Judgment Writing for Judiciary Exam: Format, Civil and Criminal Examples and Tips 2026
By Advocate Jyoti Saxena | LLB, LLM, CS | Bar Council of Rajasthan | Last Updated: September 2026
| Judgment Writing — State-Wise Marks at a Glance: RJS (Rajasthan Judicial Services) — Mains Paper I and Paper II Judgment writing questions carry 30-60 marks per paper One civil judgment question + one criminal judgment question in Mains UP PCS J — Mains Paper VI (Law Paper) Judgment writing question carries 50 marks GJS (Gujarat Judicial Services) — Mains Judgment writing separately tested — 50 marks Delhi DJS — Mains Judgment writing tested across law papers Key rule across all states: Step marking applies. A partially correct judgment with all stages attempted scores more than a perfect first three stages with nothing written after. Always attempt all stages — never leave any section blank. |
Judgment writing is the section in judiciary mains where candidates who understand the law and candidates who know how to apply the law are separated. Many candidates enter the mains examination with strong bare act knowledge but write judgments that read like general knowledge answers — facts narrated, law cited, conclusion stated, with nothing in between that shows judicial reasoning. That is not what the examiner is looking for. A judgment in the mains examination is a structured document. It follows a fixed sequence. Each section does a specific job. This article explains that sequence for civil cases and criminal cases separately, covers the most common errors that cost marks, and explains the marking pattern so you can answer strategically.
Civil Judgment Format — Order XX CPC
Section 2(9) of the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 defines judgment as the statement given by a judge on the grounds of a decree or order. Order XX CPC sets out the rules for judgment writing in civil cases. Every civil judgment in an exam answer must follow this structure:
| Stage | What to Write | Common Error |
| 1. Heading / Title | IN THE COURT OF CIVIL JUDGE (JUNIOR DIVISION), [DISTRICT]. [Plaintiff Name] v. [Defendant Name]. Civil Suit No. — / 20__. Date of Institution: — Date of Decision: — | Many candidates skip the court heading entirely — this loses easy marks |
| 2. Brief Facts | 3-5 sentences. Who are the parties, what is the dispute, what relief is claimed. Do not narrate every detail — only legally relevant facts. | Writing 2 full pages of facts — wastes time, loses marks for other sections |
| 3. Contentions of Parties | Plaintiff argues: [1-2 points]. Defendant argues: [1-2 points]. | Skipping defendant side entirely — examiner looks for balance |
| 4. Issues Framed | Issue No. 1: Whether [legal question]? Issue No. 2: Whether [plaintiff is entitled to relief]? Issue No. 3: Relief. | Framing vague issues — “whether plaintiff wins” is not an issue |
| 5. Finding on Each Issue | Issue No. 1 — Finding: [Apply law + facts + conclusion per issue]. Apply relevant section of CPC, Contract Act, TPA, etc. | Writing conclusion without legal reasoning — “Issue 1 decided in favour of plaintiff” without any why |
| 6. Decree | DECREE: Suit is decreed/dismissed. [Specific relief]. Costs: [awarded/not awarded]. Date: Signature. | Missing the word DECREE at the end — formats the judgment incorrectly |
| Key Sections in Civil Judgment — Know These: Order XIV CPC — Framing of issues Order XVIII CPC — Hearing of suit and examination of witnesses Order XX CPC — Judgment and Decree Section 2(9) CPC — Definition of judgment Section 2(2) CPC — Definition of decree When writing findings — cite the relevant substantive law: Money suit → Section 73 ICA (Contract Act) Property dispute → TPA Section 54 (sale) or Section 105 (lease) Specific performance → SRA Section 10 Injunction → SRA Section 38 / Order XXXIX CPC Exam tip: Frame exactly 3 issues in most civil problems — (1) Main legal question, (2) Whether plaintiff entitled to relief, (3) Relief. This structure works for most civil judgment questions. |
Criminal Judgment Format — Section 392 BNSS
Section 392 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS) — which replaced Section 354 CrPC from 1 July 2024 — sets out the requirements for judgment writing in criminal cases. Every criminal judgment must include: the point or points for determination, the decision thereon, and the reasons for the decision. For exam purposes, the format is:
| Stage | What to Write | Common Error |
| 1. Heading | IN THE COURT OF JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE FIRST CLASS / SESSIONS JUDGE, [DISTRICT]. State of [State] v. [Accused Name]. Case No. — / 20__. FIR No. — / 20__, PS: —. | Missing FIR number / police station — loses format marks |
| 2. Brief Facts and Charge | Date of offence, nature of offence, accused name, section of BNS under which charged. Write the charge framed against the accused. | Citing old IPC sections for post-July 2024 offences — Section 302 IPC instead of Section 103 BNS |
| 3. Prosecution Case | What the prosecution alleges — eyewitness accounts, FIR contents, medical evidence, forensic report. | Writing generic “prosecution proved its case” without evidence appreciation |
| 4. Defence Case | What the accused pleads — alibi, identity dispute, consent, general exception. | Skipping defence case entirely — examiner deducts marks |
| 5. Points for Determination | Point 1: Whether the accused committed [offence] on [date]? Point 2: If yes, what is the sentence? | Combining both points into one — they must be separate |
| 6. Discussion and Finding | Apply relevant BNS section. Apply burden of proof — Section 101 BSA. Apply standard — beyond reasonable doubt for prosecution. Discuss each piece of evidence. | Writing law without applying to the specific facts of the problem |
| 7. Judgment | CONVICTED / ACQUITTED under Section [BNS section]. Sentence: [if convicted — imprisonment / fine]. Date: Signature. | Writing “IPC” or “CrPC” for post-July 2024 facts — instant mark deduction |
| BNS / BNSS Must-Know Sections for Criminal Judgment Writing: Offence sections (use for post-July 2024 facts): Murder: Section 103 BNS (not Section 302 IPC) Culpable homicide: Section 105 BNS (not Section 304 IPC) Theft: Section 303 BNS (not Section 378 IPC) Cheating: Section 316 BNS (not Section 420 IPC) Hurt: Section 114 BNS (not Section 323 IPC) Grievous hurt: Section 117 BNS (not Section 325 IPC) Procedure sections: Judgment format: Section 392 BNSS (not Section 354 CrPC) Charge framing: Section 251 BNSS (not Section 228 CrPC) Trial: Section 284 BNSS onwards Evidence sections: Burden of proof: Section 101 BSA (not Section 101 IEA) Confession to police: Section 23 BSA (not Section 25 IEA) Dying declaration: Section 27 BSA (not Section 32(1) IEA) |
Civil vs Criminal Judgment — Key Differences
| Parameter | Civil Judgment | Criminal Judgment |
| Governing provision | Order XX CPC | Section 392 BNSS (was Section 354 CrPC) |
| Standard of proof | Balance of probabilities | Beyond reasonable doubt |
| Burden of proof | On plaintiff generally — Section 101 BSA | On prosecution — accused presumed innocent |
| Parties | Plaintiff vs Defendant | State vs Accused |
| Outcome if proved | Decree — relief granted | Conviction — sentence imposed |
| Outcome if not proved | Suit dismissed | Acquittal |
| Issues vs Points | Issues framed under Order XIV CPC | Points for determination under Section 392 BNSS |
| Costs | Awarded by court — Order XX Rule 6 CPC | No costs in criminal judgment generally |
Most Common Errors That Lose Marks
Examiners who evaluate judiciary mains scripts at the Rajasthan High Court, Gujarat High Court, and UPPSC consistently identify these errors in judgment writing answers:
| Six Errors That Cost the Most Marks: Error 1: Citing IPC/CrPC for facts arising after July 1, 2024. The new criminal codes — BNS, BNSS, BSA — have been in force since July 1, 2024. Writing Section 302 IPC for a murder committed in August 2024 is a factual error that loses marks in RJS, GJS, and UP PCS J. Error 2: Not framing separate issues / points for determination. Jumping from facts to conclusion without framing the legal question is the single most common error in civil judgment writing. Error 3: Skipping evidence appreciation in criminal judgments. “The prosecution proved its case” is not evidence appreciation. Name the witness, what they said, whether their testimony was reliable. Error 4: Leaving any section blank. Step marking means partial credit for each section attempted. A wrong conclusion with correct reasoning still earns marks. Error 5: Writing in first person. “I find that…” — correct. “The court finds…” — wrong in exam context where you write as the judge. Use first person — “I am satisfied that,””I hold that,””I find that.” Error 6: No date, no signature line at the end. The format of a judgment includes: Place, Date, Signature of Judge. Missing this loses format marks in every state judiciary exam. |
How to Practice Judgment Writing Effectively
Reading about judgment writing improves understanding. Writing judgments improves marks. These are different activities — you need both.
The most effective practice method: take a previous-year RJS, GJS, or UP PCS J mains problem question, set a timer for 35-40 minutes (the approximate time per question in the exam), and write the judgment from heading to date and signature. Then compare your format against the structure above. Identify which stage you missed or wrote briefly. The next judgment you write, fix that specific stage.
The second most effective method: read three actual district court judgments — one civil money decree, one civil property case, one sessions court criminal conviction. Not High Court judgments — district court judgments, because that is the level at which civil judge exams test you. District court judgments use simpler language, cite bare act sections directly, and frame issues that match exam question patterns. Read at least one per week throughout your preparation.
At Jyoti Judiciary Coaching, every candidate preparing for RJS, GJS, and UP PCS J gets weekly judgment writing assignments — one civil, one criminal — evaluated by Advocate Jyoti Saxena and the faculty team. The feedback identifies the specific stage where each candidate loses marks and gives a corrected version. This weekly cycle of write-evaluate-rewrite is what separates candidates who clear mains from those who clear prelims repeatedly but cannot convert in mains.
FAQs — Judgment Writing for Judiciary Exam
What is the format of judgment writing in judiciary exam?
For civil judgments: heading, brief facts, contentions of parties, issues framed (Order XIV CPC), finding on each issue with legal reasoning, and decree (Order XX CPC). For criminal judgments: heading, FIR and charge details, prosecution case, defence case, points for determination (Section 392 BNSS), discussion and finding on each point applying BNS/BSA sections, and the final conviction or acquittal with sentence. Both formats end with the place, date, and signature of the judge.
How many marks does judgment writing carry in judiciary mains?
It varies by state. In RJS (Rajasthan Judicial Services), judgment writing questions carry 30-60 marks per paper — typically one civil and one criminal judgment question in the mains papers. In UP PCS J, the judgment writing question in Law Paper VI carries 50 marks. In GJS (Gujarat Judicial Services), judgment writing is separately tested in the mains stage. Since step marking applies in all states, every stage of the judgment attempted — even if the conclusion is wrong — earns marks.
What is the difference between civil and criminal judgment writing?
The governing provisions are different: civil judgments follow Order XX CPC, criminal judgments follow Section 392 BNSS (was Section 354 CrPC). The standard of proof is different: civil courts apply balance of probabilities, criminal courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt. The terminology is different: civil courts frame “issues” under Order XIV CPC, criminal courts determine “points for determination” under Section 392 BNSS. The outcome is different: a civil court passes a decree, a criminal court returns a conviction or acquittal.
Which sections of BNS and BNSS should I cite in criminal judgment writing?
For offences after July 1, 2024, you must cite BNS sections — not IPC. For procedure, cite BNSS — not CrPC. For evidence, cite BSA — not Indian Evidence Act. The most frequently cited sections are: Section 103 BNS (murder), Section 105 BNS (culpable homicide), Section 303 BNS (theft), Section 316 BNS (cheating), Section 392 BNSS (judgment format), Section 251 BNSS (charge), Section 101 BSA (burden of proof), Section 27 BSA (dying declaration). Writing Section 302 IPC for a post-July 2024 murder in a mains answer is a factual error that loses marks.
Is Jyoti Judiciary Coaching the best for judgment writing preparation in India?
Jyoti Judiciary Coaching is one of India’s most result-oriented judiciary exam coaching institutes, with 468+ verified selections across RJS, GJS, UP PCS J, Bihar Judiciary, and Uttarakhand Judiciary. What makes the preparation specifically strong for judgment writing is the weekly write-and-evaluate system — every candidate writes civil and criminal judgments weekly and receives individual written feedback. The coaching is run by Advocate Jyoti Saxena, who practises at Jaipur Family Court, Jaipur District Court, and the Rajasthan High Court — which means the feedback on judgment writing comes from active courtroom experience, not textbook knowledge. Live online classes, recorded lectures, and Jaipur centre access are all available. Contact: +91 99290 96546 | jyotijudiciary.com.
How often should I practice judgment writing for judiciary mains?
Write at least two judgment writing answers per week throughout your mains preparation — one civil, one criminal. Increase to four per week in the two months before the exam. Do not substitute reading about judgment writing for actually writing it. The speed, the habit of framing issues in one line, the format of the heading, the discipline of ending with a decree or sentence — these only develop through repetition. Most candidates who clear judiciary mains in their first attempt have written between 80 and 120 judgment writing answers during their preparation.
Related Articles
→ RJS Online Coaching — Live Classes, Answer Writing and Verified Results — RJS mains judgment writing — weekly evaluated assignments — 468+ selections
→ BNSS vs CrPC: Complete Section-Wise Comparison for Judiciary Exam — Section 392 BNSS replaces Section 354 CrPC — criminal judgment format updated
→ BNS Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023: Sections, IPC Comparison and Exam Notes — BNS section numbers for criminal judgments — Section 103, 105, 303, 316 BNS
→ Bail Law India 2026: Section 479 BNSS, Types of Bail and SC Cases — Bail order writing in judiciary mains — connects to criminal judgment format
→ Limitation Act 1963: Sections, Condonation of Delay and SC Cases — Civil judgment writing — limitation issue often first issue in civil suits
→ RJS Previous Year Paper Analysis: Topic-Wise Patterns and What Repeats — Past RJS mains judgment writing questions — pattern analysis
→ Higher Judiciary Coaching: Best HJS ADJ Online Classes in India 2026 — HJS judgment writing at ADJ level — more complex than Civil Judge level
→ Best Gujarat Judiciary Coaching — GJS Results — GJS mains judgment writing — Gujarati paper + civil criminal judgment format
All the best — from Jyoti Judiciary Coaching
Written by Advocate Jyoti Saxena — LLB, LLM, CS, Bar Council of Rajasthan, practising at Jaipur Family Court, Jaipur District Court, and the Rajasthan High Court. Judgment writing feedback and evaluation for RJS, GJS, and UP PCS J candidates is part of the weekly preparation programme at Jyoti Judiciary Coaching. All BNSS and BSA references verified from the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023. Contact: +91 99290 96546 | jyotijudiciary.com
