This article is written by Nishka Kamath (team iPleaders) and edited by Vanshika Kapoor (Senior Managing Editor, Blog iPleaders). This article will cover in-depth all the necessary information that a judicial aspirant aiming to clear the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam or JMFC Exam must know. Each topic, like the official Notification published by MPSC in 2023, eligibility criteria, educational requisite qualification, important dates, stages and syllabus of the JMFC exam, books to refer to, and a plethora of FAQs that may occur in the mind of an aspirant while preparing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam, or the JMFC exam, are discussed in great detail.
Table of Contents
Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam 2023-2024
Recently, the Government of Maharashtra issued a Notification announcing the vacancies for the Civil Judge Junior Level and Magistrate First Class Prelims Examination. However, you must have noticed it was published in Marathi; so in order to help a judiciary aspirant understand the Notification better, this article is an attempt to shed light on all the important points stated by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) in English.
Please Note : This article is all about the Maharashtra State Judiciary Exam and is not related in any way to exams conducted for the posts of IAS (Indian Administrative Service) or MPSC (Maharashtra Public Service Commission) police officers.
Although, the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam is, at times, also referred to as-
- Maharashtra Public Service Commission (Civil Judge Junior Division) Exam,
- Civil Judge Junior Division (CJJD) Exam, and
- Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Exam.
Generally, people in Maharashtra know this exam by the titles JMFC Exam or CJJD Exam.
Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam : an insight
The examination for Civil Judge Junior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class will be conducted almost every year by the Bombay High Court and MPSC for the recruitment of the roles of Civil Judge (Junior Division). The following candidates can appear for the examination :
- Ministerial staff,
- Advocate,
- New law graduates.
A total of 114 vacancies have been announced by the MPSC Recruitment Board. This exam is also called the MPSC Civil Judge Exam, JMFC (Judicial Magistrate First Class), and CJJD (Civil Judge Junior Division).
The exam is conducted in three stages, namely-
- Preliminary,
- Mains, and
- Interview round.
Here, a Maharashtra judiciary aspirant will get all the information related to the MPSC exam, including the eligibility criteria, the application submission dates, the dates of exams, the dates of issuance of results of all the exams, the procedure to apply for the exams, and the payment of fees, inter alia.
For Frequently Asked Questions on the Maharashtra Judiciary Exam, please check the FAQs section.
Some important points to note
- The examination for the 114 vacancies for the post of Civil Judge Junior Level and Magistrate First Class Cadre will be conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) in several district centres in Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Nagpur.
- The dates of the Mains Examination will be announced separately for candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary examination.
- All the posts received through revised or additional requisition forms from the Government until the finalisation of the Preliminary results will be considered, and the details of such revised/additional demand letters will be made available through the Main Examination Notification.
Applicants have to apply for the examination via the online application system of the MPSC, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria (discussed in detail below) stated in the official Notification.
Tabular representation of details of the Maharashtra Judiciary exam
Name of the Organisation conducting the exam | Maharashtra Public Service Commission |
Link of official Notification | https://mpsc.gov.in/adv_notification?m=8 |
Link of official website | https://mpsc.gov.in/home |
Link for registration as a new candidate | https://mpsconline.gov.in/candidate |
Minimum qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in Law |
Stages in exam | Prelims, Mains and Interview round |
Recruitment notice for post of | MPSC Civil Judge Exam, JMFC (Judicial Magistrate First Class), CJJD (Civil Judge Junior Division). |
Total number of vacancies | 114 |
Date of Notification issued | May 2023 |
Last date to apply as per the Notification | 13th June 2023 |
Admit card release date | Not issued yet (Generally, admit cards are issued 7 days prior to the examination). |
Date of Prelims exam | 9th September 2023 |
Date of issuing the Prelims exam results | Yet to be declared |
Date of Mains exam | Yet to be declared |
Date of issuing the final result | Yet to be declared |
Registration fees | For candidates belonging to the general category – Rs. 394/-
For candidates belonging to the Reserved category – Rs. 294/- |
Mode of application | Online |
Mode of exam | Offline |
Mode of making payment | Online mode – Payment can be made via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Offline mode – Payment can be made through e-challan. |
State | Maharashtra |
Credentials of the job/post name | Civil Judge (Junior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class- JMFC) post |
Email address of the MPSC | [email protected] |
Eligibility criteria for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam
Before a candidate thinks about appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service exam, also known as Civil Judge Junior Level and Magistrate First Class Exam, it is crucial that one has a look at the eligibility criteria for applying for the exam. The Maharashtra Judicial Service exam is discussed in great detail below.
Nationality criteria for Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
Candidates who are Indian nationals and possess India’s citizenship are eligible to apply for the Maharashtra Judicial Service exam.
Age criteria for Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
There is a minimum and maximum age limit for candidates applying for the Maharashtra Judicial Service exam. Below is a tabular representation of the same.
Category | Minimum age limit (in years) | Upper age limit (in years) for “Amagas” meaning general category | Upper age limit (in years) for “magas vargiya” meaning backward class |
Fresh Law Graduates | 21 | 25 | 30 |
For Practising Advocates/ Pleaders and Assistant Public Prosecutors belonging to the SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs, BCMs, and Destitute Widows of all categories. | 21 | 35 | 40 |
For others | 21 | 45 | 50 |
Educational qualification criteria for Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
To appear for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam in 2023, it is vital for the candidates to possess the minimum educational qualifications. The same has been discussed in a tabular format below:
Category | Qualifications | Experience |
For Fresh Law Graduates |
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No experience required. |
For Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers and Advocates |
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For Ministerial Staff like the Members of the Ministerial Staff of the High Court, Ministerial Staff of the subordinate Courts or its member, Legal Assistant in the Legal Division of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministerial Staff including Members of Staff of High Courts, City Civil Courts and District Courts, Ministerial Staff of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and such members |
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Ineligibility and disqualification grounds for the post of Maharashtra Judicial Service officer
The following types of candidates shall be disqualified from the post of being appointed as a judicial officer, JMFC, or MPSC:
- The candidate has been compulsorily retired from judicial service or from the service of a Government, statutory, or local authority.
- He/she has been removed, dismissed, or has not completed the probationary period of any post in the judicial service or in the service of the Government, statutory authority, or any local authority.
- He/she has been held guilty of any wrongdoing that involves moral turpitude or been disqualified or dismissed forever from attempting any exam conducted either by the High Court, the Union Public Service Commission or any State Public Service Commission;
- Or if the candidate has directly or indirectly made an attempt to influence the recruitment authority in any way for the candidature.
- Further, the candidate shall also be disqualified if he is a male and has more than one surviving wife.
- Furthermore, the candidate shall be disqualified from giving the Maharashtra Judicial Service exam if she is a female and is married to the surviving male spouse and has more than two children.
In case of any doubts or queries, please visit the FAQs section for general questions.
Stages of examination for the position of Maharashtra Judicial Service officer/ judge
The Maharashtra Judicial Service examination will be conducted in three stages, namely:
- Preliminary Examination (100 marks),
- Mains Examination (200 marks), and
- Interview round (50 marks).
Let us take a look at each of the papers in detail.
JMFC Preliminary Exam (100 marks)
The Preliminary Examination, known as the pre-examination stage, will be an objective (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs) based examination. The Prelims Exam will be of 100 marks and the language of conducting the exam will be English. The Maharashtra Judiciary Online Prelims Exam will consist of 100 questions, each carrying one mark.
If you have any doubts or questions regarding the Maharashtra Judicial Services Prelims Exam, you may visit the FAQs section on the Preliminary Exam.
JMFC Mains Exam (200 marks)
The Mains Exam will be conducted in the conventional method, i.e., offline mode, for a total of 200 marks. There will be two question papers of 100 marks each. The exam will be conducted in English and Marathi.
For more information on the Mains exam, please visit the FAQs section on the Mains Exam.
JMFC Interview round (50 marks)
Candidates who have cleared the Mains Exam will be eligible for the final selection, i.e., the post of civil judge or JMFC. This round will consist of 50 marks and will include an interview round and personality test. Candidates have to prepare thoroughly to clear this round. They must score higher than the minimum requirement to pass this round and subsequently be appointed for the post of civil judge or JMFC. The interview round will be conducted by a panel that will evaluate a candidate’s character, personality, general knowledge, and his/her suitability for the post.
For more information on the interview round, please visit the FAQs section.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) Exam syllabus
Syllabus for the JMFC Exam
Aspiring candidates must focus on the following subjects to clear the preliminary stage:
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
- The Civil Procedure Code, 1908;
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872;
- The Transfer of Property Act, 1882;
- The Specific Relief Act, 1963;
- The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999;
- The Limitation Act, 1963;
- The Constitution of India (as amended),
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860;
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872;
- The Sale of Goods Act, 1930; and
- The Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
Syllabus for the JMFC Exam
Aspiring candidates for the Maharashtra Judicial Service must focus on the following subjects to clear the Mains Exam:
Syllabus for Paper-1
Aspiring candidates for the Maharashtra Judicial Service must focus on the following subjects to clear Paper-1:
- The Civil Procedure Code, 1908;
- The Transfer of Property Act, 1882;
- The Specific Relief Act, 1963;
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872;
- The Sale of Goods Act, 1930; and
- The Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
Syllabus for Paper-2
Aspiring candidates for the Maharashtra Judicial Service must focus on the following subjects to clear Paper-2:
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860;
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872;
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989; and
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
- An essay on any recent developments in the field of law or any legislation, which has to be approx. 800 words.
Some tips and tricks on how to study for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
- Read Bare Acts several times.
- Go through landmark judgements by all the High Courts and Supreme Court.
- While making your own notes, use interesting methods like charts, diagrams, pictorial representations of the study, and keywords to remember the topic with ease.
- Make your own notes, and at the end, add a synopsis of each topic. You can revise them a day before your exam.
Books to refer for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
Top five tips before buying books for the Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
Before we proceed on to referring which books to refer for acing the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam, it is important you make a note of the following pointers:
- When you buy the book, ensure it is the latest edition.
- Once you have bought the book, do not keep buying the latest editions of the same book.
- Do not listen to anyone. Select one book and stick to it. One might say Universal’s book is good; another candidate would prefer Singhal over the former. It depends on you which book you choose and once you do, kindly ensure you have gone through the whole book before you even think of buying another one.
- The books will be slightly priced at a higher rate, so be very picky about which books you buy.
- If you buy one book, stick to it. Do not keep switching from one book to another.
Now that we have looked at the above pointers let us have a look at which books to refer to for the exams.
Suggested books for the Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
Subjects | Name of the books | Publisher/Author of the books |
Books specifically designed for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims and Mains Exam |
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The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 |
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The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 |
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The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 |
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The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 |
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The Civil Procedure Code, 1908 |
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The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 |
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The Transfer of Property Act, 1882 |
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The Specific Relief Act, 1963 |
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The Limitation Act, 1963 |
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The Constitution of India (as amended) |
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The Indian Penal Code, 1860; |
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The Indian Contract Act, 1872 |
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Application, submission process and duration of the Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
The official Notification was out in May 2023, and the period of submission was from 24th May, 2023, to 13th June, 2023, at 23:59 p.m., after which no applications would be accepted. Further, the last date for making payment for the prescribed fee for the examination through online mode was 13th June, 2023, and in the State Bank of India was 15th June, 2023. Moreover, the last date for making payment of the examination fee via currency was 16th June 2023. Mentioned below is a tabular representation of the dates.
Tabular representation of the application submission dates
Details | Prescribed period |
Period for submission of application | 24th May, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 13th June, 2023, at 23:59 p.m. |
Last date for the payment of the prescribed exam fee through online mode | 13th June, 2023, at 23:59 p.m. |
Date of taking a copy of Challan in the State Bank of India for payment of the prescribed exam fees | 15th June, 2023, until 23:59 p.m. |
Last date of making payment for the exam via Challan | 16th June, 2023, during official working hours of the bank. |
Importance of Marathi language in the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
The official Notification states as follows:
- All the candidates must possess the ability to speak, read, and write Marathi.
- The candidates must be able to translate from Marathi to English and from English to Marathi with ease and fluency.
- During the third round, i.e., the interview round, candidates have to produce a certificate in the prescribed format from the following competent authorities:
- Attorney or Advocate – Chief District and Sessions Judge / Chief Judge of the concerned district where the candidate is practising.
- Fresh Law Graduate – The Principal or the Head of University Department or College where candidate’s name is registered for Law Course, be it LL.B. or LL.M.
- High Court and subordinate courts, employees of Departments, Ministries, etc. – under whose control the Service is headed by the Head of Department or the Head of Office.
- By re-entry into service of retired Civil Judges (Junior Level) under special circumstances.
- All those candidates who do not have adequate knowledge of Marathi language are required to pass the Maarti language test within six months in accordance with the rules set by the Government.
Requirement of evidence of experience for advocates and service employees in Maharashtra Judiciary (JMFC) exam
During the interview round, the candidates have to produce the following certificate relating to their experience in the following format prescribed by the authority:
For advocates
An experience letter has to be obtained either by Chief District and Session Judge or Chief Judge of the district where the candidate is practising.
For service employees
An experience letter has to be obtained either by the Head of Department or the Head of Office under whose control the service is.
Date of calculation of period of educational qualification and experience
- The educational qualifications shall be deemed to have been acquired on the actual date of declaring the results of the relevant examination by the statutory university.
- The candidate’s educational and other qualifications gained on the date of releasing the official Notification (19th May, 2023) and experience qualifications for further selection will be considered.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam results
Declaration of results for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Preliminary Exam
Generally, ten times the total number of posts/vacancies depending on merit will be qualified for the Mains examination.
Please note : As the Prelims Exam is a screening test, the marks of this exam will not be considered for the final selection. Further, the marks will not be communicated to the candidates (only the results, i.e., whether they have cleared the exam or not – passed or failed—will be communicated).
Declaration of results for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains exam
- Successful candidates (candidates who clear the Mains Exam) will be called for the last stage, i.e., the interview round.
- The candidate shall be called in a ratio of 1:3 against available vacancies.
- Further, if there are candidates who have secured the same final marks that were predetermined to be eligible for keeping the merit ratio of 1:3, then all such candidates will be called for an interview.
- The candidate has to score a minimum of 50% in each of the Mains Exam papers to be eligible for the interview round.
In case of candidates belonging to communities recognised as backward classes by the Government of Maharashtra, a score of at least 45% in each of the Mains Exam papers must be achieved to be further eligible for the interview round.
Prescribed specimens of experience certificate
- The specimens of Marathi language knowledge as well as the experience certificate are available on the website of the Commission under DOWNLOADS.
- It is crucial that the candidate submit the certificate regarding their qualification and eligibility in the prescribed format as amended by the Commission from time to time.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : opting out option
- The general merit list for the interview round/stage results will be published on the website of the Commission before the final recommendation for the post of Civil Judge, or JMFC.
- Alongside the results, the candidates will be given the option of “Opting Out” based on the General Merit List through the online application of the Commission.
- Candidates have to submit the “opt out of recruitment” option within the prescribed time limit (as per the 2023 official Notification, the duration is 7 days from the date of publishing the general merit list).
- The Commission shall prepare the final recommendation list considering the option of “Exit Recruitment” obtained from the candidates via the online application system.
- The candidate shall withdraw from the recruitment process only through the online application system of the Commission within the prescribed period (7 days as per the official Notification).
- If the request for opting out is made in any manner other than the one prescribed in the official Notification, such a request shall not be considered in any manner. Moreover, such a request for cancellation will not be obtained at later stages.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : final selection
The final selection of the candidates will be made on the basis of the marks scored by the candidates in the Mains Exam and interview round.
Please note : The score of candidates in the Preliminary Exam will not be considered for final selection as it is just a screening test conducted to check a candidate’s ability to become a judicial officer.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : waiting list
The waiting list will remain operational for a period of 1 year from the date of declaration of the final result of the judicial officer post or until the date of the outcome of the final result of the next examination, whichever is earlier.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : post-entry conditions
A candidate selected for the post of judicial officer, judge, or JMFC has to fulfil the following conditions:
- The candidate has to pass all 3 stages of the examination and-
- Departmental/Professional prescribed as per the norms laid down by the Commission for that particular exam.
- If the candidate has not passed the Hindi and Marathi language test or if he/she is not exempted from passing such a test, then in such a case, that test has to be cleared before appointment.
- Certificate Examination in computer handling as prescribed by the Directorate of Information Technology and the Government of Maharashtra from time to time.
- A candidate whose name has been recommended for the post of judicial officer has to be working in that position for three years, and at the time of appointment, a bond of Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupees Two Lakhs) has to be furnished in this regard.
- A candidate who has been appointed for the post of judicial officer shall be debarred from practising law for a period of two years from the date of termination of service in High Court or any subordinate court and in such courts.
- A candidate has to give a written undertaking stating he/she won’t be practising as a lawyer in any court for a period of two years.
- There will be a probationary period of three years after the candidate has been appointed for the post of judicial officer.
Procedure to apply for the Preliminary Exam of the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
Steps for submission of application
One has to follow the following steps to submit an application for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam:
- Create an account. If you have already created an account, choose the option of updating it, whatever is needed.
- Upload the necessary documents as stated in the prescribed manner and within the specified time period.
- Submit the form.
- Make payment of the examination fee as stated on the page.
- Select the district for the examination centre.
Uploading the prescribed documents and requisite certificates
- Only those candidates who are claiming reservation, like sportspersons, physically disabled individuals, ex-servicemen and orphans, while submitting an application for pre-examination in pursuance of various claims made through their profiles have to submit/upload additional documents/certificates (as applicable) while submitting the application.
- After checking the eligibility of the candidates who are claiming reservation for athletes, disabled, ex-servicemen and orphans as per the advertisement, it is mandatory to upload the following documents/certificates (as applicable) while submitting the application:-
Certificate/document | File format | Minimum size of the file (in kb) | Maximum size of the file (in kb) |
---|---|---|---|
Proof of being an eligible PwD (as applicable) domicile certificate | 50 kb | 500 kb | |
Proof of being eligible under the reserved category involving OBCs, SCs, STs, etc. | 50 kb | 500 kb |
- Candidates have to compulsorily submit the prescribed certificates/documents.
- Sportsmen, disabled candidates, ex-servicemen and orphans will not be able to submit their applications without uploading all the certificates/documents that satisfy their claims.
General instructions relating to the application form
- Only the forms submitted through the online application system of the Commission will be accepted and not otherwise.
- The website for submitting the application is – https://mpsconline.gov.in.
- All the details regarding the submission of application form are made available on the official websites of the Commission, i.e., https://mpsconline.gov.in and https://mpsc.gov.in.
- Only those application forms will be considered for the Prelims Exam whose examination fees are paid within the prescribed time period.
Selection of District Centre for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
- The candidates have to select the District Center while they are submitting the application form.
- No requests for changing the District Center shall be entertained under any circumstances or for any reason whatsoever.
- In situations where a District Center fails to function or if the capacity of the centre exceeds its capacity, the meeting of the candidates will be arranged at the nearest District Center.
- The Commission will not give approval for any requests relating to the change in the District Center/Sub-Examination Center once selected or fixed by the Commission for any reason whatsoever.
- In case if the process of District Center is not completed, the nearest District Center with regards to the permanent residential address given by the candidate in the application form will be allotted.
- The decision taken by the Commission shall be considered final.
Payment for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam fees
Examination fees for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam
The examination fees for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam is as follows:
Fees for the Amagas (general category)
The examination fees for candidates belonging to the general category is Rs. 394/-.
Fees for the Magas Vargiya (reserved category or backward class) and disabled
The examination fees for the candidates belonging to the reserved category is Rs. 294/-.
Please note : In addition to the examination fees, the bank charges and the taxes payable thereon, if any, will be additional.
Some points to note while making the payment of examination fees
- The examination fees, once paid, cannot be refunded. Thus, it is non-refundable.
- After clicking on the ‘Submit and Pay fees’ button available after completion of the application submission steps, click on the “Pay Now” option in front of the advertisement/post/examination where the current status is written as “Fees not Paid”. In the list of categories/examinations applied for under ‘Mukh Account’ Exam fee can be paid by clicking on this link.
Modes of payment of examination fees
The fees for the examination can be paid in two ways, namely:
- Online mode, and
- Offline mode.
Let us take a look at each mode in detail.
Online mode
- Payment for fees may be made via credit card, debit card, netbanking, or through any payment gateway provided by State Bank of India (SBI) as well as the system.
- While paying the examination fee, after the amount of examination fee is deducted from the bank account, the message that the payment of the examination fee has been successful (Payment Successful) is displayed on the page of the online application system of the Commission, and the receipt of the examination fee is generated.
- Do not log out of the relevant page and/or account on the Website.
- After paying the exam fee, the candidate will immediately know the status of the successful payment of the exam fee in his profile or from the account itself.
- It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the examination fee has been successfully paid and the transaction has been completed by the bank before logging out.
- If, for any reason, it is not possible to successfully pay the examination fee online within the prescribed period, a copy of the invoice can be taken for payment of the examination fee offline within two days after the last date of application.
Offline mode
- If a candidate decides to make payment of the exam fees by Chalan, he/she has to pay the fees before the prescribed last date at any branch of State Bank of India. This procedure has to be followed during the working hours of the bank. The candidates must have a copy of the Chalan available. However, care should be taken that it will take at least three hours to get the copy of the Chalan and to deposit the fee in the bank.
- In case of unsuccessful payment of examination fee, the procedure for repayment of fee or collection of invoice shall be prescribed as per the advertisement/notification.
- The procedure and duration for repayment, if prescribed in the advertisement/notification have to be duly followed.
- In case if the transaction fails for any reason whatsoever, no complaints in this regard will be entertained by the Commission.
- Also, candidates who fail to make payment of the examination fee within the prescribed time period stated by the Commission in this regard will not be considered for the respective recruitment process.
- It will be in the interest of the candidate to carefully read and follow all the general instructions stated or published for judicial aspirants on the official website.
Important points to note for handicapped candidates appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
- The Government of Maharashtra, with a unanimous decision with the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, issued a circular on 05th October, 2021, for guidelines for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). As per the Notification, it is important that actions be taken by the authorised authority from time to time.
- The candidates who are incapable of writing answers during the actual examination or those who need the help of a scribe and/or grace period have to obtain prior permission from the authority. For this, a written request has to be made to the Commission in the format prescribed, and all the mandatory certificates and documents must be submitted within seven days from the date of submitting the application to the Commission by the candidate through online mode.
- The written request sent to the concerned authority in the prescribed format will be considered only if it is clearly mentioned in the online application as per the official Notification/Advertisement whether the writer is to be arranged by the candidates themselves or through the office of the Commission.
- If the candidate does not make any such demand or does not obtain prior permission of the Commission in the prescribed manner, then the candidate cannot seek help from the writer. Further, no grace period will be granted, either.
- The list of candidates who are eligible to seek help from writers or to have some extra time/grace period will be made available on the official website. Besides, the concerned candidate will be given an intimation on his/her registered email address regarding permission from the Commission.
- It will be in the interest of the candidates with disabilities (PwDs) to avail the benefits given to them. Simply put, the choice to avail the benefits will be purely discretionary.
- The candidates must go through the “Guidelines for Candidates with Disabilities” advantages (scribe and/or grace period) provided to them. before he/she applies for the same. The guidelines are published on the website of the Commission.
Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : issuing admit cards
- Generally, admit cards of the candidates for all the examinations will be made available via the notification issued by the Commission at its official website (https://mpsconline.gov.in).
- Usually, the admit cards are issued 7 days before the exam. A copy of admit card must be downloaded before the examination and must be shown to the invigilator at the time of the examination.
- A candidate has to mandatorily bring his admit card at the time of examination; otherwise, he/she won’t be allowed to enter the examination hall.
- Once the Commission has issued the admit cards, the candidates will be notified via SMS to their registered mobile number.
- The Commission will also publish a notice regarding the issuance of admit cards a week prior to the examination.
- If the candidate has not received his/her admit card within 3 days prior to the date of examination, they must immediately contact the Commission along with the requisite proof.
- During the examination, a candidate has to carry at least one original identity card, it could be-
- Aadhaar card,
- Election Commission Identity card,
- Passport,
- PAN card, or
- Smart cards like driving licence,
- as well as a photocopy of the original identity card.
- In case of e-Aadhaar downloaded from the website of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) instead of the actual Aadhaar card, the date of Aadhaar generation along with candidate’s name, address, gender, photograph, and date of birth on e-Aadhaar.) and e-Aadhaar will be considered valid only if Aadhaar is downloaded in colour print along with the date of Aadhaar download.
- Further, in case of any amends in the names or certificates issued by the Registrar of Marriages (in case of married women), Gazette Notification of change of names or Certificate regarding change of name from a Gazetted Officer and its photocopy must be produced at the time of examination.
- The brief details of the exams are presented in the official Notification. If a candidate wants to obtain details regarding any of the following-
- Application procedure,
- Requisite qualification,
- Reservation,
- Age limit,
- Fee,
- General procedure of selection,
- Examination scheme,
- Syllabus, etc.
he/she must check the website mpsc.gov.in under the “Notices” section under “General Notices” as well as “Examinations”.
- It is advised that a candidate have a look at the information in “Civil Judge Junior Level and Magistrate First Class Examination” under Section 66 of the Examination Scheme.
- All the information and/or advertisements published on the website of the Commission shall be considered official.
Some important points to note about the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
- The official Notification/advertisement is made available on the Commission’s website https://mpsc.gov.in and https://mpsconline.gov.in.
- Candidates are not allowed to carry or use mobile phones or any other electronic devices (like smart watches, calculators, etc.) in the examination centre at the time of physical test and/or the interview round.
- The candidature for the judiciary exam shall be rejected if all essential original certificates are not furnished at the time of the interview.
Selection process for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam
- The selection process for the Maharashtra Judicial Service is in accordance with the Maharashtra Judicial Service Rules, 2008, or as amended from time to time by the Government as well as the Commission. All the amends regarding the selection process will be implemented as per the provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
- Candidates who only possess the minimum qualification with respect to eligibility, prescribed qualification, experience, etc., will be eligible for the interview or selection when they pass the necessary exams and not otherwise.
- A candidate will only be considered for interview or selection if he/she is eligible for the interview or selection as per the policy fixed or the norms set by the Commission at that time.
Pay scale for the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC)
A judicial officer once selected for the MPSC Civil Judge Exam or Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) will have a pay scale between Rs. 27,700 and Rs. 44,700, along with other allowances payable as per the set rules and regulations.
Please note : The pay scale is subject to change as per the policies (that are subject to change) set by the Government.
Duties and responsibilities of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Officer
Please note : Candidates who are visually impaired or blind are not eligible for the post of Maharashtra Judicial Service officer/judge. Further, as per the directions given by the High Court, those candidates that belong to economically weaker sections would be given preferential treatment.
For more information on the career, scope, and growth of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam, visit the FAQs section on the same subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : Prelims
For how many marks is the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 will consist of 100 marks.
What is the duration of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023?
The duration of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 is 3 hours.
Is there any particular syllabus for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination Preliminary Paper? If yes, what is it?
Yes, there is a syllabus for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Preliminary Paper, and a candidate has to focus on the following subjects:
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
- The Civil Procedure Code, 1908;
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872;
- The Transfer of Property Act, 1882;
- The Specific Relief Act, 1963;
- The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999;
- The Limitation Act, 1963;
- The Constitution of India (as amended),
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860;
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872;
- The Sale of Goods Act, 1930; and
- The Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
When will the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 be conducted?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 will be conducted on 9th September, 2023.
When will the Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 results be declared?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 results date is yet to be declared.
Should a candidate have his/her focus on mock tests for Preliminary exams and prepare for the Mains Exam only after clearing the Preliminary exam?
No, it is advisable that a candidate start preparing for the Mains Exam along with preparing for the Prelims Exam, as there is hardly a gap of thirty to sixty days between the Prelims and Mains Exams, and a candidate might find it difficult to cope up with an extensive syllabus in such a short time.
How should a candidate prepare for the Preliminary Exam?
In order to clear the Preliminary Exam, it is crucial for a candidate to take a look at the previous year’s question papers, examine the syllabus with thorough scrutiny, and try to get the gist of what sort of questions can be expected in the upcoming examination. Further, it is advised that a candidate study bare acts and case laws and thoroughly practise last year’s papers along with set timers for improved accuracy.
How many mock tests should I practise for the Preliminary Exam, and where do I get them?
A candidate can practise as many mock tests as he/she can for the Preliminary Exam; as the famous saying goes, the more, the merrier! One can get mock tests for the Prelims Exam online. Candidates can also buy books on the subject, which are available in abundance in the market. The list of books has been discussed in detail above.
What are some tips and tricks to prepare for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Preliminary Exam?
The following are the top 3 tips and tricks given by industrial experts that a candidate can follow to prepare for the Preliminary Exam-
- Focus on the bare acts.
- Solve and try to remember as many MCQs as you can.
- Highlight and maybe write down some of the most important provisions from each bare act and revise them on a daily basis. You can also try developing your own codes and stuff for remembering the sections and provisions in a better manner.
Word of advice : Remember to check the bare acts publication date and get the latest one. A candidate can simply find bare acts (with recent amends) online. Once found, or bought, it is advised that the candidate must not keep switching the bare acts to the latest version again and again. Ensure the bare act is in accordance with the syllabus. If there are any amends, you can note them on a separate page or, best of all, use sticky notes!
Do all the states have Prelim Exams compulsorily?
Yes, all the states conduct the Prelim Exams and it is mandatory for a candidate to clear the Prelims Exam to be eligible for the next stage, i.e., the Mains round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : Mains
For how many marks is the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023 will consist of 200 marks.
What is the duration of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023?
The duration of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023 is 3 hours for each paper, so 6 hours in total.
What subjects should a candidate study properly to ace the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam?
For the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam, a candidate is expected to have a thorough knowledge of the following subjects:
Syllabus for Paper-1
Aspiring candidates for the Maharashtra Judicial Service must focus on the following subjects to clear Paper-1:
- The Civil Procedure Code, 1908;
- The Transfer of Property Act, 1882;
- The Specific Relief Act, 1963;
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872;
- The Sale of Goods Act, 1930; and
- The Indian Partnership Act, 1932.
Syllabus for Paper-2
Aspiring candidates for the Maharashtra Judicial Service must focus on the following subjects to clear Paper-2:
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860;
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872;
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and
- Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
- An essay on any recent developments in the field of law or any legislation, which has to be approx. 800 words.
When will the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023 be conducted?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023 date is yet to be declared.
When will the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam 2023 results be declared?
The Maharashtra Judicial Service Prelims Exam 2023 results date is yet to be declared.
Is it important for a candidate to have knowledge of Marathi language to clear the Mains Exam?
No, a candidate does not have to have knowledge of Marathi language to clear the Mains Exams; however, to fulfil all the norms of the eligibility criteria, it is mandatory for the candidate to submit a certificate stating he/she has adequate knowledge of Marathi language. Further, the candidate should be able to speak, read, and write Marathi fluently, thus, he/she has to be proficient in Marathi overall. Also, the Mains Exam will be conducted in both languages, i.e., Marathi and English, and the candidate has to choose one language to write the paper in.
How should a candidate prepare for the Mains answer writing?
A candidate can prepare for his/her Mains Exam by revising topics thoroughly and practising last year’s questions for the specific subjects in order to be well prepared. A point must be noted that the same strategy would not work for all the candidates. Hence, it is advisable that one follow his/her own strategy after experimentation and stick to the same strategy throughout the preparation.
Do all the states have a Mains Exam compulsorily?
Yes, all the states conduct the Mains Exams compulsorily.
Are there any tips and tricks for a candidate to successfully ace the Mains Exam?
Yes, a candidate may follow the following tips and tricks to ace the Maharashtra Judicial Service Mains Exam, the top 15 tips and tricks are as follows:
- A candidate must have a sound and clear knowledge of all the Mains subjects.
- A candidate, while attempting the Mains Exam must ensure that there is clarity in his/her thoughts while writing answers.
- It is advised that a candidate does not try to mug up everything, as it never helps. Instead, focus on understanding the subject better.
- A candidate can only understand and interpret the law if he/she has conceptual clarity in the thought process. The examiner will deduce the same only if the answers are succinct and to the point.
- A candidate can only be able to understand the subjects and gain conceptual clarity if he/she starts preparing for the Mains Exam with a detail-oriented approach right from Day-1.
- RACE AGAINST TIME: A candidate must make sure he/she has good handwriting and a good pace!
- Try to learn, revise, and apply the law.
- Make notes in the form of flow charts, statistics, etc.
- Keep your notes handy at all times.
- Focus on the language and tone while writing your paper.
- One must ensure they avoid making errors and scribbling on the paper.
- Choose a pen wisely. Preferably, choose a black ballpoint pen.
- Avoid unnecessary aggravation while writing the answers for the Mains Exam.
- It is crucial that a candidate refer to case laws while writing the answers to the Mains Exam.
- Moreover, a candidate can add legal maxims to enhance the answer. This way, the examiner will be able to deduce that you have done your study well, and this will undoubtedly give you an extra edge over others!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : interview round
How can a candidate prepare for the interview round for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam?
In order to prepare for the interview round, it is crucial that a candidate focus on current legal affairs and develop skills that would enhance his/her ability to communicate effectively.
What are the important things one must keep in mind for the interview round?
Being honest is one of the most important things in an interview. Questions whose answers are not known, should be answered with “I don’t know.” The most crucial need is that you work diligently and honestly. People seated on the other side are a lot more knowledgeable than you are, therefore, you must never attempt to mislead them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : General
Is there an ideal time for a judicial aspirant to start with judicial preparation to successfully ace the exam on the first attempt?
Ideally, as per industry experts, the following timeline is the most suitable-
Five-year course
Generally, for a five-year course student, the ideal time to start the judicial preparation is in the 4th or 5th year.
Three-year course
Generally, for a three-year course student, the ideal time to start judicial preparation is in the 2nd year.
However, there cannot be a straight-jacket answer to this as it depends on the candidate’s level of understanding, ability to interpret laws, and knowledge in the field of law.
Word of advice : In any year of law school, ensure that you, as a candidate, focus on academia as well as current affairs and current legal affairs.
How important are subjects taught as part of the B.A. or B.B.A. course in law or in judicial services?
Law as a subject cannot be studied in isolation, and therefore subjects taught in courses like B.A. or B.B.A. are not irrelevant at all. If we look closely, every subject we study has some connection to the law or the history of the law, so one should take every subject seriously. Let’s take, for example, the subject of sociology, where research helps us comprehend how society works. As a result, it aids in determining if a particular law is beneficial or detrimental to society and what its effects are. It will enable you to make greater contributions to the legal changes in society. Knowing these topics is also essential if you want to write a good essay for the Mains Exam, where you must present your point of view.
Does pursuing L.L.M. play any additional role in judicial service examination?
Pursuing an L.L.M. has no additional benefits in the judicial service examination. An individual pursues an L.L.M. degree primarily because students want to complete their education degrees in one go to avoid a break in their professional lives.
What is the marking scheme for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
For the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination, the bifurcation is as follows:
- Prelims – 100 marks,
- Mains – 200 marks, and
- Interview – 50 marks.
What are the top tips and tricks for a candidate to improve his/her grasp of the Marathi language?
The top five tips and tricks for a candidate to improve his hold over Marathi language are as follows:
- Focus mainly on building a good vocabulary.
- To further improve your language, you may watch TV shows and movies in Marathi language, read Marathi books, listen to podcasts in Marathi, and also subscribe to YouTube channels that teach Marathi right from scratch.
- You can also have a conversation with friends whose mother tongue is Marathi.
- Visit lower courts and try to understand how a case is being dealt with by the judge in Marathi. This will also help you enhance your legal knowledge too.
- Work on your production and articulation/expressions.
Are there any important subjects one must focus on to clear the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination or do all carry the same weightage?
According to industry experts, all the subjects deserve an equal amount of attention. Further, as a judiciary aspirant, you might think you should focus on core law subjects, however, strengthening the following areas-
- The local laws of that state;
- The language(s) used in that state;
- General knowledge and current affairs, both local and national;
- The newly added subjects, if any,
hold equal importance and will help a candidate create a cutting edge.
What are the local laws one must focus on to ace the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
The following laws, inter alia, must be referred to in order to ace the JMFC/ CJJD Exam-
- The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999;
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989; and
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
How important are reference books for the purpose of preparing for the judiciary?
Along with the law books referred to in law school, commentaries are crucial for improving one’s grasp of the law and the many related issues, not only for freshly graduated law students but also for judges and practising attorneys. Additionally, you gain knowledge of the legislative past, which aids in your understanding of the rationale for the law’s enactment. Overall, reading commentary can help you get a thorough understanding of and perspective on the law. However, a word of caution remains that you must limit the range of commentaries you read. Read some, but focus on the good ones only.
What are the things a candidate must keep in mind while buying a course to ace the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
Before buying a course that aids in clearing the judiciary exam, it is advisable that a candidate ensure that the coaching classes, or the online class for that matter, have the requisite coaching materials and resources in accordance with the local laws of Maharashtra along with the major subjects. Moreover, if the candidate decides to apply for other states, as well, he/she should ensure the coaching classes fulfil such demands. This is why LawSikho has come up with Lord of the Courses (judiciary test prep), for an aspiring candidate like you! The course offers all the insights on the important state-wise topics as well as the major topics! The course also provides strategies and top tips and tricks to crack the exam, along with past year’s question papers and solutions, in a comprehensive manner. It also has one-on-one mentor guidance if need be. In short, this course is a one-shot solution for all the state-wise judicial exams!
Are there any paid alternatives available where only test series can be bought and no study material for self-assessing one’s progress?
Yes, of course. In instances where an aspiring judicial candidate does not want to opt for full-fledged coaching to prepare for the judicial examination, there is always the option of enrolling in Test Series to help them assess where they stand on the level of preparation and how and on which areas they must concentrate more!
Kindly visit https://lawsikho.com/course/maharashtra-civil-judge-prelims-exam-mock-test-series to purchase the Test Series, which are carefully curated for the aspiring candidates of the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination.
What are the local laws one must focus on to clear the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
The following laws, inter alia, must be referred to in order to ace the JMFC Exam-
- The Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999;
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989; and
- The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
Can a practising lawyer apply for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
Yes, a practising lawyer has the liberty to apply for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination as long as he/she meets the eligibility criteria and the age limit (both discussed in detail above).
If a candidate wants to apply for the position of judge, should he/she still do internships? What kind of internship should be done?
Yes, a candidate can do several internships even when he/she has decided to be a judge or judicial officer in the near future. He/she can start with a district court internship, then work in the high courts and, if possible, also in the Supreme Court under the guidance of any lawyer. Further, a candidate can also apply for a clerkship while preparing for the exams. Internships will help candidates gain a better understanding of the courts and the processes and procedures they follow to resolve disputes on a daily basis, among other things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : career, scope and pay scale
What are the career prospects when it comes to Maharashtra Judicial Service? Is there any scope for growth in this field?
Entering the field of judiciary provides incredible career prospects. There are several opportunities for growth, both personal and professional. These opportunities also include being promoted to higher judicial roles and having the ability to make a substantial impact in the field of law and justice.
How much salary and allowances are paid to lower court judges?
A judicial officer once selected for the Maharashtra Civil Judge Exam or Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) will have payscale between Rs. 27,700/- and Rs. 44,700/- along with other allowances payable as per the set rules and regulations.
Please note : The pay scale is subject to change as per the policies (that are subject to change) set by the Government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : eligibility criteria
Is there an upper or lower age limit for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
To understand the question better, it is advisable that you read the following points:
For Fresh Law Graduates
- The minimum age limit for attempting the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination for fresh law graduates is 21 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the general category is 25 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the reserved category is 30 years.
For Practising Advocates/ Pleaders and Assistant Public Prosecutors belonging to the SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BCs, BCMs, and Destitute Widows of all categories
- The minimum age limit for attempting the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination for candidates belonging to the aforementioned category is 21 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the general category is 35 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the reserved category is 40 years.
For others
- The minimum age limit for attempting the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination for candidates belonging to the others category (apart from the one mentioned in the first two pointers) is 21 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the general category is 45 years.
- The maximum age limit for candidates belonging to the reserved category is 50 years.
Is there an upper age limit relaxation for some candidates appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
Yes, there is an upper age limit relaxation for some candidates appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination. The relaxation is for candidates belonging to the Reserved Category. The Reserved Category includes candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It also includes candidates from the PwD (person with disability) category. Please read this pointer for more information.
Is there an upper age limit relaxation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination?
Yes, in case the candidates appearing for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, there is an upper age limit relaxation by 5 years. Please read this pointer for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Maharashtra Judicial Service (JMFC) exam : vacancies
How frequently does the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam release vacancies?
Well, there is no straight-jacket answer to this question; however, as per the trends, the vacancies have been witnessed to be released yearly. Further, the period depends on the requirements of the Bombay High Court and the Judicial system.
How can one apply for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam?
Usually, the applicants have to apply for the Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam in online mode as per the directions given in the official Notification and register accordingly.
How many vacancies for the post of Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam have been released for 2023?
As per the official Notification, a total of 114 vacancies have been released for the post of Maharashtra Judicial Service Exam in 2023.
What is the selection process for JMFC vacancies?
The selection process for the JMFC vacancies has multiple stages, namely
- Preliminary Exam,
- Mains Exam, and
- Interview round.
Each of these stages is discussed in detail above, along with the syllabus.
Words of motivation
Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed“. Certainly, the path to success goes through overcoming all the failures in life and in the field of the judiciary, as well. In life, we may think success is often painted as a smooth and effortless journey, but the truth is quite the opposite. Wherever, you feel demotivated in your journey to become a judicial officer, always remember the powerful words from Jordan, and always remember that failure is an inevitable part of the route to success. A judicial candidate must remember that behind every triumph lies a trail of disappointments and setbacks; and it is during such moments that we actually grow and learn as a person.
So, instead of letting such setbacks define us, a candidate must use these failures as a stepping stone to progress, just like Michael Jordan, who did not allow his failures and shortcomings to discourage or demotivate him; instead, he used them as fuel to improve his skills. In your journey as a judicial aspirant, too, never shy away from hard work or taking that game-winning shot (in this case, attempting the exam), even if you miss (in this case, do not succeed in the first attempt). Try, try, till you succeed! You can do it!
Please remember, it’s not about how many times one falls that defines them, it’s all about how many times you got back up and kept moving forward and above! So get up and start working towards your goals! All the best!
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