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Karnataka High Court ACS
Recruitment 2026 – 70 Posts
The High Court of Karnataka has officially released its recruitment notification dated 16 March 2026 for 70 posts of Assistant Court Secretary (ACS) across two cadres — Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) with 59 posts and Kalyana Karnataka Region (KKR) with 11 posts, including backlog vacancies. This is a prestigious permanent posting within the Karnataka Judiciary offering Level-7 pay scale (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) with full government benefits.
⚖️ High Court of Karnataka
📋 70 Posts Total
🏛️ RPC (59) + KKR (11)
💰 ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
📅 Apply by 15 Apr 2026
✍️ Shorthand + Interview
70
Total Posts
59
RPC Posts
11
KKR Posts
₹44,900
Basic Pay Starts
15 Apr
Last Date 2026
18–40
Age Range (Yrs)
120 wpm
Shorthand Speed
01
Important Dates & Schedule
Official Notification Released16 March 2026
Online Application Process Begins16 March 2026
Last Date to Submit Online Application15 April 2026
Shorthand Test (Tentative)To be notified by High Court
Interview (Tentative)After Shorthand Test
Application Portal — RPC Postsjudiciary.karnataka.gov.in/recruitment/hck/asr/
Application Portal — KKR Postsjudiciary.karnataka.gov.in/recruitment/hck/ask/
Notification Date16 March 2026 (Published in Karnataka State Gazette)
02
About the Post & Cadre Structure
RPC
Residual Parent Cadre
KKR
Kalyana Karnataka Region
💡 Article 371(J) — KKR Special Status: The Kalyana Karnataka Region (formerly Hyderabad-Karnataka) enjoys constitutional protection under Article 371(J), which mandates reservation of seats and posts for local persons in that region. Candidates domiciled in the seven KKR districts have a significant advantage for KKR posts. Non-KKR domicile candidates may apply but will be considered only if sufficient KKR candidates are not available.
03
Vacancy Details — Category-wise Breakdown
RPC (Residual Parent Cadre) — 59 Posts
← Swipe to scroll →
| Category | Regular Posts | Backlog Posts | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit (UR) | 20 | – | 20 |
| Category-IIA (OBC) | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Category-IIB (OBC) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Category-IIIA (OBC) | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Category-IIIB (OBC) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Category-I (Backward) | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Total RPC | 47 | 12 | 59 |
KKR (Kalyana Karnataka Region) — 11 Posts
← Swipe to scroll →
| Category | Regular Posts | Backlog Posts | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit (UR) | 3 | – | 3 |
| Category-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB (OBC) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | – | 2 | 2 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | – | 1 | 1 |
| Category-I (Backward) | – | 2 | 2 |
| Total KKR | 4 | 7 | 11 |
Note: Horizontal reservation for Women, Ex-Servicemen, PwD (Persons with Disability), and other special sub-categories applies within each vertical category as per Karnataka Government reservation rules. Refer to the official notification PDF for the exact sub-category breakup.
04
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess all three of the following:
- Degree (Part A): Bachelor's Degree in Science / Arts / Commerce / Business Management / Computer Applications / Business Administration from a recognised University — or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the State Government.
- Shorthand & Typing (Part B): Must have passed the English Senior Grade Shorthand Examination AND English Senior Grade Typewriting Examination conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB/KSEB) — OR — must hold a Diploma in Commercial Practice or Secretarial Practice awarded by the Board of Technical Examinations, Karnataka.
- Computer Knowledge (Part C): Must possess a certificate of completion of a minimum 3-month Basic Computer Course from any recognised institute. This certificate is mandatory for appointment; it need not be uploaded during online application but must be produced at document verification.
Age Limit (as on the date of application closing)
- Minimum age: 18 years for all categories
- General Merit (UR): Maximum 35 years
- Category-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB (OBC): Maximum 38 years
- SC / ST / Category-I: Maximum 40 years
- Ex-Servicemen / PwD: Maximum 45 years
- One-time Special Relaxation: Additional 5-year upper age relaxation as per GO DPAR 262 SRR 2025 dated 29.01.2026
Nationality & Domicile
Candidates must be Indian citizens. For RPC posts, no specific regional domicile is required (all Karnataka residents eligible). For KKR posts, candidates with local area domicile in one of the seven Hyderabad-Karnataka districts (Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgiri, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara) are given preference under Article 371(J) provisions.
Language Requirement
Candidates must have a working knowledge of Kannada. Since the role involves assisting Judges and handling court records in Karnataka, familiarity with the Kannada language is an essential practical requirement, even though it may not be listed as a formal eligibility condition in the notification. Candidates are advised to verify this in the official prospectus PDF.
⚠️ Critical Eligibility Points
- The Shorthand + Typing Senior Grade certificate is a mandatory eligibility condition — candidates who do not possess it are not eligible to apply, regardless of their degree qualification.
- For KKR posts, a separate online application must be submitted at the KKR-specific portal. Submitting only the RPC application will not be considered for KKR posts and vice versa.
- The 3-month Computer Basics certificate must be possessed by the candidate but need not be uploaded during online application — it is checked at document verification stage. However, not having it will result in disqualification at that stage.
- Candidates currently in government service must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview/appointment.
05
Salary, Pay Scale & Service Benefits
Pay Scale — Karnataka Pay Matrix
₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
Level-7 of Karnataka Pay Matrix · Permanent Government Post · Full Pension Benefits
🏠 House Rent Allowance (HRA)
📈 Dearness Allowance (DA)
🏥 Medical Allowance
🚌 Transport Allowance
📚 Children Education Allowance
🎖️ Annual Increments
📋 GPF / NPS Benefits
🌐 Karnataka Civil Service Pension
💡 Gross Monthly Earnings: When HRA, DA, and other allowances are factored in, the effective gross monthly salary for new appointees in Bengaluru (HRA zone) typically ranges between ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 per month at the entry level of Level-7. This figure increases progressively with annual increments, DA revisions, and promotions. The post also carries all state government service benefits including earned leave, medical reimbursement, LTC, and retirement benefits.
06
Selection Process
1
Application Scrutiny & Shortlisting
All submitted online applications are scrutinised by the High Court for eligibility. Only candidates meeting all three eligibility conditions — degree, shorthand/typing certificate, and computer knowledge — are considered eligible. The High Court reserves the right to shortlist candidates for the skill test based on application data, qualification, and other criteria.
2
Shorthand Test — 120 wpm English Dictation
The practical shorthand test is the most critical stage of this selection. A passage of approximately 600 words is dictated at 120 words per minute (wpm) in English. Candidates must take shorthand notes and then transcribe the passage accurately on a computer within the specified time limit. The test evaluates:
- Shorthand speed — accuracy in recording dictation at 120 wpm
- Transcription accuracy — correctness of the typed-out passage
- Computer typing speed and proficiency
- Consistency — maintaining quality throughout the passage
Only candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks/percentage in the shorthand test are called for the interview.
3
Personal Interview
Candidates who qualify the shorthand test are called for a personal interview conducted by the High Court's Selection Committee. The interview assesses the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, understanding of court procedures, professional demeanour, and suitability for the judicial administrative environment. The interview also serves as the document verification stage.
4
Document Verification & Medical Fitness
Shortlisted candidates must present all original certificates at the time of interview: degree certificate, shorthand/typing Senior Grade certificate, computer course certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, domicile/local area certificate (for KKR), and NOC from employer (for government servants). Medical fitness as per Karnataka Government norms is required before final appointment.
5
Final Selection & Appointment Order
Final merit is determined based on combined performance in the Shorthand Test and Interview. The select list is published on the official High Court of Karnataka website. Selected candidates receive appointment orders and must complete the prescribed medical fitness examination before joining. The probation period as per Karnataka Civil Services rules applies to new appointees.
✅ No Written Exam
✅ Shorthand Test (120 wpm)
✅ Personal Interview
✅ Document Verification
✅ Final Merit + Appointment
✅ Permanent Govt Post
07
Shorthand Test — Detailed Pattern & Preparation Guide
Test Format & What to Expect
- Dictation Speed: 120 words per minute (wpm) in English
- Passage Length: Approximately 600 words dictated in 5 minutes
- Transcription: Must be typed on a computer — not handwritten
- Transcription Time: As per High Court norms (typically 30–45 minutes for a 600-word passage)
- Language: English only
- Content: Judicial/legal passages, administrative correspondence, or court-related text
- Evaluation: Marks deducted for errors — both in shorthand accuracy and transcription correctness
Preparation Strategy for Shorthand Test
- Daily dictation practice: Practice taking shorthand dictation at 90 wpm first, then 100 wpm, then 120 wpm. Use audio dictation resources available online.
- Transcription on computer: Practice transcribing your shorthand notes directly on a computer — not on paper — to simulate actual test conditions.
- Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary of legal and judicial terms, administrative correspondence language, and formal English used in court proceedings.
- Accuracy over speed: At 120 wpm, accuracy matters as much as speed. A 95%+ accuracy rate is the target to aim for in practice sessions.
- Typing speed: Maintain a minimum typing speed of 40–50 wpm on a computer to transcribe quickly within the time limit.
- Previous KSEB Senior Grade practice papers are useful for understanding the type of passages used in such tests.
Role of the Assistant Court Secretary — Context for Interview
Understanding the actual responsibilities of an ACS helps candidates prepare for the interview stage. An Assistant Court Secretary in the High Court of Karnataka:
- Takes shorthand dictation of judicial orders, judgments, and correspondence dictated by the assigned Judge
- Transcribes dictated matter accurately and prepares fair copies for the Judge's approval
- Maintains strict confidentiality of judicial proceedings and documents
- Coordinates with court registry for dispatch and filing of orders
- Handles the Judge's chamber correspondence, appointments, and scheduling
- Operates computer-based court management systems for case-related entries
08
Application Fee
General / OBC (Cat-IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB)
₹300
Non-refundable · Online payment only
Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
SC / ST / Category-I / PwD (Divyang)
₹150
Non-refundable · Online payment only
Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI
⚠️ Important: Fee must be paid separately for RPC and KKR applications if a candidate is applying for both cadres. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates should ensure they select the correct cadre portal before making payment. Always download and save the payment receipt for future reference. Exact fee amounts should be confirmed from the official notification PDF — figures mentioned here are indicative based on Karnataka Judiciary norms.
09
Documents Required
At the Time of Online Application
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number for OTP and communications
- Recent Passport-size Photograph (JPEG, clear, colour, taken within 6 months)
- Scanned Signature (black ink on white paper)
- Degree certificate / provisional degree details (University name, year, percentage)
- English Senior Grade Shorthand & Typing certificate details
- Aadhaar Card number (for identity)
- Caste Certificate details (for reserved category fee and reservation benefit)
At Shorthand Test & Interview (Originals + Photocopies)
- Printout of submitted online application form
- Call letter / interview letter (downloaded from official website)
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate and all semester/year mark sheets (original + 2 photocopies)
- English Senior Grade Shorthand Certificate issued by KSEB/KSEEB or Diploma in Commercial Practice/Secretarial Practice (original + 2 copies)
- English Senior Grade Typewriting Certificate (if separate from shorthand)
- 3-month Computer Basics Course Certificate from recognised institute (original + photocopy)
- SSLC/10th Certificate for Date of Birth proof (original + 2 copies)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/Cat-I) in prescribed format for Karnataka Government employment
- Local Area Certificate for KKR candidates — proof of domicile in one of the 7 KKR districts
- PwD Certificate indicating % of disability (if applicable) from competent authority
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate authenticated by Zila Sainik Board
- NOC from present employer (for candidates in government service)
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport (any one as photo identity proof)
- 4–6 recent passport-size photographs
10
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
1
Choose the Correct Application Portal
Karnataka High Court has two separate online application portals for this recruitment — one for RPC posts and one for KKR posts. Visit judiciary.karnataka.gov.in/recruitment/hck/asr/ for RPC posts and judiciary.karnataka.gov.in/recruitment/hck/ask/ for KKR posts. If you wish to apply for both, you must complete two separate applications.
2
Read the Official Notification PDF
Before filling the form, download and read the Official Notification PDF dated 16 March 2026 from the High Court of Karnataka website. Verify your eligibility, category, and age limit before proceeding. Do not rely solely on third-party summaries.
3
Register & Fill Application Form
Register using a valid Email ID and mobile number. After verification, log in and fill the application form with correct personal details (name as per SSLC, DOB, gender, category), educational qualification details (degree, shorthand/typing certificate, computer course), and contact information. All details are final once submitted — corrections may not be permitted.
4
Upload Photograph & Signature
Upload a recent clear passport-size photograph and your signature in the required format and file size. Ensure both are clearly visible in the preview before submitting. Blurry, altered, or mismatched photo/signature will result in application rejection.
5
Pay Application Fee Online
Pay the applicable fee (General: ~₹300 / SC/ST/PwD: ~₹150) via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Save the payment transaction ID/receipt. If applying for both RPC and KKR, fee must be paid separately for each. Without successful fee payment, the application is incomplete and liable to rejection.
6
Submit & Download Application
After fee payment, submit the application and download the final submitted form. Keep a printed copy for your records — this is required at the shorthand test and interview. Monitor the official website judiciary.karnataka.gov.in regularly for shorthand test date, admit card, and other updates. Last date: 15 April 2026.
11
Preparation Tips & Interview Strategy
Shorthand Mastery is the Key
At 120 wpm, this is a demanding speed requiring consistent daily practice. If you currently write at 80–90 wpm, plan a minimum of 8–10 weeks of focused daily practice to reach and stabilise at 120 wpm. Use Pitman or Gregg shorthand systems (whichever you trained in). Record your own dictation at home and practice transcription on a computer, not just on paper.
Legal Vocabulary for the Interview
The interview panel for a High Court secretarial post will assess your understanding of the judicial environment. Prepare basic knowledge of: Indian court hierarchy, the role of the High Court in Karnataka's judicial system, difference between civil and criminal cases, how a typical court hearing proceeds, and the meaning of common legal terms used in High Court proceedings (writ petition, suo motu, contempt of court, interim order, etc.).
Computer Typing Proficiency
Since shorthand notes must be transcribed on a computer during the test, your typing speed directly affects your score. Target a minimum of 45–50 wpm on a standard keyboard for efficient transcription. Practice MS Word formatting, paragraph layout, and consistent use of punctuation in legal text. Familiarity with court document formats is a bonus.
Interview Preparation
The interview will assess: your communication skills in English and Kannada, professional presentation, understanding of office administration, knowledge of the High Court's role, and your motivation for joining the judiciary. Dress formally, carry all original documents in an organised folder, arrive 30 minutes early, and be prepared to answer questions in both English and Kannada.
12
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Complete answers to the most important questions about Karnataka High Court ACS Recruitment 2026 — vacancy details, RPC vs KKR, eligibility, salary, shorthand test, age limit, and how to apply. All information is based on the official notification released on 16 March 2026 by the High Court of Karnataka.
What is Karnataka High Court ACS Recruitment 2026?
Karnataka High Court ACS Recruitment 2026 refers to the official notification dated 16 March 2026 released by the High Court of Karnataka for 70 posts of Assistant Court Secretary. The posts are distributed across two cadres — Residual Parent Cadre (RPC) with 59 posts and Kalyana Karnataka Region (KKR) with 11 posts — including backlog vacancies. Applications are accepted online from 16 March to 15 April 2026 through the official Karnataka Judiciary recruitment portals.
What is the difference between RPC and KKR posts in this recruitment?
RPC (Residual Parent Cadre) covers 59 posts for the general Karnataka region — all districts of Karnataka except the Hyderabad-Karnataka (Kalyana Karnataka) area. All eligible Karnataka candidates can apply for RPC posts. KKR (Kalyana Karnataka Region) covers 11 posts reserved for candidates with local area domicile in the 7 Hyderabad-Karnataka districts: Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Yadgiri, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara. This regional reservation is protected under Article 371(J) of the Indian Constitution. Separate online applications must be submitted for each cadre — separate portals, separate fees.
What is the salary for Karnataka High Court Assistant Court Secretary?
Selected candidates are appointed at Level-7 of the Karnataka Pay Matrix with a basic pay range of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 per month. In addition to this basic pay, employees receive House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Medical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children's Education Allowance, and other government benefits. The effective gross monthly salary for a new appointee in Bengaluru is approximately ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 at entry level, with regular increments and DA revisions.
What is the educational qualification required for Karnataka High Court ACS 2026?
Candidates must fulfil all three conditions: (1) Bachelor's Degree in Science/Arts/Commerce/Business Management/Computer Applications/Business Administration from a recognised university; (2) English Senior Grade Shorthand AND Typewriting certificate from Karnataka School Examination Board (KSEB/KSEEB) — or Diploma in Commercial Practice/Secretarial Practice from Board of Technical Examinations, Karnataka; (3) 3-month Basic Computer Course certificate from any recognised institute. All three are mandatory.
What shorthand speed is required for Karnataka High Court ACS 2026?
The shorthand test requires candidates to take dictation at 120 words per minute (wpm) in English. A passage of approximately 600 words is dictated at this speed, and candidates must transcribe it accurately on a computer. This is a Senior Grade-level shorthand speed — significantly demanding. Candidates must have the Senior Grade Shorthand certificate (which typically certifies 80–100 wpm) and must additionally prepare to perform at 120 wpm for the actual test.
What is the age limit for Karnataka High Court Recruitment 2026?
Minimum age: 18 years for all categories. Maximum age: 35 years (General Merit); 38 years (OBC — Category IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB); 40 years (SC/ST/Category-I); 45 years (PwD/Ex-Servicemen). Additionally, a special one-time 5-year upper age relaxation is available as per Government Order DPAR 262 SRR 2025 dated 29.01.2026. Age is reckoned as on the application closing date (15 April 2026).
Is there a written exam for Karnataka High Court ACS Recruitment 2026?
No written examination is conducted for this recruitment. The selection process consists of two stages only: (1) Shorthand Test — practical dictation at 120 wpm transcribed on computer, and (2) Personal Interview for candidates who qualify the shorthand test. There is no General Knowledge test, no aptitude exam, and no reasoning test. Shorthand proficiency and interview performance are the sole selection criteria.
Can candidates from outside Karnataka apply for this recruitment?
This is a Karnataka State Government post within the Karnataka Judiciary. While the notification does not explicitly restrict applications to Karnataka domicile candidates for RPC posts, the practical requirement of Kannada language knowledge, the Senior Grade certificate from Karnataka examination boards, and the nature of the posting (High Court of Karnataka) means this recruitment is effectively intended for Karnataka residents. For KKR posts, local area domicile in one of the 7 KKR districts is essential for the reserved category benefit under Article 371(J).
What is the job profile of an Assistant Court Secretary in Karnataka High Court?
An Assistant Court Secretary (ACS) in the High Court of Karnataka works directly under an assigned Judge. Key responsibilities include: taking shorthand dictation of judicial orders, judgments, and official correspondence at the Judge's pace; transcribing dictated matter accurately on a computer and preparing fair copies for approval; handling the Judge's chamber correspondence and maintaining files; coordinating with court registry for dispatch of orders; maintaining strict confidentiality of proceedings; and operating court management software for data entry. It is a highly responsible, prestigious, and permanent government post within the State Judicial Service.
What are the computer certificate requirements for this post?
Candidates must possess a certificate of completion of a minimum 3-month Basic Computer Course from any recognised institute. This certificate covers fundamentals of computer operation — MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet usage, email, and basic Windows OS operations. This certificate is mandatory for appointment but does not need to be uploaded during the online application. However, it must be produced in original at the time of document verification. Candidates who do not possess it will be disqualified at that stage.
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