Patna High Court Assistant Admit Card 2026

The High Court of Judicature at Patna is the apex judicial institution in the State of Bihar, functioning under the Constitution of India. Located on Bailey Road, Patna, the High Court oversees judicial administration, sub-ordinate civil and criminal courts across Bihar, and administers recruitment to its establishment through fair and rigorous competitive selection under the Patna High Court Officers and Staff (Recruitment, Appointment, Promotion and Other Conditions of Service and Conduct) Rules, 2021.

The post of **Ex-Cadre Assistant** is categorized as a **Group-C** ministerial position on the establishment of the Patna High Court. Key Compensation Highlights: - **Pay Matrix:** Level-4 of the 7th Central Pay Revision Committee (PRC). - **Pay Scale Band:** ₹25,500/- to ₹81,100/-. - **Dearness Allowance (DA):** As admissible under Bihar Govt / High Court rules. - **House Rent Allowance (HRA):** Admissible based on posting in Patna or designated judicial zones. - **Other Perks:** Medical allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, New Pension Scheme (NPS), and travel allowances. - **Probation Period:** Initially on probation for a period of one (01) year.

The High Court notified a total of **68 vacant posts** of Ex-Cadre Assistant: - **Women Horizontal Reservation (35%):** 23 posts are horizontally reserved for women candidates having permanent residence in Bihar (subject to Bihar Govt resolutions 12575 & 8962). - **Locomotor Disabled Horizontal Reservation (4%):** 03 posts are horizontally reserved for Locomotor Disabled candidates possessing ≥40% certified disability under Bihar Govt Resolution No. 13062. - **Tentative Nature:** Vacancy figures are provisional and the High Court reserves the absolute right to alter the vacancy count at any stage.

As notified by the High Court of Judicature at Patna: - **Exam Date:** **18 September 2026**. - **Mode of Exam:** Written Test (MCQ Based on OMR / CBT mode as specified). - **Duration:** 90 minutes (1 Hour 30 Minutes) for 100 Objective Questions. - **Reporting Time:** Printed specifically on each candidate's hall ticket. Entry gates will strictly close **30 minutes prior** to the commencement of the exam. Candidates arriving after gate closure will not be permitted under any circumstances.

If candidate registration is on the higher side, a Preliminary / Screening Test is administered to shortlist candidates for the Written Test: - **Questions:** 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). - **Total Marks:** 50 Marks (1 mark per question). - **Duration:** 60 Minutes (1 Hour). - **Minimum Qualifying Marks:** 40% (20 Marks out of 50). - **Subject Distribution:** - General English: 20 Questions (20 Marks) - Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude: 20 Questions (20 Marks) - General Awareness: 10 Questions (10 Marks) - **Screening Purpose:** Marks obtained in Preliminary Test are **not** counted in the final merit list.

As specified in Annexure-I of Advertisement No. PHC/03/2026: - **Negative Marking Applicable:** Yes, there is negative marking in both the Preliminary / Screening Test and the Written Test. - **Penalty Value:** **1/4th of the marks assigned to that question, i.e., 0.25 marks deduction** for every incorrect answer. - **Unanswered Questions:** No penalty or deduction is made for questions left blank or unanswered. - **Multiple Options Marked:** If more than one option is marked for an MCQ, it is treated as a wrong answer and penalized 0.25 marks.

The Computer Proficiency Test evaluates hands-on practical skills required for day-to-day High Court clerical and registry operations: - **Total Marks:** 50 Marks. - **Total Duration:** 30 Minutes. - **Nature:** Qualifying in nature (Candidates must score at least 20 marks). - **Sub-Tests:** 1. Test of proficiency in Word processing (MS Word): 20 Marks 2. Test of proficiency in Spread Sheets (MS Excel): 20 Marks 3. Internet Proficiency (Browsing, Search & Mailing): 10 Marks

The Word Processing module carries **20 marks** and assesses: - Typing speed and accuracy in English on computer keyboards. - Document formatting: headers, footers, paragraph indentation, margins, bullet points, line spacing, and table creation. - Text styling: font size, font family, bold, italics, underline, and color adjustments. - Saving, printing, and file export operations.

The Spreadsheet module carries **20 marks** and covers: - Basic workbook navigation, inserting rows/columns, cell borders, and text wrapping. - Application of standard formulas: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, MAX, IF condition, and percentage calculations. - Data sorting, basic filtering, and creating standard charts/graphs. - Formatting numerical cells as currency, date, and decimal places.

The Internet module carries **10 marks** and tests: - Safe web navigation using standard web browsers (Google Chrome / Mozilla Firefox). - Searching official portals, downloading PDF case judgments or notifications. - Composing and sending emails with attachments. - Understanding basic internet security, URL protocols, and cyber hygiene.

The final stage is the personal Interview conducted by the High Court Board: - **Total Marks:** 10 Marks. - **Minimum Qualifying Marks:** 30% i.e. **03 Marks**. - **Mandatory Participation:** It is mandatory for candidates invited for interview to appear; candidates failing to attend will not be included in the merit list under any circumstance. - **Evaluation Parameters:** Personality, articulation, knowledge of court setup, general legal awareness, and suitability for judicial administrative service.

The official shortlisting multiplier ratios across progressive stages: - **Preliminary to Written Test:** **10 (ten) times** candidates of the total advertised vacancies in each category. - **Written Test to Computer Proficiency Test:** **06 (six) times** candidates of total vacancies in each category. - **Computer Proficiency Test to Interview:** **03 (three) times** candidates of total vacancies in each category. - **Bracket Rule:** Candidates securing marks equal to the cut-off marks of the last candidate in their respective category will also be shortlisted even if the total count exceeds the specified ratio.

The final selection and select list / panel is prepared strictly based on the following formula: $$\text{Final Score} = \text{Marks in Written Test (Max 100)} + \text{Marks in Interview (Max 10)} = 110 \text{ Marks}$$ - Preliminary Test marks (if conducted) are purely qualifying for screening and not counted in final merit. - Computer Proficiency Test (50 Marks) is qualifying in nature; marks are not added to the merit score.

If two or more candidates secure equal total marks in the aggregate merit list, the tie is resolved sequentially as follows: 1. **Higher Marks in Written Test:** The candidate securing higher marks in the 100-mark Written Test shall be ranked above. 2. **Date of Birth:** If written test marks are also equal, the candidate born earlier (older in age) will be placed higher in the merit list.

As per Clause 11(v) of Advertisement No. PHC/03/2026: - The Select List / Panel (Waiting List) prepared shall remain valid for a period of **one (01) year** from the date of its approval by the Competent Authority. - Its validity may be extended for another one year in case of administrative exigency. - The appointed candidate must join within the period specified in the appointment letter; seniority is determined by date of joining.

As on **01.01.2026**, the applicant must possess: 1. **Bachelor's Degree:** Graduation in any discipline (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., B.Tech., BBA, BCA, etc.) from a recognized University / Institution recognized by UGC/AICTE. 2. Degree completed on or before the crucial date (01.01.2026) is mandatory; candidates awaiting final year results are not eligible.

In addition to graduation, applicants must hold: - **Diploma / Certificate:** At least **six (06) months' course in Computer Application** from a recognized institution (e.g. DCA, PGDCA, ADCA, or equivalent recognized certificate). - The computer certificate must be issued on or before 27.08.2026.

Other things being equal, preference is given at the time of interview to candidates who: 1. Have served in the **Territorial Army** for a minimum period of two (02) years; or 2. Have obtained a **'B' Certificate** of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

The benchmark crucial date for reckoning age eligibility is **01.01.2026**: - **Minimum Age:** Candidate must not be below **18 years of age** as on 01.01.2026 (born not later than 01.01.2008).

Special age relaxation provisions under High Court rules: - **Central Govt / Bihar Govt Employees:** Upper age limit is relaxable by **5 years**. - **Locomotor Disabled Candidates:** Additional relaxation of **10 years** in the maximum age limit of their respective category. - **High Court Staff / Daily Wagers:** Upper age limit does not apply to persons already serving in the establishment of the Patna High Court, courts subordinate to this Court, or daily wagers.

Reservation benefits (vertical and horizontal) are applicable **strictly to permanent residents of Bihar**: - Candidates availing reservation or fee concession must upload and produce a valid Domicile (Permanent Residence) Certificate issued by the competent authority (Revenue Officer). - Candidates from other States are treated as Unreserved (General) category candidates regardless of their caste status in their home state.

Certificate validation rules as per Bihar Govt notifications: - **BC / EBC Candidates:** Must submit a valid Non-Creamy Layer (N.C.L.) Certificate for Bihar Government purposes. A caste certificate alone without NCL is invalid. - **EWS Candidates:** Must produce an Income and Asset Certificate valid for 1 year from issuance. - **Validity Cut-off:** All certificates uploaded must be issued on or before **27.08.2026**.

In compliance with Bihar General Administration Department Letter Nos. 673, 15760, and 11734: - The Caste / N.C.L. / Domicile Certificate of female candidates (including married women) claiming reservation **must be issued in their father's name and father's permanent address**, NOT in the name/address of their husband. - For married women of EWS category, the Income and Asset certificate is issued from husband's residence, but domicile must reflect father's name and address.

Locomotor disability reservation conditions: - Eligible candidates must possess a minimum of **40% permanent locomotor disability** certified by a competent medical authority. - Candidates invited for interview will be examined by a Medical Board constituted by the High Court for final verification.

Crucial Examination Regulation: - **No Scribe Provision:** The notification explicitly mandates that **there is NO provision for Scribe or extra compensatory time** in any part or stage of the examination for Locomotor Disabled candidates.

The General English section (20 Qs Prelims / 30 Qs Written Test) evaluates language proficiency: - Spotting the error & sentence improvement - Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions/articles - Synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary usage - Spellings & detecting misspelled words - Idioms and phrases & one-word substitution - Active and passive voice conversion - Direct and indirect speech narration - Shuffling of sentence parts and passage cloze test - Reading comprehension passages.

The Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning section (20 Qs Prelims / 30 Qs Written Test) covers: - **Reasoning:** Analogy, classification, series completion, coding-decoding, blood relationships, direction sense, syllogisms, and Venn diagrams. - **Arithmetic & Mathematics:** Number system, fractions, decimals, LCM & HCF, percentage, ratio & proportion, average, simple & compound interest, profit & loss, time & work, time, speed & distance, mensuration (2D/3D), and basic data interpretation.

General Awareness (10 Qs Prelims / 20 Qs Written Test) tests: - Current events of national and international importance - History of India and Indian National Movement - Indian Polity, Constitution of India, and judicial setup - Indian Economy, banking, and budget highlights - General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and environmental ecology - Books, authors, sports events, medals, and national awards.

Special focus questions on Bihar in the General Awareness section: - Ancient, medieval, and modern history of Bihar (Mauryan empire, Champaran Satyagraha). - Geography of Bihar: River systems (Ganga, Gandak, Kosi), soil classification, climate, and mineral resources. - Political structure: Bihar Legislative Assembly, Patna High Court history, and Panchayati Raj institutions. - Culture, art, folk dances, Madhubani painting, and major historical sites.

General Hindi (10 Questions in Written Test) covers: - व्याकरण: शब्द रूपांतरण, संज्ञा, सर्वनाम, विशेषण, क्रिया, काल, कारक, वाच्य - संधि एवं समास - उपसर्ग एवं प्रत्यय - अपठित गद्यांश - शुद्ध वर्तनी एवं वाक्य शुद्धि - पर्यायवाची एवं विलोम शब्द - अनेक शब्दों के लिए एक शब्द - मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियां।

Computer Awareness (10 Questions in Written Test) tests: - Computer architecture, input and output devices, memory hierarchy (RAM, ROM, Cache). - Operating System basics (Windows, Linux basics). - Word processing fundamentals (MS Word features, shortcuts, file formats). - Spreadsheet concepts (MS Excel formulas, workbooks, charts). - PowerPoint presentation basics. - Computer communication, networks, Internet, web browsers, and cyber threats (viruses, malware, phishing).

On the exam day (18 September 2026), candidates must mandatorily present at the exam centre gate: 1. **Printed Copy of E-Admit Card:** Clear printout on A4 sheet with visible photograph and barcode. 2. **Original Photo Identity Proof:** Any valid Government ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport). 3. **Passport Size Photos:** At least two (02) recent color passport-size photographs matching the uploaded application photo. 4. **Blue/Black Ballpoint Pen:** For rough work and attendance sheet signing.

Authorized identity documents under Clause 12(xx): - Aadhaar Card / E-Aadhaar printout - Voter ID Card (EPIC) - Driving License - Passport - PAN Card - Photo ID Card issued by Central / State Government or Class 10th certificate having photo and date of birth. *The name, father's name, and date of birth on the ID proof must match the admit card exactly.*

Strict security protocols are in effect at all examination centres: - **Prohibited Devices:** Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones, fitness bands, pagers, calculators, pen drives, and electronic gadgets. - **Storage:** No arrangement will be made for keeping candidates' personal belongings at the test venue. - **Dress Code:** Comfortable light clothing; avoid metallic jewelry or thick-soled shoes that trigger security alarms during metal detector frisking.

Timetable adherence rules: - Candidates must reach the examination centre strictly at the **Reporting Time** printed on their hall tickets. - Centre gates close **30 minutes prior** to the start of the examination. - Once the gate is closed, no entry is permitted under any circumstances, even if accompanied by legitimate reasons.

Appointed Ex-Cadre Assistants will serve: - **Initial Probation:** One (01) year from the date of joining the establishment. - **Confirmation:** Subject to satisfactory performance and conduct during probation. - **Service Rules:** Governed by the Patna High Court Officers and Staff Rules, 2021 as amended from time to time.

Transparency & Legal terms under Clause 12(xxvii) & (xxxii): - **RTI Policy:** Information will not be provided under the RTI Act, 2005 during the active course of recruitment. Factual information under RTI is provided only after final result publication. - **Disputes Jurisdiction:** All disputes pertaining to the conduct of the Ex-Cadre Assistant Recruitment Examination 2026 fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the **High Court of Judicature at Patna only**.