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HPJS Mains Examination –2024

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   11-Feb-2025 | Drishti The Vision



Candidates will be shortlisted for the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Services (HPJS) mains examination based on the merit obtained in the Preliminary Examination. Those equal to twenty times the number of vacancies available will be called to appear for the main examination. 

The Main Written Examination is tentatively scheduled to begin in the last week of March 2025. The detailed date sheet will be available on the Commission's website, and no individual notifications will be sent. 

Subject and Syllabus for Mains Examination 

  • Each paper will last for three hours.  
  • Paper-I to III will carry 200 marks each, Paper-IV of 150 Marks and Paper-V of 100 Marks and Viva-Voce will carry 150 Marks. 

Syllabus: 

Paper No. 

Subject 

Marks 

Paper-I 

Civil Law-I: Code of Civil Procedure,1908, Indian Evidence Act, 1872, Indian Stamp Act, Himachal Pradesh Courts Act, 1976, and Specific Relief Act, 1963. 

200 

Paper-II 

Civil Law-II: Indian Contract Act, 1872, Hindu Law, Indian Limitation Act, Transfer of Property Act, 1882, and H.P. Urban Rent Control Act. 

200 

Paper-III 

Criminal Law: Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, Chapter-XVII (Section 138 to 143) of Negotiable Instruments Act, H.P. Excise Act-2011, Wild Life Protection Act, Indian Forest Act, and Module on Judicial Sensitivity to Sexual Offences. Topics include: Latest guidelines / directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India with regard to bail and conditions to be imposed under Sections 437, 438, 439 CrPC- What is gender stereotyping and its effects. - How gender stereotyping undermines women's access to justice in sexual offence cases and how judicial gender stereotyping is to be avoided. - Judicial approach towards new species of offensive activities, cybercrimes that are women-centric, such as transmitting of sexually explicit material, blackmailing, defamation/morphing/creating fake profile etc. - Role of judge in protecting the victim during judicial process. - Accountability and standards of conduct while dealing with sexual offence cases. - Importance and meaning of gender sensitivity and effects of gender conditioning in judicial decisions in sexual offence cases. - Incorporating gender perspective into judicial decision making and Constitutional and Statutory provisions on gender justice. - Judicial approach towards child sexual abuse with reference to provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. - Credibility of statement of victim in sexual offence cases. - Sentencing provisions in Sexual offence cases. 

Besides the above, the following Acts / Provisions are included to assess the approach regarding judicial sensitivity to sexual offences. -  

    • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 
    • The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 
    • The 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 Bangalore Principal of Judicial Conduct, 2002 
    • The Bangkok General Guidelines for Judges on Applying a Gender Perspective in South East Asia 

200 

Paper-IV 

English Composition: A choice from three Essays on General Subjects (Essay: 100 Marks), Translation of Hindi Passage into English (50 Marks) 

150 

Paper-V 

Language (Hindi): (Translation of English Passage into Hindi 30 Marks, Essay in Hindi on any topic out of three 50 Marks, Composition (Idioms and Corrections etc.) 20 Marks) 

100 

Minimum Qualifying Marks: 

  • Candidates must obtain at least 40% marks in each paper except for the Hindi language paper (Paper-V), in which 33% marks are required. 
  • Aggregate Marks Requirement: Candidates must obtain 45% marks in total across all papers. 
  • Hindi Language Paper Requirement: Candidates must score at least 33% marks in the Hindi paper (Paper-V) to be considered qualified.

Preparation Strategy

  • Study Material: 
    • Focus on bare acts as primary sources. 
    • Use standard textbooks by authors. 
    • Analyze previous years' question papers. 
    • Stay updated with latest Supreme Court and High Court judgments. 
    • Make notes on important legal principles and landmark cases.
  • Time Management: 
    • Create a detailed study schedule. 
    • Allocate more time to high-weightage subjects. 
    • Practice answer writing daily. 
    • Time yourself while solving previous papers. 
    • Reserve time for revision. 
  • Writing Skills: 
    • Develop clear, precise legal writing. 
    • Practice proper formatting of judgments. 
    • Focus on legal reasoning and analysis. 
    • Work on time management during answer writing. 
    • Use proper legal terminology.
  • Practice Tips: 
    • Write full-length papers under exam conditions. 
    • Review and improve answer presentation. 
    • Join study groups for discussions. 
    • Create short notes for quick revision. 
    • Practice legal maxims and important definitions.
  • Remember to: 
    • Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning. 
    • Regularly practice answer writing. 
    • Keep track of time management. 
    • Maintain good health and balanced routine. 
    • Stay consistent with your preparation. 
  • Emphasis should be on: 
    • Understanding legal principles thoroughly. 
    • Developing analytical skills. 
    • Improving legal reasoning. 
    • Enhancing writing abilities. 
    • Building practical application skills.

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.