AP High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The High Court of Andhra Pradesh has announced a recruitment drive for thirty (30) vacancies for the post of District Judge through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for the year 2026. This opportunity is open to Civil Judges (Senior Division) who have completed at least 3 years of qualifying service as Civil Judge (Senior Division) by the end of March 2026, and a total service of 7 years, including service as Civil Judge (Junior Division). Applicants must also have completed 35 years of age as of September 1, 2026. The application process is offline, and the last date to submit applications is October 15, 2026. The pay scale for the District Judge post is Rs. 144840-194660. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification for complete details, as it holds the final authority on all recruitment matters.

Recruitment Overview

The High Court of Andhra Pradesh is conducting a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) to fill 30 vacancies for the post of District Judge. This recruitment is specifically for eligible Civil Judges (Senior Division) within the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service.

Job Highlights

• Organization: High Court of Andhra Pradesh
• Post Name: District Judge
• Mode of Recruitment: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE)
• Total Vacancies: 30
• Application Mode: Offline
• Notification Date: 30.09.2026
• Last Date to Apply: 15.10.2026

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of thirty (30) vacancies are available for the post of District Judge. The distribution of vacancies by category is as follows:

Note: The High Court of Andhra Pradesh reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies or cancel the notification at any stage.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the District Judge post through LDCE, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Service Requirement: Must have completed not less than 3 years of qualifying service as Civil Judge (Senior Division) by the end of 31st March 2026. Additionally, a total service of 7 years, including service rendered as Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Civil Judge (Senior Division), is required.
• Age Limit: Must have completed 35 years of age as on September 1, 2026.

Disqualifications: Officers who have committed copying or misconduct during tests, been convicted in a criminal case, compulsorily retired, removed, dismissed, failed to complete probation, or are of doubtful integrity are not eligible. Officers facing disciplinary charges or undergoing punishment are also ineligible.

Educational Qualification

The recruitment is for Civil Judges (Senior Division) who meet the specified service and age criteria. Specific educational qualifications beyond the existing judicial service are not detailed in the notification, implying that current service as Civil Judge (Senior Division) is the primary qualification.

Age Limit

Candidates must have completed 35 years of age as on September 1, 2026. This is the minimum age requirement for applying to the District Judge post through this LDCE.

Application Fee

Not specified in the official notification.

Salary / Pay Scale

The pay scale for the post of District Judge is Rs. 144840-194660.

Selection Process

The selection process involves multiple stages:

1. Screening Test: A Computer Based Screening Test of 100 marks with 100 multiple-choice objective type questions will be conducted. The duration is two hours. Candidates scoring 40% and above will be shortlisted in a 1:10 ratio for the written examination. Marks from the screening test are not counted for the final merit list.
2. Written Examination: This consists of three papers, each carrying 100 marks and lasting three hours.
   • Paper-I: Constitution and Civil Law
   • Paper-II: Criminal Law
   • Paper-III: English (Translation and Essay Writing) - 40 marks for translation, 60 marks for essay writing. Candidates need 40% in each part of Paper-III. Marks from Paper-III are not counted for eligibility for viva voce or selection.
   Candidates must secure at least 55% in Paper-I and Paper-II, and 60% aggregate in the written examination to be eligible for the Viva Voce.
3. Viva Voce: This stage is for 50 marks. Successful candidates from the written examination will be called for Viva Voce in a 1:3 ratio.

Final Selection: For final selection, candidates must secure at least 60% marks in aggregate in the Written Examination and Viva Voce.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must apply offline. The application form, along with all required enclosures, should be submitted by the last date.

1. Download the application pro forma from the official website or notification.
2. Fill in all the required details accurately.
3. Enclose attested copies of necessary certificates, including date of birth/SSC, Law Degree, community certificate (if applicable), Service Certificate for Civil Judge (Senior Division), and Service Certificate for Civil Judge (Junior Division).
4. Submit the completed application form along with enclosures to the designated address before the deadline.

Applications received after the last date will be rejected.

Documents Required

Candidates must enclose the following attested copies with their application:

• Certificate evidencing date of Birth/SSC
• Law Degree certificate
• Other relevant certificates
• Community certificate issued by the Competent Authority (if availing reservation under SC/ST)
• Service Certificate in the Cadre of Civil Judge (Senior Division) issued by the Competent Authority
• Service Certificate in the Cadre of Civil Judge (Junior Division) issued by the Competent Authority

All original certificates must be produced on the day of the Viva Voce for verification.

Important Instructions

• The recruitment is for eligible Civil Judges (Senior Division) only.
• Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
• All documents submitted must be attested.
• Original certificates are mandatory for verification during the Viva Voce.
• The High Court's decision on eligibility is final.
• In case of a tie in marks, candidates with higher educational qualifications or higher marks in the prescribed qualification will be considered.

FAQs

Official Notification & Links