How to Choose Your First State for Judiciary Exam (And Why It Matters)

Himanshi Goyal
Jul 22
6 min read

Preparing for the judiciary exam is one of the biggest steps in a law student’s life. It’s not just about studying law; it’s about making smart decisions at the right time. One such important decision is choosing the first state where you want to appear for the judiciary exam. It may sound like a simple choice, but it can shape your entire preparation strategy.

There are many states in India, and each one conducts its own Judicial Services Examination. The rules, syllabus, paper pattern, language, and even the number of vacancies are different in every state. So, selecting the right state is not just helpful-it’s necessary.

Let’s understand how to make this decision in a smart and practical way.

1. Start with the State You Belong To

Most students begin their judiciary journey with their home state. This is the state where you live, or the one where you completed your schooling.

There are some strong reasons for this:

You already know the local laws and legal system better than other states.
You may get the benefit of reservation or domicile quota, depending on the rules of the state.
You’re likely to be comfortable with the state language, especially for translation or language-based papers.
You will find coaching institutes, books, and mentors more easily for your home state.
It’s also easier to stay updated on today’s current affairs, especially those related to your state, which can be helpful in the exam.

If your home state regularly conducts judiciary exams and you’re eligible, it’s a smart idea to begin with it.

2. Check the Eligibility Rules of the State

Every state has its own eligibility conditions for the judiciary exam. Before you choose, read the latest notification or look at the previous year's details. Key points to check:

Educational qualifications: You must have a law degree (LL.B). Some states may ask for a minimum percentage like 55% or above.
Age limit: This can vary from 32 years to 40 years. There is usually relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories.
Domicile requirement: Some states allow only residents to appear. Others allow everyone but may give preference to locals.
Language knowledge: States like Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, and MP require knowledge of Hindi. States like West Bengal or Tamil Nadu may need you to know Bengali or Tamil.

Choosing a state where you are fully eligible saves a lot of time and confusion later.

3. Language Comfort is Very Important

Judiciary exams are not only about law-they also check your language skills, especially in the local language.
Some states ask for translation papers, essay writing, or grammar questions in the regional language. So, if you're good in Hindi, states like Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, and MP are better options. If you’re more comfortable in English, states like Delhi or Maharashtra may be better.
Trying to prepare for a state whose language you don’t know can become stressful, especially when you have limited time. So, choose a state where language is not a barrier for you.

4. Look at the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Every state has a different pattern for the judiciary exam. Some have three stages-Prelims, Mains, and Interview, while some have different marking styles or unique papers.

Let’s take a few examples:

Rajasthan has a simple pattern, with questions from major laws and a focus on Hindi/English translation.
Delhi focuses more on application-based questions, advanced legal topics, and includes GK and essay writing.
Uttar Pradesh has a mix of law papers, general studies, and Hindi composition.

Compare the syllabus of 2–3 states and choose the one where you feel more confident. If you’re comfortable with the major subjects like IPC, CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and the local laws of a particular state, that state becomes a better option.

5. Availability of Coaching and Study Material

Judiciary exams are detailed and require the right guidance and resources. Not all states have the same amount of study material or coaching options available.

Before choosing a state, check:

Are there good coaching institutes for this state?
Is online coaching available with mock tests, PYQs, and materials?
Can I get access to state-specific law books?

For example: Law Prep Tutorial has centers across India and offers expert coaching for various state judiciary exams, including Rajasthan, Delhi, and more. They provide structured courses, mock tests, and guidance that align with different state patterns.

And if you’re based in Rajasthan, exploring options like Judiciary Coaching in Jodhpur can also give you the benefit of local mentorship and region-specific preparation.

Preparing without proper guidance can waste a lot of time. Choose a state where support and resources are easily available.

6. Frequency of Exam Notifications

Some states conduct judiciary exams regularly, while others may delay them for years. As a student, waiting for years just for one notification can be demotivating.

For example:

Delhi, Rajasthan, and UP have better records in releasing regular notifications.
Haryana and Punjab conduct exams but sometimes with long gaps.
Some smaller states conduct exams rarely and offer fewer seats.

So, pick a state where the exam is conducted once every 1–2 years. It increases your chances of getting selected without long breaks in your preparation.

7. Number of Vacancies vs Competition Level

This is something many students think about-but it should be handled carefully.

States like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan often offer a good number of seats. But they also attract a large number of candidates, which increases competition. On the other hand, smaller states may offer only 10–15 seats but have fewer applicants.

So, rather than focusing only on numbers, ask yourself:

Is the syllabus of this state manageable?
Do I understand the local laws?
Can I give my best performance in this format?

Sometimes, a state with fewer seats but easier syllabus might be a better choice for your first attempt.

8. Think About Long Plans, Not Just First Attempt

The first state you choose gives you your base preparation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t apply for other states later.

Start with one or two states where:

You’re eligible
The syllabus suits you
You’re comfortable with the language
You can get good study support

Once you’ve prepared for your first attempt, you can apply the same knowledge to 1–2 more states. This way, your preparation becomes flexible, and your chances of selection increase.

Trying to prepare for 5–6 states in your first year itself can be confusing and tiring. So start with a focused plan and expand slowly.

9. Try to Combine Two Similar States (If Needed)

Some states have similar syllabus and paper formats, so you can prepare for both at the same time.

For example:

Rajasthan and MP both include Hindi and major central laws.
UP and Bihar also have similar structures with Hindi and GK papers.

But this is only helpful if you’re truly comfortable with both. Don’t try to prepare for unrelated states like Delhi and Tamil Nadu together-they require different language and legal knowledge.

Start with one main state and keep another as your backup, only if they match well.

Also Checkout Ways to Use Sectional Mocks in CLAT

10. Make a Personal Checklist Before Final Decision

Here’s a small checklist that can help you decide your first state easily:

Do I meet the eligibility conditions?
Am I comfortable with the language of the state?
Is the syllabus suitable and familiar?
Are exams conducted regularly in this state?
Can I get coaching or books for this state?
Does the competition level match my preparation stage?

If most of your answers are "yes" for a particular state, you’ve found a good starting point.

In Conclusion

A Smart First Step Leads to a Confident Journey

Choosing your first state for judiciary preparation is not about picking the "easiest" state. It’s about finding the one that matches your skills, preparation level, and comfort.

Don’t let confusion or peer pressure slow you down. Just because your friend is preparing for Delhi doesn’t mean you have to do the same. Focus on what works best for you.

With the right state, you’ll be able to:

Make a proper time-table
Attempt state-specific mock tests
Study local laws confidently
Stay motivated and consistent

That’s how your judiciary journey becomes smoother and more successful.

And remember-every judge started with a first step just like this. So take your time, compare the options, and then move forward with full confidence.

Law Tayari