HOW TO PREPARE FOR JUDICIAL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS (PCS - J)

Judge is one of the highest and the most respected position in the legal/ judicial system of India. In order to become a Judge one has to qualify the Judicial Service Examination conducted annually by Public Service Commission of the respective States. For appearing in this exam, one must hold a legal degree from a recognized university or institution and must have enrolled as an advocate with membership in the state bar council. The age limit for appearing however, may vary from State to State. Judicial Service Preliminary Examination is held in two successive stages namely Judicial Service Preliminary Examination and Judicial Service Main Examination. The Preliminary Exam comprises objective type questions. The Preliminary Examination is conducted only for the purpose of short listing candidates for the Main Examination (written). The marks obtained by the candidates in the Preliminary Examination will not be counted for the purpose of determining the final merit list. The Final merit list will be prepared on the basis of total marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Viva-Voce Test. The percentage of qualifying marks in preliminary exams and the scheme and syllabus of both Preliminary and Main Examination may vary from state to state.

Generally the minimum qualifying marks in the preliminary examination shall be 60% for general and 55% for reserved categories i.e. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Physically Handicapped (Blind/Low Vision) (Mobility not to be restricted)/ Orthopaedically. Only those candidates who have obtained 40% marks in each written paper and 50% marks in aggregate (except in the case of candidates belonging to reserved categories) shall be called for viva voce test. The marks obtained in the Viva-voce will be added to the marks obtained in the Main Examination (Written) and the candidates position will depend on the aggregate of both. For the details syllabus of the exams, refer PSC websites of the respective states. In most of the states, District and Sessions Judges are being recruited through competitive examination conducted by State commissions and also through promotions from those in service/ selected from amongst the practicing lawyers. Only those candidates who have qualified in the Judicial Service Examination are eligible for the post of a Judge.

SPEAKER'S PROFILE: MR. DANISH HASNAIN

Mr. Danish Hasnain has completed post-graduation from National Law School of India University [NLSIU] Bengaluru. There are various credits and distinctions in his name which include being Research Assistant to Hon'ble Chief Justice of India at the Supreme Court of India. Thereafter, he gained first-hand experience in the Legal and Regulatory regime of Banking and finance as he worked with a leading international Bank of the country. He also worked with one of the top law firms in the country where he gained a significant experience in advising domestic and cross-border business transactions, litigation in the High Court and Supreme Court of India. In view of his credentials he was appointed as Consultant (Legal) to NITI Ayog [erstwhile Planning Commission of India], Government of India. There are number of research papers and articles published in national & international journals accredited in his name. He has also authored a Book on Law Entrance Examinations which has been largely appreciated amongst the aspiring lawyers. Danish has been a regular invitee to share his views on Public Health & Policy at American Public Health Association, Washington DC. In pursuit of his interest in academics and mentoring, he is currently a part of Eptitude and provides mentoring for CLAT, Judicial Services and Civil services Examination to aspiring candidates.