Welcome to the comprehensive job description for the Madras High Court Research Fellow and Research Assistant Recruitment 2026. This detailed guide provides all essential information for interested candidates eager to apply for these esteemed positions. Whether you’re a legal professional, graduating student, or researcher seeking a prestigious opportunity, this document covers eligibility criteria, application procedures, selection process, and more to assist you in your application journey.
Madras High Court Research Fellow & Research Assistant Recruitment 2026
Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | High Court of Madras |
| Advertisement Number | 06 / 2026 |
| Posts Offered | Research Fellow (1), Research Assistant (3) |
| Total Vacancies | 4 |
| Stipend / Salary | Rs.45,000/month for Research Fellow; Rs.30,000/month for Research Assistant |
| Qualification | Post Graduate in Law for Research Fellow; Graduate in Law for Research Assistant (recognized by Bar Council of India) |
| Age Limit | Below 30 years as on 01.01.2026 |
| Application Start Date | 09 January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Official Website | mhc.tn.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Research Fellow | 1 |
| Research Assistant | 3 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Research Fellow: Post Graduate Degree in Law from recognized universities, following the ’10+2+3+3+2′ or ’10+2+5+2′ academic pattern. The degree must be recognized by the Bar Council of India for admission as an Advocate or Attorney of an Indian Court.
- Research Assistant: Graduate Degree in Law from recognized universities, following the ’10+2+3+3′ or ’10+2+5′ pattern, recognized by the Bar Council of India.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Pursuit | Applicants pursuing Post Graduate Degree in Law or other programmes requiring their participation elsewhere are not eligible. |
| Computer Skills | Proficiency in using computers, including retrieval of information from search engines, online law journals, and legal research tools. |
| Criminal Record | Applicants should not have any involvement in criminal cases, whether convicted or pending trial. A declaration to this effect must be made during application. |
Salary and Remuneration
The compensation package is as follows:
| Post | Salary / Stipend |
|---|---|
| Research Fellow | Rs.45,000/- per month (consolidated pay) |
| Research Assistant | Rs.30,000/- per month (consolidated pay) |
Age Limit and Age Calculation
The upper age limit for applicants is below 30 years as on 01 January 2026. Candidates must have been born on or after 02 January 1996 to qualify.
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 09 January 2026
- Last Date to Submit Application: 20 February 2026
Selection Process
The selection methodology involves a rigorous process conducted by a Committee comprising Hon’ble Judges or the Board of Governors appointed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Madras High Court. The selection steps include:
- Assessment of academic record and co-curricular achievements.
- Shortlisting candidates if applications are in large number.
- Viva-voce (oral interview) to evaluate communication skills, legal knowledge, and overall suitability.
The Viva-voce will be held exclusively in Chennai. Requests for change of venue, date, or time will not be entertained.
Terms and Conditions of Engagement
Research Fellow and Research Assistant appointments are on an ad hoc, contractual basis initially for one year, with the possibility of extension up to an additional year based on performance. The key points include:
- Engagements can be terminated before the completion of one year without notice.
- Positions are purely contractual; incumbents are not considered regular employees of the Madras High Court or Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy.
- Any candidate wishing to leave within one year must give a prior notice of at least three months.
- During the tenure, incumbents shall not practice as Advocates in any Court and must inform the Bar Council accordingly.
- Engagements prohibit taking up other employment or professional work (full-time or part-time).
- The High Court’s decision in all recruitment matters shall be final and binding.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official portal. The step-by-step process is as follows:
Step 1: Registration
Visit Madras High Court Recruitment Portal and register as a new user. Provide details such as:
- Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Name (as per SSLC or Gazette)
- Create Password
- Retype Password
- Captcha Code
Step 2: Activation
Complete the registration process by OTP activation.
Step 3: Filling the Application
Login using registered credentials and proceed to fill the application in five steps:
- Personal Information (upload recent passport-size photo & signature)
- Educational Qualifications (upload certificates and mark sheets)
- Additional Details (upload experience certificates and other relevant documents)
- Declaration
- Confirmation and Submission
Application Document Specifications:
- Photograph: Recent passport-sized, white background, 20-50 KB, 230×200 pixels
- Signature: .jpg, <20 KB, 60×140 pixels
- Certificates: <115 KB each, including SSLC, HSC, Degrees, enrollment, experience certificates, etc.
Note
Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. Candidates should take a printout for their records. There is no necessity to send physical copies unless specified otherwise.
For uninterrupted updates, candidates are advised to regularly visit the official websites:
Important Links
Conclusion
This recruitment opportunity at the Madras High Court presents a valuable platform for legal aspirants and researchers wishing to advance their careers in judicial research and legal analysis. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are prepared to undergo the selection process are encouraged to apply promptly before the deadline. Ensure all applications are complete and accurate to increase chances of selection.