Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (UPHJS) Examination 2023: Detailed Syllabus
The Allahabad High Court has released the exam pattern and syllabus for the Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (UPHJS) Examination – 2023. The UPHJS is one of the most prestigious judicial services exams in India, conducted for direct recruitment to the post of District Judge. Candidates must carefully go through the syllabus and exam structure to prepare strategically.
Exam Stages
The examination will be conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Main Written Examination (Descriptive Type)
- Interview (Personality Test)
Each stage has its own weightage and qualifying criteria. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of Main Written Examination + Interview marks.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
- Nature: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100 (1 mark each, no negative marking)
- Qualifying Marks: 45%
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test. Candidates equal to 20 times the number of vacancies (category-wise) who secure minimum 45% marks are eligible for the Main Written Examination.
Stage 2: Main Written Examination
The UPHJS Main Examination consists of four papers, each of 3 hours. Candidates must secure 40% marks in each paper and 45% aggregate across all papers to qualify for the Interview.
Paper I – General Awareness & Legal Language (100 Marks)
This Section shall be of 50 Marks. It will include the following:
History of India and Indian Culture; Geography of India; Indian Polity; Current
National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance; India and the World; Indian
Economy; and Development in the field of Science & Technology,
Communication and Space.
Section A: General Awareness (50 Marks)
- History and Culture of India
- Indian Geography
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Economy of India
- Science and Technology
- Current National Issues and Events
Section B: Legal Language (50 Marks)
This section shall be of 50 Marks. It will test language skills and will include
critical analysis of a given judgment, expression in legal language (Hindi &
English) etc.
- Proficiency in English and Hindi legal language
- Translation and précis writing
- Critical analysis of judgments and legal passages
- Essay/short notes on legal topics
📘 Paper II – Law-I (Substantive Law) (200 Marks)
This paper shall be of 200 marks and of 3 hours duration. It will be focused to
assess the practical legal acumen.
Constitution of India; Code of Civil Procedure; Indian Contract Act,
1872; The Partnership Act, 1932; Law of Torts; The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988;
Limitation Act, 1963; The Transfer of Property Act, 1882; Sales of Goods Act,
1930; General Clauses Act, 1897; The Indian Easements Act, 1882; Law of
Equity; The Indian Trusts Act, 1882; Specific Relief Act, 1963; The Registration
Act, 1908; Court Fees Act, 1870; The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971;
Information Technology Act, 2000 and The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 &
Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 as applicable to the aforesaid laws.
- Constitutional Law of India
- Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (CPC)
- Indian Contract Act, 1872;
- Partnership Act, 1932;
- Specific Relief Act, 1963;
- Sale of Goods Act, 1930)
- The Registration Act, 1908;
- Court Fees Act, 1870;
- The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971;
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Indian Trusts Act, 1882
- Law of Torts
- Motor Vehicles Act 1988 (relevant provisions)
- Limitation Act, 1963
- General Clauses Act, 1897;
- The Indian Easements Act, 1882;
- Law of Equity;
- Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Indian Evidence Law – new Act)
📘 Paper III – Law-II (Procedural Law & Criminal Law) (200 Marks)
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023;
- Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023;
- Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881;
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988;
- Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012;
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015;
- Prevention of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005;
- The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013;
- Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986;
- The Arms Act, 1959;
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002;
- The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985;
- Uttar Pradesh Dacoity Affected Areas Act, 1983;
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 as applicable to the aforesaid laws.
📘 Paper IV – Law-III (Family Law & Other Laws) (200 Marks)
- The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955;
- The Hindu Succession Act, 1956;
- The Hindu Minority & Guardianship Act, 1956;
- The Hindu Adoptions & Maintenance Act, 1956;
- Mohammedan Law;
- The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021;
- Indian Succession Act, 1925;
- Special Marriage Act, 1954;
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019;
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986;
- Guardian and Wards Act,1890;
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act, 2007;
- The Family Courts Act, 1984;
- Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006 and Rules of 2016;
- The Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021;
- Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning & Development Act, 1973;
- The Uttar Pradesh Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1953;
- The Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1916;
- The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996;
- The Commercial Courts Act, 2015;
- Essential Commodities Act, 1955;
- The Land Acquisition Act, 1894;
- Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013;
- Electricity Act, 2003 together with Rules, framed under the aforesaid Acts and
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as applicable to the aforesaid laws.
Stage 3: Interview / Viva-Voce (100 Marks)
- Candidates equal to 3 times the number of vacancies (category-wise), who qualify in the Main Written Examination, are called for the Interview.
- The interview tests the candidate’s personality, legal knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for judicial service.
- Minimum qualifying marks in Interview: 45%.
Important Highlights
- Candidates can answer in English or Hindi, except where translation/English proficiency is specifically required.
- No candidate will be considered qualified unless they meet both subject-wise and aggregate cut-offs.
- Final selection is based on aggregate marks of Mains + Interview.
Preparation Strategy
- Thoroughly study Bare Acts – most questions are direct or applied provisions.
- Stay updated with current affairs – especially national issues, law reforms, and judgments of the Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court.
- Revise new criminal codes (BNS, BSA, BNSS) as they are increasingly being included.
- Practice answer writing for law papers – focus on structuring answers with case laws and statutory references.
- Mock interviews to improve confidence, expression, and clarity.
Conclusion
The UP Higher Judicial Service (UPHJS) Exam Syllabus covers a blend of substantive law, procedural law, family law, and general awareness. A systematic approach with a balance of legal knowledge, current affairs, and writing practice will help aspirants clear this prestigious exam.
📑 Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (UPHJS) Exam 2023: Syllabus in Table
| Stage | Description | Marks / Time | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Preliminary Exam | Objective type (MCQs), 100 questions | 100 Marks, 2 Hours | 45% |
| Stage 2: Main Written Exam | 4 Descriptive Papers | Total 700 Marks, 3 Hours each | 40% in each paper & 45% overall |
| Stage 3: Interview (Viva-Voce) | Personality test, legal knowledge, communication | 100 Marks | 45% |
| Final Selection | Based on Mains + Interview | Total 800 Marks | — |
📘 Main Written Examination: Detailed Syllabus
| Paper | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I: General Knowledge & Legal Language | Indian History & Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Tech, Current Events + Legal language (English/Hindi), translation, précis writing, essay | 100 |
| Paper II: Law-I (Substantive Law) | Constitutional Law, CPC, Indian Contract Act, Partnership Act, Specific Relief, Sale of Goods, Transfer of Property, Indian Trusts, Law of Torts, Motor Vehicles Act, Limitation Act, Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 | 200 |
| Paper III: Law-II (Procedural & Criminal Law) | CrPC, IPC/Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, POCSO, JJ Act, Domestic Violence Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, SC-ST Act, other allied criminal laws | 200 |
| Paper IV: Law-III (Family Law & Other Laws) | Hindu/Muslim/Christian/Parsi Family Law, Succession Laws, Guardianship Laws, Special Marriage Act, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights) Act, Municipal Laws, Land Acquisition, Commercial Courts Act, Arbitration Act | 200 |
📊 Flowchart: UPHJS Exam Structure
UPHJS Exam
│
├── Stage 1: Preliminary Exam
│ • MCQ (100 Questions, 100 Marks, 2 Hours)
│ • Minimum 45% required
│
├── Stage 2: Main Written Examination
│ ├── Paper I: GK & Legal Language (100 Marks)
│ ├── Paper II: Law-I (Substantive Law) (200 Marks)
│ ├── Paper III: Law-II (Criminal & Procedural) (200 Marks)
│ ├── Paper IV: Law-III (Family & Other Laws) (200 Marks)
│ • 40% in each paper and 45% aggregate required
│
└── Stage 3: Interview (100 Marks)
• Personality, legal knowledge, communication skills
• Minimum 45% required
👉
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on UPHJS Exam 2023
Q1. What is the Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (UPHJS) Examination?
The UPHJS Exam is conducted by the Allahabad High Court for direct recruitment to the post of District Judge in Uttar Pradesh.
Q2. How many stages are there in the UPHJS Exam 2023?
The exam has three stages – Preliminary Examination (Objective), Main Written Examination (Descriptive), and Interview (Viva-Voce).
Q3. What is the syllabus of the UPHJS Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Exam consists of 100 objective-type questions based on General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Constitution, Law, and English/Hindi legal language.
Q4. How many papers are there in the UPHJS Main Examination?
There are four descriptive papers:
- Paper I: General Knowledge & Legal Language (100 marks)
- Paper II: Law-I (Substantive Law) (200 marks)
- Paper III: Law-II (Procedural & Criminal Law) (200 marks)
- Paper IV: Law-III (Family Law & Other Laws) (200 marks)
Q5. What are the qualifying marks for the UPHJS Exam?
- Prelims: 45% (for screening)
- Mains: 40% in each paper and 45% aggregate
- Interview: Minimum 45%
Q6. What laws are included in the UPHJS syllabus 2023?
The syllabus includes Constitutional Law, CPC, Contract Law, Transfer of Property, Trusts, Law of Torts, Evidence Act (Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023), Criminal Procedure, IPC/Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Family Laws (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi), and local UP laws.
Q7. What is the total marks distribution for UPHJS 2023?
- Prelims: 100 Marks
- Mains: 700 Marks (4 papers)
- Interview: 100 Marks
- Final Merit: 800 Marks (Mains + Interview)
Q8. Can answers in the UPHJS Exam be written in Hindi?
Yes, candidates can write in Hindi or English, except where translation or English proficiency is specifically required.
Q9. How should I prepare for the UPHJS Examination 2023?
Focus on Bare Acts, landmark judgments, current affairs, and practice answer writing with case laws. Revise new criminal codes (BNS, BSA, BNSS) and improve legal language proficiency.
Q10. When will the UPHJS Exam 2023 Interview be conducted?
The interview will be conducted after the Main Examination results. Only candidates who qualify the Mains are called for Interview (3 times the number of vacancies).
📅 UPHJS Exam 2023 – 3-Month Study Plan
🔹 Month 1: Foundation & Bare Acts
Goal: Build conceptual clarity, cover core Bare Acts, and strengthen GK & current affairs.
Week 1–2
- Constitution of India – Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, President/Governor powers, Judiciary, Emergency provisions.
- CPC (Civil Procedure Code) – Jurisdiction, Res Judicata, Orders & Decrees, Appeals.
- Current Affairs – Read The Hindu/Indian Express + LiveLaw updates daily.
- GK – Indian History (Medieval + Modern), Indian Geography basics.
Week 3–4
- Contract Law – Indian Contract Act, Partnership Act, Specific Relief Act, Sale of Goods Act.
- Transfer of Property Act – Transfer, Mortgage, Lease, Easements.
- Law of Torts + Motor Vehicles Act.
- GK – Indian Polity & Economy basics.
- Legal Language – Practice translation (Hindi ↔ English), précis writing.
📌 Daily Routine Suggestion
- 2 hrs Bare Acts reading
- 1 hr GK & Current Affairs
- 1 hr Legal language/essay writing
- 1 hr Case law reading (recent judgments)
🔹 Month 2: Procedural & Criminal Laws
Goal: Cover Procedural + Criminal + Evidence laws, start answer writing.
Week 5–6
- CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) – Investigation, Bail, Trial procedures, Appeals, Revision.
- IPC / BNS 2023 – General Exceptions, Offences against person/property, Attempt, Abetment, Conspiracy.
- Evidence Law (Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023) – Relevancy, Admissions/Confessions, Burden of Proof, Witnesses.
Week 7
- Special Criminal Laws – POCSO, JJ Act, Domestic Violence, Dowry Prohibition, SC/ST Atrocities Act.
- Limitation Act 1963 – Key provisions.
- GK – Science & Technology, Indian Economy, Current National Issues.
Week 8
- Family Laws – Hindu Law (Marriage, Divorce, Succession, Guardianship).
- Muslim Law – Marriage, Divorce, Succession, Women’s rights.
- Christian & Parsi Law – Basic provisions.
- Legal Writing – Practice 2 essays per week.
📌 Daily Routine Suggestion
- 2 hrs Procedural/Criminal laws
- 1 hr Evidence Act & Case laws
- 1 hr GK + Current legal issues
- 1 hr Answer writing practice
🔹 Month 3: Revision + Practice + Mock Tests
Goal: Consolidate syllabus, improve speed, and master exam writing style.
Week 9
- Revision of Constitutional Law, CPC, Contract, TPA, Torts.
- Write 1 mock test for Paper II (Substantive Law).
Week 10
- Revision of CrPC, IPC/BNS, Evidence, Special Criminal Laws.
- Write 1 mock test for Paper III (Procedural & Criminal Law).
Week 11
- Revision of Family Laws, Succession, Guardianship, Special Marriage, Arbitration/Commercial Laws.
- Write 1 mock test for Paper IV (Family Law & Other Laws).
Week 12 (Final Week)
- Full syllabus mock test (3 hrs each, 4 papers) under exam conditions.
- Revise important Bare Act sections + landmark SC/HC judgments.
- Focus on legal language & essay writing.
- Practice 2–3 mock interviews with peers/mentors.
📌 Daily Routine Suggestion
- 2 hrs Revision of Bare Acts
- 2 hrs Answer writing practice
- 1 hr Current affairs + Law news
- 30 mins translation/essay
⚖️ Preparation Tips
✅ Stick to Bare Acts – underline important sections.
✅ Maintain separate notebooks for each law subject.
✅ Prepare case law charts (Act-wise + landmark rulings).
✅ Use flowcharts & diagrams in answers.
✅ Revise new codes (BNS, BNSS, BSA) regularly.
✅ Practice writing in both Hindi & English.