The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has released a significant recruitment notification for District Judge (Entry Level) posts in 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible law graduates with substantial experience to join the higher judicial services. A total of 16 vacancies are available, offering a prestigious career path within the judiciary. Interested candidates must review the official notification thoroughly and complete the online application process before the extended deadline of 15 November 2026.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| ProJobAlert.com | |
| JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No.: 2510 of 2026/RG | |
| Recruitment Authority | High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Post Name | District Judge (Entry Level) |
| Total Vacancies | 16 |
| Job Location | Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Start Date to Apply | 05 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 November 2026 |
| Qualification | Law Degree + 7 Years Experience |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online Now | |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 03 October 2026
- Application Start: 05 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 15 November 2026
- Last Date Extended Notice: 02 November 2026
- Exam Date: To be Notified
- Admit Card: To be Notified
Application Fees
- All Candidates: Rs. 1200/-
Age Limit as on 15 November 2026
- Minimum Age: 35 Years
- Maximum Age: 45 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST/PwBD/OBC candidates receive a 2-year age relaxation.
Qualification Details
- Candidates must possess a Degree in Law from a recognized University established by Law in India and recognized by the Bar Council of India.
- Must be a practicing advocate with not less than seven years of actual continuous practice.
- Alternatively, an in-service candidate with a combined continuous experience of seven years or more as an Advocate and Judicial Officer is eligible.
- Proficiency in reading and writing Urdu is mandatory.
Full Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the District Judge (Entry Level) posts must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, and domicile requirements, as detailed in the official notification.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification | Experience | Age Limit (as on 15.11.2026) | Other Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Judge (Entry Level) | Degree in Law from a BCI recognized University. | Minimum 7 years of continuous practice as an Advocate OR 7 years combined experience as an Advocate and Judicial Officer. | 35-45 Years (Relaxable by 2 years for SC/ST/PwBD/OBC) | Must be a Domicile of UT of J&K or Resident of UT of Ladakh. Citizen of India. Proficient in reading and writing Urdu. |
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected candidates for the District Judge (Entry Level) position will receive an attractive salary package as per the prescribed pay level, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| District Judge (Entry Level) | J-5 | Rs. 144840 - 194660 |
- The pay scale is as per the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Judicial Service Rules, 2009, as amended.
Selection Process
The selection process for District Judge (Entry Level) involves a comprehensive competitive examination, including a written test and a viva-voce, designed to assess candidates' legal knowledge and suitability for the judicial role.
- Written Examination: Consists of two papers, each of two hours duration and carrying 80 marks (Total 160 marks). Each paper has three parts, with candidates attempting nine questions (three from each part).
- Eligibility for Viva-Voce: Candidates must secure 50% or more marks in the written examination to be called for viva-voce. For SC/ST and PwBD candidates, the minimum qualifying marks are 45%. Candidates will be called in a ratio of 3 candidates per vacancy.
- Viva-Voce Examination: This stage carries 40 marks. Candidates must obtain 50% marks (45% for SC/ST and PwBD candidates) in the viva-voce to qualify.
- Final Selection: The final merit list will be based on the cumulative marks obtained in both the written examination and the viva-voce.
Exam Pattern
The District Judge (Entry Level) examination comprises two papers, each with specific subjects and a structured format to evaluate candidates' legal acumen and analytical skills.
Paper-I Exam Pattern
| Part | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | Essay, Precise writing, Constitution of India, Legal Maxims, Translation (Urdu/Hindi to English) | Equal distribution | 2 Hours |
| Part-II | Judgment Writing (Civil), Laws of Partnerships, Contracts, Arbitration, Transfer of Property Act, J&K Agrarian Reforms Act, J&K State Evacuees (Administration of Property) Act, J&K Alienation of Land Act, Specific Relief Act, Motor Vehicles Act (Compensation), Laws of Marriages, Divorce & Succession (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists) | Equal distribution | |
| Part-III | Civil Procedure Code 1908, Interpretation of Statues, Laws of acquisition/requisition of immovable property, Laws of Guardianship, Succession Certificate, Probate & Letters of Administration, Laws of Eviction of unauthorized occupants | Equal distribution |
Paper-II Exam Pattern
| Part | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | Code of Criminal Procedure 1973/Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Indian Penal Code, 1860/Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 | Equal distribution | 2 Hours |
| Part-II | Judgment Writing (Criminal), Indian Evidence Act, 1872/Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, Penal Laws (Arms, Enemies, Terrorist activities) | Equal distribution | |
| Part-III | Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, General Financial Rules, Medical Jurisprudence, Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 | Equal distribution |
- Each paper carries 80 marks.
- Candidates must attempt nine questions in each paper, three from each part.
- Any reference to "laws" in the syllabus refers to laws enforced in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy Details
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has announced 16 vacancies for the District Judge (Entry Level) post, with reservations for various categories as per government norms.
| Post Name | OM | SC | ST-1 | ST-2 | ALC | OBC | RBA | EWS | Total | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Judge (Entry Level) | 04 | 02 | 01 | 02 | 01 | 02 | 02 | 02 | 16 | Rs. 144840-194660 |
| Total Vacancies | 16 | |||||||||
Job Profile & Responsibility
A District Judge (Entry Level) in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh holds a pivotal role in the judicial system, presiding over civil and criminal cases at the district level. Responsibilities include interpreting laws, conducting trials, delivering judgments, and ensuring justice delivery. This position demands profound legal knowledge, impartiality, and a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law. District Judges also manage court administration, supervise subordinate judicial officers, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the judicial process, playing a crucial part in maintaining public trust in the justice system.
- Presiding over civil and criminal cases within the district jurisdiction.
- Interpreting and applying laws, statutes, and legal precedents.
- Conducting fair trials, hearing arguments, and examining evidence.
- Delivering well-reasoned judgments and orders.
- Managing court dockets and ensuring timely disposal of cases.
- Supervising the work of other judicial officers and court staff.
- Upholding judicial ethics and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 must apply online by following the detailed steps provided, ensuring all required documents are uploaded and the fee is paid before the deadline.
- Visit the official recruitment portal of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at exams.jklhc.in.
- The online application link was activated on 05 October 2026.
- Fill in the online application form with all the necessary personal and educational details accurately.
- Upload required documents: Date of birth certificate (Matric Certificate), Domicile/Residence Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Experience Certificate (Annexure-A or Annexure-B as applicable), and Reserved Category Certificate (if claiming benefit).
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 1200/- through the online payment gateway.
- Review the application form carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application form before the extended last date of 15 November 2026.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form along with the fee payment receipt for future reference and keep copies of uploaded documents ready.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification Link | Click Here |
| Last Date Extended Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| Jammu and Kashmir Jobs | Click Here |
| JKPSC Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online for the JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 has been extended to 15 November 2026.
How many vacancies are available in the JK High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 16 vacancies for the District Judge (Entry Level) posts in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
What is the eligibility criteria for District Judge (Entry Level) posts?
Candidates must hold a Law Degree from a BCI recognized university and have at least seven years of continuous practice as an advocate or combined experience as an advocate and judicial officer. Age limit is 35-45 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
What is the application fee for this recruitment?
The application fee for all candidates applying for the District Judge posts is Rs. 1200/-, payable through online mode.
What is the selection process for JK High Court District Judge?
The selection process includes a Written Examination (two papers, 80 marks each) followed by a Viva-Voce Examination (40 marks). Final selection is based on cumulative marks from both stages.
Where can I find the official notification and apply online?
You can download the official notification and apply online directly from the High Court's recruitment portal at exams.jklhc.in. Important links are also provided in the "Important Links" section above.