Bombay High Court: 89 District Judge Vacancies (25% Nomination Quota) – 7 Years Practice/Public Prosecution; Level 14A Pay (₹1.44L–₹2.18L); Apply Online by 17 Feb 2026
The High Court of Bombay has notified Advertisement No. A.5504/2025 inviting online applications for 89 District Judge posts through 25% nomination quota under Maharashtra Judicial Service Rules, 2008. Offering Pay Level 14A (₹1,44,840–₹2,18,200) with house rent allowance, this direct judicial recruitment targets senior advocates and public prosecutors with minimum 7 years’ practice in Bombay High Court/subordinate courts. Online applications opened 30 January 2026 and close 17 February 2026 (04:30 PM); hard copies must reach Mumbai by 25 February 2026.
Recruitment Framework and Quota Context
Under Article 233 Constitution of India, District Judge appointments blend direct recruitment (25% nomination) with promotion (50%) and exams (25%). This nomination quota elevates experienced practitioners to judicial mantle, recognising courtroom mastery over written tests. Selected judges exercise original jurisdiction across civil/commercial (₹1 crore+), criminal sessions, and writ powers in 26 districts spanning Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Panaji benches.
Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Backlog/Existing | Total |
|---|---|---|
| District Judge | 89 (tentative; subject to variation) | 89 |
Posting: All Maharashtra districts (Mumbai Metropolitan, Pune, Nagpur, etc.).
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Practice Experience (7 Years Minimum)
Candidates must demonstrate continuous practice as:
- Advocate in Bombay High Court or subordinate courts, OR
- Public Prosecutor/Government Advocate, OR
- Judicial Officer (MJS service).
Practice Period Inclusion:
- Law Clerk tenure (post-enrollment) with Bombay HC Judges.
- Public Prosecutor service counts toward 7 years.
Academic
- Degree in Law from recognised university.
- Marathi Proficiency: Speak/read/write/translate Marathi-English (undertaking required).
Age Limit
Three-Stage Selection Process
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Elimination)
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Law (Civil/Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Constitution, etc.) | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Language (Marathi/English) + Judgment Writing | 100 | 3 hours |
Qualifying: 50% aggregate (45% reserved categories).
Stage 2: Main Written Examination
| Paper | Scope | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Law | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | Law | 100 | 3 hours |
Qualifying: 50% each paper (45% reserved).
Stage 3: Viva-Voce (Interview)
Final Merit: Prelims (elimination) → Mains + Interview (300:50 weightage).
Application Process (Dual Mode)
Step 1: Online Registration
- Portal: bhc.gov.in/recruitment.
- Dates: 30.01.2026 (10:30 AM) to 17.02.2026 (04:30 PM).
- Fee: Online payment.
Step 2: Hard Copy Submission
- Print application + self-attested documents.
- Send by Registered Post/Speed Post to:text
The Registrar (Legal & Research) 105, 1st Floor, PWD Building High Court, Fort, Mumbai – 400 032 - Deadline: 25 February 2026.
Documents Checklist:
- LL.B. degree/mark sheets.
- Enrollment certificate (Bar Council).
- 7-year practice certificate (HC Registrar).
- Caste certificate, NOC (govt service).
Remuneration and Service Conditions
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Level 14A: ₹1,44,840–₹2,18,200 |
| Grade Pay | ₹10,900 (pre-7th CPC equivalent) |
| Allowances | HRA, CCA, medical, LTC |
| Probation | 2 years |
| Posting | All Maharashtra (transferable) |
Strategic Preparation Roadmap
Prelims Focus Areas
textPaper I (Law): CPC Orders 1-21, CrPC 41-60/125-144/190-199, Evidence S.1-55/101-114A, Constitution Arts 12-35/226/32/368, Contract S.1-75, Specific Relief, Limitation Act.
Paper II (Judgment): Hypothetical suits (eviction, recovery), criminal matters (bail, discharge).
Mains Strategy
- Answer Structure: Facts → Law → Analysis → Conclusion.
- Judgment Writing: Ratio decidendi clarity, precedents.
Interview Mastery
- Temperament: Judicial demeanour, impartiality.
- Current Affairs: Bombay HC landmark judgments (2025).
Target Applicant Profile
Prime Candidates:
- Senior Advocates: 7–15 years HC/subordinate practice.
- Public Prosecutors: Sessions/special PP experience.
- Civil Judges (Senior Division): Promotion-eligible.
Edge: Bombay HC Original Side practice, reported judgments.
Why Bombay HC District Judge?
| Prestige | Impact |
|---|---|
| ₹2 Lakh+ Starting Pay | Top judicial salary |
| Sessions Jurisdiction | Serious crimes (murder, rape) |
| Commercial Power | ₹1 Cr+ civil suits |
| Career Path | HC Judge → SC Judge |
Golden Opportunity: 89 posts = largest MJS direct recruitment decade. Maharashtra judiciary expands.
Final Dates: Online 17.02.2026; Hard Copy 25.02.2026. Don your judicial mantle.
Official Notification: https://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/writereaddata/recruitment/PDF/recruitbom20260130135858.pdf
