Karnataka Judicial Service Exam 2024 Civil Judge Syllabus & Overview

The Karnataka Judicial Service Examination is conducted every year by the Karnataka High Court for recruitment to the posts in the Civil Judge cadre of the KJS.

The notification is normally published on the Karnataka High Court’s official website at : https://karnatakajudiciary.kar.nic.in and / or the website of the Karnataka Public Service Commission ( If the exam is conducted by the KPSC ) at Karnataka public service commission

These Civil Judge posts in the KJS were previously referred to as Civil Judge Junior Division.

Note about PDF downloads : While there are PDF download versions of the syllabus available on various websites, they are often not accurate or they are out-dated. To ensure that we can update the syllabus as per the latest pattern, we have published the details below as an editable web-article. If you download the PDF syllabus, please verify the accuracy before starting your exam preparation.

Eligibility and Age Limit – 2024 and 2025 Karnataka Judicial Services Civil Judge

1. Candidate must be holder of a degree in Law granted by a University established by Law in India and must have been enrolled as an Advocate. (I.e. Completed LLB from a BCI recognized college / University and enrolled as an advocate as per the Advocates Act and BCI rules.)
2. General and non-reserved category candidates must not have completed 35 years of age as on the last date fixed for receipt of applications (as per the official notification of the year).
   Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe must not have completed 38 years of age as on the last date fixed for receipt of applications (as per the official notification of the year).
3. There will be a relaxation of three years in the upper age limit for Ex-servicemen candidates.
4. Refer to the official advertisement for details of the age limits and other details for ‘In Service’ candidates.

Overall Scheme of the Karnataka Judicial Service Civil Judge Exam 2024 and 2025

The Competitive Examination for recruitment of Civil Judges ( Karnataka Judicial Services ) shall consists of 3 stages i.e.,
(a) Preliminary Examination * – Objective type with multiple choice questions
(b) Main Written Examination – Descriptive / Narrative / Essay type
(c) Viva-Voce – Personal Interview

* The marks secured in the Preliminary Examination are considered only for Eligibility for the Main Written Examination. i.e. Candidates will be shortlisted for the main examination basis their ranking in the preliminary exam. The preliminary marks are not considered for the final rankings.

(a) Karnataka Judicial Service Examination 2024 and 2025 – Preliminary Syllabus

The Preliminary Examination shall be conducted by way of Objective Type Question Paper consisting of 100 marks and the syllabus will be the following :

Part-A

• Code of Civil Procedure, 1908;
• Negotiable Instruments Act, 1981;
• Transfer of Properly Act, 1882;
• Indian Contract Act, 1872;
• Specific Relief Act, 1963;
• Indian Constitution;
• Karnataka Rent Act, 1999.

Part-B

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
• Indian Penal code, 1860;
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Part-C

• General knowledge – Test of reasoning and mental ability.

Keep checking LawMint.com for the latest updates and articles on the best preparation strategy, study material, online courses and mock tests for the 2024 and 2025 Karnataka Judicial Service Exam Civil Judge.

(b) 2024 and 2025 Karnataka Judicial Service Civil Judge Exam –  Main Papers Syllabus

(i) Translation Paper (Maximum Marks 100)

There will be one translation paper and the candidates will be required to translate passages in English into Kannada and Kannada into English. The Passages will be from (1) Depositions, (2) Judgments and (3) Documents.

(ii) Law Paper I (Maximum Marks 100)

The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908;
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973;
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872;
Principles of Pleading and the Constitution of India.

(iii) Law Paper II (Maximum Marks 100)

Framing of Issues and writing of Judgments in Civil Cases.

(iv) Law Paper III (Maximum Marks 100)

Framing of Charges and writing of Judgments in Criminal cases.

(c) Karnataka Judicial Service Examination – Viva-voce (Maximum Marks 100)

The candidates General Knowledge, grasp of principles of law and suitability for appointment as Civil Judge shall be tested.

(d) Karnataka Judicial Service Examination – Computer Test (Maximum Marks 25)

The test of knowledge of computers shall carry maximum 25 marks and such marks secured by the candidate shall be considered for ascertaining the suitability and computer knowledge of the candidates and shall not be aggregated to the total marks obtained in the main written examination and Viva-Voce.

Note: Regarding (b) and (c), such of those candidates who desire to answer in Kannada may do so.

(e) Minimum Marks to qualify for the Karnataka Judicial Services 2024 and 2025 :

(i) Minimum marks for pass in the Preliminary Examination shall be 50 for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 60 for others.
(ii) Minimum marks for pass in each paper of the Main Written Examination shall be 40 for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 50 for others.
(iii) Minimum marks for pass in the Viva-Voce shall be 40 for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and 50 for others.

Provided that no candidate who has secured less than the minimum marks specified above:
(i) in any paper of the Main Written Examination shall be eligible for Viva-Voce.
(ii) in any paper of the Main Written Examination or in viva-voce shall be eligible for appointment as Civil Judge.
(f) In order to be considered under General Category, a candidate belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe has to secure the minimum marks prescribed for General Category in the Preliminary Examination, Main Written Examination and Viva-Voce.