PCS J Full Form: Syllabus, Application Process, Selection Process & More!
PCS J stands for Provincial Civil Service-Judicial, which is popularly known as Judicial Services Examination. This is a competitive entrance examination for candidates who become law graduates. Such aspiring individuals get to be civil judges or judicial magistrates by appearing for PCS J exams in various Indian states. PCS J is a state-level test of judicial services, and each state conducts its examination with the High Court and Public Service Commission guidelines.
What is PCS J?
PCS J is an entrance-level examination, conducted for the recruitment of civil judges in the subordinate judiciary. Obtaining this examination allows a person to be appointed as a civil judge-III holding civil and criminal cases in district courts. The exam offers a sound career prospect in the Indian judicial system with scope for upgrading and promotion.
Syllabus of PCS J Exam
The PCS J syllabus varies slightly across states but generally includes the following subjects:
PaperSubjects CoveredPrelimsGeneral Knowledge, Current Affairs, Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, Civil and Criminal LawMainsCivil Law, Criminal Law, Law of Contracts, Torts, Evidence, Procedural Laws, and Local LawsLanguageHindi/English (based on the state), Essay Writing, TranslationInterviewLegal Aptitude, General Knowledge, Communication Skills, Ethics
Application Form & Fees for PCS J Exam
For candidates to be eligible to appear for the exam of PCS J, candidates are required to refer to the application form on the website of the Public Service Commission of his/her respective state. The application form usually comprises personal details, educational qualifications, and every other detail required in the application form. Other than this, candidates are also required to upload their scanned photograph as well as signature along with the documents that state a request from them to upload.
The application process is as mentioned below:
Step 1: Online Registration:
The candidates would self-register on the official website of the state Public Service Commission. In that process, they will fill up basic details concerning name, contact details, and email ID.
Step 2: Filing of Application Form:
After completion of registration, they will be required to provide detailed information such as educational qualification, address, and category.
Step 3: Uploading of documents:
They will upload scanned passport-size photos, signatures, and relevant certificates.
Step 4: Fee Payment:
Upon the application form, a deposit for the payment of the application fee is filled out quickly.
Step 5: Confirmation and Printout:
Shortly after a successful payment, a candidate should have downloaded their proof of confirmed application to be printed and used at times needed.
Application Fees
After completing the application form, the payment of the application fee is required to finalize the submission.
CategoryApplication FeeGeneral₹500 to ₹1000 (varies by state)SC/ST/OBC₹200 to ₹500Female CandidatesOften exempt or have a nominal fee (varies by state)Physically Handicapped₹100 to ₹250
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PCS J Selection Process
The selection procedure for PCS J is three-tiered. The stages are as follows –
Preliminary Examination: It is an objective-type examination to shortlist candidates who appear in Mains. It primarily tests general knowledge, current affairs, and any law-related subjects.
Mains Exam: A written examination consisting of descriptive questions on law subjects, language, and general knowledge.
Interview (via voice): This is the final stage when the selected candidates are interviewed to judge their suitability to become a civil judge.
StageTypeMarksObjectivePrelimsObjective-type (MCQs)200 marksScreening test to shortlist candidates for MainsMainsWritten (descriptive)600-800 marksTo test in-depth legal knowledge and language proficiencyInterviewOral (Viva-Voce)50-100 marksTo assess personality, legal aptitude, and communication
Salary Structure of PCS J Officers
The salary of PCS J officers is attractive and varies from state to state. In addition to judges' salaries in India, other benefits, including HRA, DA, pension schemes, medical allowances, and more, are offered. The typical pay scale is as follows:
PositionPay ScaleCivil Judge (Junior)₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 (Approx.)Civil Judge (Senior)₹70,000 - ₹2,00,000 (Approx.)
States Conducting PCS J Exam
Provincial Civil Service - Judicial PCS J tests are administered by several Indian governments to hire civil judges for the lower judiciary. The majority of states administer the exam through their respective Public Service Commissions; while all states follow a common format, there are some differences in the language and syllabus. In certain states, all interview stages include a preliminary exam that is administered before the main exam.
StateConducting Body / Exam NameUttar Pradesh (UP)Headed by: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)Also known as: UP PCS J ExamBiharHeaded by: Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)Also known as: Bihar Judicial Services ExaminationMadhya Pradesh (MP)Headed by: Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC)Also known as: MP Civil Judge ExamRajasthanHeaded by: Rajasthan High CourtAlso known as: Rajasthan Judicial Services Exam (RJS)HaryanaHeaded by: Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC)Also known as: Haryana Judicial Services ExamPunjabHeaded by: Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)Also known as: Punjab Judicial Service ExaminationGujaratConducted by: Gujarat High CourtAlso known as: Gujarat Judicial Service ExaminationMaharashtraConducted by: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)Also known as: Maharashtra Judicial Service ExaminationWest BengalConducted by: West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC)Also known as: West Bengal Judicial Service ExaminationDelhiConducted by: Delhi High CourtAlso known as: Delhi Judicial Service ExaminationJharkhandConducted by: Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)Also known as: Jharkhand Judicial Service ExaminationChhattisgarhConducted by: Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC)Also known as: Chhattisgarh Judicial Services ExamOdishaConducting Body: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)Also known as: Odisha Judicial Services ExamHimachal PradeshConducting Body: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)Also known as: Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services ExamTamil NaduConducting Body: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)Also known as: Tamil Nadu Judicial Services ExamKarnatakaConducting Body: Karnataka High CourtAlso known as: Karnataka Judicial Services ExamKeralaConducting Body: Kerala High CourtAlso known as: Kerala Judicial Services ExamAssamConducting Body: Gauhati High CourtAlso known as: Assam Judicial Services ExamUttarakhandConducted by: Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC)Also known as: Uttarakhand Judicial Services ExamTelanganaConducted by: Telangana High CourtAlso known as: Telangana Judicial Services ExamAndhra PradeshConducted by: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)Also known as: Andhra Pradesh Judicial Services Exam
Common Features of PCS J Exams Across States
The PCS J Exam of each state in the first place offers scope for having a career with prestige in the judiciary; variations in the syllabus and recruitment process are minor and fit the local needs.
Prelims, Mains, and Interview: The three-tier examination pattern is more or less the same in most states.
State-specific laws are a part of the syllabus for every state's exam.
Language Paper: Most of the states have a regional language paper to see if the candidates have prowess over the local tongue.
Conclusion
The PCS J examination offers a greatly respected professional career opportunity to the law graduates as an entry point in the judicial system. It is highly competitive as a selection process; however, the rewards are great in terms of career growth, social status, and remuneration. Candidates must prepare heavily for all the stages of the exam: prelims, mains, and interviews. Being a civil judge, it not only gives a lot-needed financial security but also offers the chance to contribute significantly toward society by delivering justice at the grassroots level. Well, by using the proper preparation strategy along with dedication and understanding of the syllabus, aspirants can clearly clear the PCS J exam and go on for a rewarding judicial career.
PCS J (Provincial Civil Service—Judicial) FAQs
1. What is the full form of PCS J?
PCS J stands for Provincial Civil Service—Judicial and is an examination carried out by the state to recruit civil judges into the subordinate courts.
2. Which states conduct PCS J exams?
Some of the states that conduct PCS J are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Delhi conducts PCS J to recruit judicial services.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for PCS J?
LLB degree in law from a recognized university. Age would be between 22 and 35 years, as the criteria for selection depend on the state.
4. How is PCS J selected?
The PCS J exam has three stages –
Preliminary Examination (Objective)
Mains Examination (Descriptive)
Interview (Viva-Voce)
5. How much application fee is levied for PCS J?
Application fees vary as per state and category; however, the common fees range between ₹200 to ₹1000. Candidates from a reserved category are often charged reduced fees.
6. What is the syllabus of PCS J?
The PCS J syllabus includes General Knowledge, Indian Constitution, Criminal Law: IPC, CrPC, Civil Law: CPC, Contract Act, and state-specific local laws. There is some variation in this list across states.
