Karnataka Judiciary: Civil Judge syllabus
Direct recruitment of Civil Judges by the High Court of Karnataka: the exam pattern, the syllabus paper by paper, and who can apply. Where KSLU Corner has notes on a subject, they are linked.
Exam pattern
| Stage | What it is | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preliminary | One objective-type paper in three parts (A, B, C). A screening test: its marks are not added to the final total. | 100 |
| 2. Main (written) | Four papers: Translation, Law Paper I, Law Paper II, Law Paper III. Answers may be written in English or Kannada. | 4 × 100 |
| 3. Viva-voce | General knowledge, grasp of principles of law and suitability for appointment as Civil Judge. | 100 |
| Computer test | Knowledge of computers; considered for suitability, not added to the total. | 25 |
Selection is on the aggregate of the Main papers and the viva-voce. The notification does not state the time allowed; in the previous cycle the official timetable gave 2 hours for the Preliminary and 3 hours for each Main paper. Negative marking is not mentioned in the notification.
Preliminary examination syllabus
| Part | Subject | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | CPC and Limitation |
| Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 | Banking Law, Negotiable instruments, Section 138 | |
| Transfer of Property Act, 1882 | Property Law | |
| Indian Contract Act, 1872 | Contract I, Contract II | |
| Specific Relief Act, 1963 | Contract I | |
| Indian Constitution | Constitutional Law I, Constitutional Law II | |
| Karnataka Rent Act, 1999 | — | |
| Part B | Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 | BNSS |
| Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 | BNS | |
| Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 | BSA | |
| Part C | General knowledge: test of reasoning and mental ability | — |
The notification names both the old and the new criminal laws (“Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023”, and so on), so prepare both and how their sections correspond.
Main examination syllabus
| Paper | Syllabus | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation Paper | Passages in English to be translated into Kannada, and Kannada into English, taken from depositions, judgments and documents. | 100 | — |
| Law Paper I | The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; Principles of Pleading; and the Constitution of India. | 100 | CPC, BNSS, BSA, Pleadings, Drafting, Pleading and Conveyance, Constitutional Law I |
| Law Paper II | Framing of issues and writing of judgments in civil cases. | 100 | Issues (CPC), Judgment and decree |
| Law Paper III | Framing of charges and writing of judgments in criminal cases. | 100 | Charge (BNSS), Judgment (BNSS) |
Minimum marks and shortlisting
| Stage | SC / ST / persons with disabilities | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary (out of 100) | 50 | 60 |
| Each Main paper (out of 100) | 40 | 50 |
| Viva-voce | 20% | 25% |
Candidates equal to 10 times the vacancies (category-wise, in order of merit) are called for the Main examination, and 3 times the vacancies for the viva-voce. A candidate below the minimum in any written paper cannot take the viva-voce.
Who can apply
- Qualification: a degree in law from a university established by law in India and, on the last date for applications, continuous practice as an advocate (Supreme Court, a High Court, or District and Trial Courts) for at least three years; or at least three years as a Public Prosecutor, Assistant Public Prosecutor or Government Counsel in full-time Central or State Government employment.
- Upper age limit: must not have completed 45 years (SC, ST and Category-I), 43 years (Categories II(A), II(B), III(A), III(B)) or 40 years (others); three more years for ex-servicemen.
- Fees: Preliminary ₹1,000 (₹500 for SC, ST, Category-I and persons with disabilities); Main ₹1,500 (₹750).
- After selection: two years of probation, at least one year of training, and the KPSC Kannada language examination.
The notification says it is subject to the outcome of writ petitions pending before the High Court, and eligibility has changed between cycles (the 2025 notification needed no years of practice). Always check the High Court notification page and the recruitment section of judiciary.karnataka.gov.in before you apply.