Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Multiple Posts - Recruitment 2026
(Apply Online, Last Date, Notification)

Event	Date / Details
Official Notification Release Date	January 2026 (Check official Bombay High Court website for exact date)
Notification Number	To be notified (refer to official notification)
Total Number of Posts	To be specified in official notification (usually 20-50 posts for District Judge recruitment)
Application Mode	Online Only through Official Bombay High Court Website
Official Website for Application	www.bombayhighcourt.gov.in
Online Registration / Application Start Date	As per official notification (usually within 7-10 days of notification release)
Last Date for Online Registration	To be announced (typically 30-45 days from notification release)
Last Date for Fee Payment	Same as last date of application or 1-2 days after (as per notification)
Last Date for Submission of Application	As per official notification
Correction Window (If Provided)	May be provided for 3-5 days after last date (if any, as per High Court decision)
Scrutiny of Applications	After last date; candidates will be informed of eligibility status via website or email
Preliminary Examination Admit Card	To be released 10-15 days before the examination date on official website
Preliminary Examination Date	To be announced (typically 2-3 months after last date of application)
Preliminary Examination Mode	Offline Written Examination (OMR based or descriptive)
Preliminary Examination Centers	Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and other major cities in Maharashtra
Preliminary Examination Result	Within 4-6 weeks after examination
Main Examination Admit Card	10-15 days before Main Examination
Main Examination Date	To be announced (typically 3-4 months after Preliminary Exam)
Main Examination Result	Within 6-8 weeks after Main Examination
Viva-Voce (Interview) Schedule	To be intimated to shortlisted candidates; usually conducted at Bombay High Court, Mumbai
Document Verification	During or after interview; candidates must bring all original certificates
Final Merit List / Selection Result	Within 8-12 weeks after completion of interviews
Medical Examination	For finally selected candidates; dates to be intimated
Joining and Appointment	Selected candidates will be issued appointment orders; joining as per schedule
Entire Recruitment Process Duration	Approximately 12-18 months from notification to final appointment

Important Timeline Notes:

• All dates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change at the discretion of the Bombay High Court
• Candidates MUST regularly check the official Bombay High Court website (www.bombayhighcourt.gov.in) for updates, amendments, and announcements
• Any changes in schedule, postponement of examination, or additional instructions will be notified ONLY on the official website
• No individual communication (email/SMS/letter) may be sent regarding routine updates; it is the candidate's responsibility to stay informed
• Candidates are advised to bookmark the official website and check it at least twice a week during the recruitment process
• In case of any technical issues with the website or application process, helpline contact details will be provided in the official notification

Official Contact Information:

• Bombay High Court Official Website: www.bombayhighcourt.gov.in
• Address: High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Fort, Mumbai - 400001, Maharashtra, India
• For Recruitment Queries: Registrar (Judicial), Bombay High Court (contact details as per notification)
• Email: As specified in the official notification (typically [email protected] or similar)
• Helpline Number: Will be provided in the official notification
• Helpline Timing: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM (excluding public holidays)

Important Instructions:

• Do NOT wait for the last date to submit your application; server may be slow due to heavy traffic on the final day
• Apply at least 5-7 days before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues
• Keep all documents scanned and ready before starting the online application
• Ensure stable internet connection while filling the application
• Complete the application in multiple sittings if needed; save progress after each section
• After final submission, download and print the application form and payment receipt; keep multiple copies
• Regularly check the email ID and mobile number provided in the application for any communication from the High Court
• Check your email Spam/Junk folder as well, as automated emails may sometimes land there
• Start preparing for the examinations immediately after applying; the syllabus is vast and requires dedicated study

Application Fee for Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026: The application fee structure for the District Judge (Entry Level) recruitment by the Bombay High Court is determined as per the rules framed by the High Court and Government of Maharashtra norms. The fee is meant to cover the administrative costs of conducting the recruitment process including examination, evaluation, and other logistics. Application Fee Structure:

Category	Application Fee	Payment Gateway Charges	Total Amount Payable (Approx)
General / Unreserved (UR) / EWS / OBC Candidates	Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500	As applicable (Rs. 20-50)	Rs. 1,020 to Rs. 1,550
SC / ST / PwD Candidates	Exempted OR Rs. 500 (check notification)	As applicable (if fee payable)	Rs. 0 to Rs. 550
Women Candidates	May be exempted (check official notification)	As applicable	As per notification

Note: The exact application fee will be specified in the official notification released by the Bombay High Court. Candidates are advised to refer to the notification for the precise amount. The above figures are indicative based on previous recruitment drives by High Courts. Mode of Payment:

• Online Payment Only through the official Bombay High Court recruitment portal
• Payment methods accepted:
  • Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay, Maestro)
  • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
  • Net Banking (All major banks - SBI, HDFC, ICICI, PNB, Axis, etc.)
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface - Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.)
• After selecting the payment mode, candidates will be redirected to the secure payment gateway
• Follow the instructions on the payment page to complete the transaction
• Upon successful payment, a payment receipt/acknowledgement will be generated with transaction ID
• Download and save the payment receipt for future reference

Important Instructions Regarding Application Fee:

• Non-Refundable: Application fee once paid is NON-REFUNDABLE under any circumstances, including:
  • Candidate found ineligible after scrutiny
  • Candidate does not appear for the examination
  • Examination is cancelled or postponed
  • Candidate withdraws the application
• No Fee for Correction: If a correction window is provided later, no additional fee is charged for making corrections in the application
• Payment Confirmation: Ensure that payment is successfully completed and you receive a transaction ID. In case of payment failure, wait for 24 hours for automatic refund before re-attempting payment
• Multiple Payments: Do NOT make multiple payments. If amount is deducted but application status shows "payment pending," wait for bank reconciliation (usually 24-48 hours)
• Keep Receipt: Preserve the payment receipt. You may be required to produce it during document verification or in case of any discrepancy
• No Cash Payment: Physical cash payment at bank or High Court counters is NOT accepted. Only online payment is valid
• No Demand Draft: Demand Draft (DD) or cheque payments are NOT accepted
• Exemption Certificate: Candidates claiming fee exemption (SC/ST/PwD/Women, if applicable) must upload relevant certificates during application submission

Salary and Emoluments for District Judge: Upon appointment, District Judges are entitled to salary and allowances as per the Maharashtra State Judicial Service Rules and the Pay Matrix adopted by the Government of Maharashtra based on the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations.

Component	Details
Pay Level	Level-13 as per Pay Matrix (7th CPC)
Entry-Level Basic Pay	Rs. 1,31,100/- per month (starting pay in Level-13)
Pay Scale	Rs. 1,31,100 - 2,16,600 (Level-13 range with annual increments)
Dearness Allowance (DA)	As per Government of India rates (currently approx 50% of basic pay) - Rs. 65,550/- approx
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	24% of Basic Pay for X Class cities (Mumbai, Pune, Thane, etc.) - Rs. 31,464/- approx OR 16% or 8% for other cities
Transport Allowance	As per rules (typically Rs. 7,200 to Rs. 16,200/- per month depending on city classification)
Other Allowances	City Compensatory Allowance (if applicable), Special Allowance (if posted in difficult areas), etc.
Gross Monthly Salary (Approx)	Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000/- (including all allowances, varies by place of posting)
Annual CTC (Approx)	Rs. 24,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000/- per annum

Additional Benefits and Perquisites: 1. Official Residence:

• District Judges are entitled to government accommodation (official residence/bungalow) as per availability and entitlement
• If government accommodation is not available, HRA at applicable rates is paid
• Utilities such as electricity and water may be provided at subsidized rates or with some free units

2. Vehicle and Conveyance:

• Official vehicle (car) with driver is provided for official duties such as court work, inspections, and meetings
• Fuel and maintenance of official vehicle are borne by the government
• Personal use of vehicle may be allowed with proportionate cost recovery

3. Medical Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical reimbursement for self and dependent family members as per Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Maharashtra Government rules
• Treatment in empaneled government and private hospitals
• Reimbursement of medical expenses including hospitalization, surgeries, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc.
• Annual health check-ups

4. Leave Travel Concession (LTC):

• LTC for self and family members once in two years (or as per rules) to any place in India
• Air fare or train fare (as per entitlement) and daily allowance during LTC travel

5. Telephone and Internet:

• Telephone connection (landline and/or mobile) with reimbursement of bills up to a certain limit
• Internet connection for official use

6. Leave Entitlements:

• Earned Leave: 30 days per year (accumulates)
• Casual Leave: 8 days per year
• Medical Leave: As certified by medical authority
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: As per rules

7. Pension and Retirement Benefits:

• District Judges are entitled to pension benefits as per the National Pension System (NPS) or the Old Pension Scheme (depending on date of initial government service entry)
• Retirement age: 60 years for District Judges (as per current rules; subject to amendments)
• Gratuity upon retirement
• Commutation of pension (if eligible under Old Pension Scheme)
• General Provident Fund (GPF) accumulation or NPS corpus
• Post-retirement medical benefits in some cases

8. Judicial Allowances and Incentives:

• Special allowances for handling additional responsibilities such as:
  • Special Judge for POCSO/SC-ST/CBI courts
  • Sessions Judge (additional charge)
  • Administrative roles (Principal District Judge, Registrar, etc. upon promotion)
• Professional development: Sponsored participation in judicial conferences, workshops, seminars, and training programs in India and abroad

9. Prestige and Status:

• District Judges enjoy high social status, respect, and precedence in official and public functions
• Security cover (if required based on threat perception or posting in sensitive areas)
• Judicial independence and immunity from civil and criminal liability for acts done in judicial capacity (within the scope of judicial function)

Career Progression:

• Entry Level: District Judge (Level-13)
• Promotion: Additional District Judge, Principal District Judge, Additional Sessions Judge (salary increments within Level-13 or promotion to higher pay levels)
• Elevation to High Court: Based on seniority, merit, and recommendation by High Court Collegium, District Judges may be elevated as Judges of the High Court (pay level: Justice of High Court, which is significantly higher)
• Elevation to Supreme Court: In exceptional cases, High Court Judges may be elevated to the Supreme Court of India

Note: All salary and allowance figures are indicative and subject to change based on Government of India and Maharashtra Government revisions, dearness allowance adjustments, and specific posting locations. Candidates should refer to official Government Orders and Maharashtra Judicial Service Rules for exact and updated figures.

Age Limit for Bombay High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026: The age limit for appointment to the post of District Judge (Entry Level) is stipulated as per the Bombay High Court (District Judges) Recruitment Rules and applicable Government of Maharashtra and Government of India norms. Age is a critical eligibility criterion, and candidates must carefully calculate their age as on the specified date mentioned in the official notification. Age Calculation Date:

• Age will be calculated as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification
• The cut-off date is typically:
  • 01 January 2026 (start of the calendar year) OR
  • Last date of submission of online application OR
  • Any other specific date mentioned in the notification
• Candidates must check the official notification carefully for the exact date on which age will be reckoned
• For this analysis, we assume the cut-off date as 01 January 2026 (subject to confirmation from official notification)

Minimum and Maximum Age Limits:

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age	Age Relaxation	Date of Birth Should Fall Between
General / Unreserved (UR) / EWS	35 Years	45 Years	Nil	02 Jan 1981 to 01 Jan 1991
OBC (Other Backward Classes)	35 Years	48 Years	3 Years	02 Jan 1978 to 01 Jan 1991
SC (Scheduled Caste)	35 Years	50 Years	5 Years	02 Jan 1976 to 01 Jan 1991
ST (Scheduled Tribe)	35 Years	50 Years	5 Years	02 Jan 1976 to 01 Jan 1991
VJ/DT/NT (Vimukta Jati/Denotified Tribes/Nomadic Tribes)	35 Years	50 Years	5 Years	02 Jan 1976 to 01 Jan 1991
SBC (Special Backward Class)	35 Years	48 Years	3 Years	02 Jan 1978 to 01 Jan 1991
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) - General	35 Years	55 Years	10 Years	02 Jan 1971 to 01 Jan 1991
PwD - OBC/SBC	35 Years	58 Years (subject to max limit)	13 Years (10+3)	02 Jan 1968 to 01 Jan 1991
PwD - SC/ST/VJ/DT/NT	35 Years	60 Years (subject to max limit)	15 Years (10+5)	02 Jan 1966 to 01 Jan 1991

Explanation of Age Limits: 1. Minimum Age - 35 Years:

• Candidates must have attained the age of 35 years as on the cut-off date
• This ensures that candidates have gained sufficient maturity, life experience, and professional experience (minimum 7 years of practice) before being considered for the high judicial post
• Candidates younger than 35 years are NOT eligible, even if they have completed 7 years of practice (which is theoretically possible if they enrolled early)

2. Maximum Age - 45 Years (General Category):

• General category candidates must not have crossed 45 years of age as on the cut-off date
• This upper limit ensures appointment of relatively younger judges who can serve for a longer tenure before retirement (retirement age for District Judges is 60 years)
• Candidates who turn 46 on or before the cut-off date are NOT eligible under general category

3. Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories: The following age relaxations are applicable: a) OBC / SBC (Special Backward Class):

• 3 years age relaxation
• Maximum age: 48 years
• Applicable to candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes as per Maharashtra State list or Central OBC list (for Central Government quota, if any)
• Candidates must submit valid OBC/SBC certificate and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate

b) SC / ST / VJ / DT / NT:

• 5 years age relaxation
• Maximum age: 50 years
• SC: Scheduled Caste as per Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 for Maharashtra
• ST: Scheduled Tribe as per Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 for Maharashtra
• VJ: Vimukta Jati (Denotified Tribes) as per Maharashtra State reservation policy
• DT: Denotified Tribes
• NT: Nomadic Tribes as per Maharashtra State classification
• Candidates must submit valid caste certificate issued by competent revenue authority (not below the rank of Tahsildar)

c) PwD (Persons with Disabilities):

• 10 years age relaxation for General category PwD candidates (maximum age: 55 years)
• Cumulative relaxation for PwD + reserved category:
  • PwD + OBC/SBC: 10 + 3 = 13 years (maximum age: 58 years, subject to overall ceiling)
  • PwD + SC/ST/VJ/DT/NT: 10 + 5 = 15 years (maximum age: 60 years, subject to overall ceiling)
• Candidates must have minimum 40% disability as certified by a competent medical board constituted by the Central or State Government
• Types of disabilities covered: Locomotor disability, Visual impairment, Hearing impairment, and other disabilities as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, provided the disability does not hinder the performance of judicial functions

d) Ex-Servicemen:

• Age relaxation as per Government of India rules for ex-servicemen applying for civil posts
• Typically, relaxation equals the period of military service plus 3 years, subject to overall ceiling
• Ex-servicemen must submit discharge certificate and details of service rendered

4. Domicile Requirement for Claiming Age Relaxation:

• Age relaxation under SC/ST/OBC/VJ/DT/NT/SBC categories is generally available only to candidates who are domiciled in Maharashtra
• Candidates from other states belonging to reserved categories may not be entitled to age relaxation as per Maharashtra State reservation policy (confirm from official notification)
• Domicile certificate issued by Tahsildar or competent revenue authority of Maharashtra is required

5. Age Proof Documents:

• Secondary School Certificate (SSC/10th standard) issued by a recognized Board showing Date of Birth is the only acceptable proof of age
• In exceptional cases where SSC is not available, Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat may be accepted (subject to High Court's discretion)
• School Leaving Certificate, Transfer Certificate, Affidavits, or other documents are NOT accepted as age proof
• Once the Date of Birth is recorded in the application, NO subsequent request for change will be entertained under any circumstances
• Candidates must carefully verify their Date of Birth as per SSC certificate before filling the application

6. Upper Age Limit Relaxation - Additional Provisions (If Applicable):

• Government Servants: Upper age limit may be relaxable by 5 years for candidates already in government service (including judicial officers seeking lateral entry from other states)
• Widows / Divorced Women / Women Judicially Separated: Upper age limit may be relaxed up to the age of 45 years (for general category women)
• Such relaxations, if applicable, will be clearly mentioned in the official notification

7. No Relaxation in Minimum Age:

• The minimum age of 35 years is absolute and applies to ALL candidates irrespective of category
• No candidate below 35 years will be considered, even if they belong to reserved categories or have exceptional qualifications

Important Instructions Regarding Age:

• Calculate your age carefully as on the cut-off date specified in the notification
• If you are even one day over the maximum age limit for your category, you are NOT eligible
• Age relaxation is not automatic; you must belong to the eligible category and submit valid certificates
• False claims regarding age, caste, or disability will lead to cancellation of candidature and possible legal action
• The decision of the Bombay High Court regarding eligibility, including age, is final and binding
• No appeals or representations regarding age eligibility will be entertained after submission of application