Interview / Viva Voce
What the viva is assessing
The interview is a suitability test, not a second written paper. The board assesses judicial temperament, integrity, clarity of expression and awareness of Punjab’s legal and social landscape. Expect questions from your bio-data, the law you studied, current legal developments and Punjab-specific issues.
Conduct rules
- Be concise: answer the question asked, then stop.
- If you do not know, say so and reason from first principles.
- Never bluff a section number or case name.
- Keep opinions balanced and avoid party politics.
- Know your own application form: college, subjects, hobbies and home district.
Worked example
“A litigant in your court offers you a box of sweets after a hearing. What do you do?” A weak answer refuses politely and stops. A stronger answer refuses, explains that judicial conduct rules prohibit accepting gifts that may create an obligation, reports the approach to the Registrar if it appears to be an attempt to influence, and keeps a written record if it is repeated. The board is testing integrity plus knowledge of the judicial conduct framework, not courtesy alone.
Traps that cost marks
Arguing with the board; delivering memorised speeches; claiming to have read books you have not; ignoring Punjab geography, history or district administration; and treating the viva as a formality.
Key points
- Viva tests temperament, integrity and clarity, not just recall.
- Prepare bio-data, degree-level law, current legal developments and Punjab context.
- Admit ignorance; never invent a section or case.
- Refuse gifts or approaches and know the reporting route.
- Avoid political opinions, bluffing and arguing with the board.