The High Court of Meghalaya invites online applications for direct recruitment to the Meghalaya Judicial Service for the post of Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class (Grade-III).
About the High Court of Meghalaya
High Court of Meghalaya is a constitutional court established in March 2013 following the reorganisation of judicial jurisdictions in the North-Eastern region. The Court exercises original, appellate, and supervisory jurisdiction over civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative matters within the State of Meghalaya.
Recruitment to the Meghalaya Judicial Service is conducted under the Meghalaya Judicial Service Rules, 2006 (as amended), and represents an important entry pathway for law graduates aspiring to join the subordinate judiciary and participate directly in trial court adjudication.
Appointments to the cadre of Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class form the foundational level of judicial service and provide early exposure to courtroom adjudication, statutory interpretation, and judicial administration.
About the Recruitment
The High Court of Meghalaya has issued an official advertisement inviting applications for direct recruitment to 10 posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class (Grade-III) in the Meghalaya Judicial Service.
Pursuant to a corrigendum and subsequent notification issued in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1110 of 2025, the last date for submission of applications has been extended to April 30, 2026.
This recruitment provides an opportunity for eligible law graduates to begin their judicial careers within the State judiciary and gain structured exposure to adjudication in civil and criminal matters at the trial court level.
Vacancy Details
The category-wise distribution of vacancies is as follows:
Khasi–Jaintia Category: 4 posts
Garo Category: 4 posts
Unreserved Category: 1 post
OST/SC Category: 1 post
Total Vacancies: 10 posts
These vacancies are governed by the reservation policy applicable under the Meghalaya Judicial Service Rules.
Nature of Work Responsibilities and Exposure
Candidates selected as Civil Judges (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrates First Class will adjudicate civil disputes and criminal matters falling within the jurisdiction of entry-level subordinate courts.
Judicial officers in this cadre conduct trials, record evidence, evaluate witness testimony, and deliver reasoned judgments in civil suits, criminal prosecutions, and statutory proceedings. They also decide interlocutory applications, execution proceedings, and procedural matters arising under various special enactments.
The role further includes administrative responsibilities relating to case management, supervision of court staff, and maintenance of procedural compliance in judicial proceedings. Officers develop practical expertise in statutory interpretation, courtroom management, and application of procedural laws such as the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Service at this level forms the foundation for career progression to higher positions within the judicial hierarchy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy eligibility requirements prescribed under the Meghalaya Judicial Service Rules, 2006 (as amended). Broadly, candidates must:
Hold an LL.B. degree from a recognised university
Be Indian citizens
Meet age requirements specified in the official notification
Satisfy reservation eligibility conditions where applicable
Applicants are advised to carefully review the official notification for complete eligibility conditions before applying.
Mode of Selection
Selection to the Meghalaya Judicial Service typically involves a structured examination process consisting of:
Preliminary examination
Main written examination
Viva voce / interview
Final selection is based on cumulative performance across these stages as prescribed under the recruitment rules.
Duration Mode Location and Pay Scale
Position: Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class
Service: Meghalaya Judicial Service (Grade-III)
Location: Meghalaya (posting as per judicial administration requirements)
Pay scale and service conditions are governed by applicable judicial pay commission recommendations and Meghalaya Judicial Service Rules.
Important Dates
Last date for submission of application (extended): April 30, 2026
Applicants are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is particularly suitable for:
Law graduates preparing for judicial service examinations
Candidates interested in trial court adjudication
Aspirants planning long-term judicial careers
Applicants seeking experience in civil and criminal procedural law
Candidates interested in constitutional and statutory interpretation at the subordinate judiciary level
Entry into the Meghalaya Judicial Service provides early professional responsibility and direct participation in the justice delivery system.
Click Here to Apply
Click here for official notification
Click here for extension notification
Applicants must carefully review both notifications before submitting their applications through the prescribed recruitment procedure. Only applications submitted within the extended deadline will be considered.
