The Karnataka Judiciary Exam is a golden opportunity for law graduates aiming to become judicial officers in the Karnataka state judiciary.

In 2025, the Karnataka High Court will conduct exams to recruit civil and district judges, opening doors to a fulfilling legal career.

In this article, we have explained each aspect of the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025, including the syllabus, notification details, vacancies, and eligibility criteria.

✍ Write for Us

Introduction to Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam is held annually by the Karnataka High Court to appoint Civil Judges and District Judges to serve in various courts across the state.

These judicial roles are prestigious and carry significant responsibilities, ranging from adjudicating civil disputes to overseeing criminal proceedings.

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam is known for its rigorous selection process, requiring candidates to clear three main stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Viva-Voce.

• Exam Name: Karnataka Judicial Services Exam 2025
• Conducting Body: Karnataka High Court
• Posts Available: Civil Judge, District Judge
• Number of Vacancies: To Be Announced
• Salary Range: ₹27,700 – ₹44,700 per month (Civil Judge)
• Notification Release: 10/02/2025
• Application Start Date: 10/02/2025
• Application Deadline: 12/03.2025
• Prelims Exam Date: To be announced
• Mains Exam Date: To be announced

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam has historically been highly competitive due to the limited vacancies and the allure of judicial service.

The exam covers a broad range of subjects, testing candidates’ knowledge of civil and criminal law, alongside language proficiency and judgment writing skills.

Detailed Notification of Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

The official notification for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025 has been published on the Karnataka High Court’s official website.

The notification includes all essential information about the recruitment process, such as the syllabus, number of vacancies, exam dates, and the procedure for application.

Candidates must stay updated with these notifications to avoid missing any crucial deadlines.

Candidates should visit the Karnataka High Court website frequently for updates.

Contents of the Notification:

• Vacancy details
• Exam stages (Prelims, Mains, Viva-Voce)
• Syllabus for both Civil Judge and District Judge
• Eligibility criteria
• Application process and fees
• Important deadlines

The notification also provides information about how candidates from reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) can avail of age relaxations and other benefits.

The notification is expected to be released in December 2024, so aspirants should be ready to apply as soon as the window opens.

Vacancies for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

158 Vacancies (including 24 backlog Posts) have been announced for the civil judge post. According to Karnataka state norms, these are categorized into general and reserved categories.

Here’s a breakdown of the vacancies for 2025:

General Merit (Total: 59)

• Unreserved: 12
• Women Candidates: 20
• Rural Candidates: 15
• Kannada Medium: 3
• Ex-Servicemen: 5
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 3
• Transgender: 1

Scheduled Caste (Total: 23)

• Unreserved: 4
• Women Candidates: 8
• Rural Candidates: 6
• Kannada Medium: 1
• Ex-Servicemen: 2
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 1

Scheduled Tribe (Total: 10)

• Unreserved: 2
• Women Candidates: 3
• Rural Candidates: 3
• Kannada Medium: 0
• Ex-Servicemen: 1
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 0

Category – I (Total: 19)

• Unreserved: 1
• Women Candidates: 2 + 6* (8 including backlog)
• Rural Candidates: 2 + 2* (4 including backlog)
• Kannada Medium: 2* (backlog)
• Ex-Servicemen: 2* (backlog)
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1 + 1* (2 including backlog)
• Transgender: 0

Category – II(A) (Total: 23)

• Unreserved: 3
• Women Candidates: 7
• Rural Candidates: 5 + 2* (7 including backlog)
• Kannada Medium: 1 + 1* (2 including backlog)
• Ex-Servicemen: 2
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 1

Category – II(B) (Total: 10)

• Unreserved: 1
• Women Candidates: 2 + 1* (3 including backlog)
• Rural Candidates: 1 + 4* (5 including backlog)
• Kannada Medium: 0
• Ex-Servicemen: 0
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 0

Category – III(A) (Total: 8)

• Unreserved: 1
• Women Candidates: 2 + 1* (3 including backlog)
• Rural Candidates: 1 + 1* (2 including backlog)
• Kannada Medium: 1* (backlog)
• Ex-Servicemen: 0
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 0

Category – III(B) (Total: 6)

• Unreserved: 1
• Women Candidates: 2
• Rural Candidates: 2
• Kannada Medium: 0
• Ex-Servicemen: 0
• Persons with Benchmark Disability: 1
• Transgender: 0

Grand Total: 158 (134 regular + 24 backlog)

Candidates from reserved categories may be eligible for additional age relaxations, as specified by the government of Karnataka.

In addition to Civil Judges, vacancies for District Judges are expected to be released soon.

Eligibility Criteria for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

A. Direct Recruitment (Open to All Candidates)

Education:

• Must have a Law Degree from a university recognized by Indian law.
• Must be enrolled as an Advocate.

Age Limit (as of the application deadline):

• 40 years max for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Category-I of Other Backward Classes (OBC).
• 38 years max for Category II(A), II(B), III(A), and III(B) of OBC.
• 35 years max for General category candidates.
• Ex-servicemen get a 3-year relaxation in the maximum age limit.

B. In-Service Candidates (Already Working in the Legal Field)

Education:

• Must have a Law Degree from a university recognized by Indian law.

Age Limit (as of the application deadline):

• 43 years max for SC/ST candidates.
• 40 years max for all other candidates.

Work Experience (as of the application deadline):

• Must be working in Karnataka High Court or District Judiciary under the High Court’s jurisdiction.
• OR must be working as an Assistant Public Prosecutor or Assistant Government Pleader in the Department of Prosecutions and Government Litigation.

C. Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities

• 4% of vacancies are reserved for persons with disabilities, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• A Medical Board will assess if the selected candidate can perform judicial duties efficiently.
• Necessary reasonable aids or assistance will be provided if needed.
• Must qualify as per Karnataka Judicial Service (Recruitment) Rules, 2004 and the exam scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam, and Viva-Voce

Preliminary Examination

Minimum passing marks:

• SC/ST/PWD candidates – 50 marks
• Other candidates – 60 marks

Candidates who qualify will be selected for the Main Written Exam based on merit. The number of candidates selected will be 10 times the number of vacancies in each category.

Main Written Examination

Minimum passing marks in each paper:

• SC/ST/PWD candidates – 40 marks
• Other candidates – 50 marks

Candidates who qualify will be selected for the Viva-Voce based on merit. The number of candidates selected will be 3 times the number of vacancies in each category.

Viva-Voce (Interview)

Minimum passing marks:

• SC/ST/PWD candidates – 40 marks
• Other candidates – 50 marks

Important Conditions

• If a candidate fails to score the minimum required marks in any paper of the Main Written Exam, they will not qualify for the Viva-Voce.
• If a candidate fails to score the minimum required marks in any paper of the Main Written Exam or in the Viva-Voce, they will not be eligible for appointment as a Civil Judge.

SC/ST/PWD Candidates Applying for General Category

If an SC/ST/PWD candidate wants to be considered for the General Category, they must score at least:

• 60 marks in the Preliminary Exam
• 50 marks in each paper of the Main Written Exam
• 50 marks in the Viva-Voce

Probation and Training

• If you are selected for the job, you will be on probation for two years (or more if required).
• You will have to complete any training required by the High Court.
• If you have not already passed the Kannada Language Examination, you must pass it as per the Karnataka Civil Services Rules, 1974.

How to Apply Online and Pay Fees

Steps to Apply Online

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
2. Read Instructions: Carefully read all guidelines before submitting the application.
3. Apply Online Only: Visit the High Court of Karnataka website:
   👉 https://karnatakajudiciary.kar.nic.in/
   No other mode of application (offline/email) will be accepted.
4. Check Before Final Submission: Ensure all details are correct and the required fee is paid.
5. Save Application Number: After submission, an application number will be generated. Save it for future reference.
6. Take a Printout: Keep a copy of your application for reference.

Fee Payment

Mode of Payment: Online only via SBI e-pay using:

• Net Banking
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• UPI ID

Note: The fee is non-refundable.

Important Dates

• Last date to submit application & pay fee: 12th March 2025
• Incomplete applications (without fee or late submission) will not be considered.

Examination Fees

• Candidates selected for the Main Exam must pay the fee within the given time (updates will be on the official website).
• If the fee is not paid on time, you will not be allowed for the Main Exam.

Other Conditions for Candidates

1. Exam Centers

• Candidates must select one of these cities for the Preliminary Exam: Bengaluru, Dharwad, or Kalaburagi.
• Changing the exam center later is not allowed.

2. Exam Costs

• Candidates must bear their own expenses for the Preliminary Exam, Main Written Exam, and Viva-voce.

3. Reservation Documents

Candidates applying under a reservation category must have valid certificates at the time of application and present them when required. These include:

• Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST, Category–I/II(A)/II(B)/III(A)/III(B)) as per Karnataka Government rules.
• Disability Certificate for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
• Ex-servicemen Certificate (discharge or release from the Armed Services).
• Rural Category Certificate:
  • Must have studied from 1st to 10th standard in rural areas.
  • Certificate should be signed by the Headmaster and countersigned by the Block Education Officer (BEO).
  • General Merit candidates under the rural category must also submit a Form-1 certificate from the Tahsildar confirming they do not belong to the Creamy Layer.
• Kannada Medium Certificate:
  • Candidates must have studied in Kannada medium from 1st to 10th standard.
  • Certificate must be signed by the Headmaster and countersigned by the BEO.
• Transgender Certificate: Must be issued by the Competent Authority as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

4. Character Certificates

Candidates must submit three character certificates:

• One from the institution where they studied LL.B, including study details.
• Two from respectable people in society (not relatives) who know them well.

5. Document Verification

At the time of Viva-voce, candidates must bring:

Original documents + three sets of self-attested copies, including:

• Educational certificates (SSLC/10th certificate for Date of Birth proof, Degree, Law Degree, Convocation certificates).
• ID/Address proof.
• Marks cards of Degree and Law Degree.
• Caste and reservation-related certificates (if applicable).

6. In-Service Candidates

• Candidates already employed in a government department must mention ‘Yes’ in the online application.
• If selected, they must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer as per Karnataka Civil Service Rules.

Exam Pattern for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam consists of three stages—Preliminary, Mains, and Viva-Voce.

Here’s a detailed look at the exam pattern:

#1 Preliminary Examination

The Prelims is an objective-type exam designed to filter out candidates for the Mains. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) spread across three parts:

• Part A: Indian Constitution, Code of Civil Procedure, Transfer of Property Act, Indian Contract Act, Karnataka Rent Act, Specific Relief Act, and Negotiable Instrument Act.
• Part B: Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Part C: Current Affairs, Mental Ability, and Aptitude.

Candidates need to secure at least 50% (45% for reserved category candidates) to qualify for the Mains exam.

The Prelims is a 2-hour exam with a maximum score of 100 marks.

#2 Mains Examination

The Mains is a descriptive exam that tests the candidate’s understanding of legal principles and their ability to apply them.

It consists of four papers:

1. Translation Paper: Translation of legal passages from English to Kannada and Kannada to English (100 marks).
2. Law Paper I: Focusing on the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Indian Constitution, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act (100 marks).
3. Law Paper II: Framing of Issues and Judgement Writing in Civil Suits (100 marks).
4. Judgment Writing: Framing of Issues and Judgement Writing in Criminal Cases (100 marks).

Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in each paper to pass.

#3 Viva-Voce (Interview)

Candidates who pass the Mains exam are called for the Viva-Voce or oral interview. The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, legal aptitude, and general understanding of law and governance.

The interview is worth 100 marks, and candidates must score at least 30% to be considered for final selection.

Final Merit List:

The final merit list is prepared by combining the Mains and Viva-Voce scores. Candidates with the highest scores are selected for the available vacancies.

Syllabus for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

The syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains exams is comprehensive, covering various civil and criminal laws, along with general knowledge topics and language proficiency.

Prelims Syllabus:

• Part A: Indian Constitution, Code of Civil Procedure, Transfer of Property Act, Indian Contract Act, Karnataka Rent Act, Specific Relief Act, and Negotiable Instrument Act.
• Part B: Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Part C: Current legal developments, aptitude, and general knowledge.

Mains Syllabus (Detailed):

Paper 1: Translation

This paper tests candidates’ proficiency in both English and Kannada. They are required to translate passages, typically legal texts, from English to Kannada and vice versa.

The emphasis is on accuracy, comprehension, and correct usage of legal terminology in both languages.

This paper helps assess the candidate’s ability to work with official documents and legal texts that are often presented in both languages in Karnataka courts.

Paper 2: Civil Law (Law Paper I)

The Civil Law paper examines a candidate’s knowledge of civil laws that are essential for judiciary roles.

• The Code of Civil Procedure (CPC): This is one of the most important laws governing civil litigation in India. It lays down the procedures to be followed in civil courts.
• The Karnataka Rent Control Act: This law governs the rights and duties of tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Indian Contract Act: This law deals with contracts, agreements, and the legal enforcement of obligations.
• The Specific Relief Act: This law provides for specific legal remedies to enforce individual civil rights and duties.
• The Transfer of Property Act: This law covers the transfer of immovable property and is a critical part of civil law.
• The Karnataka Land Reforms Act: A state-specific law that regulates agricultural land and reforms related to tenancy and ownership rights.
• Negotiable Instrument Act 1881

These subjects are vital for a Civil Judge, as they form the foundation of civil jurisprudence.

Paper 3: Criminal Law (Law Paper II)

The Criminal Law paper covers essential topics of criminal jurisprudence.

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC): The IPC is the primary criminal code in India and outlines various offenses and the corresponding penalties.
• The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC): The CrPC lays down the procedure for the administration of criminal law in India. It governs how criminal cases are processed in courts.
• The Indian Evidence Act: This Act is crucial for determining what evidence is admissible in courts during trials.

This paper focuses on testing the candidates’ understanding of criminal law and procedures that they will need to apply in real-life court scenarios.

Paper 4: Judgment Writing

This paper is practical in nature and designed to test the candidate’s ability to draft clear, reasoned, and legally sound judgments.

The candidate will be provided with case facts and required to frame appropriate issues, evaluate evidence, and deliver a judgment based on sound legal principles.

This is one of the most critical aspects of the judicial role, as writing clear judgments is essential for the fair and effective administration of justice.

The syllabus for the Karnataka Judiciary Mains is comprehensive and requires in-depth knowledge of key laws, case law, and legal principles.

Candidates are expected to not only memorize laws but understand their applications and interpretations in real-world scenarios.

Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025: Viva-Voce

After clearing both the Preliminary and Mains exams, candidates move to the Viva-Voce (interview) stage.

The Viva-Voce is crucial in evaluating the candidate’s overall personality, legal aptitude, ethical standing, and communication skills.

The Viva-Voce carries 100 marks, and the interview panel, typically comprising senior judges and legal experts, will ask questions on various aspects of law, current affairs, and hypothetical case scenarios.

• Legal Knowledge: Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of civil, criminal, and constitutional law.
• Judicial Temperament: Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to remain calm and unbiased while adjudicating.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: The panel may present legal problems or case scenarios to assess the candidate’s analytical and decision-making skills.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is a vital attribute for a judge. Candidates must demonstrate clarity of thought and expression during the Viva-Voce.

The Viva-Voce is typically the last hurdle in the selection process, and candidates who score well here, in combination with their Mains score, are shortlisted for final selection.

Preparation Tips for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

Given the competitive nature of the Karnataka Judiciary Exam, candidates must follow a systematic approach to preparation.

Here are some preparation strategies to help you succeed:

#1 Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Thoroughly review the syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains exams, and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.

Knowing what to expect in terms of question types, subject focus, and marking schemes can help you plan your preparation better.

#2 Focus on Bare Acts and Commentaries

For both civil and criminal law, a strong foundation in the bare acts is essential. Focus on:

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC)
• The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
• The Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
• The Indian Evidence Act

You can complement your bare act study with legal commentaries and case law summaries to understand the interpretation and application of these laws in courts.

#3 Practice Previous Year Papers

Solving previous year’s question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare. It gives you a sense of the type of questions asked and helps you manage time during the exam.

It’s also a good way to gauge the level of preparation required.

#4 Regularly Follow Legal Developments

Judicial exams often test candidates’ awareness of recent legal amendments and landmark judgments.

Regularly reading newspapers, law journals, and legal websites like The Legal QnA, LiveLaw and Bar & Bench can help you stay updated.

#5 Strengthen Language Skills for Translation

Since the exam includes a Translation Paper, candidates should regularly practice translating legal passages between English and Kannada.

This skill is crucial for judiciary roles in Karnataka, where bilingual proficiency is required.

#6 Join Coaching or Online Classes

If self-study seems overwhelming, you may benefit from joining a judicial coaching center or enrolling in online courses specifically designed for judicial exams.

Coaching centers often provide structured study materials, mock tests, and experienced faculty guidance.

#7 Take Mock Interviews

For the Viva-Voce stage, you can participate in mock interviews conducted by judiciary coaching centers or law professionals.

This will help you prepare for the real interview scenario, improve your speaking skills, and reduce interview anxiety.

Books and Resources for Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025

Here’s a list of recommended books and resources to help you prepare:

For Civil Law:

• Code of Civil Procedure by C.K. Takwani
• Indian Contract Act by Avtar Singh
• Transfer of Property Act by G.P. Tripathi

For Criminal Law:

• Indian Penal Code by Ratanlal & Dhirajlal
• Criminal Procedure Code by R.V. Kelkar
• Law of Evidence by Batuk Lal

For Translation:

• Practice books specifically designed for translation between Kannada and English.
• Legal glossaries to understand technical terminology.

For Current Affairs:

• The Hindu or Indian Express newspapers
• Legal journals and websites like The Legal QnA, LiveLaw, SCC Online, and Bar & Bench for recent judgments.

The Road Ahead

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025 is an exciting opportunity for aspiring judges to enter the judiciary system. With limited vacancies and high competition, candidates need to be thoroughly prepared, both in terms of legal knowledge and practical application.

The exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive framework to kick-start your journey toward becoming a judicial officer in Karnataka.

For continuous updates, exam notifications, and further guidance, candidates should frequently check the official Karnataka High Court website and keep an eye on reputed legal education portals.

Good luck with your preparation!

Follow The Legal QnA for more updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

The Karnataka Judiciary Exam is a state-level competitive exam conducted by the Karnataka High Court to recruit Civil Judges and District Judges for the state’s judicial system.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

Candidates must hold an LL.B degree from a recognized university. The age limit is 35 years for General Category candidates and 38 years for SC/ST candidates applying for Civil Judge posts. District Judge candidates require a minimum of 7 years of legal practice.

3. How many vacancies are available for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

For the Civil Judge post, 57 vacancies have been announced for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025, categorized into general and reserved categories.

4. What is the syllabus for the Karnataka Judiciary Prelims Exam?

The syllabus for the Prelims exam includes General Knowledge, the Indian Constitution, Civil and Criminal Law, and aptitude. The exam is an objective type with 100 multiple-choice questions.

5. What is the application fee for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam?

The application fee is ₹500 for General Category candidates and ₹250 for SC/ST candidates. The fee is paid online during the application process.

6. What is the exam pattern for the Karnataka Judiciary Mains Exam?

The Mains exam includes four papers: Translation, Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Judgment Writing. Each paper is worth 100 marks, and candidates must secure at least 40% marks to pass each paper.

7. What is the role of the Viva-Voce in the Karnataka Judiciary Exam?

The Viva-Voce is the final interview stage, where candidates are assessed on their legal knowledge, personality, judicial temperament, and communication skills. It carries 100 marks.

8. What is the age limit for District Judge posts in Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

For District Judge posts, the age limit is 40 years for General Category candidates and 43 years for SC/ST candidates. Additionally, candidates must have 7 years of legal practice.

9. How can I apply for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

Candidates can apply online through the official Karnataka High Court website. They need to fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee.

10. What are the important dates for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam 2025?

The application process is expected to begin in March 2025, with the deadline in April 2025. Prelims and Mains exam dates will be announced later in the official notification.

11. What subjects are covered in the Civil Law paper of the Mains Exam?

The Civil Law paper covers the Code of Civil Procedure, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, Karnataka Rent Control Act, and Karnataka Land Reforms Act.

12. What subjects are covered in the Criminal Law paper of the Mains Exam?

The Criminal Law paper covers the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act, and related criminal laws.

13. What resources can I use to prepare for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam?

Recommended books include Indian Penal Code by Ratanlal & Dhirajlal, Code of Civil Procedure by C.K. Takwani, and online legal websites like LiveLaw and SCC Online for recent judgments and updates.

14. Is knowledge of Kannada mandatory for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam?

Yes, knowledge of Kannada is mandatory for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam, as candidates must be proficient in reading and writing legal documents in both Kannada and English.

15. How is the final merit list prepared for the Karnataka Judiciary Exam?

The final merit list is based on the combined scores of the Mains examination and Viva-Voce. Candidates with the highest overall marks are selected for appointment.