Legal Method, Legal Research and Case Analysis Mains Previous Year Questions (Subjective)
An attributed collection of 41 genuine judiciary and competitive descriptive PYQs, alongside 51 separately labelled LL.M. university examination questions. Topics cover precedent, case analysis, legal research, research design and legal writing. Each entry identifies its paper and provides a source link. Research checked on 14 November 2026.
Research checked: 14 November 2026 · Mains and academic papers clearly distinguished
Scope, evidence and method
This page contains 41 judiciary/recruitment mains occurrences across 18 identifiable papers. It also provides 51 LL.M. university descriptive questions from 8 separately identified papers. University semester papers are not judicial-service or recruitment mains PYQs.
Items are faithful editorial paraphrases of attributed questions, not claims of verbatim reproduction. Evidence A means an official paper or identifiable original-paper image. Evidence B means an attributed third-party reproduction. The source behind each question permits examination of its exact wording, internal alternatives and supporting annexures.
This is a source-backed partial compilation, not a complete national census. Questions from examinations without retrievable attribution have been excluded. It contains no model answers or answer guidance.
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Part I. Judiciary and competitive mains PYQs
41 individually attributed question occurrences. Judicial-service and recruitment descriptive papers only.
Case Analysis and Legal Reasoning (11 questions)
Write a short note on a mixed question of law and fact.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q8(a) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain what is meant by a question of law and a question of fact.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q7(a) · Marks: 5+5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the meaning of judicial discretion.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2014, Paper III, Jurisprudence Group B, Q4 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2014 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Discuss the judicial process, the nature of judicial power and the limits imposed on it.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2018, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Differentiate questions of law, questions of fact and mixed questions of law and fact.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE), 2018, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 LDCE original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Assess the proposition that natural justice is the heart of justice delivery.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2019, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q2 (alternative) · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2019 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Distinguish (a) legal presumptions and legal fictions and (b) questions of fact and law.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE), 2019, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam 2019 Grade I LDCE original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on principles governing judicial discretion when discharging judicial functions.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE), 2020, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q7(iv) · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2020 LDCE original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a judgment on the basis of the case materials supplied in the attached paper book.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2023, Paper III, Judgment Writing, Q4 · Marks: 40
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2023 reproduced original paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
The full 83-page paper book supplies the underlying case materials. Read its annexures directly from the linked source; these are not reproduced here.
A nation proposes replacing trial judges with AI decision systems, arguing they will apply rules consistently and without bias. Critics emphasise empathy and discretion. Analyse the proposal using Hart, Dworkin and Fuller. Which elements of adjudication need human judgment?
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2025, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q10 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2025-cycle original-paper image (held 29 March 2026)
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Exam cycle 2025; exam held 29 March 2026.
A tax provision was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1990. A later Bench adopted a different constitutional interpretation in an unrelated 2005 case. A similar tax dispute arises in 2023. Which precedent should govern, taking account of judicial discretion and Dworkin’s interpretative coherence?
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2025, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q13 · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2025-cycle original-paper image (held 29 March 2026)
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Exam cycle 2025; exam held 29 March 2026.
Judicial Precedent (16 questions)
What gives judicial precedent its authority, and which circumstances may weaken or extinguish its binding force?
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2020, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q4 · Marks: 5+15
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2020 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on a decision rendered per incuriam.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2020, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q8(d) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2020 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on obiter dictum.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q8(c) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on ratio decidendi.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q4(b) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on obiter dictum.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q4(c) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on judicial precedent. (Original paper: choose any two of four short-note options.)
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains, 2019, Law Paper III, Section E, Q9(b)(i) · Marks: 5
Original source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019 reproduced paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on obiter dicta. (Original paper: choose any two of four short-note options.)
Asked in: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains, 2019, Law Paper III, Section E, Q9(b)(ii) · Marks: 5
Original source: Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019 reproduced paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the doctrine of stare decisis.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2015, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q2(i) · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2015 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Discuss the theory of judicial precedent.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2018, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q4 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the doctrines of stare decisis, ratio decidendi and obiter dicta.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE), 2018, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q2 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 LDCE original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on ratio decidendi.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2019, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q1(B) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2019 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain stare decisis with reference to constitutional provisions and per incuriam.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I (LDCE), 2021, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q7(iv) · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam 2021 Grade I LDCE original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on the law of precedents with reference to constitutional provisions. (Choose any four options.)
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2021, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3(d) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2021 attributed paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on ratio decidendi and obiter dicta. (Choose any four options.)
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2023, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3(b) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2023 reproduced original paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on the law of precedent. (Choose any four options.)
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2023, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3(d) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2023 reproduced original paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Analyse how judicial precedents influence interpretation of law and judicial decision-making.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2024, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3(c) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2024-cycle original-paper image (held 9 March 2025)
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Legal Interpretation (4 questions)
Explain the golden rule of statutory interpretation and the principles applicable to penal statutes.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q7(b) · Marks: 5+5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the mischief rule of statutory interpretation.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2015, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q2(ii) · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2015 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the mischief rule of interpretation.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2017, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q5 · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Grade I 2017 original paper (held 7 January 2018)
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Compare constitutional interpretation with statutory interpretation.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2018, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q1 · Marks: 10
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Sources of Law (10 questions)
Examine how custom becomes law and discuss its current position as a source of law.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2020, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q7 · Marks: 15+5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2020 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on subordinate legislation.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2020, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q8(b) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2020 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Define legislation and distinguish supreme legislation from subordinate legislation.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q3(a) · Marks: 12
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Why may legislation be regarded as superior to other sources of law?
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q3(b) · Marks: 8
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
What conditions must be satisfied for a custom to be legally valid?
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q7(a) · Marks: 12
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Distinguish custom from prescription.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2021, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q7(b) · Marks: 8
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on the advantages of legislation over precedent.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q4(d) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on codification.
Asked in: West Bengal Judicial Service, 2022, Jurisprudence and Principles of Legislation, Q4(a) · Marks: 5
Original source: West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on G. W. Paton’s judicial method of identifying sources of law.
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2022, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q5(d) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2022 original-paper image
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a note on sources of law. (Choose any four options.)
Asked in: Assam Higher Judicial Service Grade I, 2023, Paper III, Jurisprudence, Q3(f) · Marks: 5
Original source: Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2023 reproduced original paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Part II. Separate academic subjective-paper supplement
51 individually attributed question occurrences. These are genuine university LL.M. semester questions, not judiciary mains or recruitment examinations.
Case Analysis and Legal Reasoning (2 questions)
Define ratio decidendi, identify difficulties in extracting it and provide three examples together with possible methods of resolution.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Judicial Process, Q5 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Judicial Process official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write a short note on reliance upon foreign judicial decisions. (Choose any two options.)
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Judicial Process, Q7(c) · Marks: Not separately stated
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Judicial Process official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Legal Education and Method (11 questions)
Discuss clinical legal education as learning through practice, tracing its development in India.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q4 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Critically compare major methods of teaching law, with examples.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q5 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Analyse the concept of clinical legal education in India.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q1 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Trace the history and development of clinical legal education in India as experiential learning.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q3 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Critically examine methods of legal teaching with relevant examples.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q5 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Examine how legal education can support democracy, rule of law and access to justice.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q1 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Critically assess methods of teaching law and their advantages and disadvantages.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q2 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Discuss the need for examination reform in legal education and options for evaluation reform.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q3 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Explain clinical legal education and consider how legal aid and literacy programmes link legal education with practice.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q4 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Discuss the significance of clinical legal education in India.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q2 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Critically assess different methods of teaching law with examples.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q6 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Legal Research Sources (3 questions)
Discuss the role of ICT in legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q6 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Discuss the use of legislative and decisional materials in research, including the roles of footnotes and bibliographies.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q4 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Analyse the role of information and communication technology in legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q3 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Legal Writing and Citation (5 questions)
Explain the need for standardised legal citations and draft a citation style sheet for a new law journal.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q4 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write short notes on any two: (a) investigation methods; (b) sampling; (c) essentials of effective legal writing.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q7 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Explain the sequence of stages involved in writing a legal research report.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q2 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Explain the stages involved in preparing a research report.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q1 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Explain the stages in preparing a research report.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q1 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Research Design and Proposals (8 questions)
Create an empirical research design investigating child beggars on Delhi streets, specifying primary and secondary information.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q2 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Prepare a complete empirical research proposal examining whether the death penalty deters crime.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q2 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Prepare a sampling plan for a socio-legal study on the impact of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, considering proposed causes of dowry and explaining sampling types.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q3 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Critically discuss whether a comprehensive literature review underpins research, considering its purpose, value and contribution.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q4 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write explanatory notes on both: (a) juristic writings in identifying research problems; (b) the importance of a literature review.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q6 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Discuss both: (a) review of literature; (b) formulation of hypotheses.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q5 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Explain the process of selecting a research problem and formulating a hypothesis, with reference to research materials.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q6 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Write notes on any two: (a) examination reform; (b) interview method; (c) comparative legal research; (d) preparing a research design.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q7 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Research Ethics (3 questions)
An LL.M. dissertation reports 55% similarity. As head of an academic integrity panel, decide the case and address research integrity and plagiarism.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q3 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Discuss ethical issues arising in doctrinal and empirical research, including evaluation of UGC academic-integrity standards.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q6 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write notes on any two: (a) juristic writings for problem identification; (b) literature review; (c) sampling; (d) plagiarism.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q7 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Research Methodology (19 questions)
Compare doctrinal with non-doctrinal research. For a study of COVID-19’s impact on education, choose a methodology and justify the choice.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q1 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Can research proceed without hypotheses? Explain hypothesis testing and formulate two hypotheses about gender-justice jurisprudence in India.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q5 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Discuss why socio-legal research is useful and compare the approaches used in it.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2021, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q6 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Analyse the description of research as a systematic investigation, addressing its components, nature and characteristics.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q1 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Compare doctrinal and non-doctrinal legal research, considering whether doctrinal scholarship qualifies as research methodology.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q5 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Write short notes on any two: (a) primary and secondary law sources compared with primary and secondary data; (b) strengths and limits of case-study research; (c) inductive and deductive reasoning.
Asked in: Indian Law Institute LL.M. semester examination, 2022, Research Methods & Legal Writing, Q7 · Marks: 10
Original source: Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
Compare aims, objectives, tools, advantages and disadvantages of doctrinal and non-doctrinal legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q1 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Define sampling and examine its features and types with examples.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q3 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Write notes on any two: (a) objectives of legal education; (b) hypothesis formulation; (c) socio-legal research and socio-legal issues; (d) technology in legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2023, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2023–24, Q7 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Compare doctrinal and non-doctrinal legal research, including strengths and limitations.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q2 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Describe the tools and techniques used for collecting data in legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q3 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Analyse different sampling techniques suitable for legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q4 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Write notes on any two: (a) interview methods; (b) survey method; (c) identifying a research problem; (d) juristic writing as a research resource.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2024, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2024–25, Q7 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Define sampling, describe its features and types, and illustrate the methods.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q2 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Compare historical and comparative legal research, including the value of each approach.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, April 2025 ATKT, Q6 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Define legal research and discuss socio-legal research and inductive and deductive methods.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q5 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Write notes on any two: (a) doctrinal versus non-doctrinal research; (b) juristic writings and periodicals; (c) scaling methods; (d) computerised legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2025, Legal Education & Research Methodology, 2025–26, Q7 · Marks: 25
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Compare sampling methods, including their advantages and disadvantages for legal research.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q4 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
Explain questionnaire-based research, its strengths and weaknesses.
Asked in: University of Mumbai LL.M. semester examination, 2026, Legal Education & Research Methodology, February 2026 ATKT, Q5 · Marks: Not separately verified
Original source: University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy
Text: Faithful editorial paraphrase · Original language: English
University LL.M. paper. Not a recruitment or judiciary mains examination.
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Examination paper links and audit
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2014 original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2015 original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Grade I 2017 original paper (held 7 January 2018) · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2018 LDCE original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2019 original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam 2019 Grade I LDCE original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2020 LDCE original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2021 attributed paper · Evidence B
- Assam 2021 Grade I LDCE original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2022 original-paper image · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2023 reproduced original paper · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2024-cycle original-paper image (held 9 March 2025) · Evidence A
- Assam Judicial Service Grade I 2025-cycle original-paper image (held 29 March 2026) · Evidence A
- Indian Law Institute April 2021 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper · Evidence A
- Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Research Methods & Legal Writing official paper · Evidence A
- Indian Law Institute December 2022 LL.M. Judicial Process official paper · Evidence A
- Jharkhand Civil Judge Mains 2019 reproduced paper · Evidence B
- University of Mumbai LL.M. 2023–24 paper, attributed copy · Evidence B
- University of Mumbai LL.M. 2024–25 paper, attributed copy · Evidence B
- University of Mumbai LL.M. 2025–26 paper, attributed copy · Evidence B
- University of Mumbai LL.M. April 2025 ATKT paper, attributed copy · Evidence B
- University of Mumbai LL.M. February 2026 ATKT paper, attributed copy · Evidence B
- West Bengal Judicial Service 2020 original paper scan · Evidence A
- West Bengal Judicial Service 2021 original paper scan · Evidence A
- West Bengal Judicial Service 2022 original paper scan · Evidence A
Coverage and verification limitations
Inventory: 92 question occurrences, 92 editorially distinct entries, 26 separately identified papers, years 2014–2026. Judiciary/recruitment: 41; university supplementary: 51; evidence A: 54; evidence B: 38. Each individually numbered entry is counted once, even where similar themes repeat across exams.
Judicial jurisdictions substantively represented: West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam. Supplementary academic sources: Indian Law Institute, New Delhi, and University of Mumbai. No other jurisdiction is claimed as examined or covered.
Unresolved gaps: This research did not exhaust official question-paper archives across the remaining states and Union Territories, all UPSC Law Optional cycles, APO/APP, JLO, legal-officer/descriptive law recruitment, or all regional-language papers. University sources outside the identified institution/year set were likewise not exhaustively checked. Two Assam items linked through original-paper repositories should be checked again against the displayed scanned pages before formal publication.
Source reliability: A reflects readable original paper images or university/agency documents. B reflects attributed transcriptions or third-party scans. Files sometimes move or block access. The original exam paper governs over every paraphrase on this page.
