SRM University, Chennai Law UG 2026
NAAC A++ Accredited | Ranked #11 by NIRF
The Karnataka judiciary syllabus 2026 covers civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, general knowledge, reasoning, mental ability, translation and judgment writing. The Karnataka civil judge exam 2026 is conducted in three stages: preliminary examination, mains exam and viva-voce (interview). A separate computer test is also conducted but is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not added to the written examination and viva scores.
This Story also Contains
The Karnataka civil judge prelims exam is divided into three parts. Part A covers civil law subjects, while Part B includes both the earlier criminal laws and the new criminal laws. Part C tests general knowledge, reasoning and mental ability.
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Indian Contract Act, 1872
Specific Relief Act, 1963
Constitution of India
Karnataka Rent Act, 1999
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
General Knowledge
Test of Reasoning
Mental Ability
Paper | Subject | Syllabus | Marks | Duration |
Paper I | Translation | Translation of passages from English to Kannada and Kannada to English, based on depositions, judgments and documents | 100 | 3 hours |
Paper II | Law Paper I | Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; Indian Evidence Act, 1872; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; Principles of Pleading; Constitution of India | 100 | 3 hours |
Paper III | Law Paper II - Civil | Framing of issues and writing of judgments in civil cases | 100 | 3 hours |
Paper IV | Law Paper III - Criminal | Framing of charges and writing of judgments in criminal cases | 100 | 3 hours |
Total | 400 | 12 hours |
Candidates are permitted to write the Karnataka civil judge mains examination in English or Kannada.
Candidates who qualify the mains exam are called for the interview stage in a 3:1 ratio. The board evaluates:
• General Knowledge
• Grasp of Principles of Law
• Overall suitability for appointment as a Civil Judge
The Karnataka civil judge computer test carries 25 marks. It assesses candidates' computer knowledge and suitability. The computer exam is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained are not added to the written examination and viva scores.
Exam stage | Test type | Maximum marks | Minimum passing marks (SC/ST/PwBD) | Minimum passing marks required (General/OBC/Others) |
Preliminary exam | Objective (MCQs) | 100 marks | 50 marks | 60 marks |
Main examination | Descriptive (4 papers) | 400 marks | 40 marks (in each paper) | 50 marks (in each paper) |
Viva-voce (interview round) | Interview | 100 marks | 20% (20 marks) | 25% (25 marks) |
Computer test | Practical | 25 marks | Qualifying in nature | Qualifying in nature |
Candidates qualifying the prelims are shortlisted for Mains up to 10 times the number of vacancies, category-wise. Similarly, up to three times the number of vacancies are called for the Karnataka judiciary exam interview based on Mains merit.
Candidates can refer to the following Karnataka civil judge books for subject-wise preparation and practice:
Civil Procedure: Civil Procedure by C.K. Takwani
Constitutional Law: Indian Constitutional Law by M.P. Jain or J.N. Pandey
Contract Law: Law of Contract and Specific Relief by Avtar Singh
Property Law: The Transfer of Property Act by R.K. Sinha or Mulla
New Criminal Laws: BNS, BNSS and BSA bare acts or comparative editions
Judgment Writing: Standard books on civil and criminal judgment writing
Reasoning and Mental Ability: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Approved by BCI | Ranked #4 among Law Institutes in UP | NAAC A+ Accredited
Ranked 1 st among Top Law Schools of super Excellence in India - GHRDC | NAAC A+ Accredited | #36 by NIRF
Admission Against Cancellation/Lapsed Seats | Pay 500 Application Fee instead of ₹1500 | NIRF Ranked 87 | NAAC A+ Grade | Upto 100% scholarship
Application Closing on 30th Jul'26 | Approved by Bar Council of India | 100% Scholarship | Accepts CLAT Scores | Few Seats Left!
NAAC A+ Accredited | Students | Moot Court Session | Legal Aid Clinics | | Scholarships to Meritorious
Last Date to Apply: 17th August | QS I-Gauge Diamond Rated | NAAC A+ Accredited | 621 Recruitment Partners | INR 40 LPA Highest CTC | 4482 Job offers