Is the RJS Exam Tough or Easy? | A Deep Dive with Expert Analysis & 15 Key Insights.
Introduction: What Is the RJS Exam?
The Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS) Examination is conducted to recruit Civil Judges in the
Rajasthan Judicial System. Aspiring legal minds across the state compete for these prestigious
posts. However, one common question continues to pop up — is the RJS exam tough or
easy?
Let’s clear the confusion with facts, analysis, and real-life experiences. This article will guide you
through every aspect of the exam so you can judge for yourself.
Understanding the RJS Exam Structure
Preliminary Exam (Prelims) Overview
The Prelims are objective in nature. It includes 100 Multiple Choice Questions:
| Subject | Marks | Approx. (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Law Subjects | 70 | ~70% |
| Hindi (Language) | 15 | ~15% |
| English (Language) | 15 | ~15% |
| Total | 100 | 100% |
Mains Examination Format
This is where depth of knowledge and clarity of expression matter. The RJS Mains is subjective
and includes:
- Law Paper I (Civil Law) – 100 Marks
- Law Paper II (Criminal Law) – 100 Marks
- Hindi Essay – 50 Marks
- English Essay – 50 Marks To qualify, candidates need a minimum of 40% overall and 35% in each law paper.
Viva Voce (Interview) Insights
The final round carries 35 marks, assessing personality, confidence, presence of mind, and
legal acumen. It’s not about bookish knowledge but your thought process.
What Makes the RJS Exam Seem Tough?
The syllabus includes:
- Indian Constitution
- CPC, IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act
- Contract Act, Limitation Act, Transfer of Property Act
- Local Rajasthan lawsIt’s exhaustive, requiring months (if not years) of preparation.
Low Selection Ratio
Thousands apply, but only a few hundred make it. The competition is intense due to the high
number of law graduates and limited seats.
Subjective Nature of Mains
Unlike prelims, the Mains test how you think, write, and interpret laws — which requires strong
answer-writing skills.
Why the RJS Exam Might Be Easier Than You Think
Predictable Pattern and Syllabus
RJS has followed a stable pattern for years. Once you master past papers and focus on core
topics, the exam becomes more manageable.
No Negative Marking
Unlike other competitive exams, you can attempt all 100 questions in prelims without fear of
penalty. This boosts your scoring chances.
Access to Quality Coaching and Materials
Cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur offer top coaching centers. Even if you study online, numerous
platforms provide mock tests, live classes, and solved papers.
Required Skills to Crack the RJS
Conceptual Clarity in legal subjects
- Writing Skills to answer precisely in mains
- Language Proficiency (Hindi & English)
- Time Management during preparation and exam
- Legal Reasoning for interview and practical questions
Common Myths About RJS Difficulty Debunked
Myth Reality
Only toppers from NLU crack RJS Many successful candidates come from average
colleges
You need 10+ hours of daily study Quality matters more than quantity
Coaching is mandatory Many have succeeded via self-study
RJS is tougher than UPSC It’s challenging, but different in scope and depth
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Only toppers from NLU crack RJS | Many successful candidates come from average colleges |
| You need 10+ hours of daily study | Quality matters more than quantity |
| Coaching is mandatory | Many have succeeded via self-study |
| RJS is tougher than UPSC | It’s challenging, but different in scope and depth |
Tips from Toppers: Smart Ways to Prepare Revise Bare Acts regularly
- Practice past 10-year papers
- Join mock tests to build speed
- Make notes for every subject
- Keep a balance between essay writing and law prep
- Focus on recent case laws and judgments
Coaching vs. Self-Study: Which Is More Effective?
| Criteria | Coaching | Self-Study |
|---|---|---|
| Guidance | Structured mentorship | Requires discipline and planning |
| Time Efficiency | Saves time on content curation | May take longer to identify resources |
| Cost | Expensive | Budget-friendly |
| Peer Interaction | Regular interaction with aspirants | Limited unless in study groups |
Real-Life Experiences: Stories from Selected Candidates
Take the case of Shalini Gupta, who cracked RJS in her 2nd attempt:
“It felt overwhelming at first, but once I planned subject-wise goals and focused on
mock tests, the process became doable. The key is consistency.”
Another candidate, Amit Sharma, cleared it without coaching:
“I relied solely on books, YouTube lectures, and mock series. It’s not about studying
hard, it’s about studying smart.”
How Many Hours Should You Study?
There’s no magic number, but:
| Phase Suggested | Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| Starting Phase (0–3 months) | 4–5 hours |
| Mid-Phase (3–6 months) | 6–8 hours |
| Final Prep (6+ months) | 8–10 hours |
More important than hours is daily consistency.
Ideal Time to Start RJS Preparation
Ideally, start in your final year of law school. But many aspirants begin post-graduation. What
matters is how dedicated and organized your strategy is.
Mistakes Most Aspirants Make
- Ignoring language papers
- Over-reliance on coaching without self-effort
- Skipping revision cycles
- Not practicing writing under timed conditions
- Poor current affairs preparation
Creating a Balanced Preparation Strategy
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–8:00 AM | Law Subject (Bare Acts) |
| 10:00–12:00 PM | Essay Practice + Language Grammar |
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Revision & Case Law Reading |
| 6:00–8:00 PM | Mock Tests or Answer Writing |
Essential Books and Online Resources
- Bare Acts (Universal or LexisNexis)
- RJS Solved Papers – Jain Prakshan
- Rajasthan Local Laws – Ratanlal & Dhirajlal
- English Grammar – Wren & Martin
- Hindi Grammar – Vasudev Nandan
- YouTube Channels – LegalEdge, Study Gyaan
- Mock Test Sites – Testbook, TopRankers, Unacademy
FAQs
- Is coaching necessary for RJS?
No, but it can provide structure and regularity. Many clear RJS with dedicated self-study.
- How many attempts are allowed in RJS?
There is no limit on attempts, but you must be within the age limit (21–40 years typically).
- How long does it take to prepare for RJS?
On average, 12–18 months of focused preparation is sufficient.
- What is the cutoff for RJS prelims?
Cutoff varies by year and category, but scoring 65–75 is generally safe.
- Can Hindi medium students crack RJS?
Absolutely. RJS is bilingual, and many toppers have come from Hindi medium backgrounds.
- What is the salary of an RJS officer?
A Civil Judge in Rajasthan earns INR 77,840 – 1,36,520 per month (approx., as per current pay
scale).
