Ready to embark on a prestigious career in the Indian judiciary? The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has officially released the notification for the highly respected West Bengal Judicial Service (WBJS) Examination, 2025. This exam is the direct pathway for law graduates to be appointed as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the state judiciary.
With 54 vacancies announced, this is a major opportunity for aspiring judges. The online application window is open from October 10 to November 9, 2025. A very important update this year is the inclusion of the new criminal laws in the syllabus. This guide provides a strategic breakdown of the tough three-tier exam, the updated syllabus, and how you should prepare.
WBJS Examination 2025 – At a Glance
| Examination | West Bengal Judicial Service Examination, 2025 |
| Commission | WBPSC |
| Post Name | Civil Judge (Junior Division) |
| Total Vacancies | 54 |
| Selection Process | 3 Stages: Prelims, Mains (Written), and a Personality Test |
| Application Window | October 10 to November 9, 2025 |
| Prelims Exam (Tentative) | February 2026 |
| Mains Exam (Tentative) | May 2026 |
What Does a Civil Judge (Junior Division) Actually Do?
💡 The First and Most Important Step on the Judicial Ladder
The Civil Judge (Junior Division) is the entry-point into the state's judiciary. As a judge, you will be in charge of presiding over civil cases up to a certain financial value. Your duties are of immense importance and include:
- Hearing arguments from the lawyers of both parties in a case.
- Carefully examining evidence and interpreting the law.
- Delivering fair judgments and passing court orders.
This is a position of huge responsibility, public trust, and integrity, and it offers a clear and respected career path to becoming a senior judge.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
- Education: You must have a Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
- Professional Requirement: You must be enrolled as an advocate with any Bar Council in India.
- Age Limit: You must be between 23 and 35 years old (with age relaxation for reserved categories of West Bengal only).
- Language Skills: You must be able to read, write, and speak Bengali fluently (this is not required for candidates whose mother tongue is Nepali).
A Strategic Guide to the 3-Tier Selection Process
Clearing the WBJS exam isn't easy. You need a solid plan for all three stages.
Phase 1: The Preliminary Exam (The Screening Test)
This is an MCQ-based exam designed to filter candidates for the next stage. Your marks here won't be counted in the final merit list, but you must clear the cut-off to proceed. There is negative marking, so accuracy is just as important as speed.
Phase 2: The Final Written Exam (The Main Challenge)
This is a traditional, descriptive written exam. This is where your deep knowledge of the law and your ability to write clear, well-structured answers will be tested. Your final selection depends heavily on your score in this phase.
Phase 3: The Personality Test (The Final Hurdle)
The final stage is an interview to assess your personality, alertness, and suitability for a judicial post. They will also test your fluency in Bengali here.
💡 SUPER IMPORTANT: The Syllabus Has Changed! (New Criminal Laws)
This is the biggest and most critical update for this year's exam. The old criminal codes (IPC, CrPC, etc.) have been completely replaced by the new ones. You MUST study the updated syllabus:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) has replaced the Indian Evidence Act.
If you have been preparing with the old laws, you need to shift your focus to these new acts immediately to have any chance of competing.
