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The judiciary exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants attempt it, but only a handful make it to the final list. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success, studying like a topper can significantly boost your chances. Toppers follow specific strategies that help them stand out. Here’s a guide to studying like a topper to ace your judiciary exams.

Start with a Clear Understanding of the Syllabus

Toppers always start their preparation by understanding the entire syllabus thoroughly. Before picking up any book or study material, break down the syllabus and note down:

Core subjects like Constitutional Law, IPC, CrPC, CPC, Evidence Act, and Contract Law.
Optional subjects based on the state you are targeting.
The focus on current affairs and general knowledge. Pro tip: Download and print the syllabus, highlight essential topics, and keep referring to it throughout your preparation.

Follow a Disciplined Study Routine

Toppers create a rigorous study schedule and stick to it. They dedicate fixed hours each day to various subjects and prioritize consistency over volume. Here’s how to create a schedule like a topper:

Morning hours: Focus on in-depth study of tough subjects.
Afternoon: Reserve this time for lighter subjects or topics like General Knowledge.
Evening: Practice mock tests, solve MCQs, and go through landmark judgments.
Night: Revise what you’ve studied during the day. Consistency is key. Even if you study for fewer hours, regular study is better than irregular marathon sessions.

Follow Standard Books and Resources

Toppers do not believe in reading every available book. Instead, they rely on standard textbooks and reliable sources. Here’s a curated list of books used by toppers:

Constitutional Law: M.P. Jain or V.N. Shukla.
IPC: Ratanlal & Dhirajlal.
CrPC: Kelkar’s Lectures.
Evidence Act: Batuk Lal.
Contract Law: Avtar Singh.
CPC: C.K. Takwani.
General Knowledge: Lucent’s GK or Manorama Yearbook.
Current Affairs: The Hindu or Indian Express newspapers and a monthly current affairs magazine. Pro tip: Don’t jump from one book to another. Stick to one source per subject and revise it multiple times.

Focus on Landmark Judgments

Judiciary exams place a heavy emphasis on landmark judgments. Toppers know that understanding these judgments is crucial to cracking the exam. Here’s how to do it:

Make a list of Top 100 landmark judgments in subjects like Constitutional Law, IPC, and Contract Law.
Break down each judgment by understanding the facts, issue, ratio decidendi, and conclusion.
Create short notes on these cases to revise them quickly. Pro tip: Regularly read Supreme Court updates or subscribe to a legal news app to stay updated on recent judgments.

Master Answer Writing for Mains

Toppers dedicate considerable time to mastering their answer-writing skills for Mains. A good answer isn’t just about knowledge but also about the way it’s presented. Here’s what you should do:

Practice structuring answers with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Refer to previous years’ question papers to get a sense of how questions are framed.
Write answers within the time limit to get used to exam conditions.
Revise and improve your writing style with the help of mentors or peers. Pro tip: While writing answers, always substantiate your arguments with relevant case laws or constitutional provisions.

Solve Mock Tests and Past Papers Regularly

Toppers don’t just rely on studying—they also practice extensively by solving mock tests and past papers. This helps them:

Get used to the exam format and time management.
Identify weak areas and focus on improving them.
Build exam temperament and reduce anxiety on the final day. Pro tip: Treat every mock test like the real exam. Analyze your mistakes and work on them.

Revise Regularly and Effectively

Toppers understand the importance of revision. Judiciary exams have vast syllabi, and without regular revision, it’s easy to forget even what you’ve already learned. Here’s how to plan your revision:

After completing a subject, revise it within a week.
Create short notes for last-minute revision.
Dedicate at least one day per week to revise previously studied topics. Pro tip: Use spaced repetition techniques, where you revisit topics at increasing intervals to ensure better retention.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs

Toppers keep themselves updated with current affairs and legal developments, especially important judgments. Current affairs are tested in the prelims and can be asked in the interview stage as well. To stay updated:

Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express daily.
Follow legal websites or apps for legal news and Supreme Court updates.
Maintain a separate notebook for current affairs and make it a habit to revise them regularly. Pro tip: In your interview, knowing recent legal developments can give you an edge over other candidates.

Take Care of Your Health

Toppers recognize that physical and mental well-being are as important as studying. Preparing for a competitive exam can be mentally exhausting, so here are a few tips to stay healthy:

Take short breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout.
Engage in some form of physical activity—yoga, walking, or light exercises.
Practice meditation or relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Get adequate sleep (6-8 hours) to ensure you stay mentally sharp. Pro tip: A well-rested mind retains information better than one that is stressed or tired.

Adapt and Stay Positive

Finally, toppers are adaptable and maintain a positive mindset. They know that the path to success may have setbacks, but they never let that deter them. If they encounter challenges like low mock test scores or time management issues, they analyze the problem and adapt their strategy accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to modify your study plan if something isn’t working.
Surround yourself with positive people and stay motivated.
Visualize your success and keep reminding yourself of your goal. Pro tip: If you ever feel overwhelmed, take a step back, evaluate your progress, and re-strategize. Keep a growth mindset and celebrate small wins.

Conclusion

Studying like a topper is about strategy, discipline, and consistency. By following a clear plan, focusing on the right materials, practicing rigorously, and maintaining your health, you can maximize your chances of success in the judiciary exam. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make it to the top.