JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has announced a recruitment drive for eleven (11) posts of District Judge. This opportunity is for eligible Civil Judges (Senior Division) seeking promotion through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. The application window opens on October 3, 2026, and closes on October 15, 2026. Candidates must meet specific service criteria to be considered. The selection process involves a written examination, performance assessment, and a viva voce. Detailed information regarding eligibility, the examination structure, and the application procedure is available in the official notification. Applicants are advised to carefully review all instructions before submitting their applications, as the official notification holds the final details for this recruitment.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of eleven (11) posts are available for the position of District Judge.

Category-wise vacancy distribution is not specified in the supplied notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be eligible for this recruitment, candidates must be Civil Judges (Senior Division) who meet the following service criteria:

• A minimum of three years of service as a Civil Judge (Senior Division).
• A minimum of seven years of total service rendered as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Civil Judge (Senior Division).

The recruitment is based on merit through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, in accordance with Rule 5(1)(b) read with Rule 7 of the Jammu & Kashmir Higher Judicial Service Rules, 2009, as amended.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The minimum and maximum age limits, along with any age relaxations, are not specified in the supplied notification.

Application Fee

The application fee details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Pay Scale

The selected candidates will be appointed in Level J-5, with a pay scale ranging from ₹1,44,840 to ₹1,94,660.

Selection Process

The selection will be made through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, which includes the following stages:

1. Written Examination: This stage carries 180 marks and consists of two papers.

• Paper 1: Laws and Procedure (100 marks, 3 hours duration).
• Paper 2: Framing and writing two judgments (one Civil, one Criminal) (80 marks, 90 minutes duration).

• Last 5 years' Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) (35 marks).
• Judgments (25 marks).
• Disposal of cases (only contested cases) (20 marks).

To be eligible for the viva voce, candidates must secure at least 50% marks in each paper of the written examination and 50% marks in the Performance Assessment. To be declared successful, candidates must secure 55% or more marks in aggregate.

Application Procedure

Eligible candidates can apply by logging into the online web portal. The portal will be live from October 3, 2026, to October 15, 2026.

1. Visit the online web portal: exams.jklhc.in
2. Log in and complete the application form.
3. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.

Required Documents

The specific documents required for the application are not detailed in the supplied notification.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should ensure they meet the minimum service requirements as Civil Judges (Senior Division) before applying. The application window is short, so applicants must submit their forms within the stipulated dates of October 3 to October 15, 2026. It is crucial to carefully read the detailed syllabus, which is the same as notified in High Court Notification No. 1142 of 2024 dated June 27, 2024. Missing this reference could lead to inadequate preparation for the written examination. Ensure all personal and service details entered in the online application are correct, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to apply, please refer to the following links:

• Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
• Online Application Portal: Apply Online

Relevant FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the District Judge posts?
A1: Civil Judges (Senior Division) with a minimum of three years of service as Senior Division and seven years of total service as Junior and Senior Division are eligible.

Q2: What is the last date to apply?
A2: The last date to apply is October 15, 2026.

Q3: How is the selection process conducted?
A3: Selection is through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination comprising a written test, performance assessment, and viva voce.

Q4: Where can I find the syllabus for the examination?
A4: The syllabus is the same as notified in High Court Notification No. 1142 of 2024 dated June 27, 2024.