The Punjab & Haryana High Court has released a notification for the Direct Recruitment to Punjab Superior Judicial Service - 2025 to fill vacancies for the post of Additional District & Sessions Judge.
Here's a breakdown of the key information:
Important Dates:
- Opening date for submission of applications: June 1, 2025
- Closing date for submission of applications: July 31, 2025
Vacancies:
- The notification invites applications for 20 vacancies (including 01 anticipated vacancy) of Additional District & Sessions Judge.
Eligibility Criteria (as of July 31, 2025, the last date for submission of applications):
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Advocacy Experience: Must have been duly enrolled as an Advocate for a period of not less than seven years and must have practiced as such during the said period.
- Income Tax Assessee: Must be an income tax assessee for a period of not less than three assessment years (preceding the date of application), with gross professional income of not less than Rs.
5 lakhs per annum. - Relaxation for Reserved Categories: For SC, BC, EWS, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen, the gross professional income should not be less than Rs. 3 lakhs per annum.
- Case Engagement Proof: The applicant shall also be required to attach proof of their independent engagement and conducting of not less than fifty cases (other than bunch cases) per year in the last preceding three years.
- Computer Knowledge: Must have knowledge of basic computer application for usage purposes.
- Punjabi Language: Must have passed the matriculation examination with Punjabi as one of the compulsory or elective subjects or any other equivalent examination
in Punjabi language. - Age Limit: Candidates
should be not less than 35 years and not more than 45 years of age on July 31, 2025. - Age Relaxation: Upper age limit is relaxable up to 5 years for candidates belonging to SC, BC, and PwBD (Blindness & Low Vision) categories of Punjab State only.
Disqualification for Appointment:
- More than one living spouse (with exceptions).
- Dismissed or removed from service by any High Court, Government, Statutory Body, or Local Authority.
- Convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude or permanently debarred/disqualified from appearing in any examination or interview by any State/Union Government, High Court, UPSC, or State Public Service Commission.
- Found guilty of professional misconduct under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Pay Scale:
- The pay scale for the said post is in the Pay Level J-5 in the Pay Matrix (with initial start of Rs. 1,44,840/-) or
as may be revised by the Punjab Government from time to time.
Selection Process:
The selection will be made by holding an examination in two stages:
- Written Test: This will be a descriptive examination.
- Viva-Voce: A personality assessment round.
- Preliminary Examination (if applicable): Keeping in view the number of applications received, the High Court may hold a preliminary examination for shortlisting candidates, consisting of objective-type questions from the syllabus prescribed for the written test.
Application Process:
The official notification from the Punjab & Haryana High Court provides the detailed application process. Candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Punjab & Haryana High Court (highcourtchd.gov.in) to download the official notification (Notification No. 111 Gaz.I/VI.F.2 Dated, Chandigarh, the 01st June 2025) and apply as per the instructions.
Syllabus:
While the detailed syllabus will be in the official notification, typically the Punjab Superior Judicial Service examination covers subjects like:
- Civil Law: Code of Civil Procedure, Punjab Courts Act, Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, Indian Partnership Act, Specific Relief Act, Transfer of Property Act, East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act,
Indian Evidence Act, Limitations Act, Hindu Law, Mohammedan Law, Customary Law, Law of Registration, Law of Limitation. - Criminal Law: Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act.
- English Language: Essay Writing, Precis Writing, Word & Phrase Usage, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Corrections.
- Punjabi Language: Written in Gurmukhi Script (Comprehension, grammar, and translation-based questions).
- General Knowledge: Current events of National & International importance, Indian Legal & Constitutional History and Governance, Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official notification available on the Punjab & Haryana High Court website for complete and accurate details regarding the application form, fees, detailed syllabus, and any further updates.
Important Links
| Official Notification | Notification |
| Application Form | Application Form |
| Official Website | HC Chandigarh |
