The High Court of Orissa, Cuttack is inviting online applications from eligible Judicial Officers for recruitment of 46 District Judges through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026. Advertisement No. 04 of 2026 was released on 04.11.2026, and candidates can submit their applications from 09.11.2026 onwards.
Overview
This recruitment drive aims to fill 46 District Judge positions in the Orissa High Court. The examination is exclusively open to Judicial Officers meeting the specified eligibility criteria. The selection process includes written examination, viva-voce, and evaluation of career records and judicial performance. Candidates who clear all stages will be appointed as District Judges with a competitive salary package.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 04.11.2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 09.11.2026 at 10:00 A.M. |
| Online Application Closes | 25.11.2026 at 11:59 P.M. |
| Examination Schedule | To be notified on official website |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| District Judge | 46 | Eligible Judicial Officers only |
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements as on 01.04.2026:
- Minimum Service: A minimum of three years of qualifying service as Civil Judge (Senior Division)
- Combined Service: At least seven years of combined service as Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Civil Judge (Senior Division)
- Designation: Candidates must be Eligible Judicial Officers
Examination Pattern
The selection process comprises multiple components with a total of 210 marks:
| Component | Subject/Basis | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | Civil Laws | 75 | 2 hours |
| Paper-2 | Criminal Laws | 75 | 2 hours |
| Viva-Voce | Personal interview | 30 | – |
| Character & Performance Records | Last five years (CCRs/PARs/ACRs) | 20 | – |
| Disposal Rate | Preceding five years | 10 | – |
| Quality of Judgments | Assessment of five judgments | 20 | – |
Civil Laws Syllabus (75 marks)
- The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (25 marks)
- Personal Laws (25 marks)
- Transfer of Property Act, Specific Relief Act, Limitation Act, Law of Contract, Odisha Consolidation of Holding and Prevention of Fragmentation of Land Act, Odisha Estate Abolition Act, Odisha Land Reforms Act, Motor Accident and Claims laws, Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, Commercial Courts Act 2015 (25 marks)
Criminal Laws Syllabus (75 marks)
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (20 marks)
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860 and The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (20 marks)
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (20 marks)
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, Prevention of Corruption Act, Essential Commodities Act, Environment Protection Act, Water Pollution Control Act 1974, SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Act 1989, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, POCSO Act 2012, Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (15 marks)
Salary
Selected District Judges will receive a consolidated salary in the range of ₹1,44,840 – ₹1,94,660 per month, along with usual Dearness Allowance (D.A.) and other allowances as admissible from time to time as per government rules.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Orissa High Court website
- Navigate to the recruitment or public notices section
- Click on the online application link for District Judge LDCE 2026 (active from 09.11.2026 at 10:00 A.M.)
- Register your account if you do not have one already
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and professional information
- Upload certified copies of educational certificates, service records, character certificates, and identity proof
- Review your application details carefully before submission
- Submit the form before the deadline of 25.11.2026 at 11:59 P.M.
- Save your application reference number for tracking and future communication
Important Links
- Apply Online – District Judge LDCE 2026 (Available from 09.11.2026)
- Official Notification PDF – Advertisement No. 04 of 2026
- High Court of Orissa Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for District Judge recruitment?
A: Candidates must have at least three years of qualifying service as Civil Judge (Senior Division) and a minimum of seven years combined service as Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Civil Judge (Senior Division) as on 01.04.2026.
Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: The online application deadline is 25.11.2026 at 11:59 P.M. No late submissions will be accepted.
Q: How many positions are available?
A: A total of 46 vacancies are available for the District Judge position in this recruitment drive.
Q: What is the salary offered for District Judge?
A: Selected candidates will receive ₹1,44,840 – ₹1,94,660 per month, along with D.A. and other admissible allowances.
Q: When will the examination be conducted?
A: The examination schedule will be notified on the High Court of Orissa official website. Candidates should check the website regularly for updates and admit card details.
Q: What is the total score for this examination?
A: The examination is for a total of 210 marks, comprising written papers (150 marks), viva-voce (30 marks), career records evaluation (20 marks), and other assessments (10 marks).
Candidates are advised to verify all details, eligibility criteria, and instructions on the official High Court of Orissa website before applying.