“You don’t need more time; you need better focus with the time you have.”
Start today. Plan wisely. Prepare strategically. The robe is waiting.
The dream of becoming a civil judge is one shared by many legal professionals, yet the path toward achieving it often intersects with ongoing professional commitments. For those already engaged in legal practice, clerical work, law firms, or government jobs, balancing a full-time job with judiciary exam preparation is undoubtedly challenging but not impossible. With structured planning, consistent effort, and a disciplined mindset, aspirants can convert this dual responsibility into an opportunity for focused and mature preparation.
Understanding the Nature of Judicial Service Exams
Judicial Service Examinations across Indian states are designed to assess not only the candidate's grasp over the black letter law but also their interpretative and analytical capabilities. The syllabus covers core subjects such as the CPC, BNSS, BNS, BSA, Constitution, and relevant local laws, along with General Knowledge, English, and Judgment Writing.
For a working professional, it is essential to align preparation goals with the demands of the examination.
When to Begin Preparation?
For aspirants managing a job, starting early is crucial. Ideally, preparation should begin at least one year in advance. Early starters gain the advantage of spreading the syllabus over a longer timeline, allowing space for:
- Multiple revisions
- Answer-writing practice
- Mock tests
- Conceptual clarity on difficult provisions
Structuring a Realistic Daily Schedule
A well-planned study timetable is the cornerstone of judicial exam preparation for working professionals. Here's a sample structure for a 9-6 job:
|
Time Slot |
Activity |
|---|---|
|
6:30 AM – 8:30 AM |
Core subject reading (e.g., CPC, BNSS) |
|
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM |
Commute + Newspaper reading (The Hindu/IE) |
|
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Bare Act reading + Note-making |
|
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
PYQs/MCQs Practice + Revision |
|
Weekends |
Mocks, Essay/Answer writing, Minor laws |
This two-hour daily commitment on weekdays and six to eight hours on weekends is sufficient if maintained consistently over 10-12 months.
Prioritizing Bare Acts and Conceptual Clarity
The judiciary exams are bare act-heavy. For a working aspirant with limited hours, the focus must be on:
- Reading 5–10 sections daily from major Acts.
- Understanding language, illustrations, exceptions, and explanations.
- Making micro-notes for quick revision.
- Highlighting inter-related provisions (e.g., Section 9 CPC with Section 10 and 11).
Use weekends for case law enrichment and commentaries, especially for analytical subjects like Evidence Act and Constitution.
Integrating Answer Writing and Judgment Writing Practice
Merely reading will not suffice. Regular practice of:
- 3–5 descriptive questions weekly
- Judgment Writing (1 weekly)
enhances both writing speed and structure. Consider forming a peer group or enrolling in an online course offering checked copies and feedback.
Legal Awareness and Current Affairs
Despite limited time, working aspirants must stay updated with:
- Daily newspaper reading (30 minutes)
- Legal updates from, Aashayein Judiciary, LiveLaw, Bar & Bench, and SCC Online Blog
- Maintaining a Current Legal Events diary for interview stage
This helps in:
- Essay topics
- Legal GK questions in prelims
- Judicial interpretation-based questions in mains
Smart Resource Utilization
Given the time constraints, working professionals must avoid being overwhelmed by multiple resources. Instead, rely on:
- One source per subject (e.g., Takwani for CPC, Pillai for CrPC)
- High-quality coaching notes or online platforms for revisions
- Selective use of case compilations and chart-based bare acts
Use technology to your advantage—audio lectures during commute, PDF apps, and legal podcasts for passive learning.
Psychological Strength and Discipline
Managing a job and judicial prep demands mental endurance. Burnout is real, so:
- Take breaks
- Meditate or exercise for 15–20 minutes daily
- Celebrate small wins (e.g., finishing a subject, writing a test)
- Most importantly: Stay away from comparisons
Role of Mentorship
A reliable mentor who has cracked the exam while working can be a game-changer. Choose one who:
- Guides personally
- Offers realistic study plans
- Keeps you accountable
Avoid distractions from multiple sources of advice.
Conclusion
Cracking the Judicial Service Exam while working a full-time job is not easy, but it is entirely possible. The main lies in discipline over intensity, strategy over routine, and consistency over motivation. Working professionals bring with them a level of maturity, work ethic, and perseverance, qualities that can provide a unique advantage in this competitive exam, if harnessed well.
