The selection for appointment in HCS (Judicial Branch) will be made by holding an examination. The examination shall be conducted in three stages, as followings:-
(i) Preliminary Examination
(ii) Main Examination
(iii) Viva-Voce/Interview
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination shall be of objective type with multiple-choice questions. The question paper for Preliminary Examination shall be of two hours of duration consisting 125 questions. Each question shall carry 04 marks. For every wrong answer 0.80 mark shall be deducted. However, be no negative marking in respect of un-attempted questions. The candidate shall be expected to have a general and basic over view of the main subjects. S/he must have the ability to answer questions on current events of national and international importance, Indian legal and constitutional history and governance. Analytical skills and aptitude quality will also be assessed of the candidates. The standard of the question paper shall be of Law graduate level. Preliminary test will only be conducted to short list the suitable candidates for Main Examination. General candidates should secure at least 150 marks (100 marks for reserved categories) in the Preliminary Test. The marks obtained in the Prelims shall not be counted towards final result. Candidate who qualifies in Prelims will have to apply again on separate application form for Mains Exam.
Main Examination
Main written examination shall be of subjective/narrative type. The Main Examination shall consist of six papers i.e. five written tests and a viva voce. Each written paper shall be of three hours of duration. The description of papers and the syllabus shall be as followings-
| Paper | Topic/Subject | Marks |
| Paper-I Civil Law-I |
Code of Civil procedure, Punjab Courts Act, Indian Contract Act, Indian partnership Act, Sale of Goods Act, Specific Relief Act, Indian Evidence Act and Haryana Urban (control of rent and eviction) Act, 1973. | 200 |
| Paper-II Civil Law-II |
Hindu Law, Mohammadan Law and Customary Law, Law of Registration and Limitation | 200 |
| Paper-III Criminal Law |
Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Evidence Act, | 200 |
| Paper-VI English |
The English paper will consist of the followings:- (a) English Essay (1000-1100 words) – 100 marks (b) Precis – 25 marks (c) Words and Phrases (Make sentences of the given words and Phrases) – 25 marks (d) Comprehension – 25 marks (e) Corrections – 25 marks |
200 |
| Paper-V Language |
Hindi (in Devnagri Script) (a) Translation of an English passage into Hindi – 20 Marks (b) Explanation of Hindi passage in prose and poetry in same language – 30 Marks (c) Composition (essay), idioms and corrections – 50 Marks |
100 |
Candidates thrice the number of advertised vacancies, in order of merit of Main Examination, will be called for viva-voce test.
Viva-Voce/Interview
Interview will be conducted to judge the personal qualities of the candidates. The viva-voce shall relate to the matters of general interest and is intended to test the candidates’ alertness, intelligence and general outlook. it shall be conducted in English language. This would be conducted for 200 marks.
Checking of Answer Sheets
The OMR Sheets (Answer Sheets) will be scanned by Computer. So there is no provision of re-checking/re-evaluation of OMR Sheets.