Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services Examination 2024

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released the notification for the Judicial Services Examination 2024, offering an exciting opportunity for law graduates to join the judicial services in Himachal Pradesh. This blog post will provide an in-depth guide to help you understand every aspect of the examination. 

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Examination Scheme 

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):

• Three Papers of 100 marks each 
• Duration: 1 hour per paper 
• No negative marking 
• Papers:  
  • Civil Law-I 
  • Civil Law-II 
  • Criminal Law 
• Each paper consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (2 marks per question).  

2. Mains Examination (Narrative Type):

• Candidates will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on merit in the Preliminary Examination. 
• The number of candidates called for the Main Examination will be up to twenty times the number of vacancies to be filled. 
• No Candidate would be considered to have qualified for the main examination unless he obtains 45% marks in aggregate in all papers and at least 33% marks in language paper i.e. Hindi in Devanagri Script. 
• Examination Structure:  

3. Viva-Voce (150 Marks):

For each vacancy three candidates shall be called. 

Marks obtained in viva are added to the Mains Examination score. 

Candidates must obtain at least 45% marks. 

Detailed Syllabus

Paper-I: Civil Law-I: 

• Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872 
• Indian Stamp Act 
• Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976 
• Specific Relief Act, 1963 

Paper-II: Civil Law-II:

• Indian Contract Act, 1872 
• Hindu Law 
• Indian Limitation Act 
• Transfer of Property Act, 1882 
• H.P. Urban Rent Control Act 

Paper-III: Criminal Law: 

• Indian Penal Code,1860 
• Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 
• Section 138 to 143 of Negotiable Instruments Act (Chapter-XVII) 
• H.P. Excise Act-2011 
• Wildlife Protection Act 
• Indian Forest Act 
• Module on Judicial Sensitivity to Sexual Offences: 
  • Guidelines/directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding bail under CrPC (Sections 437, 438, 439). 
  • Gender stereotyping and its effects. 
  • Judicial gender stereotyping and women’s access to justice in sexual offence cases. 
  • Judicial approach to new women-centric cybercrimes (e.g., blackmail, defamation, creating fake profiles). 
  • Role of the judge in protecting victims in sexual offence cases. 
  • Accountability and conduct standards in dealing with sexual offences. 
  • Incorporating gender sensitivity in judicial decision-making. 
  • Judicial approach to child sexual abuse (POCSO Act, 2012). 
  • Credibility of victim statements in sexual offence cases. 
  • Sentencing provisions in sexual offence cases. 
  • Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 
  • Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 
  • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 
  • The pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 
  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 
  • CCS (Conduct) Rules for Prohibition of sexual harassment of women at workplace. 
  • Discrimination and Harassment of women at workplace and Rights and Dignity of women at workplace. 
  • Constitutional Mandate and Guidelines by Hon'ble Supreme Court in Vishaka’s case. 
  • The Banglore Principal of Judicial Conduct, 2002 
  • The Bangkok General Guidelines for Judges on Applying a Gender Perspective in Southeast Asia. 

Paper-IV: English Composition:

• Choose one essay from three general topics. 
• Translation of a Hindi passage into English. 

Paper-V: Hindi Language: 

• Translation of an English passage into Hindi. 
• Essay in Hindi on a given topic (choice of three topics). 
• Composition (Idioms and Corrections).

Preparation Strategy

Conclusion

The Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services Examination is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for law graduates. With dedicated preparation and a strategic approach, you can successfully crack this prestigious exam and begin a respected career in the judicial services.