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.

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Syllabus of PCS J Exam

The PCS J syllabus varies slightly across states but generally includes the following subjects:

Prelims

• Subjects: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, Civil and Criminal Law

Mains

• Subjects: Civil Law, Criminal Law, Law of Contracts, Torts, Evidence, Procedural Laws, and Local Laws

Language

• Medium: Hindi/English (based on the state)

• Components: Essay Writing, Translation

Interview

• Focus Areas: Legal Aptitude, General Knowledge, Communication Skills, Ethics

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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.

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Application Fees

After completing the application form, the payment of the application fee is required to finalize the submission.

• General: ₹500 to ₹1000 (varies by state)

• SC/ST/OBC: ₹200 to ₹500

• Female Candidates: Often 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.

• Marks: 200

Mains Exam:

• A written examination consisting of descriptive questions on law subjects, language, and general knowledge.

• Marks: 600-800

• Purpose: To test in-depth legal knowledge and language proficiency

Interview (via voice):

• This is the final stage when the selected candidates are interviewed to judge their suitability to become a civil judge.

• Type: Oral (Viva-Voce)

• Marks: 50-100

• Purpose: To assess personality, legal aptitude, and communication skills

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:

Pay Scale for Civil Judge Positions

• Civil Judge (Junior): ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 (Approx.)

• Civil Judge (Senior): ₹70,000 - ₹2,00,000 (Approx.)

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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. 

Uttar Pradesh (UP)

• Conducting Body: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)

• Exam Name: UP PCS J Exam

Bihar

• Conducting Body: Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)

• Exam Name: Bihar Judicial Services Examination

Madhya Pradesh (MP)

• Conducting Body: Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC)

• Exam Name: MP Civil Judge Exam

Rajasthan

• Conducting Body: Rajasthan High Court

• Exam Name: Rajasthan Judicial Services Exam (RJS)

Haryana

• Conducting Body: Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC)

• Exam Name: Haryana Judicial Services Exam

Punjab

• Conducting Body: Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)

• Exam Name: Punjab Judicial Service Examination

Gujarat

• Conducting Body: Gujarat High Court

• Exam Name: Gujarat Judicial Service Examination

Maharashtra

• Conducting Body: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)

• Exam Name: Maharashtra Judicial Service Examination

West Bengal

• Conducting Body: West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC)

• Exam Name: West Bengal Judicial Service Examination

Delhi

• Conducting Body: Delhi High Court

• Exam Name: Delhi Judicial Service Examination

Jharkhand

• Conducting Body: Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC)

• Exam Name: Jharkhand Judicial Service Examination

Chhattisgarh

• Conducting Body: Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC)

• Exam Name: Chhattisgarh Judicial Services Exam

Odisha

• Conducting Body: Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC)

• Exam Name: Odisha Judicial Services Exam

Himachal Pradesh

• Conducting Body: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)

• Exam Name: Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services Exam

Tamil Nadu

• Conducting Body: Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC)

• Exam Name: Tamil Nadu Judicial Services Exam

Karnataka

• Conducting Body: Karnataka High Court

• Exam Name: Karnataka Judicial Services Exam

Kerala

• Conducting Body: Kerala High Court

• Exam Name: Kerala Judicial Services Exam

Assam

• Conducting Body: Gauhati High Court

• Exam Name: Assam Judicial Services Exam

Uttarakhand

• Conducting Body: Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC)

• Exam Name: Uttarakhand Judicial Services Exam

Telangana

• Conducting Body: Telangana High Court

• Exam Name: Telangana Judicial Services Exam

Andhra Pradesh

• Conducting Body: Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC)

• Exam Name: Andhra Pradesh Judicial Services Exam

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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.

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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.

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PCS J (Provincial Civil Service—Judicial) FAQs 

Q1. 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.

Q2. 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.

Q3. 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.

Q4. How is PCS J selected?

The PCS J exam has three stages –

• Preliminary Examination (Objective)

• Mains Examination (Descriptive)

• Interview (Viva-Voce)

Q5. 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.

Q6. 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.