Karnataka High Court Civil Judge Recruitment 2025 (Reopened)
The Civil Judge (Junior Division) recruitment has been reopened with the original vacancy count of 158 posts (including backlog). Candidates can apply online by 01 September 2025 and complete fee payment till 02 September 2025 (11:59 pm). The Preliminary Examination is on 11 October 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at centres in Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Kalaburagi. The post carries a pay scale of ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520.
Recruitment — Quick Overview
| Authority | High Court of Karnataka |
| Post | Civil Judge (Junior Division) |
| Vacancies | 158 (including backlog) |
| Pay Scale | ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520 |
| Apply By | 01-09-2025 |
| Fee Deadline | 02-09-2025 (11:59 pm) |
| Prelims Date & Time | 11-10-2025, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Exam Centres | Bengaluru, Dharwad, Kalaburagi |
Vacancy Details — Category Totals
Total Vacancies: 158 (including 24 backlog).
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| General Merit (GM) | 59 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 23 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 10 |
| Category–I | 19 (incl. 13 backlog) |
| Category–II(A) | 23 (incl. 3 backlog) |
| Category–II(B) | 10 (incl. 5 backlog) |
| Category–III(A) | 8 (incl. 3 backlog) |
| Category–III(B) | 6 |
| Grand Total | 158 (incl. 24 backlog) |
Note: Figures are category totals; horizontal reservations (Women, Rural, Kannada Medium, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Transgender) are already factored into these totals where applicable.
Educational Qualification
Direct Recruitment (Practising Advocates)
- Degree in Law granted by a University established by law in India.
- Enrolled as an Advocate as on the last date for receipt of applications.
In-service Candidates
- Degree in Law granted by a University established by law in India.
- Service status (as on last date): working in the High Court of Karnataka or the District Judiciary under its jurisdiction; or serving as an Assistant Public Prosecutor/Assistant Government Pleader in the Department of Prosecutions & Government Litigation.
Note: Detailed conditions and format of proofs are as per the official notification; verify against the final checklist before submission.
Age Limit
As on 01-09-2025.
| Direct — General Merit | Max 35 years |
| Direct — Cat-II / Cat-III | Max 38 years |
| Direct — SC / ST / Cat-I | Max 40 years |
| Direct — Ex-Servicemen | +3 years over applicable limit |
| In-service — Others | Max 40 years |
| In-service — SC / ST | Max 43 years |
Application Fee
| Stage | GM / Cat-II / Cat-III | SC / ST / Cat-I / PwBD |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | ₹1,000 | ₹500 |
| Main Written Examination* | ₹1,500 | ₹750 |
*Payable only by candidates shortlisted for the Main Written Examination. Fee is non-refundable. Payment mode: SBI e-pay (NetBanking / Card / UPI); bank charges may apply.
How to Apply (Online)
- Create/Sign in to your account on the application portal.
- Open the Civil Judge (Junior Division) application and read the instructions carefully.
- Fill in personal details, category, communication address, and employment status (Direct / In-service) exactly as per records.
- Enter educational details (LL.B./Law degree) and enrollment particulars (for Direct candidates).
- Choose your examination centre (Bengaluru / Dharwad / Kalaburagi) — selection is usually final.
- Upload required documents in the prescribed format and size (see checklist below).
- Preview the application → correct any mistakes → submit the form.
- Pay the application fee via the specified online payment gateway; wait for confirmation.
- Download/print the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.
Documents & Files to Keep Ready
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature image (clear, as per portal specs).
- SSLC/10th certificate (for name & DoB), Law degree/marks cards.
- Advocate Enrollment Certificate (Direct candidates).
- Category/Reservation certificate (SC/ST/Cat-I/II/III), if applicable.
- PdWBD/Disability certificate (if applicable).
- Service/No-objection certificate (In-service) or Ex-Servicemen documents, if applicable.
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence, etc.).
Important Application Tips
- Use the same spelling of your name everywhere as per SSLC/official records.
- Apply well before the last date; heavy traffic can delay payment confirmation.
- Ensure category & centre selections are correct; changes are generally not allowed later.
- Keep both the application printout and the fee receipt safely till final selection.
🗓️ Important Dates (IST) — Civil Judge Recruitment 2025 (Reopened)
| Recruitment Reopened | 18 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 September 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 02 September 2025, 23:59 |
| Preliminary Examination | 11 October 2025, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Tip: All deadlines are in India Standard Time (IST). Apply and pay well before the cutoff to avoid gateway delays.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Objective test with Parts A (Civil laws), B (Criminal laws incl. BNS/BNSS/BSA 2023), C (GK/Reasoning). Qualifying for shortlisting to Mains. | 100 |
| Main Written Examination | Four descriptive papers: Translation; Law Paper-I; Law Paper-II (Civil judgments); Law Paper-III (Criminal judgments). | 4 × 100 |
| Viva-Voce | Interview assessing legal knowledge, communication, suitability. | 100 |
| Computer Test | Practical test of basic computer skills; qualifying only (not added to total). | 25 |
Final Merit: Main Written (total of 4 papers) + Viva-Voce. Prelims is qualifying; Computer Test is qualifying.
- Minimum marks (Reserved / Others): Prelims 50 / 60; each Mains paper 40 / 50; Viva-Voce 40 / 50.
📥 Useful Links — Civil Judge Recruitment 2025
| Reopen / Extension Notice (PDF) | Download |
| Main Notification (PDF) | Download |
| Official Website — Karnataka Judiciary | Open Website |
Note: Always verify key dates and instructions in the official PDFs before applying.
