🔴 Disclaimer: This information is provided for guidance only. The official recruitment authority is the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Candidates must refer to the official website highcourtchd.gov.in for accurate and updated information. This website is not a government entity.
Big News for Government Job Aspirants
If you are a graduate looking for a stable court job, here is your chance.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has officially announced 1265 Clerk posts for the year 2026. This is one of the largest judicial recruitment drives in recent years.
The online application window will open on 26 May 2026. Eligible candidates from Punjab, Haryana, and other states can apply online through the High Court’s official portal.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
-
✅ How many vacancies for your category
-
✅ What qualifications you need
-
✅ What is the exact salary
-
✅ How to apply step by step
-
✅ What to study for the exam
-
✅ Common mistakes that reject applications
Let us dive straight in.
Recruitment at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh |
| Post Name | Clerk |
| Total Vacancies | 1265 |
| Job Nature | Permanent Government Job |
| Job Location | Punjab and Haryana (Various Court Complexes) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 26 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | To be announced |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | highcourtchd.gov.in |
Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown (Complete Details)
The High Court has distributed 1265 vacancies across multiple categories. Check your category below:
General & Reserved Categories
| Category Code | Category Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| GEN | General (Unreserved) | 141 |
| DSC | Dependent of Service Candidate | 118 |
| OSC | Other Service Candidate | 102 |
| BC-A | Backward Class – A | 145 |
| BC-B | Backward Class – B | 101 |
Special Categories (PwBD & ESM)
| Category Code | Category Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| PwBD | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 64 |
| ESM GEN | Ex-Servicemen General | 91 |
| ESM DSC | Ex-Servicemen DSC | 21 |
| ESM OSC | Ex-Servicemen OSC | 15 |
| ESM BC-A | Ex-Servicemen BC-A | 39 |
| ESM BC-B | Ex-Servicemen BC-B | 40 |
EWS & ESP Categories
| Category Code | Category Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| EWS | Economically Weaker Section | 113 |
| ESP | Ex-Servicemen (Dependent) | 25 |
| Total | All Categories | 1265 |
💡 Important: These vacancies are tentative as per the notification. The High Court may increase or decrease the numbers.
Important Dates to Remember
Mark these dates on your calendar:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 26 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | To be announced (Expected June 2026) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | 15 days before exam |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) Date | To be notified |
| Computer Proficiency Test Date | After CBT result |
| Final Result | To be announced |
⚠️ Warning: Do not wait for the last day. Server issues are common. Apply at least 5-7 days before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria (Read Carefully)
Educational Qualification
You must meet ALL of these conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Computer Knowledge | Working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel |
| Language (Hindi/Sanskrit) | Must have studied Hindi or Sanskrit up to Matriculation (10th standard) |
What does “studied Hindi/Sanskrit up to 10th” mean?
-
Your 10th marksheet must show Hindi or Sanskrit as a subject
-
OR you have passed a higher level exam with Hindi/Sanskrit
What if I did not study Hindi in 10th?
You may not be eligible. Check the official notification for exceptions.
Age Limit (As on 1 January 2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 years | 42 years |
| SC/BC of Haryana | 18 years | 47 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General) | 18 years | 52 years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC/BC of Haryana) | 18 years | 57 years (15 years relaxation) |
| ESM (Ex-Servicemen) | 18 years | As per government rules |
Note: Age relaxation is only for domicile holders of Haryana in SC/BC categories.
Nationality & Domicile
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Domicile | Candidates from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, or any Indian state can apply. However, reservation benefits apply only to Haryana domicile holders for certain categories. |
Salary Structure – How Much Will You Earn?
Selected Clerk will receive salary under the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.
Pay Scale Details
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 2 |
| Minimum Basic Pay | ₹25,500 per month |
| Maximum Basic Pay | ₹81,100 per month |
| Grade Pay | ₹2,400 (as per old structure) |
Monthly Salary Breakdown (Approximate for Fresher)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – 42% | ₹10,710 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 8% to 24% | ₹2,040 to ₹6,120 |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,200 to ₹3,600 |
| Total Gross Monthly Salary | ₹39,450 to ₹45,930 |
Annual Package
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (approx) | ₹4.8 to ₹5.5 lakhs |
| After 5 years | ₹6 to ₹7 lakhs |
| After 10 years | ₹8 to ₹9 lakhs |
| Maximum after promotions | ₹10+ lakhs |
Other Allowances & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Reimbursement | Up to ₹50,000 per year |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | Once every 2 years |
| Pension | NPS (National Pension System) |
| Job Security | Permanent government job |
| Career Growth | Promotion to Senior Clerk, Assistant, etc. |
| Leaves | Earned leave, casual leave, sick leave |
| Holidays | All court holidays (approx 100+ days per year) |
Selection Process – How You Will Be Selected
The selection process has 4 stages. You must clear each stage to move to the next.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer Based) |
| Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each wrong answer |
Subjects in CBT:
| Subject | Marks | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 |
| English Composition | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Stage 2: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Only candidates who clear the CBT (with cut-off marks) will be called for CPT.
| Test | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| MS Word | Type a paragraph, format text, create a table |
| MS Excel | Create a spreadsheet, use formulas, make a chart |
Important: CPT is qualifying in nature. Your marks in CPT will NOT be added to the final merit. You just need to pass.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be called to verify original documents:
| Documents Required |
|---|
| Class 10th Marksheet (for age proof & Hindi/Sanskrit) |
| Class 12th Marksheet |
| Graduation Degree & Marksheets |
| Domicile Certificate (if claiming reservation) |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) |
| PwBD Certificate (if applicable) |
| ESM Certificate (if applicable) |
| Aadhaar Card |
| Passport size photographs |
Stage 4: Final Merit List
| Basis | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit based on | CBT marks only |
| Tie-breaking rule | Older candidate preferred, then higher graduation percentage |
Detailed Syllabus – What to Study for CBT
Section 1: General Knowledge (50 Marks)
This section tests your awareness of the world around you.
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Last 12 months – National, International, Sports, Awards, Appointments |
| Indian History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, Freedom Struggle |
| Indian Geography | Rivers, Mountains, Climate, Agriculture, Soil |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, President, Prime Minister, Parliament, Supreme Court |
| Indian Economy | Budget, GDP, Inflation, Banking, RBI |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology – basic concepts |
| Punjab & Haryana GK | History, Culture, Geography, Politics of both states |
| Computer Awareness | Basics of computer, internet, MS Office |
Section 2: English Composition (50 Marks)
This section tests your English language skills.
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Subject-Verb Agreement |
| Sentence Correction | Identify and correct errors in sentences |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms & Phrases |
| Comprehension | Read a passage and answer questions |
| Fill in the Blanks | Choose the correct word |
| Para Jumbling | Arrange sentences in logical order |
| Error Spotting | Find grammatical errors in sentences |
| Cloze Test | Fill missing words in a passage |
Exam Pattern – Detailed Breakdown
CBT Exam Structure (100 Marks, 100 Questions, 2 Hours)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 1 | 50 | Easy to Moderate |
| English Composition | 50 | 1 | 50 | Moderate |
| Total | 100 | – | 100 | – |
Negative Marking
| Wrong Answer | Marks Deducted |
|---|---|
| 1 wrong answer | 0.25 marks deducted |
| 4 wrong answers | 1 mark deducted (equal to 1 correct answer lost) |
⚠️ Tip: Do not guess randomly. Only answer if you are at least 70% sure.
Cut-off Marks (Expected – Based on Previous Years)
| Category | Expected Cut-off (Out of 100) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 75-80 marks |
| BC-A / BC-B | 68-74 marks |
| SC / ST | 60-66 marks |
| EWS | 72-78 marks |
| PwBD | 55-62 marks |
| ESM | 50-58 marks |
Note: Cut-offs vary every year based on exam difficulty and number of applicants.
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) – Complete Guide
CPT is qualifying only. You need to score at least 50% to pass.
MS Word Tasks
| Task | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Typing | Type a given paragraph (speed: 30 words per minute) |
| Formatting | Bold, Italic, Underline, Font size, Font color |
| Alignment | Left, Center, Right, Justify |
| Tables | Create a table, merge cells, add borders |
| Page Setup | Margins, Orientation, Page size |
MS Excel Tasks
| Task | What You Must Know |
|---|---|
| Data Entry | Enter numbers and text in cells |
| Formulas | SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN |
| Formatting | Bold, colors, number formats |
| Charts | Create a simple bar chart or pie chart |
| Sorting | Sort data in ascending or descending order |
How to Prepare for CPT
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Install MS Office (2016 or newer) on your computer |
| 2 | Practice typing for 30 minutes daily |
| 3 | Watch YouTube tutorials (Hindi or English) |
| 4 | Create sample documents and spreadsheets |
| 5 | Take online CPT mock tests |
Preparation Strategy – 3 Month Study Plan
Month 1: Syllabus Completion
| Week | Focus Area | Daily Study Time |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | General Knowledge (History, Geography, Polity) | 3 hours |
| Week 2 | General Knowledge (Economy, Science, Current Affairs) | 3 hours |
| Week 3 | English Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions) | 3 hours |
| Week 4 | English Vocabulary & Comprehension | 3 hours |
Month 2: Deep Study & Practice
| Week | Focus Area | Daily Study Time |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Punjab & Haryana GK (Complete) | 2 hours GK + 2 hours English |
| Week 2 | English (Error spotting, Sentence correction) | 2 hours GK + 2 hours English |
| Week 3 | Mock Tests (Section-wise) | 2 tests per day |
| Week 4 | Weak areas improvement | 3 hours |
Month 3: Revision & Full Mock Tests
| Week | Focus Area | Daily Study Time |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Full mock tests (50 tests total) | 2 tests + analysis |
| Week 2 | Full mock tests (50 tests total) | 2 tests + analysis |
| Week 3 | Revision of important topics | 4 hours |
| Week 4 | Light revision + CPT practice | 2 hours |
Weekly Study Schedule (Sample)
| Day | Morning (2 hours) | Evening (2 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | GK – History | English – Grammar |
| Tuesday | GK – Geography | English – Vocabulary |
| Wednesday | GK – Polity | English – Comprehension |
| Thursday | GK – Economy | English – Sentence Correction |
| Friday | Current Affairs (weekly roundup) | Mock Test (1 full test) |
| Saturday | Analyze mock test mistakes | CPT practice (MS Word) |
| Sunday | CPT practice (MS Excel) | Rest / Light revision |
Recommended Books & Resources
General Knowledge
| Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| Manorama Yearbook | Malayala Manorama |
| Punjab GK (Punjab: Ek Study) | Mehak Publishing |
| Haryana GK (Haryana: Ek Parichay) | Haryana Sahitya Academy |
English Language
| Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| High School English Grammar | Wren & Martin |
Computer Knowledge
| Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Computer Awareness | Arihant Publication |
| Objective Computer Knowledge | Kiran Prakashan |
Free Online Resources
| Resource | Link/Platform |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | AffairsCloud, GKToday |
| Mock Tests (Free) | Testbook, Adda247, Gradeup |
| English Practice | EnglishClub.com |
| YouTube GK | Crazy GkTrick, Study IQ |
| YouTube English | English with Rani Mam |
Step-by-Step How to Apply Online
Follow these 10 steps carefully to avoid rejection.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Open your browser and go to:
https://highcourtchd.gov.in
Step 2: Find Recruitment Link
On the homepage, look for:
“Recruitment for the post of Clerk – 2026”
Click on “Apply Online” link.
Step 3: Register Your Account
| Field | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Name | Exactly as per 10th certificate |
| Father’s Name | Exactly as per 10th certificate |
| Date of Birth | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Mobile Number | Active (OTP will be sent) |
| Email ID | Valid (all communication will be sent here) |
| Password | Create strong password (8+ characters, mix of letters & numbers) |
After registration, note down your Registration Number and Password.
Step 4: Login to Dashboard
Use your Registration Number and Password to log in.
Step 5: Fill Application Form – Personal Details
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male / Female / Transgender |
| Category | General / SC / BC / EWS / ESM / PwBD |
| Marital Status | Married / Unmarried |
| Physically Handicapped | Yes / No (if Yes, select disability type) |
Step 6: Fill Application Form – Educational Details
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| 10th Board | Name of board |
| 10th Year of Passing | Year |
| 10th Percentage | Exact percentage |
| Hindi/Sanskrit in 10th | Yes / No |
| Graduation University | Name of university |
| Graduation Degree | BA / B.Sc / B.Com / Other |
| Graduation Year | Year of passing |
| Graduation Percentage | Exact percentage |
Step 7: Upload Documents
| Document | Format | Size | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recent Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 20 KB – 50 KB | 200 x 230 pixels |
| Signature (on white paper) | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB – 30 KB | 140 x 60 pixels |
| Graduation Certificate | Up to 500 KB | – | |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | Up to 500 KB | – |
Step 8: Preview Application
Important: Click “Preview” and check every detail carefully.
| Common Mistakes to Check |
|---|
| Name spelling mismatch |
| Wrong date of birth |
| Wrong category selection |
| Missing Hindi/Sanskrit in 10th |
| Incorrect graduation percentage |
Step 9: Pay Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | ₹1200 |
| General (Female) | ₹875 |
| SC / BC / EWS / ESM (Haryana domicile) | ₹710 |
| PwBD | No Fee |
Payment Modes Accepted:
-
Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay)
-
Credit Card
-
Net Banking (all major banks)
-
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)
Step 10: Submit & Download
After successful payment, click “Final Submit”.
⚠️ Once submitted, you cannot edit any information.
Finally, download the application confirmation page and take a printout. Keep it safe for future reference.
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
| # | Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrong category selection (e.g., General instead of SC) | Loss of reservation benefit |
| 2 | Uploading old photograph (more than 6 months old) | Rejected during document verification |
| 3 | Signature not on white paper | Application rejected |
| 4 | Incorrect graduation percentage (more than actual) | Disqualified during verification |
| 5 | Not having Hindi/Sanskrit in 10th | Not eligible |
| 6 | Applying after last date | No acceptance |
| 7 | Wrong fee payment amount | Application not submitted |
| 8 | Not taking printout of confirmation | No proof of application |
Benefits of Joining as High Court Clerk
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Prestige | Working in the High Court – high social respect |
| Job Security | Permanent government job – cannot be removed easily |
| Work Environment | Clean, air-conditioned office environment |
| Work Hours | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (fixed) |
| Holidays | All court holidays + weekends (approx 100+ days/year) |
| Salary Growth | Annual increments + DA revisions every 6 months |
| Promotion | Clerk → Senior Clerk → Assistant → Superintendent |
| Pension | NPS + Gratuity after retirement |
| Medical | Free medical treatment in government hospitals |
| Housing | Government quarters available (subject to availability) |
Previous Year Analysis (For Reference)
Punjab and Haryana High Court Clerk Recruitment 2023 (For Comparison)
| Parameter | 2023 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 892 |
| Total Applications Received | ~1,85,000 |
| General Cut-off | 78 marks (out of 100) |
| SC Cut-off | 64 marks |
| BC Cut-off | 71 marks |
| Selection Ratio | 1 candidate per 207 applicants |
Expected Competition for 2026
| Parameter | Expected |
|---|---|
| Vacancies | 1265 |
| Expected Applications | 2,50,000+ |
| Selection Ratio | ~1 candidate per 198 applicants |
💡 Conclusion: Competition is high. You need 75+ marks for General category.
Important Contact Information
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | highcourtchd.gov.in |
| Helpdesk Email | Check official notification |
| Helpdesk Phone | Check official notification |
| Mailing Address | Registrar General, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Sector 1, Chandigarh – 160001 |
Frequently Asked Questions (25+ FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are there for Clerk post?
Answer: 1265 vacancies.
Q2. When will the application start?
Answer: From 26 May 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply?
Answer: To be announced. Keep checking the official website.
Q4. What is the educational qualification?
Answer: Graduation in any discipline + computer knowledge + Hindi/Sanskrit in 10th.
Q5. What is the age limit?
Answer: 18 to 42 years for General category.
Q6. Is there any age relaxation?
Answer: Yes. SC/BC of Haryana get 5 years. PwBD get 10 years.
Q7. What is the salary of a High Court Clerk?
Answer: ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 per month (Level 2 pay matrix).
Q8. Is this a permanent job?
Answer: Yes. It is a permanent government job.
Q9. What is the selection process?
Answer: CBT → Computer Proficiency Test → Document Verification → Merit List.
Q10. Is there any interview?
Answer: No interview. Only written test and computer test.
Q11. Is there negative marking?
Answer: Yes. 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Q12. What subjects are in the exam?
Answer: General Knowledge (50 marks) and English Composition (50 marks).
Q13. Can candidates from other states apply?
Answer: Yes. But reservation benefits are only for Haryana domicile holders.
Q14. Is Hindi compulsory?
Answer: Yes. You must have studied Hindi or Sanskrit up to 10th standard.
Q15. What is the application fee for General male?
Answer: ₹1200.
Q16. Is there any fee for PwBD candidates?
Answer: No fee for PwBD candidates.
Q17. What is the Computer Proficiency Test?
Answer: A practical test of MS Word and MS Excel skills.
Q18. Are CPT marks added to the final merit?
Answer: No. CPT is only qualifying (pass/fail).
Q19. What is the passing percentage for CPT?
Answer: Minimum 50% to pass.
Q20. Can I apply offline?
Answer: No. Only online applications are accepted.
Q21. When will the admit card be released?
Answer: 15 days before the exam date.
Q22. How can I download the admit card?
Answer: From highcourtchd.gov.in using registration number and password.
Q23. Is there any bond after selection?
Answer: No bond. You can resign anytime (but not recommended).
Q24. What is the probation period?
Answer: Usually 2 years for High Court Clerk posts.
Q25. Can I get promoted to Officer rank?
Answer: Yes. Clerk → Senior Clerk → Assistant → Superintendent.
Q26. Is there a dress code?
Answer: Yes. Formal dress (shirt/tie for men, saree/suit for women).
Q27. What are the working hours?
Answer: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday).
Q28. Are Saturdays and Sundays off?
Answer: Usually yes. Some Saturdays may be working days as per court schedule.
Q29. Will I get government accommodation?
Answer: Subject to availability. You may get a government quarter.
Q30. How can I check the result?
Answer: Visit highcourtchd.gov.in → Recruitment → Clerk Result.
Final Verdict – Should You Apply?
| If You Are | Decision |
|---|---|
| A graduate looking for a stable government job | ✅ Yes, apply |
| Good at General Knowledge and English | ✅ Yes, you have advantage |
| Comfortable with basic computer (MS Word, Excel) | ✅ Yes, easy to clear CPT |
| Want job security + good salary + court holidays | ✅ Yes, perfect for you |
| Weak in English and GK | ⚠️ Start preparing now, then apply |
📢 Final Words of Advice
The Punjab and Haryana High Court Clerk Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates.
Here is what you should do today:
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Check your eligibility (Hindi in 10th, graduation) | Today |
| Gather all documents (scanned copies) | Within 3 days |
| Start studying GK and English daily | From today |
| Apply online between 26 May to last date | As soon as possible |
| Take mock tests (at least 50 before exam) | Start from Month 2 |
Remember: 1265 vacancies is a large number. Your chance of selection is higher than many other government exams.
Prepare well, apply on time, and give your best.
Best of luck for your High Court Clerk exam!
