I. Examination Overview and Selection Process
The High Court of Andhra Pradesh conducts the Andhra Pradesh Judicial Service Examination for the recruitment of Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts. The selection process involves three distinct steps.
| Particulars | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Post Name | Civil Judge (Junior Division) | |
| Conducting Authority | High Court of Andhra Pradesh | |
| Application Mode | Online | |
| Total Selection Stages | Three | |
| Official Website | aphc.gov.in |
Selection Stages
The selection process comprises the following three stages:
- Screening Test (Preliminary Examination): Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Written Examination (Mains): Narrative or Essay type, consisting of three papers.
- Viva Voce (Interview/Personality Test): Oral interview.
II. Detailed Examination Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
The Preliminary Examination is objective in form and acts as a qualifying test to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam. The marks obtained in this stage will not be counted towards the final merit order.
| Component | Format | Duration | Total Marks | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening Test (CBT) | Multiple-Choice Questions (100 questions) | 2 Hours | 100 | 40% and above |
| Language of Exam | English |
Stage 2: Mains Written Examination
The Mains examination is descriptive and evaluates the candidate’s in-depth legal knowledge and written articulation. Candidates must answer all questions in English, except for the translation paper.
| Paper | Subject/Content | Marks | Duration | Purpose (Focus Areas) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Civil Law | 100 | 3 Hours | Evaluating knowledge of Code of Civil Procedure, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, and other civil laws. |
| Paper II | Criminal Law | 100 | 3 Hours | Evaluating knowledge of Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, and other criminal laws. |
| Paper III | English Translation & Essay Writing | 100 | 3 Hours | Essay Writing on a Legal topic (70 marks or 75 marks) and Translation Test (30 marks or 25 marks) from English to Telugu and vice versa. |
| Total Marks (Written) | 300 |
Minimum Eligibility Marks for Written Examination:
| Category | Minimum Marks in Each Paper | Minimum Aggregate Marks | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OC (General) | Not less than 55% | Not less than 60% | |
| Backward Class (BC) | Not less than 50% | Not less than 55% | |
| SC / ST | Not less than 45% | Not less than 50% |
Stage 3: Viva Voce (Personal Interview)
| Component | Format | Total Marks | Final Merit Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Voce | Personal Interview/Personality Test | 50 | Viva Voce marks are added to Mains Examination marks to determine the final merit list. |
The interview panel assesses the candidate’s personality, legal knowledge, communication skills, analytical skills, and suitability for the role of a Civil Judge.
III. Detailed Syllabus (Applicable to All Stages)
The syllabus for the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and the Viva Voce is common. Candidates must have a strong grasp of foundational law and awareness of contemporary issues.
A. Civil Laws
The Civil Laws syllabus covers the following Acts and Rules:
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
- Hindu Succession Act, 1956
- Indian Easement Act, 1882
- Limitation Act, 1963
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Civil Rules of Practice
- Registration Act, 1908
- Indian Stamp Act, 1899
- Andhra Pradesh Land Encroachment Act, 1905
- Andhra Pradesh Buildings (Lease, Rent & Eviction) Control Act, 1960
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Note: Also listed under Criminal Laws)
(Note: The Preliminary Examination may also cover topics like Constitutional Law, Contract Law (Indian Contract Act and Specific Relief Act), and Family Laws, including Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Laws, among others.)
B. Criminal Laws
The Criminal Laws syllabus includes the following Acts and Rules:
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Note: Also listed under Civil Laws)
- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- Criminal Rules of Practice
- Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968
- Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
