The High Court of Kerala has announced an exciting recruitment opportunity for 48 Research Assistant positions on a one-year contract basis. This is an ideal opportunity for eligible candidates seeking to work in Kerala's premier judicial institution with a competitive monthly honorarium of ₹35,000. The entire recruitment process is conducted online, making it accessible to candidates across Kerala and beyond.
Overview
The High Court of Kerala released Recruitment Number 23/2026 to fill 48 anticipatory vacancies for the Research Assistant post. The positions are offered on a contract basis for one year, providing valuable experience in legal research and judicial administration. The recruitment notification was published on 29 October 2026, and the application process is fully online through the official recruitment portal. Candidates meeting the specified age and educational criteria can apply directly without appearing for a preliminary examination, though the selection process follows the guidelines set by the High Court.
This recruitment drive reflects the High Court's commitment to strengthening its research and administrative capabilities. As a Research Assistant, you will work in a structured judicial environment, assisting judges and senior officials with case research, documentation, and legal analysis. The one-year contract provides both immediate employment and a stepping stone for career growth in the judicial or legal sector.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 29 October 2026 |
| Online Application Commencement | 2 November 2026 |
| Online Application Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Offline Fee Payment Start | 4 December 2026 |
| Offline Fee Payment Deadline | 11 December 2026 |
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General and OBC Candidates | ₹1,000 |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes | Exempted |
| Unemployed Candidates | Exempted |
| Differently Abled (Benchmark Disabilities) | Exempted |
The application fee can be paid online during the application window (2 to 30 November 2026). Candidates exempt from the fee are advised to download and retain proof of their exemption status for verification purposes.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Monthly Honorarium | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | 48 (Anticipatory) | ₹35,000 | 1 Year |
Eligibility
Age Limit: Candidates must have been born between 1 December 1994 and 30 November 2004 (both days inclusive). This means you should be between 20 and 30 years old at the time of application.
Educational Qualifications: For complete details on educational qualifications, degrees, certifications, and other eligibility requirements, refer to the official notification PDF.
Nationality and Residency: Only Indian citizens are eligible. Candidates must verify all eligibility criteria, including any state-specific or Kerala residency requirements, in the official notification before applying.
Document Requirements: Ensure you have scanned copies (in specified formats) of your educational certificates, age proof (birth certificate or passport), caste certificate (if applicable), differently abled certificate (if applicable), employment exchange registration (if applicable), and photo identity proof ready before starting the application.
How to Apply
- Visit the official recruitment portal: hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in
- Locate and click the "Apply Online for Research Assistant" link on the homepage
- Register for a new account by entering your email address and creating a strong password
- Log in with your credentials and begin filling the online application form
- Provide all personal details including name, date of birth, contact information, and address exactly as they appear in your official documents
- Enter your educational qualifications and work experience (if any) in the designated fields
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents—ensure they meet the file format and size specifications mentioned in the portal
- Review the application fee applicable to your category; if you are required to pay, proceed with online payment using your preferred method (debit card, credit card, or net banking)
- Carefully proofread all information entered in the form before submission
- Click the final "Submit" button to complete your application
- Download and print the confirmation receipt—save it for your records and keep the reference number handy for any future inquiries
Salary and Service Terms
Selected Research Assistants will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹35,000 for the one-year contract period. This is a fixed-term position and is not permanent; continuation beyond one year depends on organisational requirements and your performance. Candidates should note that benefits such as provident fund, gratuity, or pension may not be applicable to contract positions. The High Court may offer renewal or extension of the contract based on performance and budgetary considerations.
Important Links
- Apply Online for Research Assistant
- Official Notification PDF (Recruitment No. 23/2026)
- High Court of Kerala Recruitment Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the final date to submit the application?
A: The online application deadline is 30 November 2026. Both your form submission and fee payment (if applicable) must be completed by this date. After 30 November, no online applications will be accepted.
Q: What is the monthly salary as a Research Assistant?
A: You will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹35,000 during the one-year contract period. This is a contractual position, and salary is paid only during the contract tenure.
Q: How many positions are available in this recruitment?
A: 48 Research Assistant positions are available under Recruitment Number 23/2026, advertised as anticipatory vacancies.
Q: Am I eligible if I was born in 2005?
A: No. You must be born between 1 December 1994 and 30 November 2004 (inclusive). If you were born on or after 1 December 2004, you do not meet the age eligibility criteria and cannot apply.
Q: Do I have to pay the application fee?
A: The application fee is ₹1,000 for general and OBC candidates. However, SC, ST, unemployed, and differently abled candidates (with benchmark disabilities) are exempt. Verify your eligibility for exemption in the official notification.
Q: Where and how do I apply online?
A: Visit hckrecruitment.keralacourts.in, register with an email and password, fill the application form with your details, upload required documents, pay the fee (if applicable), and submit. The online window is open from 2 November 2026 to 30 November 2026.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details—including eligibility criteria, dates, fees, and application procedures—on the official High Court of Kerala recruitment website before applying.