The High Court of Kerala is recruiting for the post of District and Sessions Judge. This notification HCKL/2367/2025-REC4-HC KERALA was released on 16/04/2025. There are vacancies under Special Recruitment (2), NCA (1), and Regular (3), making a total of 6 vacancies. The job location is within Kerala. Online applications start on 21/04/2025 and the last date to apply online is 19/05/2025. Applicants must be citizens of the Indian Union.
Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Organization | The High Court of Kerala |
| Post Name | District and Sessions Judge |
| Advt No. | 9/2025, 10/2025, 11/2025 |
| Job Nature | Regular |
| Mode of Exam | Preliminary (Objective) and Main (Written & Viva Voce) |
| Vacancies | 6 |
| Salary | Pay 144840-194660 |
| Applicant Eligible From | Indian Union Citizen |
| Job Location | Kerala |
| Category | Kerala State Higher Judicial Service |
Post Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| District and Sessions Judge (Special Recruitment - 9/2025) | Visually Impaired/Low Vision - 1, Deaf/Hard of Hearing - 1 | 35 to 45 years as on 01/01/2025 |
| District and Sessions Judge (NCA Vacancy - 10/2025) | Muslims - 1 | |
| District and Sessions Judge (Regular Vacancies - 11/2025) | 3 | |
| Total | 6 |
Age relaxation as per rules.
Exam Fee
| SC/ST/Unemployed Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | Nil |
| All Others | Rs. 1500 |
Essential Qualification
| Post Name | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| District and Sessions Judge |
|
Selection Process
- Competitive Examination: Selection involves two stages.
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
- Objective type screening test.
- 75 multiple choice questions (Civil Law: 30, Criminal Law: 30, Constitution/English/GK/Legal Aptitude: 15). May include multiple correct answer questions.
- Marking: +2 for correct, -1 for incorrect answer.
- Duration: Two hours.
- Marks not counted for final merit.
- Stage 2: Main Examination & Viva Voce
- Main (Written) Exam: Two papers, 150 marks each. Total 300 marks. Duration 3 hours per paper. Syllabus includes specific acts (CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act, TPA, Contract Act etc.) and judgment writing.
- Viva Voce: Maximum 50 marks. Minimum passing marks: 40% for General/OBC, 35% for SC/ST/PwBD.
- Merit List: Prepared based on aggregate marks in Main (Written) Exam and Viva Voce.
How to Apply
- Complete One Time Registration on the recruitment portal High Court Recruitment Portal if not done previously.
- Log in and select Apply Now from the Dashboard.
- Select all recruitment numbers (9/2025, 10/2025, 11/2025) you are eligible for and wish to apply for in a single application to pay a single fee and maintain common candidate status.
- Pay the application fee (Rs. 1500 for 'All Others', Nil for SC/ST/Unemployed PwBD) online or offline via SBI challan.
Important Dates
| Online application & fee payment starts | 21/04/2025 |
| Online application & fee payment ends | 19/05/2025 |
| Offline fee payment starts (Chalan available) | 26/05/2025 |
| Offline fee payment last date | 02/06/2025 |
Important Links
| Kerala High Court Website | Click Here |
| Recruitment Page | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I apply for the Kerala Higher Judicial Service Exam 2025?
- You must apply online through the High Court Recruitment Portal after completing One Time Registration.
- What is the application fee?
- The fee is Rs. 1500 for most applicants. It is Nil for SC ST and Unemployed Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
- What is the age limit for District and Sessions Judge?
- Candidates must be between 35 and 45 years old as of 01/01/2025 with applicable relaxations.
- What is the selection process?
- Selection involves a Preliminary Exam (objective screening test) followed by a Main Exam (written test) and a Viva Voce.