High Court of Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 90 Posts

High Court of Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 Application Starts: April 2026 Total Posts: 90

Summary of High Court of Karnataka Civil Judge 90 Direct Recruitment

High Court of Karnataka Civil Judge – Overview

The High Court of Karnataka has released a fresh notification for Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 with a total of 90 posts. The application process is completely online and started in April 2026, with the last date set for 15 May 2026. If you’re planning for judiciary exams, this is honestly a great opportunity. The application fee varies by category and must be paid online.

Eligibility & Vacancy Details

To apply, you’ll need a Law degree and at least 3 years of practice as an advocate or relevant legal experience. The age limit is up to 40 years for general candidates, with relaxations for reserved categories. Out of 90 posts, 15 are fresh and 75 are backlog, distributed across categories like SC, ST, OBC, and others.

Selection Process, Salary & Documents

The selection process includes Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam, and Viva-voce, followed by a computer test for skill evaluation. The salary is quite attractive, ranging from ₹77,840 to ₹1,36,520. You’ll need documents like law degree certificates, practice proof, caste certificates, and ID proof during verification. No physical test is required, which is a plus.

Date 17 April 2026
Advertisement No. HCRB/CJR-9/2026
Recruitment Authority High Court of Karnataka
Post Name Civil Judge
Total Vacancies 90 Posts (15 Fresh + 75 Backlog)
Application Start Date April 2026
Last Date to Apply 15 May 2026
Application Mode Online
Job Location Karnataka
Qualification LLB Degree + Minimum 3 Years Practice
Age Limit Max 40 Years (General), Relaxation for Reserved Categories
Selection Process Prelims, Mains, Viva-Voce, Computer Test
Salary ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520

Important Dates & Fees

Important Dates

Notification Release Date16 April 2026
Online Application StartApril 2026
Last Date to Apply Online15 May 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment15 May 2026

Application Fees

General / OBC / EWS₹1000 (Prelims), ₹1500 (Mains)
SC / ST / PwBD₹500 (Prelims), ₹750 (Mains)
Mode of PaymentOnline (Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI via SBI e-Pay)
Fee Refund PolicyFee once paid will not be refunded

Vacancy Details and Eligibility Criteria

Vacancy Details

Name of Post Number of Posts
Civil Judge 90 (15 Fresh + 75 Backlog)
Total Vacancies 90

Eligibility Criteria

Post Name Eligibility Criteria
Civil Judge Education Qualification: Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized University
Experience: Minimum 3 years practice as Advocate OR 3 years as Public Prosecutor / Govt Counsel
Age Limit: 40 years (General), 43 years (OBC), 45 years (SC/ST/Category-I)
Age Relaxation: 3 years additional for Ex-Servicemen as per rules

Category Wise Posts and Exam Pattern

Category Wise Posts

Category No. of Posts
General Merit18
Scheduled Caste (SC)3
Scheduled Tribe (ST)2
Category I18
Category II(A)24
Category II(B)11
Category III(A)9
Category III(B)5
Total 90 Posts

Exam Pattern

Stage Details
Stage I Preliminary Exam – Objective type, 100 marks covering Law subjects, GK, reasoning
Stage II Main Written Exam – 4 papers (Translation + Law Papers I, II, III), each 100 marks
Stage III Viva-Voce – 100 marks to assess legal knowledge and personality
Stage IV Computer Test – 25 marks (qualifying, not counted in final merit)

Category Wise Posts and Age Relaxation

Category Wise Posts

Category Civil Judge Total
UR (Unreserved) 18 18
EWS (Economically Weaker Section) - 0
OBC (Other Backward Class) 67 67
SC (Scheduled Caste) 3 3
ST (Scheduled Tribe) 2 2
Total 90 90

Note: Scroll horizontally to view all post categories →

Category Wise Age Relaxation

Category Age Relaxation Maximum Age
UR / EWSNo Relaxation40 Years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)3 Years43 Years
SC / ST (State Domicile)5 Years45 Years
PwBD (Divyang) - URAs per Govt RulesNot Applicable
PwBD (Divyang) - SC/ST/OBCAs per Govt RulesNot Applicable
Ex-Servicemen3 Years ExtraAs per category limit

Physical Eligibility Criteria and Salary

Physical Eligibility Criteria

Physical Standard Requirement
Physical Standards / PET Not Applicable (No physical test required for Civil Judge post)

Salary Details

Pay Level / Type Judicial Pay Scale (As per Karnataka Judicial Service Rules)
Fixed Pay / Pay Scale ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520
Allowances DA, HRA, Travel Allowance, Medical Benefits, and other government perks as applicable
Job Location Karnataka (Across various district courts)

Syllabus and How to Fill Application Form

Syllabus

Subject Topics Covered
Preliminary Exam Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Indian Contract Act, 1872
Specific Relief Act, 1963
Constitution of India
Karnataka Rent Act, 1999
Criminal Procedure Code & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Indian Penal Code & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Evidence Act & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
General Knowledge, Reasoning, Mental Ability
Main Examination Translation (English ↔ Kannada)
Law Paper I – CPC, CrPC, Evidence, Constitution, Pleading
Law Paper II – Civil Judgments & Issue Framing
Law Paper III – Criminal Judgments & Charge Framing
Interview (Viva-Voce) General Knowledge
Legal Concepts Understanding
Personality & Suitability for Judicial Role

How to Fill Application Form

Step 1Visit the official High Court of Karnataka website (judiciary.karnataka.gov.in)
Step 2Find the Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 notification and click on Apply Online
Step 3Register using your basic details like name, email, and mobile number
Step 4Fill the application form carefully with personal, educational, and experience details
Step 5Upload required documents including photo, signature, and certificates
Step 6Pay the application fee through online mode (SBI e-Pay, UPI, Card, Net Banking)
Step 7Review your form properly — don’t rush here, mistakes can cost you
Step 8Submit the form and take a printout for future reference

Mode of Selection and Documents Required

Mode of Selection

Stage IPreliminary Examination (Objective Type Screening Test of 100 Marks)
Stage IIMain Written Examination (Descriptive – Translation + 3 Law Papers, each 100 Marks)
Stage IIIViva-Voce (Interview – 100 Marks to assess legal knowledge and suitability)
Stage IVComputer Knowledge Test (25 Marks – Qualifying in nature, not counted in merit)
Final Selection Based on Merit and Document Verification

Documents Required

SSLC / 10th Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)
LLB Degree Certificate and All Semester Marksheets
Enrollment Certificate from Bar Council
Practice Certificate (Minimum 3 Years Experience as Advocate)
Public Prosecutor / Government Counsel Experience Certificate (if applicable)
Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Category-I/II/III as applicable)
Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (for OBC candidates)
PwBD / Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
Rural Study Certificate (1st to 10th standard, if claimed)
Kannada Medium Study Certificate (if claimed)
Transgender Certificate (if applicable)
Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID)
Recent Passport Size Photograph and Signature
Character Certificates (One from Institution + Two from respectable persons)
Application Form Printout

High Court of Karnataka Recruitment 2026 Detailed Information & Complete Guide

Important Dates

If you're tracking the latest High Court Civil Judge application last date 2026, here’s what matters most. The notification came out on 16 April 2026, and applications are already open. You’ll need to apply before 15 May 2026, so don’t wait till the last moment because servers often get slow near deadlines.

Application Fees

Talking about High Court Civil Judge application fee details 2026, candidates from General and OBC categories need to pay ₹1000 for prelims and ₹1500 for mains. For SC/ST and PwBD candidates, the fee is ₹500 and ₹750 respectively. Keep in mind, once you pay the fee, it won’t be refunded.

Vacancy Details Post Wise

If you're checking total Civil Judge vacancy 2026 in Karnataka High Court, there are 90 posts available. Out of these, 15 are fresh vacancies and 75 are backlog posts. Since it's a single post recruitment, all vacancies are for Civil Judge, making it a focused opportunity for law graduates.

Vacancy Details Category Wise

For those looking into Karnataka Civil Judge category wise vacancy distribution 2026, the posts are divided across General Merit, SC, ST, and multiple OBC categories like II(A), II(B), III(A), and III(B). This structured reservation system improves chances for candidates from reserved categories, so it’s definitely worth checking your eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

Understanding Karnataka Civil Judge eligibility criteria 2026 is very important before applying. You must have an LLB degree and at least 3 years of practice as an advocate or similar legal role. The age limit is 40 years for general candidates, with relaxation up to 45 years for reserved categories and additional benefits for ex-servicemen.

Exam Pattern

If you're preparing for Karnataka Civil Judge exam pattern 2026, the selection process includes three main stages: Preliminary exam, Main written exam, and Viva-voce. There’s also a computer test which is qualifying in nature. Each stage plays a crucial role, so consistent preparation is key if you’re serious about this exam.

Salary

One of the biggest attractions in Karnataka Civil Judge salary structure 2026 is the impressive pay scale. Selected candidates will receive a salary ranging from ₹77,840 to ₹1,36,520 along with allowances like DA, HRA, and medical benefits. Honestly, it’s a well-paying and respected position in the judiciary sector.

Syllabus

If you're searching for Karnataka Civil Judge syllabus 2026 for prelims and mains, it mainly covers core law subjects like CPC, IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and Constitution. Along with that, you’ll also need to prepare for translation papers and judgment writing, so a strong grip on both theory and practical law is essential.

Mode of Selection

The Karnataka Civil Judge selection process step by step 2026 includes Preliminary screening, followed by Main exams, then Viva-voce interview, and finally document verification. Only candidates who clear each stage move forward, so it’s important to stay consistent and not underestimate any stage in this process.

Documents Required

Before applying, make sure you have all documents required for Civil Judge application 2026 ready. This includes your LLB degree, practice certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), ID proof, and photographs. Also, keep character certificates handy because missing documents can easily lead to rejection later.

Additional Information & Important Notes

Beyond the standard recruitment details, the High Court of Karnataka notification contains several crucial points that candidates must thoroughly understand before proceeding with their application:

Career Growth, Job Stability & Long-Term Benefits

If you’re aiming for a stable government judiciary career in India 2026, this Civil Judge post offers long-term security and respect. It’s not a contractual or fixed-pay job; instead, it falls under a proper judicial service with structured promotions over time. After selection, candidates undergo probation and mandatory training, which prepares them for real courtroom responsibilities. Over the years, promotions to higher judicial roles are possible, making it a strong career path for law professionals who want stability, authority, and long-term growth.

Mandatory Legal Practice & Certification Requirements

One important point in Karnataka Civil Judge eligibility rules 2026 is the requirement of minimum 3 years of legal practice. This isn’t just a formality — you must submit a valid practicing certificate issued by judicial authorities or senior advocates. The idea is simple: the court wants candidates who already understand real-world legal proceedings. Also, candidates working as Public Prosecutors or Government Counsel must provide proper service proof. Without these verified documents, even eligible candidates can face rejection during scrutiny.

Posting, Training & Service Conditions

Once selected, candidates under Karnataka judiciary posting and transfer policy 2026 can be posted anywhere within the state. You don’t get to choose your location initially, so flexibility is important. There is also a mandatory training period of at least one year before handling court duties independently. Additionally, clearing the Kannada language exam is compulsory if not already qualified. These conditions ensure that judges are well-prepared both legally and administratively before they start presiding over cases.

Document Verification & Common Mistakes to Avoid

During the High Court Civil Judge document verification process 2026, many candidates lose their chance due to small mistakes. You must carry original documents along with multiple self-attested copies, including caste, rural, Kannada medium, and ID proofs. Certificates must be in the prescribed format issued by competent authorities. A small mismatch in details or missing document can lead to disqualification. Pro tip — always double-check your application details and keep scanned copies ready exactly as per the notification guidelines.

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