Civil Judge (Junior Division) Recruitment 2026

- The High Court of Andhra Pradesh invites online applications for 119 Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts under the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial Service.
- Vacancies are divided into 96 posts under Direct Recruitment and 23 posts under Recruitment by Transfer.
- The recruitment is governed by the Andhra Pradesh State Judicial (Service & Cadre) Rules, 2026.
- Selected candidates will undergo one year of training at the Judicial Academy followed by one year of Law Clerkship before regular appointment.

- Direct Recruitment: Only Law graduates who obtained their Law Degree within the preceding one year as of the notification date (25-09-2026) are eligible.
- Recruitment by Transfer: Must be a confirmed member or approved probationer in eligible categories such as High Court of Andhra Pradesh staff (e.g., Section Officers, Court Officers), District Judiciary staff (e.g., Stenographers, Superintendents), Prosecution Services staff (e.g., Assistant Public Prosecutors), or Law/Legislature Department staff.
- Age Limit (as of 01-09-2026)
- Direct Recruitment: Maximum age 35 years (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, Backward Classes, and EWS; 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities).
- Recruitment by Transfer: Maximum age 48 years (no minimum age specified).
- Disqualifications: Includes non-citizenship, dismissal from judicial service, conviction for moral turpitude, or any disciplinary charges.
- Character Requirement: Candidates must have a good character and be free from infirmities that render them unfit for the appointment.

- Screening Test (Computer-Based): 100 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks, duration of 2 hours. Minimum qualifying marks: 40%.
- Written Examination: Three papers (Civil Laws, Criminal Laws, and English) each for 100 marks, duration of 3 hours each. Minimum qualifying marks vary by category:
- Direct Recruitment - Open Competition/EWS: Not less than 55% in each of Paper-I and Paper-II, and 60% in aggregate.
- Direct Recruitment - Backward Class: Not less than 50% in each of Paper-I and Paper-II, and 55% in aggregate.
- Direct Recruitment - SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Not less than 45% in each of Paper-I and Paper-II, and 50% in aggregate.
- Recruitment by Transfer: Not less than 55% in each of Paper-I and Paper-II, and 60% in aggregate.
- Viva Voce: 50 marks. Candidates are called based on the ratio of 1:3 of available vacancies in respective categories.
- Final Selection: Based on aggregate marks in Written Examination and Viva Voce, with tie-breakers including age and educational qualifications.

General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities

- Direct Recruitment: Certificate of date of birth/SSC, Law Degree certificate, and community certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/BC/Persons with Benchmark Disabilities/EWS).
- EWS Applicants: Latest EWS certificate issued in 2025 or 2026 by the Tahsildar, showing gross annual family income below Rs. 8,00,000/-.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Medical Board certificate.
- Ex-Servicemen: Discharge Certificate.
- Recruitment by Transfer: Proof of declaration of probation, employer's proceedings permitting Law Degree course, latest Service and Conduct Certificate, and No-objection Certificate from the employer.
- All Applicants: Passport-sized photograph and signature.

• Open Category/EWS/BC Candidates: Rs. 1,500/- (online application processing fee and examination fee).
• SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Rs. 750/-.