The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has officially released Advertisement No. 02 of 2026-27 for the recruitment of 78 Civil Judges (Junior Division) in the Odisha Judicial Service, 2025. This prestigious examination offers aspiring law graduates and advocates an opportunity to serve in the judiciary of Odisha. Below is a detailed guide covering vacancies, eligibility, application process, examination scheme, syllabus, and other important instructions. πŸ“

πŸ“Œ Vacancy Details

The total number of vacancies is 78, out of which 26 are reserved for women candidates. The category-wise distribution is as follows:

  • πŸ‘©β€βš–οΈ Unreserved (UR): 35 (12 for women)
  • πŸ‘¨β€βš–οΈ SEBC: 9 (3 for women)
  • πŸ•‰οΈ Scheduled Caste (SC): 13 (4 for women)
  • 🌿 Scheduled Tribe (ST): 18 (6 for women)
  • β™Ώ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: 3 (1 for women)

Vacancies are subject to change depending on government requirements.

🎯 Age Criteria

Applicants must be between 23 and 42 years of age as on 1st April 2025. That means candidates should not have been born earlier than 2nd April 1983 and not later than 1st April 2002. Relaxations apply:

  • βž• 5 years for SC, ST, SEBC, Women, Ex-servicemen
  • βž• 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
  • βž• 7 years for candidates with service experience as Law Clerk/Research Assistant

πŸ“š Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Law degree from a recognized university and have at least 3 years of practice as an advocate by 1st April 2025. Experience as a Law Clerk or Research Assistant to a Judge, Judicial Officer, or Constitutional Authority will also be counted towards practice.

πŸ’° Examination Fee

The examination fee is β‚Ή700 for General and SEBC candidates. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are exempted. Refunds will be processed for candidates who actually appear in the Preliminary Examination. Payment must be made online via Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or Wallet. πŸ’³

πŸ“ Selection Process

The recruitment process consists of three stages:

  1. πŸ“– Preliminary Written Examination
  2. πŸ“š Main Written Examination
  3. 🎀 Interview

πŸ“– Preliminary Examination

Date: 5th July 2026 (Sunday). The exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions carrying 100 marks. Duration: 1.5 hours. Negative marking: 25% for each wrong answer. Subjects include:

  • πŸ“œ Constitution of India
  • βš–οΈ Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
  • βš–οΈ Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 & Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
  • πŸ“‘ Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
  • βš”οΈ Indian Penal Code, 1860 & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
  • ⏳ Limitation Act
  • 🏠 Transfer of Property Act
  • πŸ“ƒ Law of Contract
  • πŸ‘ͺ Law of Succession
  • 🎯 Specific Relief Act
  • πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

πŸ“š Main Written Examination

The Main Exam consists of two compulsory papers and three optional papers:

Compulsory Papers (150 marks each)

  • πŸ“– General English (Essay, Precis, Translation, Comprehension)
  • βš–οΈ Procedural Laws (CrPC, CPC, Evidence Acts)

Optional Papers (choose any three, 150 marks each)

  • βš”οΈ Law of Crime & Torts
  • πŸ‘ͺ Personal Laws (Hindu & Mohammedan)
  • 🏠 Law of Property
  • πŸ“ƒ Law of Contract
  • πŸ“œ Jurisprudence & Constitution of India

🎀 Interview

The Interview carries 100 marks. Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in the interview to be considered for the merit list. Questions may cover law, current affairs, and general knowledge. 🌍

πŸ“ Examination Centres

The Preliminary Exam will be held at six zones: Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jeypore, and Sambalpur. Candidates must select two zones while applying. The Main Exam may be held at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack depending on the number of candidates. 🏫

πŸ“‘ Important Documents

Candidates must upload and later produce the following documents:

  • πŸŽ“ Law Degree Certificate
  • βš–οΈ Certificate of Practice as Advocate
  • πŸͺͺ Caste Certificate (SC/ST/SEBC)
  • β™Ώ Disability Certificate (for PwD)
  • πŸ“„ Proof of Odia language proficiency
  • πŸ“œ Birth Certificate / High School Certificate for age proof
  • πŸ“‘ No Objection Certificate (for Govt. employees)

⚠️ Key Instructions

  • 🚫 Applications without fee (except SC/ST/PwD) will be rejected.
  • πŸ“Œ Candidates must answer papers in their own handwriting (PwD candidates may use scribes).
  • πŸ“Œ Misrepresentation or suppression of facts will lead to cancellation.
  • πŸ“Œ Online applications only; no offline mode accepted.
  • πŸ“Œ Reservation benefits are only for Odisha candidates.

πŸ“… Important Dates

  • πŸ–ŠοΈ Online Application Start: 08 May 2026
  • πŸ–ŠοΈ Last Date to Apply: 08 June 2026 (5 PM)
  • πŸ“– Preliminary Exam: 05 July 2026

πŸ’Ό Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be appointed as Civil Judges (Junior Division) under the Law Department, Government of Odisha in the pay scale of β‚Ή77,840 – β‚Ή1,36,520 plus allowances. πŸ’΅

🌟 Conclusion

The Odisha Judicial Service Examination 2025 is a golden opportunity for law graduates and advocates to join the judiciary. With a structured selection process, transparent rules, and fair reservation, this recruitment ensures equal opportunity for all eligible candidates. Aspirants are advised to prepare thoroughly, keep track of official updates on OPSC Website, and apply within the stipulated dates. Best wishes to all candidates aiming to serve justice in Odisha. βš–οΈβœ¨