Welcome to the comprehensive job description for the Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026. This announcement provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria, application process, selection stages, salary structure, and other essential aspects relevant for aspiring candidates seeking to join the judiciary as a District Judge in Bombay.
Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Details
The Bombay High Court has officially released a recruitment notification inviting eligible candidates to apply for a total of 89 vacancies for the position of District Judge. The positions are filled through a nomination process, with certain posts reserved for candidates nominated by the Government of Maharashtra. This recruitment provides an excellent opportunity for experienced legal professionals to serve in a prestigious judicial capacity within Maharashtra.
Overview of the Recruitment
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | High Court of Bombay |
| Post Name | District Judge (by Nomination – 25%) |
| Total Vacancies | 89 Posts (subject to variation) |
| Qualification | Degree in Law + Minimum 7 years experience as Advocate/Judicial Officer/Public Prosecutor |
| Age Limit | 35 to 45 years (General); Up to 48 years for PwD/Backward Communities |
| Application Fee | Rs. 1,000/- (General); Rs. 500/- (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Transgender) |
| Apply Start Date | 30.01.2026 (from 10:30 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 17.02.2026 (till 04:30 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://bombayhighcourt.nic.in |
Vacancy Details and Selection Method
Post Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|
| District Judge (by Nomination) | 89 | Preliminary Written Exam + Main Written Exam + Viva-voce |
Note: The actual number of vacancies may vary and will be updated on the official website.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
The candidate must possess a Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university. Additionally, knowledge of Marathi language is mandatory, including speaking, reading, writing, and translating fluently between Marathi and English.
Required Experience
Candidates must have at least 7 years of professional experience, which can be fulfilled via:
- Practicing as an Advocate in the High Court of Bombay or subordinate courts, or
- Serving as a Judicial Officer in Maharashtra Judicial Service, or
- Working as a Public Prosecutor or Government Advocate for a minimum of 7 years.
Experience as a Law Clerk, Public Prosecutor, or Government Advocate will be included in the computation of total period of experience.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation Structure
| Position | Salary Range (per month) |
|---|---|
| District Judge | Rs. 1,44,840 – Rs. 1,94,660 |
Additional Benefits
Selected candidates will also receive dearness allowance and other allowances as applicable according to the rules.
Probation and Service Bond
Initially, appointees will be on a probation period of two years. Additionally, a mandatory service bond of Rs. 2,00,000/- must be executed, requiring the candidate to serve for a minimum of 3 years from the date of joining.
Age Limit and Relaxations
Age Criteria (as of 30.01.2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General/Others | 35 years | 45 years |
| Persons with Disability (PwD)/Backward Communities | 35 years | 48 years |
No age relaxation beyond these limits will be provided.
Application Fee Details and Payment Methods
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / Others | Rs. 1,000/- (Non-refundable) |
| SC / ST / OBC / PwD / Transgender | Rs. 500/- (Non-refundable) |
Payment can be made online through SBCollect via Internet Banking, Credit Card, UPI, or by e-Challan at any SBI branch.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 30.01.2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 30.01.2026 (after 10:30 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 17.02.2026 (up to 4:30 PM) |
| Receipt of Documents at High Court | 25.02.2026 |
| Preliminary Written Exam | To be announced |
| Main Written Exam | To be announced |
| Viva-voce (Interview) | To be announced |
Selection Process Explained
Stage 1: Preliminary Written Examination
This stage involves a computer-based multiple-choice exam designed to shortlist candidates. Only those who qualify will proceed to the Main Examination.
- Number of Questions: Objective type
- Purpose: Shortlisting for Main Exam
- Exam Centers: Mumbai, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Kolhapur
- Special Provision: 30 minutes extra for PwD candidates
Stage 2: Main Written Examination
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| No. of Papers | 2 |
| Marks per Paper | 100 marks |
| Total Marks | 200 marks |
| Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Medium | English |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 50% (General), 45% (PwD/Backward) in each paper |
Stage 3: Viva-voce (Personal Interview)
This component assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and judicial temperament. The viva-voce carries 50 marks, with minimum qualifying marks set at 40% or 35% for relevant categories.
Final Merit List and Results
The final selection will be based on the combined scores obtained in the Main Written Examination (200 marks) and Viva-voce (50 marks), totaling 250 marks. The merit list will include only the candidates who have cleared all stages, and it will be valid for one year from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. A waiting list of up to 10% of the vacancies or one vacancy, whichever is higher, will also be maintained.
Mandatory Documents for Verification
- Proof of Indian Citizenship (Original + Attested Copy)
- Age proof (Birth Certificate/SSC Certificate/Service Book)
- Law Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets (all semesters)
- Certificate of Practice (from Bar Council of India, if applicable)
- Marathi language proficiency certificate
- Character Certificates
- Disability Certificate/UDID Card (if applicable)
- Income Tax Returns (last 3 years, if applicable)
- Backward Class certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Online Application Process
- Visit the official recruitment portal at https://bombayhighcourt.nic.in
- Carefully read the entire recruitment advertisement.
- Prepare scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph and signature (JPG format, maximum 40 KB each).
- Click on the application link starting from 30.01.2026 after 10:30 AM.
- Fill in all requisite details accurately in the application form.
- Upload the scanned photograph and signature where indicated.
- Pay the application fee via the SBCollect payment gateway: Click here for online payment.
- Record the SBCollect reference number generated after payment.
- Enter the reference number in the application form at the designated field.
- Review your application thoroughly before final submission.
- Click on “I Agree” to submit the application.
- Keep the Registration ID safe and note it down; it will be sent via SMS.
- Post the requisite documents (payment receipt, NOC, PwD certificates, etc.) via Registered Post/Speed Post to the address below before 25.02.2026:
Address for Sending Documents
The Registrar (Legal & Research)
105, 1st Floor, PWD Building
High Court, Fort
Mumbai – 400 032
Envelope Superscription: “Application for the post of District Judge – 2025”
Important Notes and Precautions
- Applicants should avoid submitting multiple applications; only the latest submitted application with correct details will be considered.
- Payment of fee does not guarantee eligibility or selection.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected without prior notice.
- Rechecking or revaluation of answer sheets is not permissible.
- Once submitted, no changes can be made in the application form.
- Admit cards for examinations will be available for download from the official website. They will not be sent via postal services.
- Candidates must carry all original documents for verification and produce them when asked.
- Selection is subject to fulfilling all eligibility criteria and successfully clearing all stages of the process.
Disqualifications and Restrictions
- Non-citizens of India are ineligible.
- Individuals who are retired, dismissed, or removed from judicial or government service are disqualified.
- Candidates convicted for moral turpitude or involved in misconduct during examinations will be disqualified.
- Candidates with multiple spouses, more than two children (subject to certain exceptions), or who have attempted to influence the recruiting authority are disqualified.
Additional Resources and Support
- For detailed official notification, click here.
- To apply online, visit here.
- Visit the official website for updates: https://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/.
This comprehensive guide aims to assist prospective candidates in understanding all aspects of the Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026, providing clarity on eligibility, application procedures, selection process, and more. Prepare thoroughly, follow all instructions carefully, and best of luck in your pursuit of a judicial career.