About this guide

How civil judge recruitment works across states, and who is eligible after the Supreme Court's August 2026 ruling. Plus how to choose a state, a preparation plan, 12 prelims questions and a mains exercise.

There is no single judiciary exam in India. Each state recruits its own civil judges, through its High Court or its Public Service Commission, on its own timetable. This guide covers what is common to all of them, and tells you what to check in your state's notification.

What is inside

1. Before You StartHow to use this guide
2. Section 01How recruitment works
3. Section 02Eligibility after August 2026
4. Section 03The exam, stage by stage
5. Section 04Choosing your state
6. Section 05A preparation plan
7. Section 06Prelims practice
8. Section 07Mains practice: framing issues
9. Section 08Answer key
10. Section 09Sources and next steps