Introduction:
The High Court of Judicature at Patna has just released its latest recruitment drive for District Judges (Entry Level) – Direct from Bar. A total of 08 vacancies are open across Bihar, and the online application window closes on 15 May 2026. Candidates with a minimum of seven years of continuous legal practice or equivalent judicial experience must act quickly to submit their applications before the deadline.
Recruitment Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department/Board | High Court of Judicature at Patna |
| Post Name | District Judge (Entry Level), Direct From Bar |
| Exam Name | Patna High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | 08 |
| Category | New Recruitment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| State | Bihar |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 16 Apr 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Uploading Photo, Signature & Declaration | 22 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | Details to be updated soon |
| Admit Card Release | Details to be updated soon |
| Result / Answer Key Date | Details to be updated soon |
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 1,500 |
| SC / ST / Orthopedically Handicapped (OH) – Bihar | 750 |
| Payment Mode | Online (through the official portal) |
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 35 to 50 years old on the date of filing the application. Age relaxations apply as per government rules for reserved categories, women and orthopedically disabled candidates.
- Educational Qualification: Must be an Advocate/Pleader (including Government Pleaders and Public Prosecutors) with continuous practice of at least 7 years, or a Judicial Officer having a combined experience of 7 years as an Advocate and/or Judicial Officer.
| Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification (Experience) |
|---|---|---|
| District Judge (Entry Level) – Current Vacancies (2023‑24 & 2024‑25) | 03 (UR‑02, SC‑01) | Advocate/Pleader ≥ 7 yr continuous practice or Judicial Officer ≥ 7 yr combined experience |
| District Judge (Entry Level) – Backlog Vacancies (2021‑22 & 2022‑23) | 04 (UR‑03, SC‑01, ST‑01*) | Same as above |
| District Judge (Entry Level) – Backlog Vacancy (2020‑21) | 01 (ST‑01) | Same as above |
| Overall | 08 | — |
*Details for the ST reservation in the 2021‑23 backlog are pending; stay tuned for updates.
How to Apply Online?
- Open the Patna High Court’s official portal: https://patnahighcourt.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Recruitments” section located in the main menu.
- Click on the link titled “Patna High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026”.
- Fill in the online application form (English only) with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
- After completing the form, click “Submit”; a unique Registration Number will be generated.
- Proceed to pay the application fee online. Retain the bank reference number displayed after payment.
- Within 24 hours, log in again using your Registration Number and Date of Birth to upload:
- Passport‑size colour photograph (JPEG/JPG, ≤ 40 KB, 200 × 230 px)
- Signature (JPEG/JPG, ≤ 10 KB, 140 × 60 px)
- Hand‑written declaration on white paper (JPEG/JPG, ≤ 50 KB)
- Submit the final form and download the application printout for future reference.
- Keep an eye on the portal for the Admit Card and subsequent exam notifications.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (active from 16 Apr 2026) | Apply Here |
| Download Notification | Official Notification (PDF) |
| Official Website | Patna High Court |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Current Affairs Quiz | Join Now |
Conclusion
Patna High Court’s District Judge recruitment offers eight coveted judicial posts for seasoned advocates and judicial officers. Candidates should verify the official notification, complete the online application before 15 May 2026, and retain all transaction receipts and printouts for future reference.
Date
Start: 16 Apr 2026 | End: 15 May 2026
Who can apply for the District Judge (Direct from Bar) vacancies?
Any advocate or pleader—including Government Pleaders and Public Prosecutors—with minimum 7 years of uninterrupted practice, or a judicial officer having 7 years of combined experience as an advocate and/or judicial officer, is eligible.
What is the age requirement for this recruitment?
Applicants must be between 35 and 50 years of age on the date of application. Age relaxations are applicable for SC/ST, women, and orthopedically disabled candidates as per government norms.
How is the selection process structured?
The selection consists of a Screening Test (objective), a Written Test (descriptive), and a Viva‑Voce (interview). Candidates must clear each stage with the minimum qualifying marks stipulated in the official notification.
Is there a separate fee for reserved category candidates?
Yes. While the general category fee is Rs. 1,500, SC/ST/O
