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All about West Bengal Judiciary (WBJS) exam

July 10, 2023

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This article is written by Satyaki Deb (Associate, iPleaders) and edited by Vanshika Kapoor (Senior Managing Editor, Blog iPleaders). This article will cover in detail eligibility criteria, syllabus, previous years’ question papers, application process, books to refer, tips and tricks for preparation, previous years’ cut-offs, and a ton of FAQs that you might have in mind while preparing for the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination.

Table of Contents

Overview of the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam

Law graduates who wish to become members of the subordinate judiciary in West Bengal should write the entry-level exam, which is the Judiciary Exam or the PCS (J) – Provincial Civil Service (Judicial Examination).

This exam is uniformly divided into 3 stages across all states in India, namely:

Preliminary;
Mains; and
Interview.

The West Bengal State Government, through the State Public Service Commission, under the supervision of the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court, appoints members of the subordinate judiciary.

The selection process is further dependent on yearly vacancies/ number of seats.

Judicial services offer several attractive perks that include a handsome salary and privileges, including, among others: rent-free accommodation, fuel allowances, subsidised electricity and water supplies, telephone allowances, reimbursement for medical expenses, etc.

Eligibility criteria to appear for West Bengal Judicial Services Exam

A candidate needs to fulfil ALL the following eligibility criteria to appear for the WBJS examination:

A citizen of India, or such a person of other nationality as declared eligible by the Government of India;
A degree in Law from any University, or Institution affiliated with any University recognized by the State Government, or the Central Government;
Enrolment as an advocate in the roll of the Bar Council of any State or Union Territory in India on the date of advertisement for the examination. The candidate must fit in the definition of an advocate as envisaged under Section 49 of the Advocates Act, 1961, and as interpreted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Dipak Agarwal vs. Keshab Koushik (2013);
Ability to read, write, and speak in Bengali (not required for those candidates whose mother tongue is Nepali).
The candidate should possess good health and character, and suitability for appointment to government service in all respects. This means that the candidate should not have his or her name in criminal case(s), should not be a bankrupt or insolvent person, etc.

Age criteria to appear for the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam

A candidate needs to fall under ANY of the following age criteria to appear for the WBJS examination:

Age criteria for general candidates

The candidate should not be less than 23 years and not more than 35 years on the date of advertisement for examination. For example:- If the date of advertisement for the examination is 30.12.2022, then the candidate should not be born earlier than 31.12.1987 and not later than 30.12.1999.

Age criteria for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates

The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC & ST candidates, by 3 years for O.B.C. (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, and up to 45 years of age for Persons with Disabilities having a physical disability of 40% and above.

Age criteria for government employee candidates

A candidate can also claim age relaxation as a government employee by 2 years provided he or she has been in government service for two years, but in such case, the appointing authority should provide a certificate showing continuous service by the candidate under the government, and the same should be produced as and when demanded. For example:- An Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) can claim these 2 years of age relaxation if he or she has been continuously serving in such government capacity for at least 2 years.

Document required for age proof

For determining eligibility with regard to age, only the birthdate mentioned in the candidate’s Madhyamik (Class X Boards) or equivalent exams is considered. No other age proof will be accepted in this regard.

Is there any limit on the number of attempts for the WBJS Exam

Candidates do not have unlimited attempts to appear for the WBJS examination. The attempt limit for appearing in the WBJS Examination are as follows:

General candidates can appear a maximum of three times.
Candidates who belong to SC/ST/O.B.C. can appear a maximum of five times.

Please note: All other candidates can appear no more than three times.

Syllabus and exam pattern for the WBJS exam

WBJS Preliminary Examination

To check previous years’ Preliminary West Bengal Judicial Services exam question papers, click here.

The Preliminary Examination will consist of one Objective Type paper containing 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There are no optional questions in these 200 questions. The question booklet shall have instructions on how to attempt all the questions, and all 200 questions have one mark each.

The paper will carry 200 marks, with a negative marking of 0.33 marks (i.e., one-third negative marking). The negative marking scheme shall also be printed on the front page of the question booklet containing MCQs. The time allotted to complete this exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The standard of the prelims examination is as expected of any graduate in law from any recognized university.

A thorough division of the syllabus-to-marks ratio is given below, and the prelims paper shall include questions covering these areas:

English Composition: 30 marks
General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Test of Reasoning: 40 marks
Indian Constitution: 20 marks
Law of Contracts and Torts: 20 marks
Laws of Evidence: 20 marks
Civil Procedure Codes: 20 marks
Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Penal Code: 20 marks
Personal Law: 10 marks
Law of Limitation: 20 marks

Syllabus for English in Preliminary Examination

WBJS Mains Examination or Final Examination (Total-1100 marks)

To check previous years’ Mains West Bengal Judicial Services exam question papers, click here.

The Mains Examination will consist of eight compulsory papers and three papers on optional subjects to be chosen by the candidates from the list of Optional Subjects. These will be held conventionally, i.e., in written mode. Each compulsory and optional paper will carry 100 marks and with a time duration of 3 hours. So, comprehensively, there are 8 law papers and 3 non-law papers (1 English paper, 1 first language paper, and 1 GK and Current Affairs paper) in the final examination. This makes the total of the written papers 1100 marks (11✕100=1100).

The standard of examination for all the compulsory and optional papers shall be that of an LL.B. degree from Calcutta University. Candidates must write their papers either in English or in Bengali (unless otherwise directed in the question papers) except in the language papers.

Quick tip: Candidates should use their words judiciously and with proper clarity in all written papers because answers written with an original approach and proper economy of words will get due credit from the examiners.

Compulsory Papers

The compulsory papers in the final examination of WBJS are as follows:

English Composition, essay, and précis writing;
Bengali/Hindi/Urdu/Nepali/Santali composition, essay and translation from English into Bengali/Hindi/Urdu /Nepali/Santali;
General Knowledge and Current Affairs;
Civil Procedure Code;
Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Penal Code;
Indian Evidence Act;
Law of Contracts and Torts; and
Transfer of Property Act.

Optional Papers (any three to be chosen)

Candidates need to choose any three from the following list of optional papers:

Hindu Law;
Muhammadan Law;
Jurisprudence and principles of legislation;
Indian Law relating to Companies and Insurance;
Principles of Equity, including the Law of Trusts and Specific Relief;
Partnership Act;
Law of Limitation and Law of Prescription; and
The Indian Constitution and Constitutional Law.

Interview/ Personality Test (100 marks)

This particular part of the examination will include questions ranging from both national and international issues. The subjects in the mains (final) exam are also included in the interview. The candidates are also observed for how they respond to the questions under pressure.

Deduction of marks in the West Bengal Judiciary Exam

Candidates need to be very mindful of the following:

In the Preliminary Examination, for every 3 wrong answers, 1 mark will be deducted. In other words, there shall be a one-third negative marking scheme.

For example:- A candidate who has made 10 wrong answers in the prelims will have a penalty of 10✕0.33 marks, i.e., 3.3 marks.

In the Mains or Final Examination, 10% of the full marks in the instant paper shall be deducted from the total marks obtained by the candidate if the candidate has disclosed his/her identity by writing his/her name, roll number, or any identifying marks anywhere in the answer book other than the space provided in the answer scripts, if any.

Final Merit List of the West Bengal Judiciary Exam

Candidates should note that the preliminary examination (or prelims examination, as it is known in common parlance) is only a qualifying examination. In other words, marks obtained in the prelims shall not be counted when making the final merit list of WBJS.

Only the total marks obtained in the Mains or Final examination and the Personality Test cumulatively shall be used for the final merit list. So, the total marks are 1200 (1100 marks for written exams + 100 marks for the interview).

There are no separate qualifying marks for each written paper in the Main examination and the Personality Test. The State Public Service Commission reserves the right to determine the qualifying marks as an aggregate. The State Commission publishes on its official site the final merit list, usually in 1–2 months’ time from the interview.

It should also be noted that the final merit list of selected candidates is only provisional in nature and subject to the fulfilment of eligibility criteria, document verification, police verification, etc.

How to apply for the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam

Before we look at the steps to apply for the WBJS Examination, let us look at the fee structure for the same.

Fees for the WBJS Examination

The application fee for online payment through debit/credit card is Rs. 210/- (Rupees two hundred ten only) plus a service charge of 1% of the Examination Fee, subject to a minimum of Rs. 5/- (Rupees Five only). For Net Banking, there is a service charge/ GST as applicable, which is considered as the Government Duty or Service Charge of Rs. 5/- (Rupees Five only). Alternatively, for payment through the Bank Counter (offline payment), there is a service charge of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only).

However, SC/ST candidates of West Bengal and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) with a physical disability of 40% and above are exempted from paying any fee. OBC candidates, on the other hand, are required to pay the usual fee mentioned above. Please note that SC/ST candidates from other states are not eligible for fee exemption. Refunds for the fee or reserving it for other examinations will not be entertained.

Steps to fill out the West Bengal Judiciary application form

The following are the steps to be followed for applying to the WBJS Examination:

Step 1: Create a new login ID for new candidates

All new candidates, meaning those who are appearing for the first time, are required to register as a “New User” and enrol on the official website of the West Bengal State Public Service Commission before proceeding to fill out the West Bengal Judicial Services Application Form.

Next, the candidates need to provide the following essential details to create a login ID:

– Full Name

– Date of Birth

– Mobile Number

– Email ID

It is also recommended to make a note of the password used for creating the login ID.

Once the above steps are followed, the candidate should press the “submit” button. After successfully completing the registration process, the applicant’s login credentials will be sent to the registered email address.

It is advisable for the applicant to mark this email as important for future reference.

Kindly note: The email address and date of birth entered during the new candidate registration process will be used to log in to the website when filling out the West Bengal Judiciary application form online.

Step 2: Filling the West Bengal Judicial Service Exam application form

Log in using the credentials (login ID and password) that were sent to your registered email address. Select the option of the ‘Existing User’ tab to proceed with completing the application process.

Once logged in, you will receive a verification code. Please enter the code and select the ‘Submit’ option.

Carefully fill in all the required details in the form. It’s important to note that your eligibility for the exam will be determined based on the information you provide. Pay extra attention while filling out the form, especially when providing details such as qualifications and caste.

After entering the required details, provide additional relevant information, including your preferred examination centre, parent’s details, gender, nationality, academic information, residential address, and contact details.

Once all the details are entered, click on the ‘SAVE’ button to save your progress and complete the application form.

If you happen to notice any errors in the details you entered, you can log in again using the same Email ID and Date of Birth. Once you make the necessary changes, be sure to click on the ‘SAVE’ icon.

Step 3: Uploading photograph and signature

Following the previous steps, you will need to upload your photograph and signature. Here are some tips to consider:

Photograph

– Ensure the photograph is a recent passport-size coloured image.

– The image should be in colour, taken against a light-coloured background (preferably white), and without any dark shadows.

– If you wear glasses, make sure there are no reflections on the lenses or glass. Also, ensure your ears are clearly visible in the photograph.

– Avoid wearing dark glasses, caps, hats, etc. However, religious headwear is permitted as long as it does not cover your face.

– Scan and upload the photograph in .jpg/.jpeg format, with a file size ranging from 50-100 kb.

– After uploading the photograph, click on the ‘Next’ button to continue the application process.

Signature

– Make your signature on a white paper using a black pen.

– Scan only the signature portion, not the entire page.

– The image size should not exceed 50 kb.

– It is important to note that the uploaded signature will be compared with the one made on the answer sheet during the written test and interview. Therefore, ensure your signature matches to avoid any complications.

– Scan and upload the signature in .jpg/.jpeg format, with a file size ranging from 20-50 kb.

Step 4: Making payment of the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination application fee, 2023

Candidates can pay the application fee for the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination through a debit card or net banking. It is advisable to have your debit card or internet banking information readily available before making the payment.

The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category (general or reserved), which will be further explained in the above passages. To complete the process, candidates can obtain a printout of the online West Bengal Judiciary application form by selecting the ‘Already Logged In Candidate’ option.

How to check the results for WBJS Exam

To check the results for the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the West Bengal State Public Service Commission.

2. Look for the “Results” or “Examination Results” section on the website.

3. Click on the link provided for the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination with respect to the advertisement number of your exam. For example- if you appeared for WBJS 2022, the results of the same will be displayed with the corresponding advertisement no. 19/2022.

4. You will be redirected to a new page or a PDF file containing the list of qualified candidates.

5. Search for your name or roll number in the list to see if you have qualified.

6. If your name appears on the list, congratulations! You have passed the examination.

7. Make sure to save a copy of the result or take a printout for future reference.

Tips and tricks to prepare for the West Bengal Judicial Services Preliminary Exam

The candidates should follow the following tips in order to maximise their chances of clearing the WBJS Preliminary Exam:-

Reading English and Bengali newspapers, general knowledge, and recent judgments on a daily basis would increase one’s knowledge and greatly help the candidate in the WBJS prelims examination as well as the general knowledge and current affairs will help in the mains examination.
Time management is a very important skill that all aspirants must practise. No matter which year of law school the candidate is in or even if the candidate is in his or her drop year, proper time management skills will not only help the candidate in their preparation but will also help the candidate in finishing all answers properly in the examination hall. Proper weekly mock tests and periodical feedback from mentors will go a long way in honing the time management skills of the candidates.
Finish marking your correct options in the MCQs (Prelims exam) in the Question Paper first to avoid any confusion later in the OMR sheet.
If you are marking the answers in the Question Paper first, then try and finish it at least 1 ½ hours before because darkening the circles in the OMR sheet takes at least 1 hour for an average student with good handwriting speed. Even if you know all the correct answers, failing to keep up with time will lead to an incomplete OMR sheet, which happens with most of the students appearing for the first time. To check your speed, give a lot of Mock tests for the Preliminary Exam.
There is a negative marking of one-third marks for every wrong answer of the candidate. So, candidates should only answer those questions that they are sure of or can make calculated guesses.
Read the Admit Card well to understand what documents and other requirements you need to meet for your Exam. An admit card for WBJS is given for each stage of the exam. There will be a separate Admit Card for Prelims, a separate one for Mains, and a separate one for the Personality Test.
Candidates should read the WBJS exam announcement by the State Public Service Commission thoroughly and understand the syllabus, the schemes, and every other nuance mentioned in the same.
Don’t waste your full year only preparing for the Preliminary Exam. You have to start preparing for the Preliminary and Mains together, as the duration between Prelims and Mains is too short for preparing and clearing the Mains.

Tips and tricks to prepare for the West Bengal Judicial Services Mains or final exam

The candidates should follow the following tips in order to maximise their chances of clearing the mains or final examination:-

The Mains preparation should be started along with the preliminary examination’s preparation and not be left for the short time between the preliminary and final examinations. Infact, a candidate would benefit from a ‘Reverse Preparation’ technique where they will prepare for the Mains first, which will automatically prepare them for the Prelims and they will be able to complete their massive Mains syllabus too.
The question paper pattern should be followed for the last ten years, and optional papers should be chosen based on past exam patterns and the strong suites of the candidates. It is always advisable to choose to score papers.
Since the syllabus of the eleven papers of the mains examination is like an ocean, it is quite easily possible to feel overwhelmed or lost during the preparation phase. In such situations, one should remind themselves of the reasons why they set out on this long and glorious journey in the first place. Thereafter, they should use the past year’s question papers, especially those of the last ten years, as a compass to guide them during this long journey that tests the mettle of every candidate. Remember, it is not at all about who knows the most laws; it is about who can know the most laws and apply them while handling the pressure of such a long preparation phase that spans over for at least a year and usually more.
The mains or written examination, checks the candidates’ subject matter clarity and also their ability to use such knowledge and skills in a very hectic routine. This is because the written examinations are conducted mostly in two shifts: one in the morning and one in the afternoon, in a back-to-back manner, almost every day with a rare exception to national or state holidays in between.
The candidates should mentally prepare themselves to endure this hectic schedule from the very beginning of their preparation and when they take the weekly mock tests, it is highly recommended that they take such mocks in a similar manner. In other words, if two mock examinations are taken in a week, they should ideally be arranged on the same day of the week. For example:- The Indian Evidence Act mock can be taken in the morning shift (09.00 AM – 12.00 PM) and CrPC and IPC paper mock can be taken in the afternoon shift (02.00 PM – 05.00 PM) on the same Saturday.
Since the standard of examination in the Law papers (both Compulsory and Optional) will be that of the LL.B. Degree of Calcutta University, it is highly recommended that the candidates start their preparation by looking at the semester question papers of Calcutta University and gradually move onto the past year question papers of the Mains examination.
For English and First Language preparation, reading the editorials of newspapers and solving essays in the line of past year’s questions will greatly increase your abilities in them. But do not stress too much about the language papers and mess up your preparation of the eight law papers. Remember that you can have a bad exam or even a bad day of two exams in the mains, but it is important to stay optimistic and focus on the upcoming exams.

Tips and tricks to prepare for the Personality Test or WBJS Interview

The candidates should follow the following tips in order to maximise their chances of clearing the personality test or interview:-

Wear formal attire with colours that are pleasing to the eyes. Remember, your knowledge has already been tested in the Mains examination, and you are in the interview where your personality is going to be judged.
In the personality test, one is judged on the confidence and ability to effectively communicate and manifest their commitment to the post. It shall include, both legal and personal questions, which a candidate must prepare for from the very beginning.
Practise mock interviews with your mentors or friends who can give you constructive feedback. Also, ensure to practise speaking in front of mirrors.
Revise your study notes as much as possible and stress on latest legal developments, if any. Also, prefer to read that day’s newspaper at least before going to the interview.
Avoid looking up at the ceiling when thinking or constructing your answer, instead, it is always better to gaze a little downward while you are formulating your answer mentally, if you need time to answer.
Never bluff the interview panel. The interview panel usually consists of the State Public Service Commission Chairman, High Court Justices, members of the Higher Judiciary, etc. If you lie, bluff, or argue with them in an unprofessional manner, you will greatly diminish your chances, and you surely don’t want that.
If you do not know the answer to any question or are not entirely sure about the correct answer, apologise and do not beat around the bush.

Previous years’ cut-offs for the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam

The following are some of the cut-offs for the last few years in the WBJS examination:-

WBJS Prelims cut-off

2022 prelims cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks
General	94.22
OBC-A	90.19
OBC-B	89.42
SC	84.19
ST	68.56
PwBD	27.52

2021 prelims cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks	No. of candidates
General	123.67	91 (including 6 OBC-A, 5 BC-B, 4 SC & 1 PH-OH)
OBC-A	84.67	20
OBC-B	95.67	10
SC	93.33	20 (including 1 PH-OH)

2020 prelims cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks
General	95.3333
OBC-A	64.3333
OBC-B	69.3333
SC	69.6667
ST	68.3333
PH (LD & HI)	28.0000

2019 prelims cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks
General	72.64
OBC-A	64.24
OBC-B	72.64
SC	72.64
ST	52.42
PH (LD & HI)	54.37

WBJS Mains or Final cut-off

2020 Mains or Final cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks (out of 1100 )
Unreserved (UR)	565.0
OBC-A	525.5
OBC-B	524.5
SC	531.0
ST	512.5
PH (LD & HI)	402.0

2019 Mains or Final cut-off

Category	Cut-off marks (out of 1100 )
General	539.0
OBC-A	516.0
OBC-B	539.0
SC	522.5
ST	514.5
PH-HI	464.5
PH-OH	462.5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on West Bengal Judicial Services Examination

How is WBJS examination held?

The WBJS examination is held in three stages, viz-

the preliminary examination (qualifying or screening test only);
the mains or final examination (written examination); and
the personality test or the interview.

The marks obtained in the prelims are not considered for the final merit list. The final merit list is decided based on the total marks obtained by the candidates in the mains or final examination and the personality test.

What is the timeline of the WBJS examination?

The whole process of the examination takes about a year to complete. Though the day, date, month and the gap between the 3 stages (prelims, mains and interview) of the WBJS exam cannot be predicted, still according to the WBJS exams held previously, a tentative timeline can be predicted.

Before COVID, the notification of WBJS exams used to come in the month of February-March. Generally, the prelims exam is held within a month and the result for the same is published within 10 days. The Mains exam is thereafter held within 30 days after the publication of the results of the prelims exam. The result for Mains Exam is published within 2 months of the Mains Exam and Interview is held within 20-30 days after the publication of the Mains results. This was the case before COVID.

After COVID, since every exam schedule was disturbed due to lockdown, we saw a change in the timeline of WBJS, too, when the notification for the 2022 WBJS Exam came in December last year and the Preliminary Exam was held on 26^th March, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm. with centres in Kolkata and Darjeeling. The Mains was held from 4^th May, 2023 to 13^th May, 2023.

The interview will probably take place in the month of September-October. The results i.e., the final merit list can come out by November end.

What is the exam pattern of the 3 stages of the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam?

The marks pattern and the time-limit distributed in the above-mentioned 3 stages of WBJS are as follows:

	Stage of examination	Type of questions	No. of Papers	Duration	No. of Questions	Full Marks
1.	Preliminary Exam	Objective or Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ Type)	Only 1	2 ½ hrs	200 MCQS(Details given above)	200 Marks
2.	Mains or Final Examination	Conventional Type – Written or Subjective Exam	8 Compulsory Paper & 3 Optional Papers (Making it to Total of 11 Papers)	Each paper for 3 hrs	Details given above.	Each Paper will carry 100 Marks (Total Marks in MAINS is 1100 Marks)
3.	Personality Test	Interview	–	Depends but Generally from 15 mins to an hour ( Can be less or more)		100 Marks

What is the format of WBJS Preliminary Exam?

The Preliminary Exam will consist of one paper of Objective Type containing 200 MCQS. The paper will carry 200 marks and will be of 2 ½ hours’ duration. There shall be a negative marking of 0.33 marks for every wrong answer. In other words, there shall be a one-third negative marking scheme. Every MCQ shall have four options (A, B, C and D) out of which the candidate has to choose the right or best option.

The question paper booklet will have various sets to avoid cheating in the examination hall. The negative marking scheme will be written in bold on the front page of the question paper booklet.

What is the syllabus for West Bengal Judicial Services Preliminary Exam?

The prelims paper shall include questions covering these areas:

English Composition: 30 marks
General Knowledge, Current Affairs and Test of Reasoning: 40 marks
Indian Constitution: 20 marks
Law of Contracts and Torts: 20 marks
Laws of Evidence: 20 marks
Civil Procedure Codes: 20 marks
Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Penal Code: 20 marks
Personal Law: 10 marks
Law of Limitation: 20 marks

Questions on English Composition will cover synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, vocabulary tests, phrasal verbs, the same words bearing more than one meaning, use of appropriate and qualifying words etc. The standard of the prelims examination is as expected of any graduate in law from any recognized university.

Is there a provision for negative marking in WBJS Preliminary Exam?

There shall be a one-third negative marking scheme in the WBJS preliminary examination. Every correct answer carries 1 mark equally. So, there shall be a negative marking of 0.33 marks for every wrong answer. In other words, for example: If a candidate answers 120 questions correctly and 10 questions incorrectly out of the total 200 questions, his or her prelims marks will be calculated as follows- [(120×1)-(10×0.33)]=(120-3.33)=116.67

Is there any specific rule followed in WBJS Preliminary Examination?

Candidates should note that they should use only Black Ball Point Pen to darken the circle in the OMR sheet against the corresponding correct option of the question booklet deemed right or best by the candidate. One and only one circle is to be fully blackened for an answer. Any spot in another circle (multiple circles) or in the wrong circle will be considered to be the wrong answer and will result in a negative marking. It should also be remembered that the use of whiteners is strictly prohibited. OMR sheets should not be folded in any manner as the same may result in creases or smudging of ink from filled options and may lead to errors in the calculation of marks.

What is the format for WBJS Mains (Final) Examination?

The Final examination will consist of eight compulsory papers and three papers on optional subjects to be chosen by the candidates from the list of Optional Subjects. Each compulsory and Optional paper will carry 100 marks and will be of three hours duration. So, basically, there shall be eight law papers in total and three non-law papers (1 English paper, 1 first language paper and 1 GK & Current Affairs paper). The exams are held in two halves and are mostly scheduled back-to-back. For example:- the Mains exam will start with First Language Examination from 09.00 AM – 12 PM and English will start from 02.00 PM-05.00 PM on the same day. The very next day will have GK and Current Affairs paper in the morning shift and CPC (Civil Procedure Code) paper in the afternoon shift. The exams mostly continue in a back-to-back fashion like this.

What is the marking scheme for WBJS Mains (Final) Examination?

There are 11 papers total in the WBJS Mains (Final) Examination, and each paper has full marks of 100 marks. So, the total mark is 11×100=1100.

How should I prepare my answers for the West Bengal Judicial Services Mains Exam?

The standard of examination in Law papers (both Compulsory and Optional) will be that of the LL.B. Degree from Calcutta University. All answers must be written either in English or in Bengali (unless otherwise directed in the question papers) except in the language papers. Candidates should use their words judiciously and with proper clarity in all written papers because answers written with an original approach and proper economy of words will get due credit from the examiners.

Is there any specific rule followed in the West Bengal Judicial Services Mains Exam?

In the Mains or Final Examination, 10% of the full marks in the instant paper shall be deducted from the total marks obtained by the candidate if the candidate has disclosed his/her identity by writing his/her name or roll number or any identifying marks anywhere in the answer book other than the space provided in the answer scripts, if any.

How to start preparing for the West Bengal Judiciary Exam?

The candidates should ideally start their preparation as early as possible, preferably from the first or second year of law school, to increase their chances of selection. But this does not mean that law students who are in their senior years at law school or have taken drop years or are practising in courts should lose hope, thinking that the judiciary exam is beyond their capabilities. No matter what level the candidate is in, the day the candidate decides to sit for the judicial examination (provided the eligibility criteria are met), the candidate should sincerely start preparing for the examination in an optimistic manner. There are many instances where candidates crack examinations in their final third attempts or crack after they have taken a gap year or under very difficult circumstances. Staying optimistic and preparing with your best efforts is the most important factor because best efforts may not give the best results, but best efforts never go in vain.
The preparation for the preliminary and Mains examinations should be taken in a parallel manner and comprehensively. The last ten years’ papers of the preliminary and the Mains examinations should be thoroughly referred to by the candidates and the patterns of the same should be noted down. Thereafter, preparation must be taken comprehensively based on such patterns of the past ten years.
Proper weekly mock tests and periodical feedback from mentors should be taken by the candidates to measure their progress. It must be remembered that judicial preparation for WBJS is like a marathon and not a sprint. So, the candidates should pace themselves and prepare accordingly for the entire duration of their preparation from the start till the interview date.

What things to keep in mind during the West Bengal Judiciary Exam?

The following things should be kept in mind during the WBJS examination:-

No answer should be marked blindly in the preliminary examination, as the prelims exam has a high penalty of 0.33 marks for every wrong answer. In such highly competitive examinations like this, for mere decimals of marks, many candidates lose out on their dreams every year. So, only the choices where the candidates are certain or can make strategic or calculated guesses should only be attempted based on individual preparation level.
The candidates should not forget to carry their admit cards to the examination hall. A candidate without an admit card will not be permitted to take the examination.
Candidates must enter the examination venue as mentioned in their admit cards. Candidates shall not be allowed to enter the examination halls of other venues under any circumstances.
In the preliminary examination, the candidates must use only Black Ball Point Pen to darken their answers in the OMR sheets. Pencils or other types of pens should not be used under any circumstances. The OMR sheets should not be folded in any manner by the candidates as the same can result in smudges or can cause creases which can result in erroneous marks while being mechanically checked. For any such errors caused, the candidate alone shall be responsible. Also, the use of whiteners on OMR sheets is strictly prohibited.
The candidate should in no manner disclose his or her identity in the answer script other than the place designated for the same, if any. Otherwise, 10% of the full marks in the instant paper shall be deducted from the total marks obtained by such a candidate.
The candidates should revise everything in advance and leave nothing for the final day revision. This is because every day, two papers will be conducted in the Mains written examination and the same can get very hectic. Only minor or very efficient revisions are possible on exam eves.
The candidates must obey the exam invigilators or supervisors under all circumstances and any disorderly or improper conduct by any candidate can result in expulsion from the examination hall and further disciplinary action can be taken by the State Public Service Commission as they deem fit if such candidate is reported against by the Supervisor of the examination centre. In worst-case scenarios, such a candidate can be banned from future examinations of the Commission and/ or may even face criminal charges.
The use of mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices or any communication devices as such is strictly prohibited and if caught, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the candidate including banning in the present and future examinations.
Candidates should cooperate with the examination invigilators when they are frisked for mobile phones before their entry into the examination halls. Separate arrangements will be made for male and female candidates.
In the conventional papers i.e., the Mains or final examination consisting of all the 11 written papers, answers should be given in chronological order.
In the conventional papers i.e., the Mains or final examination, the candidates must write in either English or Bengali unless otherwise directed in the question paper. Whatever language is chosen by the candidate, that same language should be used throughout the answer paper. Please note, a candidate cannot write some answers to the CPC paper in English and some answers in Bengali.
No form of canvassing is permitted in this examination. If any party or parties (even if the same is a government official or agency) on behalf of any candidate attempts to enlist support for the candidate, then such recommendations will be disregarded and such candidates will be deemed ineligible for appointment.

What is the question pattern for the West Bengal Judicial Services Mains or Final Exam?

The Mains question papers are usually divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. For those papers like the Law of Contracts and Torts paper, Group A deals with Contract Law and Group B deals with Torts. Similarly, the Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Penal Code will have two groups, where Group A deals with CrPC and Group B deals with IPC. For those papers which have one statute like the Civil Procedure Code paper, it will also have two groups: Group A and Group B. Usually, the Group A questions are long answer questions as compared to those of Group B.

Most questions are compulsory in them. The scope of options is very limited to almost nil. It is highly recommended that candidates go through the last 10-year papers and analyse the trends in the mains papers in a subject-wise manner.

What are the eligibility criteria for the WBJS Exam?

The following are the eligibility criteria for the WBJS examination:-

A citizen of India;
A degree in law from any university;
Enrolled as an advocate; and
Ability to read, write and speak in Bengali.

The detailed eligibility criteria are available here.

Do the candidates require any medical examination?

Any selected candidate on the final merit list must appear before a medical board for their certificate of fitness for government service in the form prescribed for the service.

How can I edit my application for WBJS examination?

The applicants would be allowed to edit some of the fields. The Edit Window may be accessed by the applicants by logging into their individual accounts at https://wbpsc.gov.in.

All applicants are advised to verify the details provided in the online application very carefully and applicants are particularly advised to obtain a printout of the form to identify the discrepancies, if any. Applicants willing to change their address may first change the same in the Profile Section and then use the Edit option. The Edit option can be availed only once during the aforesaid period. No request for any change would be entertained after the above-mentioned period.

Can I change my WBJS Exam application form after submission?

Application forms cannot be changed after the final closure of the edit window in the portal. So, it is highly recommended that candidates do not leave things for the last moment as at the last moment, servers of the State Public Service Commission can crash, payment of exam fees may fail due to bank link failures or server issues etc.

After the final closure of the edit window, no candidate can change anything in their applications, including their candidature types. So, if any candidate wants to apply as SC/ST/O.B.C. (Non-Creamy Layer), they should do so before the edit window finally closes, as the State Public Service Commission will not entertain any such requests later.

How can I contact the State Public Service Commission with any queries related to the WBJS Exam?

Candidate can get in touch with the State Public Service Commission for any assistance on any working days between 11.00 AM to 04.00 PM in the following manner:

On (033) 4003-5104 (for queries related to Online Payment);
The help desk can be contacted on 9163129676 or 9163129722 for technical queries; and
Emails can also be sent to [email protected].

What is the percentage required for attempting the West Bengal Judicial Services Exam?

Till now there is no such requirement with respect to marks or CGPA of the candidates. Any candidate who fulfils the eligibility criteria mentioned here can appear for the WBJS examination.

What is the minimum and maximum age limit for appearing in the West Bengal Judiciary Exam?

The minimum age is 22 years and the maximum age is 35 years (Relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit for SC/ST/OBC). The detailed age criteria for appearing in the WBJS examination are discussed here.

How much salary and allowances are paid to the selected candidates of the West Bengal Judiciary?

The general pay scale of a West Bengal Civil Judge Junior Division is in the pay scale of Rs.27,700-770-33090-920-40450-1080-44770/-. In addition to the basic salary, other allowances like fuel allowances, transport allowances, etc., are also paid to the lower judiciary judges from time to time.

Can I sit for any other state’s judicial service examination while aiming for WBJS?

Since the WBJS candidates must be able to write and speak in Bengali (other than Nepali-speaking candidates), it is highly advisable that the candidates also target Tripura Judicial Service Examination as the same also has Bengali language criteria and a similar syllabus.

What are the provisions for physically disabled candidates in WBJS Exam?

Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities who have limitations in writing, including speed, may be allowed the assistance of a Scribe if required. PwBD candidates are encouraged to bring their own Scribes for convenience.

The Scribe should possess an educational qualification one step below that of the candidates taking the examination. PwBD candidates opting for their own Scribe must provide the details of the Scribe as per the proforma provided by the Commission during the examination. For individuals in the category of Benchmark Disabilities, the provision of a Scribe can be allowed upon submission of a certificate from the Chief Medical Officer/Medical Superintendent of a Government healthcare institution. This certificate should state that the person has a physical limitation in writing and that a Scribe is essential to write the examination on their behalf. The proforma for this certificate can be found in APPENDIX-I (available at the end of the official advertisement).The facility of a Scribe is available to any person with Benchmark Disability as defined under Section 2(r) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, who has limitations in writing, including speed (except for persons suffering from Blindness or Cerebral Palsy, as they are exempted from the reservation for the post). In the case of persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the category of Locomotor Disability (both arms affected – BA), the facility of a Scribe shall be given if requested by the person. It’s important to note that the engagement of a Scribe will not be accepted after the final submission of the application (i.e., after the closing date for the “Edit Window”). As much as possible, a single Scribe may be used, except for language papers.

Is any compensatory time provided for candidates with benchmark disabilities in WBJS?

Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) who have limitations in writing, including speed (excluding individuals with Blindness or Cerebral Palsy, as they are exempted from reservation), and provide a valid ‘APPENDIX-I’ certificate, will be granted compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour during the examination.

Can a practising lawyer apply for the West Bengal Judicial Services Examination?

Certainly, a practising lawyer can apply for the West Bengal Judicial Services Examination, given that they fulfil the eligibility criteria and adhere to the age limit (as mentioned earlier). Additionally, it is important to highlight that in order to appear for the Higher Judiciary Examination, the lawyer must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in advocacy.

What are some noteworthy pointers to consider while dealing with the process of applying for the West Bengal Judiciary Examination?

The application forms will be made available on the official website of the West Bengal State Public Service Commission and aspiring candidates who intend to appear for the examination should keep the following aspects in mind while filling out the form:

1. Provide accurate information in the required fields of the form.

2. Ensure that scanned passport-size photographs are uploaded correctly.

3. Pay the prescribed examination fee as per the guidelines discussed below.

4. Submit the form once all the necessary information has been duly entered.

5. It is advisable to take a printout of the application form for future reference.

6. Unless specified otherwise, there is no need to send a hard copy of the application to any authorities.

If I aspire to become a judge, should I still pursue internships? What type of internships should I consider?

Certainly, pursuing internships can be beneficial even for those aspiring to become judges. It is recommended to start with internships at district courts, followed by opportunities in High Courts, and if possible, even in the Supreme Court working under an advocate. Additionally, one can also consider applying for judicial clerkships while preparing for judicial examinations. These internships provide valuable insights into the functioning of the courts, the daily procedures involved in resolving disputes, and other essential aspects of the judicial system.

How many mock tests should I undertake for the WBJS exam, and where can I access them?

It is highly recommended to practise a substantial number of mock tests for the preliminary examination. As the saying goes, the more you practise, the better. Mock tests can be obtained online through various platforms dedicated to exam preparation. Additionally, there are numerous books available in the market specifically designed for mock tests, offering ample resources for practice and preparation. At least 3 to 4 mocks a month is sufficient and in the final month before the exam, at least 8-10 full-length mocks should be taken by the candidate. It must be noted that all results of the mock examinations should be carefully analysed by the candidate so that the student can learn from mistakes.

How long will it take to prepare for the WBJS Examination?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it varies for each individual. However, it is advisable to commence preparation during law school itself. Industry experts suggest the following timelines as a general guideline:

Five-year course

Ideally, for students pursuing a five-year course, it is recommended to start judicial preparation in the 4th or 5th year.

Three-year course

For students pursuing a three-year course, it is ideal to begin judicial preparation in the 2nd year.

However, it’s important to note that the duration of preparation may differ for each candidate. Success in the field of law depends on factors such as the candidate’s level of understanding, ability to interpret laws, and overall knowledge of the legal domain.

What factors should be considered when selecting a judiciary course to excel in the West Bengal Judicial Services Examination?

Before enrolling in a judiciary course, it is crucial for a candidate to verify that the coaching classes or online classes they are considering offer comprehensive coaching on the local laws of West Bengal in addition to the core subjects. Additionally, if a candidate intends to appear for examinations in other states as well, it is important to ensure that the course provides guidance and support for those state-specific exams. That is why LawSikho offers its own Judiciary course (Lord of the Courses), which includes content tailored to each state and is taught by experts in the field of judiciary. This course can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of success in the examination.

What are the recommended books for the WBJS Examination?

Firstly, candidates should follow the last ten years’ question papers for all the compulsory and selected optional papers. Bare Acts of these relevant papers should be followed too.

Secondly, besides these, the candidates can follow the following list of books in their preparation.

Compulsory Papers For Mains

Sl .No	Subjects	Recommended Books	Full Marks
1	Civil Procedure Code	Bare act of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 Civil Procedure, Limitation and Commercial Courts by C.K. Takwani. Universal’s The Code Of Civil Procedure, 1908 The Code of Civil Procedure 5th edition by Avtar Singh. Code Of Civil Procedure by Dr. Ashok K. Jain MULLA – CPC – The Code of Civil Procedure – 20th Edition – Set of 3 Volume – LexisNexis.	100
2	Criminal Procedure Code	The Bare Act Criminal Procedure – R.V. Kelkar’s Criminal Procedure	50
3	Indian Penal Code	The Bare Act Indian Penal Code: By S.N Mishra Ratanlal & Dhirajlal : The Indian Penal Code Textbook on Indian Penal Code - K.D. Gaur	50
4	Indian Evidence Act	The Bare Act The Law Of Evidence: By Ratanlal & Dhirajlal Batuklal	100
5	Law of Contracts	Contract law bare Act Law of Contract and Specific Relief by Avtar Singh Law of Contract by R.K. Bangia Mulla’s Indian Contract Act by Sir Dinshaw Fardunji Mulla	50
6	Torts	R.K Bangia Law of Torts alongwith Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & Compensation Under Motor Vehicles Act by Dr. S.K.Kapoor THE LAW OF TORTS by Dhirajlal & Ratanlal  Paperback by Dhirajlal & Ratanlal	50
7	Transfer of Propery Act	Bare ActDr. R.K.Sinha	100

Words of motivation

Many students wonder if they are late in starting their preparation or not, or if they should consider preparing for WBJS as average students or not. The words of motivation are particularly meant for them. There is no specific time that is too early or too late to begin pursuing your passion, whether it’s in the field of judiciary or higher judicial services. Remember, nobody understands your strengths and areas for improvement better than yourself. You are the best judge of what skills you need to develop further. Embarking on this career path may not be a walk in the park, but that holds true for any other field as well. It won’t be easy, but the journey will undoubtedly be worthwhile. Whether you are average or below average, no exam is impossible as long as you are ready to put in consistent hard work during your preparation days. There is no shortcut to success, but a way made from the sweat of consistent smart hard work can lead to success. Wishing you all the best in your endeavours!

Students of Lawsikho courses regularly produce writing assignments and work on practical exercises as a part of their coursework and develop themselves in real-life practical skills.

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