The recent Uttarakhand Higher Judicial Service Exam for direct recruitment of Additional District and Sessions Judges (ADJ) saw zero successful candidates. The results, announced by the Uttarakhand High Court, revealed that none of the applicants met the required standards.
In a surprising development, not even one person passed the recent Uttarakhand Higher Judicial Service Exam held by the Uttarakhand High Court for directly hiring Additional District and Sessions Judges (ADJ).
The results announced recently, revealing that the competitive examination aimed to fill three vacant positions through direct recruitment from the Bar.
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Of the 64 eligible candidates, only 42 participated in the main written examination, while 22 chose not to attend.
Alarmingly, none of the 42 candidates who took the exam were able to qualify for the interview stage. The examination, which was worth a total of 600 marks, included four papers.
According to the eligibility criteria, advocates aged up to 35 years with a minimum of seven years of legal practice were eligible to apply. The minimum qualifying marks were established at 50% for General category candidates and 45% for Reserved category candidates.
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Despite the targeted recruitment effort to enhance the higher judiciary by filling three important ADJ positions, the complete lack of qualifying candidates raises significant concerns about both the level of preparation among candidates and the exam’s difficulty.
The Uttarakhand Higher Judicial Service exam is a crucial part of the state’s efforts to appoint qualified judges to handle important cases in the district courts.
The exam is known for its rigorous selection process, which is designed to ensure that only the most capable candidates are chosen to serve as judges.
However, despite the tough nature of the examination, the fact that none of the candidates managed to clear it this time has shocked many in the legal and political circles.
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The recruitment process for ADJ posts includes a written exam followed by an interview. The written exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of various aspects of law, while the interview assesses their ability to make sound judgments and handle cases effectively.
According to reports, a number of candidates participated in this year’s examination, but none were able to meet the required standard.
The failure of all candidates to clear a crucial judicial exam is not just an administrative concern but a reflection of the pressing need for reforms in legal education and training. It emphasizes the importance of aligning legal pedagogy with practical expectations, especially when it comes to filling high-responsibility roles in the judiciary.