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Karnataka Judiciary Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Schema & Paper Pattern
February 19, 2025
Overview: The Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025 is a highly competitive exam for law graduates aiming to become Civil Judges in Karnataka.
The Karnataka High Court conducts the exam, which consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Written Examination, and the Viva-Voce (Interview). Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for success, as it helps candidates strategize their preparation and confidently approach each stage.
This blog will provide a detailed breakdown of the Karnataka Judiciary Exam Pattern 2025, including the subjects covered in each stage, marking criteria, and other essential information
Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025 Stages
The exam process consists of the following three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test and is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Main Written Examination. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test the candidate’s knowledge of various law subjects, general knowledge, and reasoning ability.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Type | Objective-type (MCQs) |
| Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Subjects Covered | Part-A: Civil Law (e.g., Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Contract Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, etc.) Part-B: Criminal Law (e.g., Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, etc.) Part-C: General Knowledge, Test of Reasoning, and Mental Ability |
| Language Proficiency | The candidate’s proficiency in Assamese language (qualifying in nature) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and PwBD: 50 marks Other Categories: 60 marks |
| Eligibility for Main Exam | Candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam will be eligible for the Main Written Examination |
Read more: How to Become a Civil Judge In India
2. Main Written Examination (Descriptive Type)
The Main Written Examination is the core of the selection process and is conducted in a descriptive format. The exam consists of five papers covering a range of legal topics, essays, and legal drafting. This stage tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of the law and ability to apply legal principles.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Type | Descriptive (written answers) |
| Marks per Paper | 100 (for each paper, except the Assamese paper) |
| Total Marks | 450 |
| Duration per Paper | 3 hours |
| Subjects Covered | Paper I (English): Essay Writing, Precis Writing, and Grammar Paper II (General Knowledge & Aptitude): Covers current affairs, general knowledge, and reasoning. Paper III (Law Paper-I): Constitution of India, Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Contract Act, and other important civil laws. Paper IV (Law Paper-II): Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Evidence Act, and other criminal laws. Paper V (Assamese Language): A qualifying paper on Assamese language proficiency (minimum 35% marks required to pass). |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and PwBD: 40 marks per paper Other Categories: 50 marks per paper |
| Eligibility for Viva-Voce |
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in all papers to move on to the Viva-Voce stage. |
3. Viva-Voce (Interview)
The Viva-Voce is the final stage of the Karnataka Judiciary Exam. It assesses the candidate’s personality, legal knowledge, and suitability for the judicial position. A panel of legal experts and judges conducts the interview.
| Test | Description | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Viva-voce | The candidate’s General Knowledge, grasp of Principles of Law, and suitability for appointment as Civil Judge will be tested. | 100 |
| Computer Test | A test of the candidate's knowledge of computers. The marks obtained will be considered for assessment of computer knowledge but will not be added to the total marks for the written examination and Viva-voce. | 25 |
Read more: Know about the Functions of Judiciary
Final Merit List and Selection
The final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the Main Written Examination and the Viva-Voce. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are only considered for shortlisting candidates for the Main Written Examination.
| Stage | Type | Subjects Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Objective (MCQs) | Civil Law, Criminal Law, General Knowledge & Reasoning | 100 |
| Main Written Examination | Descriptive (Written) | English, General Knowledge & Aptitude, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Assamese | 450 |
| Viva-Voce (Interview) | Oral Test | General knowledge, Legal knowledge, Personality assessment | 100 |
Know about Upcoming Judiciary Examinations
How to Prepare for Karnataka Judiciary 2025
The Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025 is a prestigious and competitive exam for those aiming to serve as Civil Judges in Karnataka. Following a structured and focused preparation strategy is essential to excel in this exam. The exam is divided into three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination, and viva voce (Interview). Here’s a guide to help you prepare for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step towards adequate preparation. The Karnataka Judiciary exam comprises three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): Focuses on Civil Law, Criminal Law, General Knowledge, and Reasoning.
- Main Written Examination (Descriptive Type): Includes English, General Knowledge & Aptitude, Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Assamese (qualifying).
- Viva-Voce (Interview): Tests your general knowledge, legal knowledge, and personality.
Tip: Analyze the weightage of each subject and prioritize them accordingly.
2. Build a Strong Foundation in Law Subjects
A good understanding of key legal subjects is essential for all three stages of the exam:
- Civil Law: Study necessary acts like the Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Contract Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Specific Relief Act, etc.
- Criminal Law: Focus on Ithe ndian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act, etc.
- Constitutional Law: Thoroughly read the Indian Constitution, focusing on fundamental rights, judicial powers, and landmark cases.
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Stay updated on national and international legal developments, government schemes, and events that are relevant to the judiciary.
- Assamese Language (qualifying paper): Regular practice of reading, writing, and speaking in Assamese if required.
Tip: Refer to standard textbooks, study guides, and journals to deepen your understanding of the laws.
3. Master the Art of Writing Descriptive Answers
The Main Written Examination is descriptive, so your writing skills must be excellent. This stage tests your ability to:
- Write essays on legal topics.
- Draft precise answers with clarity and logic.
- Analyze legal problems and write case summaries and judgments.
Tip: Practice writing answers to previous year’s questions and work on improving your grammar, structure, and clarity.
Read more: Best books for Judiciary Exams
4. Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
Practice is key to success in the Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Regularly solving mock tests and previous year papers will:
- Help you get used to the exam format.
- Improve your time management skills.
- Give you an idea of the type of questions to expect.
- Highlight areas that need improvement.
Tip: Take online mock tests regularly and simulate exam conditions to build stamina and reduce anxiety.
5. Time Management and Regular Revision
Time management is crucial for managing the vast syllabus and ensuring you cover all topics. Create a timetable that includes:
- Daily reading sessions for law subjects.
- Weekly reviews to test your understanding.
- Regular revision of key topics and concepts.
Tip: Set aside specific time slots for revision to reinforce what you have learned.
6. Focus on Current Affairs and General Knowledge
Keeping up with current affairs is essential for both the preliminary examination and the viva voce. Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express daily to stay informed on national and international issues.
Tip: Make notes on important legal cases, government policies, and landmark judgments. These will also help you with Viva-Voce.
7. Prepare for the Viva-Voce (Interview)
The Viva-Voce is the final stage of the recruitment process, and it tests:
- Your legal knowledge.
- Your general knowledge.
- Your personality and communication skills.
Tip: Practice mock interviews to improve your confidence. Focus on presenting your knowledge clearly and concisely, paying attention to body language and presentation.