UP PCS J Exam Pattern 2024-25 (UP Judiciary Pattern With PDF)

The UP Judiciary Exam Pattern is a crucial part of your preparation for the UP PCS J Exam 2024. Understanding the structure of the exam helps you plan your study schedule and focus on the right areas.

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The UP Judiciary exam consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview, each designed to test your legal knowledge, analytical skills, and personality. 

Here, we have shared the UP PCS J Exam Pattern 2024, covering the number of papers, marking scheme, duration, and key topics for each stage to help you prepare effectively.

UP Judiciary Exam Pattern: Overview

Here is a quick overview of UP PCS J exam pattern 2024-2025:

Stage

Paper

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Prelims

Paper 1

General Knowledge

150

2 hours

 

Paper 2

Law

300

2 hours

 

Total (Prelims)

 

450

4 hours

Mains 

Paper 1

General Knowledge

200

3 hours

 

Paper 2

English Language

100

3 hours

 

Paper 3

Hindi Language

100

3 hours

 

Paper 4

Law I (Substantive Law)

200

3 hours

 

Paper 5

Law II (Procedure and Evidence)

200

3 hours

 

Paper 6

Law III (Penal, Revenue, Local Laws)

200

3 hours

 

Total (Mains)

 

1000

18 hours

Interview

Personality Test, Legal Aptitude

100

30-60 minutes

Final Selection

Based on Mains + Interview

1100

 

UP Judiciary Exam Pattern: Stages

The UP Judiciary Exam 2024 is divided into three key stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Each stage plays a critical role in determining the suitability of candidates for the position of Civil Judge. Let’s know in detail how each stage contributes to the final selection:

1. Prelims Exam

The Prelims is the first stage of the UP Judiciary Exam. It consists of two papers: General Knowledge and Law. This stage is objective in nature, with multiple-choice questions.

Purpose: The Prelims serve as a qualifying round. Only those who clear the cut-off marks in the Prelims will be eligible to sit for the Mains.

Contribution to Final Selection: Marks from the Prelims are not considered in the final merit list; this stage is purely qualifying.

2. Mains Exam

The Mains is the second and most critical stage of the exam. It consists of six papers, covering both law and language subjects.

Purpose: The Mains exam tests the candidate’s depth of knowledge in law and their writing skills through subjective, descriptive questions.

Contribution to Final Selection: The marks scored in the Mains exam are essential and are considered for the final merit list, along with the Interview marks.

3. Interview

The Interview is the final stage of the UP PCS J Exam. It carries 100 marks and is conducted after the Mains results.

Purpose: The interview tests the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and legal aptitude through a face-to-face conversation with the panel.

Contribution to Final Selection: Marks obtained in the Interview are combined with the Mains marks to create the final merit list. Therefore, performance in both the Mains and Interview is crucial for the final selection.

UP Judiciary Exam Pattern (For Prelims)

Let’s discuss the UP PCS J prelims exam pattern in 2024-2025:

Paper

Subject

Marks

Duration

Negative Marking

Paper 1

General Knowledge

150

2 Hours

-0.33 per wrong answer

Paper 2

Law

300

2 Hours

-0.33 per wrong answer

Total Marks

 

450

  

Number of Papers in Prelims

The Prelims exam of UP Judiciary comprises two papers:

  1. Paper 1: General Knowledge
  2. Paper 2: Law

Marking Scheme and Duration in Prelims

  • Paper 1 (General Knowledge): 150 marks, duration: 2 hours
  • Paper 2 (Law): 300 marks, duration: 2 hours
  • Total marks for the Preliminary Exam: 450 marks

Negative Marking

There is a negative marking of 1/3rd or -0.33 marks for each incorrect answer in the UP Judiciary prelims exam.

Key Topics Covered in Each Paper of Prelims

Paper 1: General Knowledge

This paper tests a candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, and general awareness. Topics include:

  • Indian History
  • Indian Culture
  • Geography of India
  • Indian Polity
  • Current National Issues
  • Social Relevance
  • India and the World
  • Indian Economy
  • Science and Technology

Paper 2: Law

This paper focuses on a candidate’s legal knowledge and includes:

  • Jurisprudence
  • Indian Constitution
  • Transfer of Property Act
  • Indian Penal Code
  • Indian Evidence Act
  • Civil Procedure Code
  • Criminal Procedure Code
  • Law of Contract
  • International Law and Human Rights

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UP Judiciary Exam Pattern (for Mains)

The next stage is the mains exam. Let’s know about the UP PCS J mains exam pattern in 2024-2025:

Paper

Subject

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Knowledge

200

3 Hours

Paper 2

English Language

100

3 Hours

Paper 3

Hindi Language

100

3 Hours

Paper 4

Law I (Substantive Law)

200

3 Hours

Paper 5

Law II (Procedure and Evidence)

200

3 Hours

Paper 6

Law III (Penal, Revenue, Local Laws)

200

3 Hours

Total Marks

 

1000

 

Number of Papers in Mains

The UP Judiciary Mains exam consists of six papers:

  1. General Knowledge
  2. English Language
  3. Hindi Language
  4. Law I: Substantive Law
  5. Law II: Procedure and Evidence
  6. Law III: Penal, Revenue, and Local Laws

Marks Distribution and Duration

Each paper in the UP judiciary mains exam has different marks allocated, and the duration for all papers is 3 hours.

Type of Questions in UP Judiciary Mains Exam

The questions in the Mains exam are subjective and descriptive, requiring written answers. Candidates need to provide detailed explanations, cite case laws, and use legal principles in their responses.

Important Topics for Each Law Paper in Mains Exam

Law I (Substantive Law)

This paper tests knowledge of core legal concepts. Important topics include:

  • Indian Contract Act
  • Indian Partnership Act
  • Transfer of Property Act
  • Specific Relief Act
  • Hindu Law
  • Muslim Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Principles of Equity (with reference to law of trusts and specific relief)

Law II (Procedure and Evidence)

This paper covers procedural aspects of law. Key topics include:

  • Indian Evidence Act
  • Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
  • Civil Procedure Code (CPC)
  • Principles of Pleadings
  • Framing of Charges and Issues

Law III (Penal, Revenue, and Local Laws)

This paper focuses on penal and local laws relevant to Uttar Pradesh. Important topics include:

  • U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1951
  • U.P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent, and Eviction) Act, 1972
  • U.P. Panchayat Raj Act
  • U.P. Municipalities Act
  • U.P. Consolidation of Holdings Act
  • U.P. Urban (Planning and Development) Act
  • Penal laws like the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

General Knowledge

English Language

  • Essay writing
  • Précis writing
  • Translation from Hindi to English

Hindi Language

  • Essay writing
  • Précis writing
  • Translation from English to Hindi

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UP Judiciary Exam Pattern (for Interview)

The Interview is the final stage of the UP Judiciary Exam. It is designed to assess the candidate’s suitability for the role of Civil Judge beyond academic knowledge, focusing on their personality, communication skills, and legal aptitude.

  • Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are called for the Interview.
  • The interview is conducted in person, by a panel of experts and senior members of the judiciary.
  • This stage aims to evaluate the overall suitability of the candidate for judicial services, including their demeanor, attitude, and approach to legal matters.

Marks Distribution and Criteria for Evaluation

  • The UP Judiciary interview carries 100 marks.
  • The final selection is based on the combined score of the Mains Exam (1000 marks) and the Interview (100 marks), making the total 1100 marks.
  • Marks obtained in the interview are added to the candidate’s Mains score to determine their final ranking in the merit list.

What to Expect in the UP PCS J Interview?

  • Personality Test: The interviewers assess the candidate’s confidence, poise, and ability to handle pressure. Communication skills, body language, and attitude play a significant role.
  • Legal Aptitude: Candidates are tested on their knowledge of legal principles, judgments, and the application of laws in real-world scenarios. Questions may involve hypothetical legal situations or important case laws.
  • General Awareness: Apart from legal knowledge, candidates are expected to stay updated on judiciary current affairs, both nationally and internationally, particularly those relevant to the judiciary.
  • Ethics and Integrity: The interview panel may ask questions related to judicial ethics, integrity, and handling complex legal situations, ensuring candidates can make fair and unbiased decisions.

UP PCS J Exam Pattern: Mode and Medium

Stage

Mode

Medium

Prelims Exam

Offline (Pen & Paper)

Hindi and English (Both languages available for questions)

Mains Exam

Offline (Pen & Paper)

  • GK and Law papers: Hindi or English (based on candidate’s choice)
  • English Language Paper: English
  • Hindi Language Paper: Hindi

Interview

Face-to-Face

Hindi or English (based on candidate’s preference)

Download PDF of UP Judiciary Exam Pattern

UP PCS J Exam Pattern PDF is available for you to download free.

Time Management Tips for Each Stage of UP PCS J Exam Pattern

1. Preliminary Exam

  • Allocate time per question: Since there is negative marking, avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. Set a goal of 1 minute per question to ensure you can attempt the majority of questions without rushing.
  • Prioritize accuracy: Focus on questions you’re confident about first to avoid losing marks due to incorrect answers.
  • Leave time for review: If possible, leave 5-10 minutes at the end of each paper to review your answers.

2. Mains Exam

  • Plan your answers: For subjective questions, spend the first 2-3 minutes outlining your answer before you start writing. This will help in organizing your thoughts and structuring your answers well.
  • Stick to time limits per section: In papers like General Knowledge and Law, break down the time for each question based on marks allocation. For example, for a 200-mark paper in 3 hours, try to allot 10-15 minutes per question (depending on the marks).
  • Practice handwriting: Since the Mains are handwritten, ensure your writing is legible and practice writing answers within the given time to improve your speed.

3. Interview

  • Stay calm and focused: Interviews may seem brief, but it’s essential to stay composed and clear in your responses. Time management here involves answering concisely but thoughtfully.
  • Don’t rush your answers: Take a moment to think before responding to questions, especially if they’re complex or situational.

Preparation Tips Based on UP PCS J Exam Pattern 2024

To effectively prepare for the UP Judiciary Exam 2024-2025, it is crucial to align your study strategy with the exam pattern for each stage: 

Prelims Exam Preparation Tips

  • Focus on Both Papers Equally: The Prelims consist of General Knowledge and Law papers. Allocate equal time to both areas. Don’t focus solely on law subjects and neglect general awareness.
  • Master Key General Knowledge Topics: For the GK paper, concentrate on areas like Indian History, Polity, Geography, and Current Affairs. Use resources like Lucent’s General Knowledge and newspapers such as The Hindu to stay updated.
  • Practice Objective-Type Questions: Since the Prelims are objective in nature, practice solving multiple-choice questions (MCQs) regularly. Use mock tests to get familiar with time management.
  • Be Cautious of Negative Marking: With -0.33 negative marking for incorrect answers, accuracy is key. Avoid guessing and focus on attempting questions you’re sure about.
  • Revise Legal Concepts Thoroughly: For the Law paper, focus on core areas such as the Indian Constitution, Contract Law, IPC, and CrPC. Referring to books like MP Jain’s Constitutional Law and C.K. Takwani’s Civil Procedure Code will be helpful.

Know the facts about Indian constitution.

Mains Exam Preparation Tips

  • Strengthen Your Writing Skills: The Mains papers are descriptive and require well-structured answers. Practice writing essays, legal arguments, and responses to theoretical questions regularly. Work on presenting answers clearly and concisely.
  • Time Management in Each Paper: Since each paper in the Mains exam is 3 hours long, allocate specific time for each question based on its marks. Practice writing answers within time limits to avoid leaving questions unfinished.
  • Deepen Knowledge of Law Subjects: For Law I, Law II, and Law III, focus on substantive laws, procedural laws, and local UP laws. Read judgments and landmark cases to understand how legal principles are applied.
  • Prepare for Language Papers: For the English Language Paper, practice essay writing, précis writing, and translations from Hindi to English. For the Hindi Language Paper, focus on essay writing, précis writing, and translations from English to Hindi.
  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs: For the General Knowledge paper, keep revising current affairs, Indian History, Polity, and Geography. Use yearbooks like Manorama Year Book for comprehensive revision.

Interview Preparation Tips

  • Enhance Legal Knowledge and Aptitude: The interview will test your understanding of the law in real-life scenarios. Stay updated with recent legal developments, judgments, and amendments.
  • Focus on Personality Development: The interview evaluates your personality, communication skills, and ability to handle pressure. Work on building confidence and speaking clearly.
  • Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews to get comfortable with the interview format. This will help you practice answering legal and situational questions clearly and concisely.
  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Keep up with current national and international events, as the interview may also assess your general awareness.

Common Tips for All Stages

  • Create a Study Schedule: Break down your study plan to cover all topics systematically. Dedicate daily time for both law and general knowledge subjects.
  • Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solve previous years’ judiciary papers to understand the types of questions and the exam format. This will also help you identify important topics and improve time management.
  • Take Mock Tests: Regularly take judiciary mock tests to assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance and improve on weak areas.
  • Consistent Revision: Keep revising legal concepts, current affairs, and language topics regularly. Consistent revision will help you retain information better and recall it during the exam.

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Importance of Understanding UP PCS J Exam Pattern 2024

Understanding the UP Judiciary Exam Pattern is crucial for aspirants as it serves as the foundation of their preparation strategy:

1. Efficient Study Planning

Knowing the number of papers, subjects, and marks distribution helps aspirants structure their study plan effectively, allowing them to allocate time proportionately to each section.

2. Time Management

Understanding the duration of each paper helps candidates practice solving questions within the time limits, improving speed and accuracy during the actual exam.

3. Focused Preparation

The UP PCS J exam pattern highlights important topics and sections, enabling aspirants to focus on areas that carry more weight in terms of marks, such as law papers in the Mains.

4. Avoiding Surprises

Being familiar with the question format (objective in Prelims, descriptive in Mains) helps aspirants prepare mentally and technically, preventing last-minute surprises during the exam.

5. Strategic Approach to Negative Marking

Knowing that there is negative marking in Prelims helps aspirants strategize their attempts carefully, avoiding unnecessary guesses and reducing the risk of losing marks.

6. Boosting Confidence

When candidates fully understand the UP PCS J paper pattern, they approach the exam with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect, which reduces anxiety and improves performance.

FAQs About UP Judiciary Exam Pattern

There are two papers in the Prelims: General Knowledge (150 marks) and Law (300 marks).

Yes, there is a negative marking of -0.33 marks for each incorrect answer in the Prelims. No negative marking in Mains and Interview.

The Mains exam has six papers: General Knowledge, English Language, Hindi Language, and three Law papers.

The Law papers cover Substantive Law, Procedure and Evidence, and Penal, Revenue, and Local Laws.

The General Knowledge paper carries 200 marks.

Yes, proficiency in Hindi (Devnagri script) is required, and candidates must attempt the Hindi Language paper in the Mains.

Wrapping Up:

Having a clear idea of the UP Judiciary Paper Pattern is a crucial step in ensuring focused and effective preparation. It helps you plan your study schedule, manage your time, and target the most important areas of the exam. 

For those seeking expert guidance, enrolling in the best judiciary coaching in India can provide structured learning, expert mentorship, and the necessary resources to succeed in this competitive exam. 

For a deeper understanding of each section of the exam, we encourage you to explore our dedicated topics:

UP Judiciary Exam

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UP Judiciary Syllabus

UP Judiciary Exam Date

UP Judiciary Exam Centers

UP Judiciary Admit Card

UP Judiciary Books

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UP Judiciary Previous Year Papers

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