How To Start Judiciary Exam Preparation From Scratch

How to Start Judiciary Exam Preparation

Let’s be real — the judiciary exam isn’t easy. It’s competitive, time-consuming, and yes, sometimes confusing to even know where to begin.

But the good news? You don’t need to be a topper from law school or have lawyer parents. You just need the right mindset, the right plan, and the right habits. Let’s break it down — simple, clear, and step-by-step.

First, Understand the Syllabus (Why it's SO important)

Why do you need the syllabus? Because without it, you’re literally studying in the dark. Every state’s judiciary exams contains slightly different syllabus — which may includes some local laws. Therefore, it is advisiable to target few states rather than going after every state judiciary exams.

Think of the syllabus as your Google Maps — if you don’t know where you're supposed to go, you’ll take wrong turns, waste time, and get frustrated.

How to use the syllabus smartly:

• Print it out.
• Highlight topics you’re confident in vs. topics you’re new to.
• Tick off completed chapters — it's super motivating.

Benefit: Keeps your preparation focused and efficient. No more studying irrelevant things.

Most people start with enthusiasm, but no structure. The result? Burnout in 2 months.

What works better: a realistic, flexible plan that suits YOUR life — whether you're a student, a working professional, or taking a gap year.

Here's a basic plan to get started:

• Morning: Read Bare Acts + theory from standard books
• Afternoon: Solve MCQs and past papers
• Evening: Work on Mains answer writing or revise notes
• Weekend: Revision + Optional subject focus

Why this matters: You train your brain to study consistently. Small wins every day build massive confidence over time.

Best Books for Judiciary Preparation – Don’t Overload Yourself

Common mistake: Buying 20 books but studying none. You don’t need a library. You need the right books.

For Prelims (Objective-based):

• Universal’s Guide to Judiciary Exam – good for MCQs.
• Singhal’s series for different laws – focused and exam-oriented.
• Bare Acts – read them daily. Not optional.

For Mains (Descriptive):

• Takwani – Civil Procedure Code
• K.D. Gaur – IPC
• Avtar Singh – Contract
• R.K Sinha - TPA
• J. N Pandey – Constitution 
• A.K Jain Dukki - For Other Subjects

Why these? Because they're simple, well-structured, and widely recommended by toppers.

Pro Tip: Start your notes from Day 1. Notes are gold when the exam is 1 month away.

Notes, Notes, Notes – They’ll Save You Later

Think of your own notes like your personal Google. You write it once, but refer back to it 100 times before the exam.

How to make smart notes:

• Use colored pens/highlighters for sections and case laws.
• Keep one notebook per subject.
• Add examples and judgment names to strengthen your Mains answers.

Benefit: Notes help in last-minute revision, especially when you're too stressed to open a big book.

Online vs Offline Judiciary Coaching – Which One’s Better?

There’s no right answer — it depends on your personality.

Online Judiciary Coaching (Good for self-starters):

• Learn at your own pace.
• Watch videos multiple times.
• Save travel time.
• Judex Tutorials offers online batches with interview prep support too.

Offline Judiciary Coaching (Good for structured learners):

• Personal interaction with teachers.
• Peer learning and group discussions.
• Fixed schedule = better discipline.

Whatever you choose, make sure it includes: Doubt clearing + Mains test series + Bare Act focus + Optional subject support.

Answer Writing for Mains – Practice Like It’s the Real Thing

This is where many fail — not because they don’t know the law, but because they can’t express it properly.

Why it's crucial: Judiciary Mains isn’t about what you know, it's about how you write.

How to improve your writing:

1. Start writing 1 answer daily from previous year questions.
2. Focus on structure: Intro – Body – Conclusion.
3. Learn legal vocabulary and how to cite cases briefly.
4. Get feedback if possible (even from peers or mentors).

Benefit: You'll feel more confident and faster in the real exam.

Judiciary Preparation Tips That Actually Work

Here are a few things that toppers always say:

1. Read Bare Acts like a daily newspaper — without gaps.
2. Don't keep switching books/coaches.
3. Stay connected with legal current affairs (cases, bills, amendments).
4. Practice mock tests regularly — especially Prelims MCQs and Mains answers.
5. Take breaks. Don’t overdo it.

How to Start Judiciary Prelims Preparation From Scratch

Let’s talk about Prelims — the gateway to the judiciary exam. You have to clear it to even get a shot at Mains. And while it looks simple on paper (just MCQs, right?), the Prelims round is where many people get filtered out. So it deserves your full attention, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

What is Judiciary Prelims? (And Why It’s Not Just About “Objective Questions”)

Prelims is your first stage — typically an objective-type exam (MCQs). Each state has its own pattern, but the usual subjects include:

• Constitution of India
• IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence
• Contract, TPA, Specific Relief
• Local/state laws
• General Knowledge (sometimes)
• English/Language-based questions

Why is it important? Because without clearing this, you can’t even attempt Mains. It’s not just about knowledge — it’s about speed + accuracy under pressure.

How to Begin Prelims Prep (If You're Starting from Zero)

• Step 1: Download the syllabus of your target state and read it like a map. Know what you have to study — and what you don’t.
• Step 2: Get the right books. Please don’t buy 10 guides just because they’re “recommended.” Focus on the essential ones (we’ll list them below).
• Step 3: Focus on Bare Acts. This is non-negotiable. Most MCQs come directly from the text — word-for-word.
• Step 4: Start solving previous year papers. Even if you get 0/50 at first — that’s fine. You’ll learn what the exam demands.
• Step 5: Read ➜ revise ➜ test ➜ repeat – this is your Prelims cycle.

Strategy That Works: Make Prelims Your Daily Habit

You don’t need 14 hours a day. But you need consistency.

Sample Daily Plan (for beginners):

• 2 hours: Bare Act reading (highlight keywords)
• 1 hour: Theory from standard books
• 1 hour: Solving MCQs + reviewing answers
• 30 mins: Quick revision or test yourself

Weekly Goal: Cover 1 major subject and 1 minor subject. Add a mock test every Sunday.

Why Mock Tests Are a Game-Changer

When people say, “I know the subject but still didn’t qualify Prelims,” it’s usually a test-taking issue, not a knowledge problem.

Benefits of mock tests:

• Time management practice
• Discover your weak spots
• Build exam-day confidence

Start with topic-wise MCQs, then move to full-length tests once you’re 40–50% through the syllabus.

What to Avoid During Prelims Prep

1. Switching books/coaching every month
2. Ignoring minor laws and local acts
3. Cramming theory without MCQ practice
4. Studying without revision (you’ll forget everything!)

Pro Tip: Make short notes of tricky sections, important case laws, and sections that repeat in past exams.

How to Start Judiciary Mains Preparation From Scratch

So you’ve cleared (or are about to clear) the Prelims, and now you’re staring at the Mains syllabus thinking — “Where do I even start?”

Don’t worry. You're not alone.

Unlike Prelims, the Judiciary Mains exam is descriptive — which means it tests how well you can think, structure, and write law. This is where real judgment skills start to matter. Let’s break it all down.

What Is Judiciary Mains All About?

Mains is the second stage, and honestly, it’s the most intellectually demanding part of the judiciary exam.

Each state has its own format, but typically you’ll face:

• Law paper(s) – Core subjects like IPC, CPC, CrPC, Constitution, Evidence, etc.
• Language paper – English/Hindi/Regional language (Essay, Précis, Translation)
• Judgment Writing
• Optional Law papers (in some states)

Why it’s tricky: You need to go beyond remembering sections — now you have to apply the law in real-life scenarios.

Why Mains Needs a Different Approach Than Prelims

In Prelims, it’s mostly facts. In Mains, it’s about perspective, logic, and articulation.

You can’t just “revise” a Bare Act and hope to ace it. You need to:

• Write structured answers
• Quote sections and case laws meaningfully
• Be concise yet detailed
• Practice speed + handwriting

How to Start Answer Writing (Even if You’ve Never Done It)

Golden Rule: Start before you're ready. Don’t wait to “complete the syllabus” to begin writing.

How to begin:

• Pick a previous year question (start with short answers).
• Write within a time limit (10–15 minutes).
• Use IRAC format: Issue – Rule – Application – Conclusion
• Add section numbers, simple examples, and relevant case names.

Tip: Use headings and bullets. Make it easy for the examiner to read.

Make Your Own Notes – You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Forget about fancy toppers’ notes for now. Make your own Mains-ready notes, because:

• You’ll remember better when you write.
• You’ll revise faster when exams approach.

How to structure notes:

• Keep 1 register per subject.
• Add 1–2 liners for each section + related landmark case.
• Highlight frequently asked questions.
• Maintain a separate diary for Judgment writing templates and Legal maxims.

Bonus: Write down how to approach essays like “Role of Judiciary in Social Justice” or “Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint.”

Judgment Writing – The Silent Scorer

Many ignore this part till the last moment. Don’t. This paper can make or break your selection.

Judgment writing tips:

1. Read 1–2 judgments daily from Indian Kanoon or live law.
2. Understand how facts are organized.
3. Practice writing mock judgments in simple language.

Keep your structure like this:

1. Facts
2. Issues framed
3. Arguments
4. Application of law
5. Final decision

Important: Don’t write judgments like essays. Be precise, like an actual judicial order.

Language Paper – Don’t Take It Lightly!

Whether it's Hindi, English, Marathi or any regional language — this paper carries serious weight.

You’ll typically have:

• Essay writing
• Translation (legal + general)
• Précise writing

How to prepare:

• Read editorials from quality newspapers.
• Translate 2–3 passages a week from English to regional language and vice versa.
• Write mock essays — ask for feedback.

Essay topics often revolve around judiciary, constitution, social justice, women’s rights, etc.

Time Management for Mains Prep

Ideal weekly routine:

• 3 hours/day: Core subject theory + note-making
• 1 hour/day: Answer writing
• 2–3 times/week: Judgment writing or Essay practice
• Weekend: Mock paper simulation

Remember: This is not about “studying hard” — it’s about practicing smart.

How to Revise Before Mains

The last 30–45 days before Mains should be ALL about:

• Revising your notes
• Rewriting answers to improve structure
• Solving full-length mocks
• Fine-tuning your timing and handwriting

Keep stress low. Eat, sleep, walk. Don’t fall sick 1 week before the exam.

Final Thoughts – Mains Tests Your Legal Maturity

Prelims proves you know the law. Mains proves you can think like a judge. So focus on clarity, structure, expression, and precision.

Start now. Write one answer today. Even if it’s bad — it’s better than perfect answers that never got written.

Need help with daily answer writing practice, video lectures, or subjective test series ? Let us know — We can help you put that together too!

 

Judex Tutorials

Judex Tutorials is a premier Judiciary coaching institute dedicated to prepare law students for judicial services exams. Whether you prefer online judicial classes, offline sessions, or need access to recorded lectures, we offer flexible preparation options. If you like our blog as class notes, follow and subscribe our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well.