The High Court of Karnataka has officially released the notification for direct recruitment to the post of Civil Judge. If you are a practicing advocate looking to enter the judiciary, this is your chance. The notification, bearing number HCRB/CJR-9/2026, was issued on 16th April 2026. A total of 90 posts are available, out of which 15 are fresh vacancies and 75 are backlog posts. The last date to apply online is 15th May 2026.

Here is a clear breakdown of everything covered in the official notification.

How Many Posts Are Available?  

The 90 posts are spread across different reservation categories as follows:

Reservations are also available for women candidates, rural candidates, Kannada medium students, persons with benchmark disability, ex-servicemen, and transgender candidates within these categories.

One important thing to note: this notification is subject to the final outcome of Writ Petition No. 200448/2025 c/w 17968/2025 and 3145/2023 pending before the High Court of Karnataka.

Pay Scale  

The selected Civil Judges will receive a pay scale of Rs. 77,840 to Rs. 1,36,520.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria  

Educational Qualification  

You must hold a law degree from a university established by law in India.

Practice Requirement  

As on the last date for receipt of applications, you must meet one of the following:

• You should be a practicing advocate before the Supreme Court of India, any High Court, or District and Trial Courts in the country, with continuous practice of not less than three years.
• Or you should be working as a Public Prosecutor, Assistant Public Prosecutor, or Government Counsel in full time employment with the Central Government or any State Government, with at least three years of such service.

Age Limit  

The maximum age limit varies by category:

• SC/ST/Category I candidates: Must not have completed 45 years of age
• Category II(A), II(B), III(A), III(B) candidates: Must not have completed 43 years of age
• All other candidates: Must not have completed 40 years of age

Ex-servicemen candidates get an additional relaxation of three years on the maximum age limit. The age relaxation is as per Government Order No. DPAR 262 SeNeNi 2025 dated 29.01.2026.

Watch Full Video On You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/jWSPHSu91GA?si=eLk6FBmdlOexgK-Y

Selection Process: How Will You Be Selected?  

The selection is based on a competitive examination consisting of three stages:

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (100 Marks)  

This is an objective type paper. It has three parts:

Part A covers:

• Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
• Transfer of Property Act, 1882
• Indian Contract Act, 1872
• Specific Relief Act, 1963
• Indian Constitution
• Karnataka Rent Act, 1999

Part B covers:

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
• Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

Part C covers General Knowledge, reasoning, and mental ability.

Minimum passing marks for the Preliminary Examination: 60 marks for general candidates and 50 marks for SC/ST and persons with benchmark disability candidates. From those who qualify, candidates equal to 10 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.

Stage 2: Main Written Examination

The main exam has four papers, each carrying 100 marks:

• Translation Paper: Translating passages between English and Kannada. The passages will be from depositions, judgments, and documents.
• Law Paper I: CPC, CrPC and BNSS 2023, Evidence Act and BSA 2023, Principles of Pleading, and the Constitution of India.
• Law Paper II: Framing of Issues and Writing of Judgments in Civil Cases.
• Law Paper III: Framing of Charges and Writing of Judgments in Criminal Cases.

Candidates may write the main exam in English or Kannada. Minimum passing marks in each paper: 50 marks for general candidates and 40 marks for SC/ST/persons with benchmark disability candidates.

There is also a Computer Test of 25 marks, but these marks will not be added to the total. They are used only to assess computer knowledge and suitability.

Stage 3: Viva-voce (100 Marks)  

Candidates equal to three times the number of vacancies will be called for the interview. The viva-voce tests general knowledge, understanding of legal principles, and suitability for the post. Minimum passing marks: 25% for general candidates and 20% for SC/ST/persons with benchmark disability candidates.

Read Also: Kerala Judicial Service Exam 2026

Probation and Training  

Once selected, candidates will be placed on probation for two years, which may be extended if required. Before presiding over a court, every appointed Civil Judge must undergo mandatory training for at least one year.

Candidates must also pass the Kannada Language Examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission under the Karnataka Civil Services (Services and Kannada Language Examinations) Rules, 1974.

How to Apply and Examination Fee  

Applications must be submitted online through the High Court of Karnataka's official website: https://judiciary.karnataka.gov.in

No other mode of application will be accepted. The last date is 15th May 2026.

Preliminary Examination Fee:

• General Merit and Category II(A)/II(B)/III(A)/III(B): Rs. 1,000
• SC/ST/Category I/Persons with Benchmark Disability: Rs. 500

Main Written Examination Fee:

• General Merit and Category II(A)/II(B)/III(A)/III(B): Rs. 1,500
• SC/ST/Category I/Persons with Benchmark Disability: Rs. 750

The main exam fee is to be paid separately when candidates are shortlisted, within the time period mentioned on the official website. Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Documents You Will Need  

When applying and at the time of Viva-voce, you will need:

• A practicing certificate from the Principal Judicial Officer or an advocate with at least 10 years of standing
• Caste certificate (if applicable) in the format prescribed by the Government of Karnataka
• Rural study certificate, if claiming rural category reservation
• Kannada Medium certificate, if applicable
• Disability certificate in the prescribed format, if claiming reservation under persons with benchmark disability
• Discharge certificate for ex-servicemen
• Transgender certificate under Section 6 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• Three character certificates, including one from the institution where you studied LL.B

Who Cannot Apply?  

You will be disqualified if:

• You are not a citizen of India
• You have been dismissed, removed, or compulsorily retired from judicial or government service
• You have been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude
• A Bar Council or disciplinary authority has taken action against you that makes you unsuitable for a judicial post
• You have a bigamous marriage
• You try to influence the recruiting authority in any way

Conclusion  

The Karnataka Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 is a good opportunity for eligible advocates with at least three years of continuous practice. With 90 posts open, including backlog vacancies across several categories, a wide range of candidates can apply. Make sure you go through the official notification carefully, check your eligibility, and apply before 15th May 2026. Keep all your documents ready well in advance to avoid last minute trouble.

The Judicial Services Exam is a competitive exam for law graduates to become Civil Judges. It includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview, testing legal knowledge and reasoning skills. With smart preparation and consistency, candidates can successfully crack the exam.