BPSC Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 173 Posts

BPSC 33rd Bihar Judicial Services Competitive Exam 2026 Overview

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the highly prestigious notification for the 33rd Bihar Judicial Services Competitive Examination 2026. Under Advertisement No. 12/2026, the commission aims to recruit talented and dedicated legal minds for 173 Civil Judge (Junior Division) vacancies. For law graduates aspiring to enter the majestic halls of the Indian Judiciary, there is no job more respected, powerful, and secure than becoming a Civil Judge. This recruitment provides a direct gateway to becoming a guardian of justice, ensuring the rule of law at the grassroots level of Bihar’s judicial system.

About BPSC and the Bihar Judicial System

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is a constitutional body entrusted with the responsibility of conducting elite state-level examinations to recruit gazetted officers. The Civil Judge (Junior Division) falls directly under the administrative control of the Hon'ble Patna High Court. The judicial system is the strongest pillar of Indian democracy. Joining as a judicial magistrate places you at the very heart of the state mechanism, granting immense respect in society, tremendous job security, and an intellectually stimulating work environment where you interpret the law daily to dispense justice.

Job Profile, Roles, and Responsibilities

The role of a Civil Judge (Junior Division) / Judicial Magistrate First Class is one of immense authority and responsibility.
Judicial Proceedings: You will preside over a court, hearing civil suits, injunctions, and property disputes involving moderate financial values. On the criminal side, you will function as a Judicial Magistrate, trying cases that carry punishments up to a certain limit (usually 3 years).
Administrative Control: You will manage court staff, oversee the issuance of summons and warrants, record statements under Section 164 CrPC, and manage remand orders for accused individuals.
Upholding Justice: Most importantly, your judgments will impact human lives and society at large. Maintaining absolute integrity, emotional neutrality, and a deep understanding of evolving jurisprudence are the core demands of this profile.

Salary, Allowances, and Career Progression

The compensation and perks for Judicial Officers are significantly superior to regular state civil services, governed by the recommendations of the National Judicial Pay Commission (Shetty Commission & Padmanabhan Commission). A newly recruited Civil Judge (Junior Division) receives a starting basic pay on a specialized pay scale, translating to an initial in-hand salary of approximately Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 95,000/- per month.
Apart from the salary, Judicial Officers are provided massive perks: fully furnished independent government bungalows, an official vehicle or fuel allowance, security guards/peons at residence, electricity/water allowances, and robust medical cover. Promotions are systematic: Civil Judge (Sr. Division) -> Additional District Judge (ADJ) -> District & Sessions Judge, with outstanding officers eventually being elevated as High Court Justices.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Given the gravity of the post, the BPSC sets strict educational and professional criteria.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.)—either a 3-year or a 5-year integrated course—from a University or Institute formally recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI).
Professional Experience: Unlike many other states that recruit fresh law graduates, this specific notification mandates a minimum of 3 years of continuous practice as an Advocate. Candidates must be enrolled with the State Bar Council and must provide a certificate of continuous practice from the respective District Judge or Bar Association President.

Age Limit Guidelines

The age criteria balance the need for youthful energy and required professional experience. The minimum age limit to apply is 22 years, and the maximum age limit is 40 years as on the crucial cutoff date specified in the notification. State government-mandated age relaxations are provided for reserved category candidates (OBC/EBC/SC/ST) belonging to the domicile of Bihar. Unreserved female candidates also benefit from age relaxations.

Selection Process Details

The BPSC Judicial Services Exam is considered one of the toughest and most transparent processes, comprising three grueling stages:
1. Preliminary Exam (Objective): Consists of two papers. Paper-I covers General Knowledge and Current Affairs (100 marks). Paper-II is Law (150 marks), covering Evidence, Procedure, Constitution, and specific acts. It serves as a screening test.
2. Mains Examination (Subjective): Shortlisted candidates write descriptive papers. This includes compulsory papers like General Hindi, General English, General Knowledge, General Science, and Law of Evidence & Procedure. Candidates must also choose three optional law papers from a given list (Constitutional Law, Hindu/Muslim Law, Contract/Tort Law, Commercial Law, etc.).
3. Personal Interview (Viva-Voce): Candidates clearing the Mains face a high-powered panel including sitting High Court Judges. This 100-mark interview tests legal acumen, situational judgment, and personality.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online

Eligible advocates must apply accurately through the BPSC portal:
1. Visit the official BPSC website: bpsc.bihar.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the 'Apply Online' section and click on 'BPSC Online Application'.
3. Look for Advt. 12/2026 (33rd Bihar Judicial Services) and click on Registration.
4. Fill in basic personal details. Ensure the spelling of your name matches your matriculation certificate and Bar Council registration perfectly.
5. Pay the online examination fee using Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking.
6. After successful payment, log in again and complete the main application form, filling in your educational records and the 3-year practice details.
7. Upload your recent photograph, signature (Hindi and English), and necessary documents. Submit and take a final printout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are final year LL.B. students eligible to apply?
No, final year students are not eligible. The candidate must possess the final LL.B. degree and have completed 3 years of active legal practice at the bar to be eligible for this specific advertisement.
Q2. Will candidates from other states get reservation benefits?
No, as per constitutional norms, candidates belonging to states other than Bihar will be considered strictly under the Unreserved (General) category, regardless of their caste.
Q3. Is the General Hindi and English paper in Mains exam qualifying in nature?
Yes, the General Hindi and General English papers in the Mains examination are usually qualifying in nature. You must secure a minimum of 30 marks out of 100, but these marks are not added to the final merit list.