The judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy, and at its heart are judicial officers who ensure that justice is accessible to every citizen. If you are a law graduate with a strong sense of integrity, fairness, and public service, here’s an opportunity you should not miss.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has officially announced the West Bengal Judicial Service Examination 2024. Through this exam, qualified candidates will be appointed as Civil Judges (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrates in West Bengal.
This career path is not only highly respected but also offers you the power to interpret laws, uphold rights, and make meaningful contributions to society. However, the selection process is competitive and designed to bring only the most capable candidates to the bench. If you’re ready for the challenge, here’s everything you need to know.
Important Dates
Mark these dates carefully—timeliness is crucial in both law and this recruitment process:
- Applications open: October 10, 2025
- Applications close & fee payment deadline: November 9, 2025 (till 3:00 PM)
- Edit window (to correct errors): November 12–18, 2025 (till 3:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam (tentative): February 2026
- Main Examination (tentative): May 2026
Tip: Do not wait until the last day to apply. Technical glitches or last-minute errors could cost you your chance. Apply well in advance.
Vacancy Details
A total of 54 posts have been announced for Civil Judge (Junior Division). The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
- Unreserved (UR): 22
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 6
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 12
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 3
- Other Backward Classes – Category A (OBC-A): 5
- Other Backward Classes – Category B (OBC-B): 4
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 2
- 1 for SC candidate with locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, dwarfism, acid attack victims, etc.)
- 1 for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Note: These appointments are initially temporary, and the number of vacancies may change.
Application Fees
- General & OBC candidates: ₹210 (plus service charges)
- SC/ST of West Bengal & PwBD (40%+): Exempted from fees
Important: SC/ST candidates from outside West Bengal are not exempt. The fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must satisfy all the following conditions:
1. Nationality
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- Candidates from other countries need special permission from the Government of India.
2. Educational Qualification
- Law degree from a university recognized by the State or Central Government.
- Enrollment as an Advocate in a State Bar Council or Union Territory Bar Council as of December 7, 2024.
3. Age Limit (as of December 7, 2024)
- Minimum: 23 years
- Maximum: 45 years
- Born between December 8, 1989, and December 7, 2001
Relaxations:
- SC/ST of West Bengal: +5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) of West Bengal: +3 years
- PwBD: up to 45 years
- Government employees (with 2+ years service): +2 years
4. Language Proficiency
- Must be able to read, write, and speak Bengali.
- Nepali-speaking candidates are exempt.
- Language skills will be tested during the interview stage.
5. Attempt Limit
- General: Maximum 3 attempts
- SC/ST/OBC (NCL) of West Bengal: Maximum 5 attempts
Salary and Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be appointed in the pre-revised pay band of ₹27,700 – ₹44,770.
Along with the salary, judges enjoy allowances, increments, and benefits, making this a secure and rewarding profession.
Selection Process
The exam consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
- Scheduled: February 2026 (tentative)
- Mode: OMR-based, Multiple-Choice Questions
- Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam
- Marks from this stage are not added to the final merit list
- Negative marking applies
- Exam centers: Kolkata and Darjeeling (with special rules for Darjeeling)
2. Final (Main) Examination
- Scheduled: May 2026 (tentative)
- Mode: Written, descriptive papers
- Subjects: Includes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Constitution, Civil & Criminal laws, Personal laws, Contracts, and more.
- Answers can be written in English or Bengali (except language paper).
3. Personality Test (Interview)
- Location: Kolkata
- Focus: Personality, communication, legal knowledge, general awareness, and Bengali language proficiency (if applicable).
- The final merit list is based on marks from the Main Exam + Personality Test only.
Special Provisions for PwBD Candidates
- Scribe facility: Allowed (scribe must have one qualification level lower).
- Extra time: 20 minutes per exam hour.
- Certificate required: Must produce medical certificate in prescribed format.
- Note: Candidates with Autism, Intellectual Disability, or Mental Illness are not considered suitable for this post under government rules.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted online only. The process is as follows:
- Visit the WBPSC official portal.
- Register with your details.
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and certificates.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation slip.
- Use the edit window (Nov 12–18, 2025) for corrections if needed.
Key Instructions for Candidates
- Documents: Carry original certificates during the interview for verification.
- Admit Card: Download from the official site; no hard copy will be sent by post.
- Exam Rules: Mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices are strictly banned inside centers.
- No Canvassing: Any attempt to influence the process leads to disqualification.
- Beware of Fraud: Only follow updates on the official WBPSC website. No coaching institute or agent is authorized.
