Gujarat Judiciary frequently asked questions
Q: What is the overall selection process for the Gujarat Civil Judge recruitment?
A: The selection process consists of three sequential stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Elimination Test): An objective-type test consisting of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (100 marks).
- Main Written Examination: A descriptive written test evaluating Law Paper-I, Law Paper-II, and Gujarat Language Proficiency.
- Viva-Voce (Interview): A personal interview carrying 50 marks to assess suitability, personality, and legal aptitude.
Q: What is the minimum age and qualification required to apply for Gujarat Judicial Services?
A:
- Educational Qualification: Must hold a Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university and be enrolled/eligible to practice as an Advocate.
- Age Limit (Unreserved Category): Must not have completed 35 years of age as of the last date of application submission.
- Age Relaxation: Upper age limit is relaxed up to 38 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Q: Is knowledge of the Gujarati language mandatory for the exam?
A: Yes. Proficiency in the Gujarati language is essential. Candidates must clear the Gujarati Language Test (conducted during or alongside the Mains phase) scoring a minimum of 50% marks (or as prescribed in the notification) to be eligible for final selection.
Q: What are the negative marking rules in the Preliminary Test?
A: Yes, negative marking applies to the Preliminary Examination. 0.33 marks (1/3rd mark) will be deducted for every incorrect answer or for selecting multiple options for a single question.
Q: Does the syllabus include the new Criminal Laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA)?
A: Yes. The exam assesses both classic legal principles and the updated criminal legislations:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)* (replacing IPC)*
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)* (replacing CrPC)*
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)* (replacing Indian Evidence Act)*
Q: What is the pay scale for a newly appointed Civil Judge in Gujarat?
A: Newly appointed Civil Judges are paid under the Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) framework:
- Pay Scale: ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹77,840 per month
- Estimated In-Hand Salary: ~₹90,000 – ₹95,000 per month (including DA, HRA, and admissible allowances).
Q: Is there a probation period and service bond after selection?
A: Yes:
- Probation Period: 2 years under Rule 14 of the Gujarat State Judicial Service Rules, 2005 (extendable up to a total of 4 years).
- Service Bond: Appointed candidates are required to execute a service bond of ₹5,00,000 (Rupees Five Lakhs) committing to serve for a minimum period of 3 years post-training.