to be covered in how much time. Preparation for two states with different timelines and syllabus may lead to unwanted confusion.

2.   Do not make the mistake of only focusing on bare acts and ignoring the textbooks.

3.    Some candidates also start their preparation with the simple minor laws and leave out the major laws for the end. The major laws are very important and should be given due time to get a deeper understanding of them.

4.     Not following a simultaneous approach to study for preliminary exams. Being of a mindset that mains preparation can be done only after clearing preliminary exams may not be the best approach.

5.     Not limiting usage of social media apps or socialisation time.

6.     Not devoting sufficient time for preparation. At least 6 hours of study every day is required to retain all the concepts.

How to memorise bare acts for preliminary exams

Many candidates have difficulties in remembering the provisions of Bare Acts. So here are a few tips that can help you memorise all the bare acts for judiciary exams:

1. Read the index of each subject. Many questions in preliminary exams are asked from the index itself. Make a note of important chapters, total chapters or parts. On the day of your exam just going through the index can assist you.
2. Focus on the recent amendments as there are higher chances of it appearing in the question papers.
3. Learn definitions of the subjects thoroughly.
4. Revise at least ten to fifteen sections every day.
5. Break sections into smaller parts and ingredients.
6. Try linking sections of one subject to other subjects. For example: Section 300 of Indian Penal Code defines what murder is, while section 300 of Code of Criminal Procedure deals with rule of autrefois acquit and autrefois convict. Article 300 of the Constitution permits the Union and state government to be sued as a juristic person.
7. If possible make mnemonics of sections depending on what you can easily remember.
8. Always concentrate on terms like and, or, shall and may as it may change the nature of those provisions. 

Opt for reverse learning method

How to follow the reverse preparation method

1. Start with the major laws that carry weightage in both mains and preliminary exams. When you study any subject, focus on both the bare Acts and textbooks to get a deeper understanding of the concepts.

2.  Make a habit of practising subjective answers based on the mains exam pattern. These notes are also helpful at the time of revising for the preliminary exam.

3.  Simultaneously write short notes from the subjects that can be revisited before the preliminary exam. These types of notes cover a subject exhaustively resulting in integrated preparation for preliminary and mains exams.

4.  Revise these notes every few days to retain the concepts.

5.  Make your own tests based on your notes and evaluate and assess your preparation. 

6.  Divide your time effectively between preliminary and mains exam. Remember that mains preparation is more important and it covers the preliminary exam in itself.

Is self-study sufficient or do I need to attend judiciary coaching academies

What you need is a personalised study plan. It can be through any coaching academy or self-study. Remember that choosing a wrong coaching academy may derail your whole preparation. Every teacher has a method to teach and there are many features that you may get in academies nowadays. So, choose the coach that helps you grasp concepts better, with whose teaching methods you can align. Here are a few tricks on choosing the best possible coaching academy:

1. The one that values your time. Every candidate and what they offer should be treated with respect. 

2. Offers a personalised study plan with details on the important topics.

3. Provides frequent guidance and interventions when the candidate requires them.

4. Provides regular mock tests and then gives essential feedback based on the candidate’s performance.

5. Intensive study materials which makes the process of learning and retaining important cases and sections easy.

6. Conducts an in-depth evaluation and analysis of your performance every month. Identifies the gaps and blind spots, treats them in time.

7. Uses technology and automation to ignite interest in tedious subjects.

8. Offers a variety of better learning techniques which can help you become aware of the intricacies of legal subjects.

Having said that, we at Law Sikho also offer a great judiciary coaching course. Let’s look at that

An analysis of  preliminary paper of Himachal Pradesh judiciary, 2023

This analysis includes the subjects out of which most questions were framed for the preliminary exam.

Civil Law I:

Including Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence Act and Specific Relief Act.

Civil Law II: 

Included Limitation Act, Contract Act, Hindu law, Transfer of Property Act and local laws. 9 to 10 questions were asked from the Himachal Pradesh local laws itself.

Criminal law:

Included Indian Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Negotiable Instruments Act and Indian Forest Act.

Himachal Pradesh preliminary exam requires a deeper understanding of the concepts and legal principles. The exam also focuses on the practical application of law. And this year’s exam is an example of that, as the level of difficulty was medium.

Important pointers to remember

1. Carry your own transparent water bottles as the exam takes a  whole day.
2. Reach your examination centres at least one hour before the exam and always carry extra hard copies of the admit cards.
3. Carry some kind of identity proof like Aadhar card, voter ID, Pan card etc.
4. Before marking answers in the OMR sheet, be sure of it, as correction pens will not be allowed. 
5. Carry some extra blue or black pens.
6. The candidate must not disclose his or her identity on the preliminary or mains answer sheets.
7. For the preliminary exam give yourself enough time to revise for each paper in the last few days. On the day of the exam there is a two hour gap between each preliminary exam but don’t leave your revision for that time. Use that time to collect your thoughts and be calm.
8.  Cooperate with the invigilators and if the seat allotted to you is not comfortable then do not hesitate to raise the issue.

Special provision for candidates with benchmark disability

If any candidate has any benchmark disability the scribe shall be provided with twenty minutes of compensatory time for every one hour.

Frequently asked questions on H.P. preliminary exam

How many exams are conducted for H.P. Preliminary exam?

There are a total of three exams in one day.

Is there a negative marking scheme in H.P. Preliminary exam?

No, in H.P. there is no negative marking.

What is the level of the exam in  H.P. Preliminary exam?

The exam can be said to be easy to moderate.

How to prepare for H.P. Preliminary exam?

Start with the bare acts. Keep revising the subjects and making short notes.

Mains exam : Himachal Pradesh Judiciary

The candidates who qualify preliminary examination then sit for the mains examination and are then tested on their in-depth understanding of law and practical understanding as well. It is really important to study and practise for written exams as the candidate’s ability to write comprehensive answers in a limited time is put to test. It is not a normal university law exam and it requires more hard work and dedication.

Duration of the exam

The mains examination is divided into 5 exam papers and is conducted for a period of three days. This year the exam will be from 19 to 24 August, 2023.

Total marks

The total for mains examination is 850 marks and the candidates need to score a minimum of 45% in aggregate in all exam papers to qualify the mains examination and sit for the final stage of the examination that is the interview.

Syllabus for Mains exam

The syllabus for the examination is as follows:

Civil law I

This is the very first examination for Himachal Pradesh Mains examination and totals 200 marks. The subjects included are the Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, Indian

Stamp Act, Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976 and Specific Relief Act.

Civil law II

This is the second leg of the civil subjects for the mains examination. It covers these subjects- Indian Contract Act, Hindu Law, Indian Limitation Act, Transfer of Property

Act and H.P. Urban Rent Control Act. This exam paper also counts for 200 marks.

Criminal law

This is the only criminal law paper for the mains examination and covers up all the essential subjects such as- Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter-XVII (Section 138 to 143) of the Negotiable Instruments Act, H.P. Excise Act-2011 as applicable to the State of H.P., Wildlife Protection Act and Indian Forest Act. Like others, this exam paper also counts for 200 marks.

Once done with these, only language exam papers are left with. There are different exams for Hindi and English.

English composition 

This exam focuses on English reading and writing skills of the candidates and totals 150 marks. The examination consists of one essay of 100 marks and a translation of Hindi passage to English of 50 marks.

Hindi

It must be noted that this examination is to test the Hindi language skills of candidates.

The Hindi in Devanagari script is put to test by the exam paper. It has one essay of 50 marks and a translation of English to Hindi of 30 marks and composition for another 20 marks making it a total of 100 marks.

Minimum qualifying marks

All these exams are for three hours. It must be noted that for every exam paper in mains examination, it is required for the candidate to score at least 40% of marks in that paper, except for paper 5. The Hindi language exam requires at least 33% marks.

Is attempting all questions compulsory

In the mains examination, each exam generally consists of two parts. The first part is the mandatory one and gives no choice whatsoever to the candidates and all the questions need to be attempted. However, for the second one, choices are usually accorded to the candidates and they are expected to attempt three questions from that part. In total 5 questions are to be attempted.

Detailed syllabus and important topics to cover for Mains exam

Let’s delve a little deeper into each exam paper to enable better understanding of the structure of each exam paper.

Civil law I

 As already discussed the syllabus for this exam is as follows:

1. The Code Of Civil Procedure (CPC)

2. Indian Evidence Act (IEA)

3. Indian Stamp Act

4. Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976

5. Specific Relief Act (SRA)

Tips to prepare for Civil law I 

Subjects like Indian Evidence Act (IEA) and Specific Relief Act (SRA) are comparatively compact and can be properly covered in a shorter span of time. And less questions are generally expected from the Indian Stamp Act and the Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976. So, allocating them less time would prove to be a good practice. Moreover, mostly direct and simple questions can be expected from these areas. 

In subjects like CPC, IEA giving proper significance to illustrations is important as most of the time, questions are based on the illustrations alone. There are a few questions that are case based where the candidates are supposed to resolve the dispute and answer after weighing the various pieces of evidence in the case. To Practise such questions refer to any book for judgement writing which gives you an insight as to how in the practical world evidence can make or break a case. 

There may be questions for drafting plaint and written statements. Being a judiciary aspirant, the candidate should always be prepared for questions like these and should prepare proper templates for drafting questions. Also, the candidates must understand that drafting requires consistent practice and efforts and can’t be done in a few days. To practise these questions also refer to books that guide how to write plaints, written statements and charge sheet effectively.

Remember that not only the format but also the content of the plaint and written statement is decisive for successfully clearing mains exams. Only practising leads to such perfection.

These written exams test candidates’ decision making and logical reasoning skills altogether and showcasing them in your drafting and content may score you great marks. 

Civil law II 

The syllabus for the exam paper consists of:

1. Indian Contract Act (ICA)

2. Hindu Law

3. Indian Limitation Act (LA)

4. Transfer of Property Act (TPA)

5. H.P. Urban Rent Control Act.

Tips for Civil Law II exam 

It must be noted that not all questions are direct and simple in the mains examination. Majority of them are case based and the candidate needs to understand the concept thoroughly in order to score well. Cramming bare provisions of the subject and case laws won’t suffice. Understanding the concept in its practical application is the only way to get through the Mains exam.

This exam also covers the Limitation Act that a lot of candidates prefer to skip because no one pays much attention in law schools or in coaching institutes. However, it must be noted that it’s a brief act and requires less effort than others. It takes a few days to cover it and it is more scoreable than others. Similar is with the Transfer of Property Act. A lot of candidates prefer to skip it altogether as it is considered to be complex. But if one properly revises the subject, it can be a deal breaker in the mains examination.

Subjects like Indian Contract Act have a plethora of illustrations and a lot of the time, going through the bare act alone proves to be sufficient. Same goes for Hindu law, though it has more than a few legislations to cover, most of it is simple and easy. Subjects like contract act and Hindu law are comparatively good scoring subjects and can give the candidate lead in the written exam.

Criminal law

The exam paper for criminal law covers these subjects:

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC)

2. Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC)

3. Chapter-XVII (Sections 138 to 143) of the Negotiable Instruments Act (NIA)

4. H.P. Excise Act-2011 as applicable to the State of H.P.

5. Wildlife Protection Act

6. Indian Forest Act.

Tips for Criminal Law exam 

It comes as an obvious observation that the criminal law exam has more or less practical based questions only. Questions may range from practical murder or assault-based questions to those of theft or trespass. To get good marks in this exam, it’s important to have a good grasp at the fundamental concepts of the criminal law and cater the answers with supporting cases and illustrations. For attempting questions like these, the candidate must try to follow this structure:

Issue: identify what the issue is. What the questions aim for you to decide.

Rule: state the section of the legislation and the general rule.

Analysis: delve a little deeper into the facts of the case, link it with the sections, case laws, illustrations. Give your reasons for inclining towards your decision.

Conclusion: This is the conclusion of the facts and must be summarised in a line or two.

Even in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC), the majority of the questions can be expected from the important chapters such as that of arrest, investigation, trials etc. However, you should not undermine the importance of the Negotiable Instruments Act (NIA), H.P. Excise Act, Wildlife Protection Act, Indian Forest Act. These Acts are uncomplicated and won’t take much of your time. Leaving any topic in a hope that they won’t appear in the exam is a huge mistake that can cost you easy marks.

English composition

This is the first language paper for the mains examination and these are the topics covered:

1. Essay

2. Translation of Hindi passage to English

Hindi

This is the second language-based exam paper for mains examination. It consists of

these parts:

1. essay

2. translation of English to Hindi

3. Composition

Tips for language papers

It’s crucial to understand how to get more marks in these language exams as these are easy scores up for grabs. Follow the below stated tips to secure higher marks in language exams.

• A lot of candidates undermine the role of these exams in the mains stage. Though it seems easy and it is, scoring well in these exams becomes the deciding factor in most of cases. So, the quality of content along with using rich vocabulary is a significant way to score good marks. Writing plain language has its benefits but writing way too simple may prove to be disadvantageous as well. 
• For both languages read at least ten words per day and revise the words weekly. Read editorials and daily news in English and Hindi.
• Practising language daily for a few minutes is better than leaving it to be done at the last moment.
• Try to use and practise these languages in your daily life as it makes you more comfortable with their nuances.

How to practise for essay writing

• The most commonly committed mistake while writing essay is just plunging on writing the essay without brain-storming about it enough. The exam would give you a few options to choose your topic from. One should think about it, outline the major topics to be covered within the ambit of the essay topic, frame a structure then begin to write. Making a mental plan and jotting down the essential topics to be covered before-hand would ensure that your essay doesn’t seem disoriented to the evaluator and doesn’t lose sense along the way. 
• The exam paper is of duration of 3 hours. You have at least 15-20 minutes (or even more) in your hand to decide what to write and how. The choice of the topic is more significant than it seems. You should choose a topic that you are more comfortable with and are prepared with. Mere passing knowledge on a topic can’t enable you to write on a topic as extensively as the exam paper requires. Rather than focusing on the length of the essay, one should primarily focus on the content of the topic. Writing a good and well-researched essay on a general and simple topic can fetch you more marks than writing a poorly drafted essay on a highly technical topic. 
• The candidate  should know how to write a good essay and how to connect it as well. It should not be linear but must connect with different topics and fields. For example, if the topic for essay in girl empowerment, the candidate  should make it a point to include the constitutional provisions that aim for women empowerment, recent legislations that have been passed, important decisions that empowered women, the social and political aspects of it, the schemes launched in the Himachal Pradesh state for empowerment.
• Always stick to the word limit and write in a consistent flow. The sheet provided is quite long and no matter how many pages you intend to write, you possibly can’t fill all the sheets so that should never be the aim. The sentences in the essay must seem logical and cogent. Writing in disconnected blocks makes the essay less comprehensible.
• To write a quality essay, you should focus on your vocabulary as well. Especially in Hindi, the kind of language that is used in daily life doesn’t qualify as strict Devanagari script so it can’t get you any marks. For this, try reading articles and newspapers in Hindi and English both. 
• Try learning new words every day and using them as well. Keep yourself updated with all recent news and events that may help you in some topics and keep your sample essay ready for both the languages. This would help you understand the template of a good essay.

What to do before the mains examination

Where to start from

It’s understandable that one may feel confused at even the thought of reading so many subjects altogether for mains in a restricted time frame. So, it’s important to know where to start from. 

Ideally one should always start with the hefty subjects such as IPC, CRPC, CPC, IEA and then bring in the smaller subjects such LA, SRA, TPA. Since it’s close to impossible to study all of them in great detail in those 2 months, it’s better to restrict yourself to your handmade notes and not read each and everything from your books. Try to focus on your notes made from books and bare acts alone. Make it a rule to go through all the past mains exams as well while you are studying a subject so that you don’t leave any important topic behind.

Whether to join a test series or not

A lot of candidates appearing for mains examination are confused whether to join test series for the exam or not. The importance of practising answer writing can’t be undermined and getting enrolled in a good test series would help you cover all the important topics in a time bound manner and also mark you as per your answer writing skills. This would help you to improve your answers and help you become familiar with the pressure that you would face in the mains examination.

But though test series might prove out to be helpful, some people and institutes tend to overstate its importance. They are beneficial as long as you are pretty much prepared to sit for the actual mains. They are not a fool proof method to attain more marks in the mains examination. 

If needed, you should first focus on finishing your syllabus and revising it and then join some institute. In most of the cases, candidate’s get a maximum of one to three months (or even less) to prepare for mains. Majority of the time passes in studying and making notes. Getting enrolled in a test series when there is a paucity of time for self-preparation might end up doing more harm than good. But if you think that self-studying helps you study better then it’s best to stick to it. The gain in enrolling in some test series to give you a deeper evaluation of your answers and give feedback on your answers. So, if you aren’t willing to join an institute, make sure that you get your answers evaluated by someone, she may be a mentor or a friend. Getting proper feedback on the answers is as important as writing answers.

Is it important to practise

The candidates who qualify the mains have one thing in common, they take the part of answer writing more seriously than the others. The mains examination puts our writing and processing skills to test as well, so the trick is to practise writing answers, making structured answers while reading so that you get a deeper understanding of what has to be covered in an answer and what not.

While preparing notes, what can be preferred is that instead of making notes topic wise, start by formulating structured answers for every question that may come up in a topic. You can pick any past paper and start by preparing and writing answers for it. While making these answer writing notes, remember to put your answers in a good format that covers all essential aspects of the topic. 

Make an extra effort to include all recent events respecting it to be included in your answer. If you are able to give out recent landmark decisions on the issue, it would definitely give you an edge above the others.

By practising proper answer writing you would not only get a better grasp of the underlying concept in a profound way but also you can revise them later and ensure that your revision is to the point. Revision of these answers goes on to ensure that you keep on adding new emerging topics in your answers and keep it updated.

Only after writing these answers, you should put a timer for yourself and practice writing your answers for three hours consecutively. Also, this must not be forgotten that the candidates have to attempt not only one but two exams for two days consecutively. So, writing answers in a time constrained setting assumes more significance.

Yashdeep Chahal who topped DJS in 2019 says that to score well in mains, practice is the key and you can’t substitute the answer writing for anything. You should focus on what the question is asking and then writing the material accordingly. Always make a mental plan before you start writing answers and remember to follow a uniform pattern for writing answers.

How to cover local Acts

To cover the local acts the best tip is to read the bare act many times. Focus on the important provisions and find their relevant cases online. If there is any landmark case decided by the Hon’ble High court then be sure to remember it and use it in your answer writing. There is generally no reading material, or books available on the local subject. So, for the preliminary exam just keep revising the bare act. For mains add a few cases to it, if possible.

Answer writing tips for mains examination

No matter how well one scores in the college exams, one can’t really compare that experience with that of writing answers in the mains examination for judiciary. Candidates need not only to know how to finish the writing in enough time but also how to write a well framed answer with sufficient clarity and precision.It is said that answer writing is an art. The statement stands true as not everyone can answer these long questions well in time to complete the exam and also write the relevant material with proper case laws and sections with sufficient depth and coherence.

These are a few tips to keep in mind while writing for the mains examination:

1.   Questions should be answered in the sequence they are asked. Each answer must be limited and must not go on for a slew of pages. Do not write so long answers that the sheets remaining for other questions are less. 

2.    The answers must be to the point and not beat around the bush. One should be able to answer the questions asked directly.

3.   The answers must be framed in such a way that is clear and concise. Using complex language makes checking the answers a gruelling task for the evaluators.

4.  Don’t directly jump at writing the answers to save time. One should first read the question thoroughly, frame a structure in mind and then start answering.

5.   A lot of questions test the candidates’ analytical skills as well. They demand a little time to frame the answer in a finer way. Allot some of your time on such questions but don’t take more than that.

6.   Because of the length of the paper, candidates may find it difficult to complete the exam paper. In such situations, instead of leaving a whole question, make it a point to draw a flowchart or table to cover it up. It not only makes the answers look better but also consumes less time and you won’t leave questions unattended.

7.   Time should always be the key factor while writing answers.The candidates should not disregard the time ticking away while answering. You should know how to allocate your time to questions in the exam paper. Allocating more time than required for a 5 or 10 marker question could lead to mismanagement of time and resultantly a few questions might even get missed. 

To manage time much more effectively, try to write in the flow, because once the flow of writing answers gets disrupted, it takes time to get back into the groove. If you are unable to remember a section or a case law, leave the space for it and come back when you remember it or you have the time to remember it. The same should be followed when you get stuck on a question that you are not sure about.

8.  Try to put legal maxims in your answers wherever you can. For example, if the question is in relation to infancy, the maxim of Malitia Supplet Aetatem becomes immensely relevant. For another example, in the mistakes of fact and mistakes of law, these become important: ignorantia juris non excusat, or ignorantia legis neminem excusat. While it’s important to use basic and simple terms, do not forget to use ample legal terminology.

9. You should always avoid using abbreviations. It makes it appear less formal. Sometimes, the evaluator might not be able to understand what you want to convey.

10. Sometimes when the candidate is writing answers the mind goes blank, to avoid such situations it is best to practise your daily dose of questions. Because while sitting and writing for the mains examination, the candidates won’t have the time to remember the sections and cases. One should be able to remember them in a nick of time. 

Structure of answers in mains exams

Each answer must be accurately structured. Generally, each answer must follow this structure:

1. For case study-based questions

1. Issue
2. Rule
3. Analysis
4. Conclusion
5. For direct and straight-forward questions

For questions that are not hypothetical and are direct conceptual questions, it is on the candidate to get as many marks as possible. One should follow this format for answering:

1. Introduction: Write a fitting introduction to the question. The introduction should give a brief into the topic asked. For example, in 2017, one of the questions that were asked was “what is plea-bargaining? Explain the process of plea bargaining?” To answer this, one has to state what the term means in layman’s terms, its sections and chapters in the Code of Criminal Procedure, its role in the criminal justice system etc. It must be remembered that the introduction part is crucial for any good answer as it sets out the correct composition for an answer. So, it must not be way too lengthy. It must be 4-8 lines depending on the marks allotted to the question.
2. Legal provisions: After the introduction, if the questions ask for a concept to be explained, one should focus on the key provisions related to it. It’s always better if you know the chapter and other details such as the amendment year and the date of the enforcement of the amendment. 

Then, the second step calls for an elaboration of the major provisions. One can’t remember the exact words in the section. So, it’s better to remember the key words of the provisions and put it in pointers or bullets. Doing this, makes sure that our answers are comprehensive and easy to understand and also that it doesn’t seem crammed.

Wherever one provision is completed, it makes sense to switch to a new paragraph as it would help the evaluator to check different provisions easily. It doesn’t make the answer crammed into a sheet. Writing answers in such a way gives a clear-cut and comprehensible outlook to answers.

Using bullets or pointers though is useful, one should be careful not to put in a lot of bullets as well. Not everything should be written as pointers. The topics such as provisions, essential requirements, reasons for arriving at a decision, positive and negative things to be considered etc. could be condensed into bullet points.

3. Landmark decisions: After the major provisions, one should focus on the landmark decisions respecting the concerned topic. One need not remember the whole citations for these cases, just the name is sufficient. But making up new cases, thinking that the evaluator won’t notice it is something that has proven to be fruitless effort.

After bringing up, the important cases, one should make sure to cover all other important aspects of the question, for example, going back to the plea-bargaining example, after giving a brief introduction, mentioning about the chapter and provisions, and then the cases, one needs to go in detail about the process of plea bargaining and this could be well explained in a flow chart as well.

4. Conclusion: After making sure that every aspect of the question asked has been answered, it’s time to wrap up the answer. Writing 2-3 lines to conclude the answers gives a good finish to the answer. Always remember to put proper spacing in your answers. This not only makes your paper look clean and tidy but because you are short on time, you can’t put in lines to let the evaluator know where the answers start and end. Keeping proper space will make the evaluator’s task easy. When it’s easy to locate answers on your answers sheet, it would possibly give you more marks.

Bonus tip

One golden tip to remember while writing for the mains is that the question papers in the main examination tests one’s speed, writing and thinking skills as much as they test one’s understanding of the law. Finishing the exam in three hours is a big enough deal for any candidate. So, instead of aiming for a far-fetched dream of jotting down everything you know about the concerned topic, focus on what is asked.  The mains exam is a crucial stage and performing well above others requires consistent effort and practice. Maintaining the quality of all the answers are what puts one candidate well above the rest.

Though the exam papers are lengthy, the candidate should always revise the answers before submitting. If you are able to maintain a good speed for writing answers then, even getting a window of 2-3 minutes to go through your answers is sufficient. You can fill in the blank space, if left. And underline the important parts of your answers. 

It must be remembered that the priority is to finish the exam paper first and then to recheck. Because, if you leave a number of questions unanswered then you would automatically get less marks than your competitors and that would result in less chances of qualifying the mains. Mains examination is a crucial stage and to get a score in the exam revision is the key. Keep on revising your bare acts and notes and keep yourself updated with the recent case laws. If you keep on doing this, the mains examination is going to be a lighter deal.

How many hours should I devote for my mains preparation

All the candidates who are selected for appearing in the mains examination have this doubt that how many hours of study will be enough to crack the written exam. Let it be clear that there is no strict rule of studying ten hours a day to clear any exam. Indeed, the number of hours matters but more than that what matters is your focus and state of mind. When you study, always make sure to sit with a clear head as it helps to grasp the concepts faster. If you are not able to concentrate, then the best idea is to give it some rest. Go out and return with a better mindset. When you are preparing for competitive exams it may raise some insecurities or doubts, it is recommended to talk to someone as  if you have these thoughts at the time of your study then even if you sit for eight hours you may not be able to understand what you are reading. Having said that, ideally seven to ten hours should be devoted to your preparation.

Books to refer for the exam

Paper	Subject	Books
Paper 1	Civil law I	KD Gaur for evidence law (IEA)Takwani for code of civil procedure (CPC)For local acts and Specific relief Act refer to bare acts and judgments.
Paper 2	Civil law II	RK  Bangia for Contract actParas diwan for family lawAvatar Singh for transfer of property act (TPA)for local law refer to bare act and for limitation act Takwani.
Paper 3	Criminal law	Kelkar for code of criminal procedure(CRPC) Ratanlal for Indian penal code (IPC)for NI act and local laws refer to bare act
Paper 4	English	English grammar and composition
Paper 5	Hindi	Samanya hindi

Centres for exam

For the mains and interview process Shimla is the only centre.

Cut off for preliminary and mains exam 

This table shows the cut off of preliminary and mains exam for the general category in Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam over the last few years:

2017

Preliminary exam -208

Mains exam- 422

2018

Preliminary exam -197

Mains exam- 424

2019

Preliminary exam- 243.75

Mains exam -444

Frequently asked questions on H.P. mains exam

How many exams are conducted for H.P. Mains exam?

There are a total of  five exams in three to four days.

What are maximum marks in H.P. Preliminary exam?

The mains exams all combined weigh 850 marks.

What are minimum marks in H.P. Preliminary exam?

The candidate should score 45% in aggregate of all mains exams. 

What is the timing of the exam?

Generally, the exam is from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.

How to prepare for H.P. Mains exam?

Start with the important major subjects and refer to textbooks to get a better understanding of it. Keep updating your notes with recent amendments and laws.

Interview process

Introduction

Interview is the last and the final stage to get into Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services. For judiciary aspirants, getting a chance to appear in the interview is a dream come true. It takes us another step closer to our dream. So, putting your absolute best in preparing for an interview is of immense importance. As the judiciary competition gets tougher every passing year, it’s crucial that you take the advantage of this opportunity and put the nip in the bud and clear the examination.

It is famously said that the first impression is the last impression. The statement holds true as the impression you create on the interview panel when you enter the interview room is going to be a deciding factor in you and your goal. Interview plays a great role in deciding the ranks of the candidates who get through. Its importance can’t be undermined because every single mark matters.

Remember that an interview is all about the impression that you are creating on the interviewing panel. This is the interview of your personality where the panel might ask you questions ranging from your background, internship experiences, personal questions to legal questions as well. So, this needs utmost attention and preparation.

Syllabus

There is no specific syllabus to dive in for the purpose of the interview. However, one should not make a silly mistake of not going through the syllabus of the mains. The subjects which are covered in mains mostly become the basis for interview questions as well. So, it is recommended that you don’t stop your revision once you are done with your mains exam. A lot of candidates stop studying once they get done with mains. No doubt, the mains examination is stressful and it drains the energy out of the candidates and the results for mains examination take at least a month or two, but the candidate should not lose the grip on the important laws and the bare provisions. Because once the concepts vanish from your memory, it’s going to be more difficult for you to get back in that zone and study all the subjects again in less than a month. Once the mains results are out, candidates get a maximum a month to prepare for the interview. So, the wise thing to do is to stay connected to your subjects and continue reading, even though you devote less time to it in a day.

Tips to prepare well for the interview

1. What to read

• Read all important recent happenings, current affairs. Revise the constitutional law and all the landmark judgments.
• Prepare your opinions on the more controversial topics. Such as the hijab issue, Manipur crisis, passing of personal data protection bill, mediation bill, Uniform civil code etc.
• Read about the recent high court decisions and if possible, try to remember the names of the judges for the landmark decisions as well. This will definitely give you an edge above the other candidates.
• You should stay updated not only on legal developments in your state, but also throughout the country and impact the world.
• Practice answering basic questions such as your introduction, law school experience, internships experiences, research papers that you published, why do you want to join the state judiciary etc.
• Make it a habit to read a particular newspaper every day. This will not only help you to stay up to date on recent developments around the world but also help you learn new words and articulating answers in a much better way. Our recommendation would be to read the Hindu or the tribune every day.
• The importance of reading local laws also should not be undermined. Prepare well for the local laws of Himachal Pradesh. 
• Read a little bit about the customs and traditions of Himachal Pradesh.

2. Communication skills

• Try working on your communication skills and practice speaking with more confidence.
• Try giving mock interviews. This will help boost your self-confidence and prepare you for random questions coming your way.
• Even if you don’t want to give mock interviews, you can always stand and answer the questions in front of the mirror. Observe yourself more closely, maintain good posture, focus on the use of language, practice answers to hypothetical questions that the panel may ask you.
• You can try answering simple personal questions in front of your parents or friends as well. The purpose of this exercise is so that you are able to articulate your thoughts right at the spot and don’t get confused as to what and when to say.

3. What else can be done to ace the interview

• Watch videos of previous toppers to know what is needed to be done at the interview stage and prepare accordingly.
• Enhance your vocabulary and use your words carefully.
• Be confident and believe in yourself.
• Prepare for general knowledge questions of Himachal Pradesh and your state. Expect questions such as the capital of the state, what is your district famous for, the municipal chairman of your city etc.

4. Points to remember before the interview

• Always check your documents before-hand and put all of the documents in a file or folder. 
• Carry a black and a blue pen, pencil, extra photos as well.

• Don’t pay much attention to the rumours or how the interview of other people went. Every interview is different and there is no use in comparing them. This would only stress you and not serve any good purpose.
• Prepare for what your hobbies are. State only the authentic hobbies. Don’t say things that you aren’t interested in only to sound better. This may backfire. Some candidates say that their hobbies include yoga or meditation, if you intend to use these as your hobbies then read thoroughly about it in detail.

What to do in the interview

1. Maintain eye contact with the interview panel. This conveys your confidence but always keep a smiling face. Otherwise confidence might be taken to be arrogance.
2. Answer the questions honestly. We have always heard that honesty is the best policy. That needs to be followed here as well.
3. Be confident. Believe that you can be selected as a judicial officer and that you deserve to be appointed to this post. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can the interview panel believe in you?
4. The interview panel is not only to judge your legal awareness but also the demeanour that you have while answering questions asked.
5. You have to showcase your knowledge but if you are unaware about something, simply say so. Never lie to the interview panel.Do not give them any answer that you are not sure about. Everything you answer should be true and authentic to yourself.
6. Dress appropriately. Follow the uniform code strictly and if there isn’t a dress code provided, wear only formal clothes. Prefer wearing black and white formal pants and shirt with black blazers and black formal shoes for men and black and white salwar kurta or saree for women.
7. Try to arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Punctuality is always rewarded.
8. Maintain a good posture and don’t slouch while waiting for your call and especially in the interview room.
9. Listen quite carefully to the question that has been asked and then try to formulate an answer. Don’t answer right-away without understanding the question.Giving wrong answers appears worse than giving a late but correct answer.
10. Show the interview panel why you are the perfect fit for the position and why you are passionate about it.
11. Never talk when the interviewer is asking you some questions. Let them finish and then with their permission, start answering.
12. If you don’t agree to whatever they are saying, disagree but with utmost respect. They would never consider an arrogant candidate for a judicial position.
13. Don’t forget to thank the panel for sparing their time for the interview.
14. Don’t answer the questions that you are not aware about. Rather than giving wrong answers or incomplete answers, politely tell the panel that you don’t know the answer. You are a human and you can’t know everything. But always apologise for not knowing the answer and add that you will go and read about it.
15. A lot of times, the interview panel asks a lot of random questions just to confuse the candidate and check how he/she reacts to pressure and stressful environments. So, it is important that you don’t lose patience while answering.
16. Don’t repeat yourself time and again, instead take a minute to think calmly and then Respond and speak slowly,  don’t rush to answer the questions. Take your time and think about what you want to say and then answer the question.
17. Use a pleasant and polite tone while answering. Don’t sound rude or abrupt.
18. Pay attention to your facial expressions, sit up straight and maintain a posture that conveys your confidence.
19. Validate the opinions of the interviewers on the panel and avoid being dismissive to their opinions or concerns.
20. Don’t be adamant. If the interviewer is persistent on you to agree on his opinion on something, rather than being adamant, respectfully submit that the interviewer having more experience and expertise in the matter is certainly right.
21. Choose a language that you are fluent in. It’s not a necessity to speak in English if you aren’t comfortable in that. Politely ask the panel in the beginning to switch to Hindi.

Expected questions

Some common questions asked to the judiciary candidates are:

1. Kindly introduce yourself to the panel. 

(The introduction should be simple and short. The candidate should mention their name, occupation of parents, where they are from, from where they did their LLB and what they are currently doing.)

2. Why do you want to become a judge?

(It is a very common question and candidates are advised to prepare their customised answers for this.)

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. What are your hobbies?
5. Your opinion on the recent legal developments in the state and the country.

(It may include any recent legal issue, try to make a viewpoint instead of dodging the question.)

6. Who are your biggest inspirations? (in your personal life and also in the legal field)
7. What can you do to make the system better? Or How would you deal with the rising pendency of cases?

(To this the general answer is to give timely judgments, not pass many adjournments, follow the duration within which the trial is to be completed etc.)

8. How would you maintain a balance in your personal and professional life?
9. What are your favourite subjects? 

(A lot of candidates prefer to answer that the evidence act is their favourite as it is compact and can be thoroughly covered up, however, answer this question carefully. Choose a subject that you are comfortable with and that you know by heart. It Is recommended to avoid subjects like the Constitution or Code of Criminal Procedure as they are not exhaustive and you won’t be able to cover all of it up.)

10. Have you done your LLM? If yes, what was the topic of your dissertation?
11. How important is judicial independence?
12. What do you think are traits that a good judge should possess?

Frequently Asked Questions on Himachal Pradesh judiciary Interview

How many marks does the interview stage carry?

It weighs 150 marks.

How to prepare for the interview?

The best tip to prepare for the interview is to revise all laws again and practise mock interviews.

What should I wear for an interview?

The candidate should wear a formal saree for females and coat, pants for males. 

How to check results and answer key

For the candidates who appear in the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam the answer key of the preliminary exam 2023 has already been released. And the Mains exam is now due in August, follow the following steps to check the result:

1. Visit the official site of HPPSC. Click here.
2. On the homepage go to the result section.
3. On getting there click on the result of the civil judge post.
4. Fill in details, if required and print the result.

Minimum qualifying marks

Paper	Minimum qualifying marks
Mains exam	40%
Hindi language exam	33%
All mains papers combined	45%
interview	45%

After selection

Probation period

When a candidate is selected as judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh then the requirement is to undergo a probation period starting from the date of joining. The probation period lasts for a period of two years.

 Do I get an allowance while on probation

Yes, the candidate when once selected gets the allowance of a civil judge even during the probation period.

Responsibilities of a civil judge

1.  As a civil judge they handle the proceedings of the court, supervise their impartiality and legality.

2.     They are in charge of their court and are responsible to maintain decorum.

3.   They also control the way their court functions, including legal research behind any judgement, filing of cases etc.

4.    They are in direct communication with lawyers, witnesses, researchers to ensure that justice is served.

Perks and allowances of a judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh

1.     House rent allowance

2.     Medical allowance

3.     Dearness allowance

4.     Leave travel allowance

5.     Travel allowance

In Hand Salary of a judicial officer in Himachal Pradesh

A civil judge in Himachal Pradesh is entitled to a salary  based on  Level J-1 Rs. 77840-136520. 

A note on mental and physical health

Appearing in any competitive exam can take a toll on your mental and physical health if you let it. This note is essential to every judicial aspirant. The journey to successfully becoming a judicial officer in any state is very long as clearing these exams is no mean feat. Some candidates keep studying incessantly for years and never crack any exam, while others study just for one year and clear the exam in their first attempt. There is no one size fits all approach to your preparation. Also no one can guarantee your success in the judiciary exams. So, be sure to not be lost in this journey. 

Physical wellness toolkit

1. Follow the principle ‘you are what you eat’. Focus on healthy foods and skip junk foods. 

2.   Remember that what you eat is just as important as when you eat. Always take your meals on time.

3.  Go for walks or runs, go to gyms or do yoga.Be sure to do some type of physical activity each day.

4.   Have seven or eight hours of sleep.

5. Choose foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Calcium and zinc. You can also have supplements based on your doctor’s recommendations.

6. Drink enough water based on your weight. Also have fruits to stay hydrated.

7.  Step out in fresh sunlight. It helps increase your cognitive performance. 

Mental health survival toolkit

1. Appreciate yourself when you achieve your daily goal or attain good marks in your mock tests. It releases dopamine that may affect your productivity positively.

2.   Try meditation or yoga for mental peace.

3.  Use mirror work or affirmations for creating a sense of confidence.

4. Have a strong mental regime. If you fail at something, understand why it happened and start working on it again. Do not waste much time on rebuking yourself.

5.  Motivate yourself every day. Wake up and sleep with your dream as otherwise you may lose sight of it.

6. Try visualising. It is an important aspect of the law of attraction that directs us to visualise what our life will look like once we have achieved our dream.

7. Find a place where you can study. Some candidates are not able to study at home. Go to the library or any other place where there are no disturbances and distractions.

8. Have a community of friends who understand what you go through daily. Create a sense of belongingness by communicating with other candidates.

9.  Do not let feelings of jealousy or resentment arise. If they do ,do not let them be bottled up. Talk to your family or friends who understand your concerns. Understand that it is normal to compare yourself with others, but remember that others have worked hard for their success as well.

How to get in touch with HPPSC

Address: Nigam Vihar, Shimla, H.P. -171002

E-mail: [email protected]

Enquiry number: 0177-2624313

Toll Free number: 1800-180-8004

General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the eligibility criteria for the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

To be eligible to appear in the exam, the candidate must be a citizen of India and must have a degree in law as recognised by the Bar Council of India. 

What is the age required to appear in the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

The minimum age is 22 years while maximum age is 35 years.

Can a practising lawyer appear in the Himachal Pradesh

judiciary exam?

Yes, any candidate with passion in law can apply.

Is it mandatory to clear the All India Bar examination to appear in the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

No, passing the All India Bar exam is not a prerequisite for any judiciary exam. Though the exam may offer its own benefits in the legal profession.

What are some very important subjects to start preparation for the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

Some important subjects are:

• Code of Criminal Procedure(CRPC)
• Indian Penal Code(IPC)
• Indian Evidence Act (IEA)
• Code of Civil Procedure(CPC)
• Transfer of Property Act(TPA)
• Indian Contract Act(ICA)
• Limitation act.

What is the pattern of the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and interview.

Is there any negative marking in the preliminary exam 

of Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

There is no negative marking in the exam.

What is the allocation of marks in the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam?

Preliminary exam is for 300 marks, mains is for 850 marks while interview is for 150 marks. Which in total is 1300 marks.

Words of motivation

Every year, thousands of candidates appear in the Himachal Pradesh judiciary exam with the dream of being a judge, but only  a few can achieve it. This is a fact, and it leads to the  conclusion that what makes a candidate successful is the ability to juggle all the things going on , coaching, self study, personal life, physical and mental health. In this long journey there are some ups and downs, remember what matters is to get that one post for yourself. No matter what your age is, how many attempts you have already given, how much time you devote, in the end the post is all that matters. Some become a judicial officer in the first year of preparation, while others take years to get that post. It doesn’t matter, as both are called judicial officers. Remember that consistency is the key.

References

1. https://www.adda247.com/upsc-exam/himachal-pradesh-judiciary-exam-date/amp/.
2. https://www.toprankers.com/himachal-pradesh-judiciary-cut-off
3. https://www.lawctopus.com/himachal-pradesh-judicial-services-everything-to-know/
4. https://unacademy.com/content/judiciary-exam/himachal-pradesh-judiciary-exam-2023/
5. https://legalbots.in/exams/himachal-pradesh-judicial-services-exam
6. https://www.toprankers.com/tips-to-prepare-civil-judge-personal-interview
7. https://lawmint.com/judicial-services/himachal-pradesh-judicial-service-examination-syllabus-overview/

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