Supreme Court JCA Exam Pattern 2026: Stage 1 to 4 Selection Process, Marking Scheme & Qualifying Criteria
Key Summary: SCI JCA Selection Scheme 2026
The Supreme Court of India recruitment for 250 Junior Court Assistant (JCA) posts follows a rigorous 4-stage evaluation process consisting of an Objective CBT (100 Marks), Computer Typing Test (50 Marks), Descriptive English Exam (100 Marks), and Personal Interview (25 Marks). Overall selection is calculated out of 275 Marks.
Table of Contents
1. Selection Process Overview
Candidates aspiring for the Junior Court Assistant position in the Supreme Court of India must clear all four distinct stages of assessment. Each stage has mandatory qualifying criteria as prescribed in Advertisement No. F.6/2026-SC (RC).
| Selection Stage | Test Type | Total Marks | Duration | Qualifying Standard | Shortlisting Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Objective Written Test (CBT) | 100 Marks | 90 Mins | 50% Minimum | 1:10 Ratio |
| Stage 2 | English Computer Typing Test | 50 Marks | 10 Mins | 25 Marks (35 WPM, Max 3% Error) | Qualifying / Evaluated in Stage 1 Ratio |
| Stage 3 | Descriptive Test (English) | 100 Marks | 2 Hours | 50% Minimum | 1:3 Ratio for Interview |
| Stage 4 | Personal Interview | 25 Marks | 15-20 Mins | 13 Marks (50%) | Final Selection |
2. Stage 1: Objective Written Test (Computer Based Test - CBT)
The Stage 1 examination is conducted online as a Computer Based Test (CBT). It evaluates candidates across 7 major domains totaling 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for 100 Marks.
Sectional Question Distribution & Weightage
| Section Number | Subject / Topic Domain | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | General English Language | 20 MCQs | 20 Marks |
| Section B | General Aptitude & Reasoning | 15 MCQs | 15 Marks |
| Section C | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 15 MCQs | 15 Marks |
| Section D | Constitution of India & Judiciary System | 15 MCQs | 15 Marks |
| Section E | Supreme Court Rules 2013 | 10 MCQs | 10 Marks |
| Section F | Supreme Court Officers & Servants Rules 1961 | 10 MCQs | 10 Marks |
| Section G | Computer Knowledge & Application | 15 MCQs | 15 Marks |
| Total Stage 1 CBT Weightage: | 100 MCQs | 100 Marks | |
Negative Marking Rule
There is a negative marking of 0.25 Marks (1/4th penalty) for each incorrect response. Unattempted questions will carry 0 marks.
Stage 1 Shortlisting Standard
Candidates must score a minimum of 50% marks in Stage 1. Candidates will be shortlisted for Stage 2 & 3 in a ratio of 1:10 of total vacancies.
3. Stage 2: English Computer Typing Speed Test
Stage 2 measures the candidate's speed and typing precision on a computer keyboard. It is conducted immediately following or on the same day as the Objective Test.
Typing Test Specifications & Marking Structure
- Test Duration: 10 Minutes continuous typing test.
- Minimum Required Speed: 35 Words Per Minute (WPM) in English on Computer.
- Total Marks Allocated: 50 Marks.
- Minimum Qualifying Score: 25 Marks out of 50 Marks (50%).
- Permissible Error Limit: Maximum 3% mistakes/errors allowed. Mistakes beyond 3% will lead to deduction of marks or disqualification.
4. Stage 3: Descriptive Written Test in English
Candidates qualifying in Stage 1 and Stage 2 appear for the Stage 3 Descriptive Test designed to assess analytical, writing, and drafting capabilities.
| Paper Code / Component | Topic Details | Maximum Marks | Duration | Qualifying Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | English Comprehension Passage & Analytical Questions | 30 Marks | 2 Hours (120 Mins) | 50 Marks out of 100 (50%) |
| Part B | Precis Writing & Summary Drafting | 30 Marks | ||
| Part C | Essay Writing on Legal, Social, or Current Topics | 40 Marks |
Shortlisting Ratio for Interview: Candidates will be called for Stage 4 Personal Interview in a ratio of 1:3 based on combined merit in Stages 1, 2, and 3.
5. Stage 4: Personal Interview
The final evaluation stage is the Personal Interview conducted by an Interview Board appointed by the Supreme Court of India.
Interview Parameters & Weightage
- Total Interview Marks: 25 Marks.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 13 Marks out of 25 (50% approx.).
- Assessment Focus: Communication skills, general legal awareness, knowledge of Court procedures, and administrative aptitude.
6. Final Merit List & Tie Breaking Rules
The final merit list for 250 vacancies of Junior Court Assistant (JCA) will be prepared based on candidate performance across all stages totaling 275 Marks.
| Selection Component | Maximum Marks | Qualifying Status |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Objective CBT | 100 Marks | Mandatory Qualifying (50%) |
| Stage 2: English Computer Typing Test | 50 Marks | Mandatory Qualifying (50%, 35 WPM) |
| Stage 3: Descriptive Test in English | 100 Marks | Mandatory Qualifying (50%) |
| Stage 4: Personal Interview | 25 Marks | Mandatory Qualifying (13 Marks) |
| Total Selection Weightage | 275 Marks | Final Merit Ranking Basis |
Tie-Breaking Resolution Criteria
- If two or more candidates secure equal total marks out of 275, preference is given to the candidate with higher marks in Stage 3 Descriptive Written Exam.
- If tie persists, candidate with higher score in Stage 1 Objective CBT is ranked higher.
- If tie still remains, candidate older in age is placed higher in the merit order.
7. Important Links & Related Posts
Supreme Court JCA Recruitment 2026 Notification
Complete post details, 250 vacancies, eligibility, salary, fee structure, and step-by-step online application guide.
Read Full Job PostSupreme Court JCA Syllabus 2026
Topic-by-topic detailed syllabus for Constitution, SC Rules 2013, English, Reasoning, Computer Knowledge, and Essay topics.
View Topic-Wise Syllabus