The High Court of Orissa, Cuttack has opened a major judicial recruitment drive for 38 District Judge posts through direct recruitment for 2026. The recruitment appears in the Court’s official Recruitment Corner on 5 November 2026, while Advertisement No. 03 of 2026 is dated 4 November 2026. Online applications are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on 9 November 2026 and close at 11:59 PM on 25 November 2026, giving eligible advocates a defined window to complete the application through the High Court’s official portal.
This is a senior judicial opportunity carrying a pay scale of ₹1,44,840 to ₹1,94,660, along with admissible allowances. At a basic level, applicants need a recognised law degree and the required qualifying legal practice, with the notification prescribing at least seven years of continuous practice as an advocate or the other qualifying experience permitted under the applicable judicial service rules. Candidates must also satisfy the notified age conditions and other eligibility requirements. Because this is a direct District Judge recruitment, applicants should carefully review their practice record, enrolment details, category certificates and other legal-service documents before submitting the form. Selection is through the prescribed written examination and interview process under the applicable Odisha judicial service rules.
Recruitment Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | High Court of Orissa, Cuttack |
| Post | District Judge |
| Recruitment type | Direct recruitment |
| Advertisement | No. 03 of 2026 |
| Vacancies | 38 |
| Official Recruitment Corner posting | 5 November 2026 |
| Advertisement date | 4 November 2026 |
| Application start | 9 November 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last date | 25 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Pay scale | ₹1,44,840–₹1,94,660 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Job location | Odisha |
Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 19 |
| SEBC | 4 |
| Scheduled Caste | 6 |
| Scheduled Tribe | 9 |
| Total | 38 |
The total includes 13 vacancies for women and 3 posts for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, subject to the notified reservation rules.
Basic Eligibility
Candidates should possess a recognised LL.B. / law degree and satisfy the prescribed legal-practice requirement. At a basic level, the recruitment requires not less than seven years of continuous practice as an advocate, or other qualifying combined legal/judicial experience where permitted by the rules.
Age Limit
Candidates should be not below 35 years and not above 45 years, subject to notified relaxations.
Salary
The District Judge post carries the pay scale of ₹1,44,840–₹1,94,660, along with admissible allowances.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / other candidates | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted at their option |
Selection Process
Selection is through:
- Written Examination
- Interview
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 4 November 2026 |
| Recruitment Corner publication | 5 November 2026 |
| Online application opens | 9 November 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Online application closes | 25 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Examination date | To be announced |
How to Apply for Orissa High Court District Judge Recruitment 2026
- Open the High Court of Orissa Recruitment Corner.
- Read Advertisement No. 03 of 2026 carefully.
- Confirm age and legal-practice eligibility. Use the Age Calculator only as a checking aid.
- Keep law-degree, Bar enrolment and practice records ready. The Government Job Document Checklist can help organise documents.
- Complete the online application when the link opens on 9 November 2026.
- Prepare upload files using the Photo & Signature Guide.
- Pay the applicable fee unless exempt.
- Review and submit the form before 25 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
- Save the acknowledgement and payment record.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Law degree certificate and marksheets
- Bar enrolment / advocate registration records
- Practice-experience records
- Date-of-birth proof
- Category certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Identity proof
- Photograph and signature files
Candidate Notes
- This is direct recruitment from the Bar, not a departmental promotion-only exercise.
- Do not confuse it with the separate Limited Departmental Competitive Examination released on the same date.
- The High Court Recruitment Corner remains the controlling source for corrigenda and exam updates.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| High Court of Orissa Recruitment Corner | Official recruitment updates |
| District Judge Advertisement PDF | Advertisement No. 03 of 2026 |
FAQ
How many District Judge vacancies are available?
There are 38 vacancies.
When does the online application start?
The application opens at 10:00 AM on 9 November 2026.
What is the last date?
Applications close at 11:59 PM on 25 November 2026.
What is the basic qualification?
A recognised law degree plus the prescribed legal-practice experience.
How much legal practice is required?
At least seven years of qualifying legal practice, subject to the official rules.
What is the age limit?
The basic range is 35 to 45 years, with notified relaxations.
What is the pay scale?
₹1,44,840–₹1,94,660 plus admissible allowances.
How is selection made?
Through the prescribed written examination and interview process.