Overview
High Court of Karnataka has released a recruitment notification for the post of Civil Judge (90 posts (15 fresh + 75 backlog) vacancies). Eligible candidates can apply online - judiciary.karnataka.gov.in before 15 May 2026.
Key Details
- Organization
- High Court of Karnataka
- Qualification
- Educational Qualification (Mandatory): Must be holder of a degree in law granted by a University established by law in India. As on the last date fixed for receipt of application, must be practicing as an advocate for not less than three years continuously or must be working as Public Prosecutor / Assistant Public Prosecutor / Government Counsel for not less than three years. Nationality: Must be a Citizen of India.
- Vacancies
- 90 posts (15 fresh + 75 backlog)
- Advertisement No
- HCRB/CJR-9/2026
- Posted
- 16 April 2026
- Last date to apply
- 15 May 2026
Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 16 April 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 16 April 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination Date | To be notified later |
| Main Written Examination Date | To be notified later |
| Viva-voce Date | To be notified later |
| Scheduled Caste | 02 + 01* |
| Scheduled Tribe | 01 + 01* |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Category-I of OBC | 45 years |
Important Links
Vacancy Details
A total of 90 vacancies (15 fresh + 75 backlog) will be filled for Civil Judge posts under High Court of Karnataka Recruitment 2026. Check category-wise vacancy details in the table below. Category: Total General Merit: 07 + 11* Scheduled Caste: 02 + 01* Scheduled Tribe: 01 + 01* Category - I: 18* Category - II(A): 02 + 22* Category - II(B): 01 + 5* Category - III(A): 01 + 8* Category - III(B): 01 + 4* Total: 15 + 75* Note: (*) Indicates backlog posts. (#) Indicates fresh vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disability. Horizontal reservations for Women, Rural, Kannada Medium, PwBD, Ex-servicemen and Transgender are as per Government orders.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification (Mandatory): Must be holder of a degree in law granted by a University established by law in India. As on the last date fixed for receipt of application, must be practicing as an advocate for not less than three years continuously or must be working as Public Prosecutor / Assistant Public Prosecutor / Government Counsel for not less than three years. Nationality: Must be a Citizen of India.
Age Limit
Category: Maximum Age Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Category-I of OBC: 45 years Category II(A) / II(B) / III(A) / III(B) of OBC: 43 years General Merit / Others: 40 years Ex-Servicemen: Age relaxation of 3 years Note: Age is calculated as on the last date fixed for receipt of application. The maximum age limit is relaxed by three years in case of ex-servicemen candidates as per Government Order No.DPAR 262 SeNeNi 2025 dated 29.01.2026.
Salary
Selected candidates will be appointed in the pay scale of Civil Judge. Particulars: Details Pay Scale: Rs.77,840 - 1,36,520/- Probation: Initially on probation for two years (or extended period if necessary) Training: Compulsory training for a period of not less than one year before presiding the Court
Application Fee
Sl. No.: Category | Preliminary Exam Fee | Main Written Exam Fee 01: General Merit / Category II(A)/II(B)/III(A)/III(B) | ₹1,000/- | ₹1,500/- 02: SC / ST / Category-I / PwBD | ₹500/- | ₹750/- Fee is payable online through SBI e-pay (Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI). Fee once paid will not be refunded.
Selection Process
The selection for Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 will be based on the following: Preliminary Examination: Objective Type (100 marks). Minimum qualifying marks: 50 (SC/ST/PwBD) / 60 (others). Main Written Examination: Translation Paper (100 marks), Law Paper-I (100 marks), Law Paper-II (100 marks), Law Paper-III (100 marks). Minimum qualifying marks per paper: 40 (SC/ST/PwBD) / 50 (others). Viva-voce: 100 marks. Minimum qualifying marks: 20% (SC/ST/PwBD) / 25% (others). Computer Test: 25 marks (qualifying nature; not added to total). Final selection is based on aggregate marks obtained in the Competitive Examination (Written Examination + Viva-voce). Candidates must also pass the Kannada Language Examination conducted by KPSC.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates for Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 must submit their application online through the official website within the specified last date. The online application process is as follows: Step 1 - Registration: Visit the High Court of Karnataka website https://judiciary.karnataka.gov.in and click on the recruitment link for Civil Judge. Register with valid email ID and mobile number. Step 2 - Application Submission: Login with credentials, fill all required personal, educational and practice details. Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature and all supporting documents (educational certificates, practice certificate, category certificates etc.). Step 3 - Fee Payment & Final Submission: Pay the prescribed application fee online. Review all entries, submit the application and take a printout of the submitted form for future reference. Note: Applications submitted by any other mode other than online will not be considered. Candidates must ensure that all particulars furnished are correct. Last date for submission of online application and payment of fee is 15 May 2026.
Required Documents
Candidates must upload the following at the time of online application and produce originals at document verification / Viva-voce stage: SSLC or equivalent certificate (proof of Date of Birth), Degree & Law Degree marks cards, Convocation certificates, Certificate of Practice (for advocates), Caste / Category certificates, Rural / Kannada Medium / PwBD / Ex-servicemen / Transgender certificates (as applicable), Character certificates, etc. Note: Three sets of self-attested copies along with originals must be produced at Viva-voce stage.
Important Instructions
• Candidates must possess all required qualifications and certificates by the last date of online application (15 May 2026). The candidate shall furnish three character certificates at the time of document verification. • Candidates claiming reservations must possess valid certificates issued by the competent authority. Practicing advocates must submit the practice certificate in the prescribed format. Candidates with bigamous marital status are not eligible. • Furnishing false information or suppressing material facts will lead to cancellation of candidature and criminal prosecution. Canvassing in any form will be a disqualification. The decision of the High Court of Karnataka shall be final and binding on the candidates. • All updates regarding the recruitment will be published only on the official website of the High Court of Karnataka. Candidates must regularly check the website for Preliminary / Main Examination dates, admit cards and other information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for Karnataka High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 90 Posts?
Application Start Date: 16 April 2026; Application Last Date: 15 May 2026; Online Application Start Date: 16 April 2026; Online Application Last Date: 15 May 2026; Preliminary Examination Date: To be notified later; Main Written Examination Date: To be notified later; Viva-voce Date: To be notified later; Scheduled Caste: 02 + 01*; Scheduled Tribe: 01 + 01*; Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Category-I of OBC: 45 years
What is the application fee?
Sl. No.: Category | Preliminary Exam Fee | Main Written Exam Fee 01: General Merit / Category II(A)/II(B)/III(A)/III(B) | ₹1,000/- | ₹1,500/- 02: SC / ST / Category-I / PwBD | ₹500/- | ₹750/- Fee is payable online through SBI e-pay (Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI). Fee once paid will not be refunded.
What is the age limit?
Maximum 40 / 43 / 45 years (category-wise) as on the last date of application
What is the selection process?
The selection for Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 will be based on the following: Preliminary Examination: Objective Type (100 marks). Minimum qualifying marks: 50 (SC/ST/PwBD) / 60 (others). Main Written Examination: Translation Paper (100 marks), Law Paper-I (100 marks), Law Paper-II (100 marks), Law Paper-III (100 marks). Minimum qualifying marks per paper: 40 (SC/ST/PwBD) / 50 (others). Viva-voce: 100 marks. Minimum qualifying marks: 20% (SC/ST/PwBD) / 25% (others). Computer Test: 25 marks (qualifying nature; not added to total). Final selection is based on aggregate marks obtained in the Competitive Examination (Written Examination + Viva-voce). Candidates must also pass the Kannada Language Examination conducted by KPSC.