The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has announced recruitment for 16 District Judge (Entry Level) positions under Advertisement No. 1841 of 2024. This is a significant opportunity for law graduates to join the judicial system across the Union Territory. Online applications are open from 05 October 2026 until 15 November 2026 at the official website.
Overview
This recruitment drive aims to fill 16 vacancies for District Judge (Entry Level) across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The position is reserved for qualified law graduates who meet the eligibility criteria set by the High Court. The recruitment process follows a structured examination and interview pattern to ensure selection of the most competent candidates for this crucial judicial role.
The appointment at Pay Level J-5 offers a prestigious career in the judiciary with competitive compensation and benefits. The posts are distributed across various reserved and unreserved categories to ensure inclusive representation in the judicial system.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 03 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 05 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application and Fee Payment | 15 November 2026 |
| Examination Date | To be notified separately |
Candidates should note that the examination date will be announced separately on the official website. It is advisable to bookmark the High Court portal and check regularly for updates regarding examination schedules, admit cards, and other notifications.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Eligible Categories | ₹1,200 |
The application fee of ₹1,200 is non-refundable and must be paid online through the designated payment gateway during the application process. Ensure that the payment is completed before the final submission deadline to avoid rejection of your application.
Vacancy Details
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| OM (Unreserved) | 04 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 02 |
| ST-1 (Scheduled Tribe Region 1) | 01 |
| ST-2 (Scheduled Tribe Region 2) | 02 |
| ALC (Alienated and Landless Classes) | 01 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 02 |
| RBA (Resident of Border Areas) | 02 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 02 |
| Total | 16 |
Eligibility
To be eligible for the District Judge (Entry Level) position, candidates must possess a Degree in Law from a recognized University established by Law in India and recognized by the Bar Council of India. This is a mandatory qualification that ensures all candidates have received formal legal education and are barred by the Bar Council.
Age relaxation of up to 2 years is available for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories as per the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the detailed notification for any additional eligibility conditions, restrictions, or specific requirements related to citizenship, domicile, or professional registration.
Examination Pattern and Syllabus
The recruitment process comprises a written examination followed by a viva-voce (oral interview). The written exam consists of two papers, each of 80 marks with a 2-hour duration. In each paper, candidates must attempt 9 questions (3 from each of three parts).
Paper I (Civil Law): Covers Essay/Precise writing, Constitution of India, Legal Maxims, Translation (Urdu to English/Hindi), Judgment Writing, Partnership, Contracts, Arbitration, TPA, Agrarian Reforms Act, Evacuees Property Act, Alienation of Land Act, Specific Relief Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Personal Laws, CPC, Interpretation of Statutes, Acquisition/Requisition of immovable property, Guardianship, Probate, and Eviction from public premises.
Paper II (Criminal Law and Administration): Covers CrPC/BNSS, IPC/BNS, Juvenile Justice Act, Judgment Writing (Criminal), Indian Evidence Act/BSA, Penal Laws relating to Arms, Enemies, Terrorist activities, J&K Civil Service Regulations, General Financial Rules, Medical Jurisprudence, Prevention of Corruption Act, and NDPS Act.
Viva-voce: The oral interview carries 40 marks and tests the candidate's knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the judicial position.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website https://www.jkhighcourt.nic.in in your web browser.
- Locate the online application portal, which becomes active from 05 October 2026.
- Create a new account or log in with existing credentials (email and password).
- Complete your personal information including name, date of birth, contact details, and address.
- Fill in your professional qualifications, including law degree details, college name, and year of graduation.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents as specified in the notification (degree certificate, marksheet, identity proof, caste certificate if applicable, PwBD certificate if applicable, etc.). Ensure documents are in acceptable format and size.
- Review the application form carefully for any errors or omissions.
- Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹1,200 using net banking, credit card, or debit card.
- Submit the application after successful fee payment.
- Print or save the application acknowledgement with your unique application number for tracking and future correspondence.
After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this email and your application number safe for tracking your application status and downloading the admit card once the examination date is announced.
Salary
Selected candidates will be appointed as District Judges at Pay Level J-5 with a monthly salary ranging from ₹1,44,840 to ₹1,94,660 as per the applicable pay scale. Beyond the basic salary, the position includes various allowances and benefits as per government rules, along with pension, leave encashment, and other retirement benefits.
Important Links
- Apply Online at High Court Official Portal
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Official Website – High Court of J&K and Ladakh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic qualification required for District Judge (Entry Level)?
Candidates must hold a Degree in Law from a recognized University established by Law in India and recognized by the Bar Council of India. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.
What is the application deadline and how do I apply?
Online applications close on 15 November 2026. Visit the official portal at https://www.jkhighcourt.nic.in from 05 October 2026, register, complete your profile, upload documents, pay ₹1,200 fee, and submit before the deadline.
What is the total number of vacancies and how are they distributed?
There are 16 total posts: OM (4), SC (2), ST-1 (1), ST-2 (2), ALC (1), OBC (2), RBA (2), and EWS (2). Reservation follows as per applicable regulations for backward classes and special categories.
Is there age relaxation for reserved category candidates?
Yes, candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability), and OBC categories are eligible for age relaxation of up to 2 years as per the official notification.
What is the salary and pay structure for District Judges?
Selected candidates will be appointed at Pay Level J-5 with a monthly salary ranging from ₹1,44,840 to ₹1,94,660 as per the applicable pay structure, along with government benefits and allowances.
What is the examination pattern and syllabus?
The exam consists of Paper I (Civil law topics: 80 marks, 2 hours), Paper II (Criminal law topics: 80 marks, 2 hours), and Viva-voce (40 marks). Candidates must attempt 9 questions in each paper (3 from each of 3 parts). See the official notification for the complete syllabus.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details on the official High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh website before applying.