Patna High Court District Judge (Entry Level) Recruitment 2026
The High Court of Judicature at Patna has officially announced the recruitment for the position of District Judge (Entry Level) within the Bihar Superior Judicial Service (BSJS). This recruitment drive aims to fill 08 vacancies, which include both current and backlog positions spanning from the 2020-21 to 2024-25 sessions. This is a prestigious opportunity for experienced legal professionals to join the Bihar judiciary.
Qualified advocates and judicial officers with a minimum of seven years of continuous practice are invited to submit their applications online. The application window opens on April 16, 2026, and will remain active until May 25, 2026.
Key Recruitment Highlights
Before proceeding with the application, candidates should take note of the following essential dates and fee structures:
- Application Commencement: April 16, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: May 25, 2026
- Deadline for Photo Upload: May 22, 2026
- Deadline for Signature & Declaration: May 22, 2026
Application Fees
The application fee must be paid through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking:
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹1,500/-
- SC / ST / OH (Bihar Domicile): ₹750/-
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
To be eligible for the Patna HC District Judge vacancy, candidates must meet specific professional and age requirements as of April 16, 2026.
Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: 35 Years
- Maximum Age: 50 Years
- Note: Age relaxations are applicable as per the prevailing Bihar Superior Judicial Service rules.
Educational and Professional Qualification
Applicants must be an Advocate or Pleader (including Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders) with at least 7 years of continuous practice. Additionally:
- Candidates must provide a declaration of appearing in at least 24 cases per year during the last three years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25).
- Judicial Officers with a combined experience of 7+ years as an Advocate and Judicial Officer are also eligible under Article 233 of the Constitution.
Vacancy Distribution
The total 08 vacancies are distributed across various categories and years as follows:
| Post Category | UR | SC | ST | EBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Vacancies (2023-25) | 02 | 01 | 00 | 00 |
| Backlog Vacancies (2021-23) | 03 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
| Backlog Vacancy (2020-21) | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 |
Selection Process
The selection for the Bihar Superior Judicial Service involves a rigorous multi-stage process to ensure the appointment of capable judicial officers:
- Screening Test: An objective type exam (if conducted) consisting of 100 questions for 300 marks (+3 for correct, -1 for wrong).
- Written Test: Theory-based papers accounting for 80% of the final weightage.
- Viva-Voce / Interview: A personal interaction accounting for 20% of the final weightage.
- Medical Examination: Final health clearance before appointment.
How to Apply for Patna HC District Judge Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to complete your registration successfully:
- Visit the official website of the Patna High Court at www.patnahighcourt.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Recruitments” section and select the District Judge (Entry Level) link.
- Fill out the application form carefully in English.
- Upon submission, a unique Registration Number will be generated. Use this to pay the application fee online.
- Wait for 24 hours after payment, then re-login to upload your photograph, signature, and handwritten declaration.
- Ensure your photo is under 40kb and your signature is under 10kb in JPEG/JPG format.
- Download and print the final application form for your records.
Important Links
| Link Name | Access |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for Patna HC District Judge 2026 | Open Link |
| Download Date Extension Notice | Open Link |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Open Link |
| Visit Official Patna High Court Website | Open Link |
| Download Official Android App | Open Link |
Conclusion
The Patna High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for legal practitioners in Bihar to elevate their careers to the bench. With a competitive pay scale of ₹1,44,840 – ₹1,94,660 (Level J-5), this role offers both professional prestige and stability. Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit your application before the deadline of May 25, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies for this recruitment?
A: There are a total of 08 vacancies, including current and backlog positions for various years.
Q2. What is the required experience for a District Judge (Entry Level)?
A: Candidates must have at least 7 years of continuous practice as an Advocate or Pleader as of the application date.
Q3. Is there a case appearance requirement?
A: Yes, applicants must declare that they have appeared in at least 24 cases per year during the last three years (2022-23 to 2024-25).
Q4. What is the salary for a District Judge in Bihar?
A: The revised pay scale for a District Judge (Entry Level) is ₹1,44,840 – ₹1,94,660 (Level J-5).
Q5. Can candidates from outside Bihar apply?
A: Yes, but the fee concession for SC/ST/OH categories is only applicable to permanent residents of Bihar.
