The Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services Examination (also known as MP Civil Judge or MPCJ exam) is conducted by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh to recruit Civil Judges (Junior Division). The selection process has three stages: Preliminary Examination (screening), Main Examination (merit-determining), and Interview (Viva-Voce). Only marks from the Mains and Interview count toward the final merit list. Prelims marks are not added.
The MP Civil Judge syllabus traditionally references the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. With the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) from 2024, candidates must verify the latest official notification on the Madhya Pradesh High Court website (mphc.gov.in) for any updates. Local laws and civil statutes remain largely unchanged. Always cross-check the current year’s advertisement for exact details, weightage, and any additions (such as specific chapters or new special laws).
| Stage | Nature | Marks | Duration | Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | Objective (MCQs) | 150 | 2 hours | Online | Qualifying / Screening |
| Main Exam | Descriptive | 400 (4 × 100) | 3 hours per paper | Offline (written) | Merit-determining |
| Interview | Personality Test | 50 | — | Oral | Merit-determining |
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Constitution of India | Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Fundamental Duties, Union & State Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, Constitutional Amendments |
| Civil Law | Civil Procedure Code, Limitation, Contract, Specific Relief, Transfer of Property, Property Laws |
| Criminal Law | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam |
| Evidence | Relevancy of facts, admissions, confessions, burden of proof, witnesses, documentary evidence |
| Family Law | Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, maintenance-related provisions |
| Local/MP Laws | Madhya Pradesh-specific statutes and rules prescribed in the notification |
| General Knowledge | Indian history, geography, polity, economy, current affairs and general awareness |
| Computer/General Awareness | Basic computer knowledge and relevant general awareness, wherever prescribed |
A major point for MP Judiciary aspirants is the transition from the old criminal-law framework to the new criminal laws. Therefore, preparation should focus particularly on:
The MPSJA’s 2026 preparatory programme also specifically provides reading material on BNS, demonstrating the importance of the new criminal laws in current judicial preparation.
The Prelims consists of 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks, to be completed in 2 hours. It is divided into law subjects and general subjects. The exact question distribution can vary slightly by year, but the following is the commonly reported pattern based on recent cycles:
Part 1 – Law Subjects (approx. 120 questions)
| Subject | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Constitution of India | 5–10 |
| Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | 15–20 |
| Transfer of Property Act, 1882 | 7 |
| Indian Contract Act, 1872 | 8 |
| Specific Relief Act, 1963 | 6 |
| Limitation Act, 1963 | 4 |
| MP Accommodation Control Act, 1961 | 5 |
| MP Land Revenue Code / Act, 1959 | 5 |
| Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (or BSA equivalent) | 15 |
| Indian Penal Code, 1860 (or BNS equivalent) | 15 |
| Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (or BNSS) | 15 |
| Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 | 5 |
| Information Technology Act, 2000 | 3–4 |
| Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act | 3 |
| Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 | 3 |
Part 2 – General Subjects (approx. 30 questions)
| Subject | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 10–20 |
| Computer Knowledge | 10 |
| English Knowledge | 10 |
Key focus areas for Prelims: Procedural laws (CPC, CrPC/BNSS, Evidence/BSA) carry high weightage. Local MP laws (Accommodation Control and Land Revenue) are important. GK usually covers current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography (with some MP-specific focus), and basic computer awareness (MS Office, internet, basics of hardware/software). English tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The Mains examination is substantially different from Prelims because candidates have to demonstrate legal reasoning, analytical ability, drafting skills, and written expression.
Important areas include:
Candidates should not merely memorise provisions. They should practise applying statutory provisions to factual situations.
The criminal-law portion should primarily be prepared using the current statutory framework:
The MPSJA’s current programmes also include training on e-Sakshya and related digital judicial applications, reflecting the growing importance of technology in the contemporary criminal-justice system.
Important topics include:
Candidates should give special attention to Madhya Pradesh-specific legislation, rules and court procedures prescribed in the recruitment notification.
Important areas may include:
The MPSJA conducted a specialised 2026 programme specifically covering M.P. Civil Court Rules, 1961 and M.P. Rules and Orders (Criminal).
Language and writing skills are important for the Mains examination. Candidates should prepare:
A candidate may know the law very well but still lose marks if answers lack proper structure, legal reasoning and clarity.
For Mains preparation, candidates should practise writing answers in the following format:
Issue → Relevant Law/Provision → Legal Principle → Application to Facts → Conclusion
For example, while answering a problem-based question, simply mentioning the relevant section is generally insufficient. Explain the applicable principle and then connect it to the facts given in the question.
| Priority | Subject | Topics to Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| Very High | BNS | General exceptions, offences, punishments, abetment, attempt |
| Very High | BNSS | FIR, arrest, investigation, bail, trial, appeals |
| Very High | BSA | Relevancy, admissions, confessions, burden of proof, witnesses |
| Very High | CPC | Jurisdiction, pleadings, injunctions, execution, appeals |
| High | Constitution | Fundamental Rights, writs, judiciary, judicial review |
| High | Contract | Essentials, breach, damages, indemnity, guarantee |
| High | Specific Relief | Injunctions and specific performance |
| High | TPA | Transfer, sale, mortgage, lease, gift |
| High | MP Laws | MPLRC and MP-specific procedural rules |
| Medium | Family Law | Marriage, divorce, succession, maintenance |
| Medium | GK | MP GK, Indian polity, history, geography, current affairs |
The Mains is a descriptive written examination consisting of four papers of 100 marks each (total 400 marks). Each paper lasts 3 hours. Papers 1 and 2 are usually held on one day, and Papers 3 and 4 on another day.
Candidates are expected to answer analytical and problem-based questions demonstrating conceptual clarity and application of law.
Typical breakup (may vary slightly):
This paper tests language proficiency, clarity of expression, summarisation skills, and ability to handle legal and social topics. Practice writing concise, structured answers is essential.
Focus is on substantive criminal law, procedure, evidence rules, and MP-specific statutes frequently applied in civil/criminal courts.
Typical components:
This is a highly practical paper. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to frame proper issues/charges and write reasoned, structured judgments based on given facts.
The final stage assesses personality, legal knowledge, analytical ability, communication skills, current legal awareness, and suitability for judicial office. A minimum qualifying score (commonly 20 marks) is required. Final ranking is prepared on the basis of Mains + Interview marks only.
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