Judiciary (Civil Judge/JMFC Prelims) Exam Survival Guide

Window: India | Objective Prelims (+ Mains/Interview later)

Must-do topics

• Substantive: IPC, Contract, Torts, Transfer of Property, Specific Relief
• Procedural: CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, Limitation
• Local/State laws (as notified), Constitution basics, GK/English (some states)

Top traps (avoid)

• Mixing bare act language; prelims reward exact wording
• Confusing exceptions/provisos (IPC defenses, Evidence privileges)
• Not reading latest amendments & landmark cases

Time split

• 2–3 hrs depending on state; scan-first then two-pass answering

Last-48h checklist

• Bare act sections grid; leading cases (1–2 per major topic)
• Procedural timelines (limitation, appeals, revisions)
• Evidence: admissions/confessions, hearsay exceptions, burden/onus

Quick facts

• Generalia specialibus non derogant; actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
• Limitation runs from cause of action unless saved by acknowledgments

Speed tactics

• Choose option matching exact statutory phrase
• Eliminate answers adding conditions not in the statute

Day-of mini-plan

• 15-min bare-act skim (IPC/Evidence)
• Mark doubtful Qs; return after securing easy points