UP Judiciary Syllabus 2026 (Prelims & Mains): Exam Pattern

UP Judiciary Prelims Syllabus 2026

The UP judicial service prelims exam consists of two papers: GK and law. Each paper is held for two hours. The prelims is only a qualifying stage, and its marks are not added to the final merit. There is also negative marking of one-third of a mark for every incorrect answer in both papers.

Paper 1: General Knowledge

The general knowledge paper carries 150 marks. Questions are asked from topics such as:

• History of India and Indian culture

• Geography of India

• Indian polity

• Current national issues

• Socially relevant topics

• India and the world

• Indian economy

• International affairs and institutions

• Science and technology

• Communications

• Space

The paper also covers issues concerning persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women and children. Candidates should also prepare the key provisions of the following laws:

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
• Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994
• Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

Paper 2: Law

The UP judiciary prelims law paper carries 300 marks and has a duration of two hours. The syllabus includes:

• Jurisprudence

• International organisations

• Current international affairs

• Indian Constitution

• Transfer of Property Act

• Indian Evidence Act

• Indian Penal Code

• Civil Procedure Code

• Criminal Procedure Code

• Law of Contract

The paper also includes questions on day-to-day happenings in India and the world, particularly in the legal field, along with Acts and laws.

UP Judiciary Exam (UP PCS J) Mains Syllabus 2026

The UP Judiciary Mains is a conventional written examination consisting of six compulsory papers. Each paper is held for three hours. The subjects are:

• General Knowledge (200 marks)

• English Language (100 marks)

• Hindi Language (100 marks)

• Law-I: Substantive Law (200 marks)

• Law-II: Procedure and Evidence (200 marks)

• Law-III: Penal, Revenue and Local Laws (200 marks)

Paper 1: General Knowledge

The general knowledge paper in the UP judiciary mains exam carries 200 marks. It covers:

• History of India and Indian culture

• Geography of India

• Indian polity

• Current national issues

• Socially relevant topics

• India and the world

• Indian economy

• International affairs and institutions

• Science and technology

• Communications

• Space

Questions also cover issues relating to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women and children and the laws, as specified in the prelims syllabus.

Paper 2: English Language

Paper 3: Hindi Language

Paper 4: Law-I (Substantive Law)

Law-I carries 200 marks. The syllabus covers:

• Law of contracts

• Law of partnership

• Law concerning easements and torts

• Transfer of Property Act

• Principles of equity

• Law of trusts

• Specific Relief

• Hindu Law

• Mohammedan Law

• Constitutional Law (50 marks)

Paper 5: Law-II (Procedure and Evidence)

Law-II carries 200 marks and covers:

• Law of evidence

• Criminal Procedure Code

• Code of Civil Procedure

• Principles of pleading

The paper mainly focuses on practical aspects of legal proceedings, including:

• Framing of charges

• Framing of issues

• Dealing with evidence of witnesses

• Writing judgments

• Conduct of cases

Paper 6: Law-III (Penal, Revenue and Local Laws)

Law-III carries 200 marks. The syllabus includes:

• Indian Penal Code

• Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006

• Uttar Pradesh Urban Building (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972

• Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021

• Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act

• U.P. Panchayat Raj Act

• U.P. Consolidation of Holdings Act

• Uttar Pradesh Urban (Planning and Development) Act, 1973

• Rules framed under the above Acts

Questions on local laws are compulsory. Penal Law questions carry 50 marks, while Revenue and Local Laws carry 150 marks.

UP Judiciary Interview 2026

The UP Judiciary interview or viva-voce carries 100 marks. The suitability of candidates for appointment to the Uttar Pradesh judicial service is assessed with reference to their merit, ability, character, personality and physique.

The marks obtained in the interview are added to the marks secured in the written examination. Therefore, the final merit is prepared out of 1,100 marks, comprising 1,000 marks from the Mains and 100 marks from the interview.

The Commission can also decide not to call a candidate for the interview if the candidate has not secured sufficient marks in the Law papers.

UP Judiciary Exam Pattern 2026

There is one-third negative marking for each incorrect answer in both prelims papers. The prelims marks are qualifying in nature and are not counted towards the final merit. Candidates can answer the general knowledge and law papers in either Hindi or English.