Rajasthan Judiciary Service frequently asked questions
Q: What is the overall selection process for RJS?
A: The Rajasthan High Court conducts the exam in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type, 100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours.
- Main Examination: Descriptive type, four papers, 300 marks in total.
- Interview (Viva Voce): 35 marks.
Q: How is the final merit list prepared?
A: Final merit is based on 335 marks, that is Mains (300) plus Interview (35). Preliminary Examination marks are only for screening and are not added to the final score.
Q: Is there negative marking in the RJS Prelims?
A: No. There is no deduction for wrong answers in the Preliminary Examination. Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Since a blank answer and a wrong answer both score zero, candidates should attempt all 100 questions.
Q: What is the subject weightage in Prelims?
A: 70 percent weightage goes to law subjects, which are the same subjects prescribed for Mains Law Paper I and Law Paper II. The remaining 30 percent tests language proficiency, split as 15 percent Hindi and 15 percent English.
Q: What are the qualifying marks in Prelims?
A: 45 percent for general category candidates and 40 percent for SC, ST, PwD and Ex-Servicemen candidates. Around 15 times the number of vacancies is shortlisted category wise for the Mains examination.
Q: In which language is the question paper set?
A: The Preliminary Examination paper is set in both Hindi and English, so candidates may attempt it in whichever language they are more comfortable with.
Q: What is the structure of the Main Examination?
A: Four papers totalling 300 marks:
- Law Paper I (Civil Law): 100 marks, 3 hours. Covers CPC, Contract Act, Evidence Act, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, Limitation Act, Registration Act, Partnership Act, Sale of Goods Act, Constitution, Hindu and Muslim personal laws, and Rajasthan civil statutes. Includes drafting, pleadings, framing of issues and writing civil judgments.
- Law Paper II (Criminal Law): 100 marks, 3 hours. Covers IPC and BNS, CrPC and BNSS, Evidence Act and BSA, Negotiable Instruments Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Probation of Offenders Act, POCSO, Domestic Violence Act and the Rajasthan Excise Act. Includes framing of charges and writing criminal judgments.
- Language Paper I (Hindi Essay): 50 marks, 2 hours.
- Language Paper II (English Essay): 50 marks, 2 hours.
Q: Are the language papers only qualifying, or do they count?
A: They count. The Hindi and English essay papers together carry 100 of the 300 Mains marks and are added to the final merit. This is a key difference from several other state judiciary exams where language is only a qualifying test.
Q: What are the qualifying marks in Mains?
A: To be called for the Interview, a candidate must score at least 35 percent in each law paper and 40 percent in aggregate. For SC, ST, PwD and Ex-Servicemen candidates the requirement is 30 percent in each law paper and 35 percent in aggregate. Failing one law paper ends the attempt regardless of the total.
Q: Which Rajasthan specific laws are included in the syllabus?
A: On the civil side, the Rajasthan Rent Control Act 2001, Rajasthan Tenancy Act 1955, Rajasthan Land Revenue Act 1956, Rajasthan Stamp Act 1998, Rajasthan Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act 1961, Rajasthan Municipalities Act 2009 (prescribed chapters only), and General Rules (Civil) 1986. On the criminal side, the Rajasthan Excise Act 1950 and General Rules (Criminal) 1980.
Q: Does the syllabus include the new criminal laws?
A: Yes. Candidates are expected to know the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 alongside the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act. Comparison and provision mapping questions are now common during this transition period.
Q: What is asked in the Interview?
A: The Interview carries 35 marks. Questions may be general rather than legal and cover the candidate's academic record, character, personality, current affairs and present day problems. Marks are also given for proficiency in Rajasthani dialects and knowledge of the social customs of Rajasthan. For final selection, a candidate must secure a minimum aggregate of 40 percent in the Mains and Interview taken together, and 35 percent for Ex-Servicemen.
Q: What is the educational qualification required?
A: A Bachelor of Laws (Professional) degree from a university established by law in India and recognised under the Advocates Act 1961. No minimum years of practice are required, so fresh law graduates can apply.
Q: What is the age limit?
A: Recent notifications have set the range at 21 to 40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. Rajasthan has revised this limit more than once, so confirm the exact figure and cut off date against the current notification on hcraj.nic.in.
Q: How many attempts are allowed?
A: There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can apply as long as they are within the prescribed age limit.
Q: What is the pay scale for a newly appointed Civil Judge in Rajasthan?
A: Appointment is to the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) under the Second National Judicial Pay Commission framework.
- Pay Scale: 77,840 to 1,36,520 rupees
- Starting Basic Pay: 77,840 rupees per month
- Estimated in hand salary: around 90,000 to 95,000 rupees per month with DA, HRA and other admissible allowances
Actual in hand pay varies by posting city, so check the allowance rates applicable to your station.