The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released an official notification for recruitment to the prestigious posts of Civil Judges (Junior Division) in Odisha Judicial Service for the year 2025. This is a golden opportunity for law graduates with advocacy experience to build a career in the judiciary. With 78 vacancies and an attractive salary package, this recruitment is one of the most sought-after judicial service exams in Odisha.
The online application process will be open from 8th May 2026 to 8th June 2026. If you’re a law graduate with at least 3 years of practice as an advocate, this could be your pathway to a respected career as a Civil Judge. Read this complete guide to understand eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
OPSC Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Post Name | CivilJudges (Junior Division) in Odisha Judicial Service |
| Notification Number | No.2387/PSC, Dt.30.04.2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 02 of 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 78 Posts (26 reserved for Women) |
| Salary | Rs.77, 840 – 1, 36, 520/- (Pay Scale) |
| Job Type | Permanent, Government Service |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Start Date | 08th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 08th June 2026(5:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 5th July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Official Website | https://opsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details – Category Wise Breakup
The 78 vacancies are distributed across different categories as per government reservation policy:
| Category | Total Vacancies | Vacancies Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|
| Un-reserved (UR/General) | 35 | 12 |
| S.E.B.C.(SEBC) | 09 | 03 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 13 | 04 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 18 | 06 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 03 | 01 |
| Total | 78 | 26 |
Important Note: Out of the total 78 vacancies, 26 posts are reserved for women candidates across all categories. This is a significant opportunity for women aspiring to join the judicial services.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) – Details:
PwD category includes candidates with:
- Blindness & Low Vision
- Orthopedically Handicapped
- Deaf & Hard of hearing candidates with suitable aid
Note: Persons with disabilities including OA (One Arm), OL (One Leg), BL (Both Leg), OAL (One Arm and One Leg), LC (Leprosy Cured), Dw (Dwarfism), AAV (Acid Attack Victims), SLD (Specific Learning Disabilities), MD (Multiple Disabilities) involving (a) to (c) can appear for the examination as per Government notification.
Salary and Benefits
Pay Scale
- Basic Pay: Rs. 77,840 – 1,36,520/-
- Grade Pay: As per 7th Pay Commission norms
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As applicable
- Other Allowances: HRA, TA, and other allowances as sanctioned by Government of Odisha
Estimated In-Hand Salary
- Approximately ₹90,000 – ₹1,10,000 per month (including all allowances)
- This may vary based on posting location and applicable allowances
Additional Benefits
- Government accommodation or HRA
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Pension benefits
- Job security and prestige
- Career growth opportunities in judiciary
Eligibility Criteria – Can You Apply?
Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility conditions:
1. Age Limit (As on 1st April 2025)
- Minimum Age: 23 years
- Maximum Age: 42 years
Your Date of Birth must be:
- Not earlier than 2nd April 1983
- Not later than 1st April 2002
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| SEBC | 5 years |
| Women | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 10 years |
| Law Clerk/Research Assistant experience | 7 years |
Important:
- If you belong to multiple categories (e.g., SC + Woman), you can claim only one age relaxation benefit, whichever is most beneficial to you.
- The upper age limit cannot be relaxed beyond the prescribed limits under any circumstances for PwD candidates having less than 40% permanent disability.
2. Educational Qualification and Experience
This is the most important eligibility criterion:
You must have
- Law Degree (LLB) from a recognized University or institution recognized by the Government
- At least 3 years of practice as an advocate on 1st April, 2025
What counts as “practice”?
- The period of experience as a Law Clerk/Research Assistant to any Judge or Judicial Officer in the country
- Experience as Law Clerk/Research Assistant to any Constitutional Authority
- All such experience shall be counted towards the period of legal practice
Important Notes:
- You must be enrolled as an advocate with the State Bar Council
- You need a Certificate of Practice duly certified by Principal Judicial Officers or an advocate with minimum 10 years standing
- The certificate must clearly show you have completed 3 years of practice by 1st April 2025
3.Odia Language Requirement ⚠️ MANDATORY
This is a crucial requirement that many candidates overlook:
You must be able to:
- Speak, read, and write Odia fluently
- Have passed an examination in Odia language equivalent to Middle English School standard (Class/Standard-VII) within the last date of application
How to fulfill this requirement:
- Provide Odia test pass certificate from Board of Secondary Education, Odisha
- Or equivalent examination from any other Board/Council recognized by Government of Odisha
- The certificate should show passing of Odia as a subject in Class-VII or Standard-VII
If you don’t have this certificate:
- Your application will be rejected
- This is a mandatory requirement – no exceptions
4. Nationality
You must be a citizen of India.
5. Character and Health
- You must be of good character
- You must be of sound health and free from any organic defect and physical infirmity
6.Other Conditions
Marital Status:
- A candidate with more than one spouse living will not be eligible unless exempted by State Government
Government Servants:
- Government servants (temporary or permanent) are eligible to apply
- They must have the requisite qualification and fall within prescribed age-limit
- IMPORTANT: They must obtain “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from their department head and submit during document verification
- If NOC is not submitted, candidature will be cancelled
Debarment:
- If you have been debarred by OPSC or any other State PSC or UPSC from appearing in any examination, you are not eligible to apply
Examination Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/UR | र700/- |
| OBC/EWS | र700/- |
| SC | Exempted (Nil) |
| ST | Exempted (Nil) |
| PwD | Exempted (Nil) |
Payment Mode:
- Online only through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or other online payment methods
- Payment must be made while filling the online application form
Important Information about Fee Refund:
Fee will be refunded only to those candidates who actually appear in the Preliminary Written Examination.
- Applications without payment of examination fees (except SC/ST/PwD candidates) will be taken as incomplete and outright rejected
- Refund will be issued after completion of Written Examination
- Refunds will be processed to the original payment mode used during transaction
- Candidates must provide correct bank account details in the application form for refund purposes
- Fee once paid is non-refundable if candidate doesn’t appear in exam
📚 Selection Process – How You’ll Be Selected
The selection will be made through competitive examination consisting of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Written Examination (Qualifying)
Exam Details
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
- Type: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Questions: 100 questions of 1 mark each
- Negative Marking: Yes, -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Subjects Covered:
- The Constitution of India
- The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
- The Indian Penal Code, 1860 and The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- The Limitation Act
- The Transfer of Property Act
- The Law of Contract
- The Law of Succession (Indian Succession Act and Hindu Succession Act)
- The Specific Relief Act
- The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and any other relevant topics in law(s) as the High Court of Orissa may specify
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
| Category | Qualifying Percentage | Marks Required |
| SC/ST/PwD | 35% | 35 marksout of 100 |
| Others (UR/OBC/EWS) | 40% | 40 marks out of 100 |
Important:
- The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature
- Marks obtained will NOT be counted for final merit list
- Only those who qualify will be called for Main Written Examination
- The number of candidates called will be 3 times the number of advertised vacancies in each category
Stage 2: Main Written Examination (450 Marks)
This is the most important stage. Your performance here will determine your final rank.
Examination Structure:
The Main Written Examination consists of 2 Compulsory Papers and 3 Optional Papers (candidate’s choice):
COMPULSORY PAPERS (300 Marks Total)
PAPER – 1: General English (150 Marks, 2.5 hours)
This paper will contain:
- Translation and retranslation of ten lines each (English to Odia and Odia to English)
- A short Essay of about 150 words
- Precis writing consisting of 300 words
- 1 (one) passage of about 500 words with 5 questions
Note: For “Translation and retranslation of ten lines each”, there will be two passages – one in English to be translated into Odia and another in Odia to be retranslated into English.
PAPER – 2: Procedural Laws (150 Marks, 2.5 hours)
This paper covers:
- The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
OPTIONAL PAPERS (Choose Any 3 from 5) – 450 Marks Total
Each optional paper carries 150 marks and duration is 3 hours.
You must choose any THREE subjects from the following FIVE:
Option 1: Law of Crime & Law of Torts (150 Marks)
Option 2: Personal Laws (150 Marks)
- Hindu Law
- Mohammedan Law
Option 3: Law of Property (150 Marks)
- The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- The Specific Relief Act, 1963
- The Indian Limitation Act, 1963
Option 4: Law of Contract (150 Marks)
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872
- The Sales of Goods Act, 1930
- The Partnership Act, 1932
- The Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881
Option 5: Jurisprudence and The Constitution of India (150 Marks)
CRITICAL NOTE:
- The optional subjects you choose in your online application form will be treated as final
- No request for change of optional subject(s) will be entertained later
- Choose carefully!
Minimum Qualifying Marks for Main Exam:
| Category | Aggregate Percentage | Each Paper Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| UR/OBC/EWS | 45% | 33% |
| SC/ST/PwD | 30% in each paper | 40%in aggregate |
The Commission will call candidates for Interview in the ratio of 1:5 (for every 1 vacancy, top 5 candidates will be called for interview) based on Main Written Examination marks.
Stage 3: Interview (100 Marks)
Interview Details:
- Total Marks: 100
- Minimum Required: 40% (40 marks out of 100)
What to Expect:
- Questions may not be limited to the syllabus prescribed for Main Written Examination
- Broad national and international issues may be asked
- Matters of common interest in the field of Arts and Science may be discussed
- The interview tests your overall personality, communication skills, and presence of mind
Important:
- Candidates securing less than 40% marks in Interview will NOT be included in the merit list
- This is a crucial elimination stage
Final Merit List Preparation:
Your final rank will be determined by:
- Main Written Examination marks (450 marks)
- Plus Interview marks (100 marks)
- Total: 550 marks
Tie-Breaking Rules:
If two or more candidates secure equal marks:
- Candidate with higher marks in Main Written Examination will be ranked higher
- If still tied, candidate with higher marks in LLB Examination will be ranked higher
- If still tied, candidate who is older in age will be ranked higher
The final merit list will remain valid for one year from the date of Government approval
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30th April2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 8th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 8th June 2026(5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8th June 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination Date | 5th July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Preliminary Exam Answer Key | Within 10 days of exam |
| Main Written Examination | To be notifed later |
| Interview/Document Verification | To be notifed later |
Age Determination Date: 1st April 2025
Experience Determination Date: 1st April 2025
🌍 Examination Centers
Preliminary Written Examination Centers:
The Preliminary Examination will be held at Six (06) Zonal Centers in Odisha:
- Balasore
- Berhampur
- Bhubaneswar
- Cuttack
- Jeypore
- Sambalpur
Important Information:
- Candidates can choose their preferred exam center while filling the online application form
- Allotment will be done on First Come First Serve basis
- If sufficient number of candidates are not available for Balasore, Berhampur, Jeypore, and Sambalpur zones, those candidates will be accommodated at Bhubaneswar or Cuttack
- Once a center is allotted, REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF ZONE WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED
- Commission may allot any other zone if circumstances warrant
Main Written Examination Centers:
- May be held either at the above 06 zones
- OR only at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack zones
- Decision will be taken based on number of qualified candidates
📱How to Apply Online – Step by Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to submit your application successfully:
Before You Start:
Keep these documents/information ready:
- Scanned latest passport size photograph (recent, within 6 months)
- Scanned full signature
- Scanned Left-hand Thumb Impression (LTI)
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
- LLB Certificate details
- Advocate enrollment details
- Practice certificate details
- Odia language test pass certificate details
- Caste certificate details (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Payment method (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Step 1: Visit Official Website
- Go to: https://opsc.gov.in
- Look for “Apply Online” link for Civil Judges (Junior Division) Recruitment 2026
Step 2: Read Instructions Carefully
- Download and read the detailed advertisement
- Go through all instructions available on the OPSC portal
- Make note of documents required
Step 3: Register Online
- Click on “New Registration” (if first time)
- Enter basic details: Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Date of Birth, Email, Mobile
- Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number through OTP
- You will receive a Permanent Public Service Account Number (PPSAN)
- Note down your PPSAN – you’ll need it for login
Step 4: Login and Fill Application
- Login using your PPSAN and password
- Fill all sections of the application form carefully:
- Personal Details
- Address Details
- Category Details
- Educational Qualifications (LLB details)
- Advocacy Practice Details
- Odia Language Test Details
- Optional Subjects Selection (Choose 3 carefully – cannot be changed later!)
- Upload scanned documents
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload the following scanned documents:
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Passport size, colored, recent (within 6 months), unsigned &unattested |
| Signature | Full signature on white paper, clearly visible |
| Left Thumb Impression | Clear impression on white paper |
| File Format | JPG/JPEG only |
| Photo Size | 50 KB to 100 KB |
| Signature/LTI Size | 20 KB to 50 KB |
Important: Uploaded photograph, signature, and LTI must be clearly visible. Poor quality uploads may lead to rejection.
Step 6: Preview Application
- Review all entered information carefully
- Check uploaded documents
- Make corrections if needed
- Once submitted, no changes will be possible
Step 7: Pay Examination Fee
- Proceed to payment section
- Select payment mode (Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI)
- Pay ₹700/- (if applicable)
- SC/ST/PwD candidates are exempted
- Save payment receipt
Step 8: Final Submission
- After successful payment, submit your application
- Take a printout of the finally submitted application form
- Save your PPSAN and password for future reference
Step 9: Download Application
- Download and save the submitted application form
- Keep a printout for your records
- You’ll need to bring this during Document Verification
Important Application Instructions:
⚠️ Critical Points to Remember:
- Application without payment (except SC/ST/PwD) will be rejected
- Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected
- Applications received through any mode other than online will NOT be accepted
- Keep at least 4 copies of passport size photograph for future use
- Verify all information before final submission – no changes allowed later
- The Commission is under no obligation to entertain requests for correction if you submit wrong information
- Community (caste status) once mentioned cannot be changed under any circumstances
📄 Documents Required
You will need the following documents at the time of Document Verification (if shortlisted):
Educational Documents:
- H.S.C. or equivalent certificate (for Age proof)
- Bachelor’s degree of Law (LLB) Certificate from recognized University
- All mark sheets of LLB examination
Experience Certificate:
4. Certificate of Practice duly certified by:
- Principal Judicial Officers of a court, OR
- An advocate with minimum standing of 10 years duly endorsed by Principal Judicial Officer
- Certificate of experience as Law Clerk/Research Assistant duly endorsed by concerned Judge/Judicial Officer or authorized person
Category Certificates (If Applicable)
5. Caste Certificate for SC/ST/SEBC candidates
- Must be issued by competent authority
- SEBC certificate must be not more than 03 years before application submission date
- Must be Non-Creamy Layer for SEBC
6. Odia Language Test pass certificate
- From Board of Secondary Education, Odisha
- Or equivalent examination from recognized Board/Council
- Must show passing of Odia in Class-VII or equivalent
7. PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Must show permanent disability (40% or more)
- Issued by concerned Medical Board
- Temporary Disability certificates will NOT be accepted
8. Certificate of good character from Principal/Proctor/Dean or Professor of the college/university where last studied
Identity Proof:
9. Any proof of identity (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID / Passport)
Other Documents:
10. Four recent passport size photographs (unsigned & unattested, within 06 months)
11. No Objection Certificate (for Government Servants)
12. Third Gender / Transgender candidates: Identity Certificate/Card issued by Competent Authority and supporting documents for name change (if any)
13. Printout of Online Application Form with signature
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Candidates must write on each copy of documents: “Submitted by me and Certified as genuine and has not been cancelled” with full signature and date
- Do NOT attach original certificates with your application
- Original certificates must be produced during Document Verification
📚Preparation Tips for OPSC Civil Judge Exam
While this article focuses on eligibility and application process, here are some quick preparation tips:
For Preliminary Examination:
- Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning
- Practice MCQs extensively
- Time management is crucial – practice previous year papers
- Keep in mind the negative marking – avoid wild guessing
- Cover all subjects mentioned in syllabus
- Stay updated with recent amendments in laws
For Main Written Examination:
- Answer writing practice is essential
- Write in clear, structured manner
- Use legal provisions and case laws to support your answers
- For English paper, practice essay writing and precis regularly
- Choose optional subjects based on your strength and interest
- Quality matters more than quantity in answers
For Interview:
- Be confident and honest
- Stay updated with current legal and judicial issues
- Read newspapers regularly
- Be clear about why you want to join judicial services
- Your body language and communication skills matter
Study Resources:
- Standard law textbooks (Bare Acts)
- Previous year question papers of OPSC and other state judicial exams
- Current legal affairs and landmark judgments
- Constitution of India – thorough reading
🎯Conclusion
The OPSC Civil Judge Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for law graduates to build a rewarding career in the judiciary. With 78 vacancies and an attractive salary package of ₹77,840 – ₹1,36,520/- per month, this is one of the most coveted judicial service exams in Odisha.
The key eligibility requirements are:
- LLB degree from recognized university
- 3 years of practice as advocate
- Age 23-42 years (with relaxations)
- Odia language test pass certificate
The selection process involves three stages: Preliminary Exam (qualifying), Main Written Exam (450 marks), and Interview (100 marks). Your final merit will be based on Main Exam + Interview performance.
Online applications are open from 8th May 2026 to 8th June 2026. Don’t wait for the last moment – apply early to avoid technical glitches. Make sure all your documents are ready and information is accurate.
This is a competitive exam that requires dedicated preparation. Start your preparation early, cover the entire syllabus, and practice extensively. Remember, judicial services demand not just legal knowledge but also integrity, dedication, and a commitment to justice.
Best of luck for your OPSC Civil Judge journey!
| Important Links | |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| More Odisha Govt Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: No. You must have at least 3 years of practice as an advocate on 1st April 2025 to be eligible. This is a mandatory requirement and cannot be relaxed.
Answer: Yes. Experience as Law Clerk/Research Assistant to any Judge, Judicial Officer, or Constitutional Authority shall be counted towards the period of legal practice. You need to provide proper certificate for this.
Answer: No. Passing an examination in Odia language equivalent to Middle English School standard (Class-VII) is mandatory. Without this certificate, your application will be rejected. If you don’t have it, you must obtain it before applying.
Answer: No. The optional subjects you select in your application form will be treated as final. No request for change will be entertained. Choose carefully!
Answer: You can claim only one age relaxation benefit – either as SC (5 years) or as Woman (5 years), whichever is more beneficial. In this case, both give 5 years relaxation. You cannot combine both and claim 10 years.
Answer: Yes, but only if you actually appear in the Preliminary Written Examination. If you don’t appear, no refund will be given. If you appear but don’t qualify, refund will be processed after exam completion.
Answer: For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. So if you mark 4 questions wrong, you lose 1 mark. Unanswered questions carry no negative marking.
Answer: As per Odisha Ex-Servicemen (Recruitment to State Civil Services and Posts) Amendment Rules, 2021, those Ex-Servicemen who have already secured regular employment under State Government are not eligible for reservation benefit. However, they are permitted age relaxation for securing another employment in higher post or service under State Government.
Answer: You can apply, but you must obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your department head and submit it during Document Verification. Without NOC, your candidature will be cancelled. So it’s better to obtain NOC well in advance.