The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has officially released the notification for Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) recruitment. The 2026 cycle has opened with 286 posts. If you are a law graduate looking to enter the Maharashtra judiciary, this blog covers everything you need to know about the vacancy, key dates, and how to apply.

Exam Name and Overview

The official examination is called the Diwani Nyayadhish Kanishtha Star va Nyaydandadhikari Prathamvarg Purva Pariksha 2024, conducted by MPSC. The notification number is CMA-4023/Pra.Kra.160/2023/Jahirat and the advertisement number is 013/2026.

The recruitment is for the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division) and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Maharashtra's subordinate judiciary.

Total Number of Vacancies

As per the official notification, there are 286 posts open under this recruitment cycle. This number is tentative and subject to revision based on state government directions. Any changes will be communicated through a corrigendum on the MPSC official website.

Exam Centres

The preliminary examination will be held at centres across four cities:

•        Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

•        Kolhapur

•        Navi Mumbai

•        Nagpur

Candidates will be allotted an exam centre based on the details filled during the application process.

Important Dates

The following dates are critical for every applicant. Missing any deadline means you cannot participate in the recruitment.

Want to learn more? Watch our latest videos on our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/live/Kr-0nj7hqIo?si=23RdDvOF0xo0Q20o

Do not wait until the last day to apply. Technical issues near deadlines will not be accepted as a valid reason for late submission.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online only through the official MPSC portal. There is no provision for offline applications. Fee payment can be done in two ways:

1.     Online payment: through the portal directly, up to 21 May 2026.

2.     SBI bank challan: the challan must be submitted at an SBI branch by 25 May 2026.

Make sure all details entered in the application form are accurate. Any discrepancy found later may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Preparing for a judiciary exam requires the right strategy and consistent practice. With Aashayein Judiciary, you get focused guidance, updated study material, and exam-oriented preparation to help you succeed. Build strong concepts, practice regularly, and move one step closer to your goal of becoming a Civil Judge. 

What Happens After the Preliminary Exam

The preliminary examination result will determine who moves forward. Candidates who clear the prelims will be called for the Main Written Examination, the date of which will be announced separately by MPSC after prelim results are declared. Additional or revised vacancy numbers may also be released by the state government before the main exam.

Reservation and Social Category Rules

The MPSC notification makes several important points regarding reservation. Every candidate must read these carefully before applying.

•        Caste Certificate: Candidates seeking reservation must hold a valid caste certificate issued by the competent state authority.

•        SEBC Reservation: Subject to the final outcome of cases pending before the Bombay High Court, including Writ Petition No. 3463/2024 and other related proceedings.

•        SEBC Age and Fee Relaxation: Governed by GR No. BCC-2024/Pra.Kra.75/Reservation-5, dated 28 June 2024 and 05 July 2024. Candidates must submit creamy layer and non creamy layer certificates.

•        Economic Benefits Restricted: As per High Court orders dated 19 December 2019 and 13 March 2026, economically weaker candidates from backward classes are not entitled to financial concessions available to reserved category candidates.

•        Maharashtra Residents Only: Reservation benefits are available only to permanent residents of Maharashtra as per the Indian Citizenship Act 1950 (Section 20). Candidates from other states are treated as general category applicants.

•        Pending Court Proceedings: Recruitment action on social reservation matters will proceed in accordance with final judicial outcomes.

Official Websites

All updates, admit cards, results, and further notices will be published exclusively on: https://mpsc.gov.in .Bookmark both links and check them regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many posts are available in the MPSC Civil Judge Recruitment 2026?

A. There are 286 posts for Civil Judge (Junior Division) and JMFC. This number may be revised by the government.

2. When is the MPSC Civil Judge Preliminary Exam 2026?

A. The preliminary examination is scheduled for Sunday, 02 August 2026.

3. Where will the exam centres be located?

A. The exam will be held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur.

4. What is the last date to apply for MPSC Civil Judge 2026?

A. The last date to apply online is 21 May 2026 at 23:59 hrs.

5. Can I pay the exam fee through a bank?

A. Yes. You can pay through SBI bank challan. The challan must be submitted at an SBI branch by 25 May 2026 during banking hours.

6. Can candidates from other states apply?

A. Yes, they can apply but they will not be eligible for any reservation benefits under Maharashtra rules.

7. Will the number of vacancies change?

A. It is possible. The notification states vacancies may be revised based on state government directions. Any changes will be published on the MPSC website.

8. Where do I apply for this recruitment?

A. Applications must be submitted online at https://mpsconline.gov.in only. No offline mode is available.

Preparing for the judicial services requires more than just reading textbooks; it demands a strategic approach to complex legal statutes and current affairs. Opting for civil judge online coaching offers the flexibility to learn from top legal experts from the comfort of your home.

With structured modules, mock tests, and real-time doubt-clearing sessions, online platforms ensure you stay ahead of the competition. Whether you are balancing a job or a final-year law degree, digital coaching provides the resources you need to master the syllabus and secure your seat on the bench.