The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad has officially invited online applications to fill 195 vacancies for the post of Private Secretary (Grade-I). According to the official notification released by the Establishment Section, the recruitment drive aims to strengthen the judicial support staff through a rigorous multi-stage selection process. Candidates can submit their applications via the designated National Testing Agency (NTA) portal starting March 12, 2026, marking a significant opening in the Uttar Pradesh judicial sector.
Allahabad High Court PS Grade-I Recruitment
| Feature | Details |
| Total Vacancies | 195 Posts (Group ‘B’ Gazetted) |
| Salary Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Pay Level-10) |
| Application Period | March 12, 2026 – April 1, 2026 |
| Technical Skills | 100 wpm English Shorthand; 40 wpm Typing |
| Selection Process | CBT, Shorthand Skill Test, and Interview |
| Official Website | exams.nta.nic.in/allhcre |
Detailed Breakdown of the Private Secretary Vacancy
The 195 available positions are classified as Group ‘B’ Gazetted posts. The recruitment is governed by the Allahabad High Court Officers and Staff (Conditions of Service and Conduct) Rules, 2017. This cadre is essential to the court’s functioning, acting as the primary bridge between the judiciary and the administrative documentation process.
Of the total 195 seats, the distribution follows the existing reservation policies of the Uttar Pradesh government. According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is managing the examination logistics, the application window remains open until April 1, 2026. Experts suggest that candidates apply early to avoid potential server congestion on the final days of the window.
Salary Structure and Financial Benefits
Selected candidates will be appointed under the Pay Level-10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. The pay scale ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
“The remuneration for Grade-I Private Secretaries reflects the high level of responsibility and technical expertise required for judicial documentation,” stated a senior official from the High Court administration. In addition to the basic pay, employees are eligible for the following allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Periodically revised based on inflation indices.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per the city classification (Allahabad/Lucknow).
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive coverage for the employee and dependents.
Essential Skills and Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Private Secretary (Grade-I) position, applicants must meet specific educational and technical benchmarks. Failure to produce valid documentation for these at the time of verification results in immediate disqualification.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a university established by law in India or a qualification recognized as equivalent. Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the primary functions of the role involve transcribing court proceedings, handling confidential correspondence, and drafting legal orders.
Technical Skill Requirements
The High Court has set high standards for technical competency, emphasizing both speed and precision. Candidates must demonstrate:
- English Shorthand: A minimum speed of 100 words per minute.
- English Typewriting: A minimum speed of 40 words per minute on a computer.
- Computer Knowledge: Essential knowledge of Word Processing, Data Entry, and Computer Operations.
Examination Pattern and Selection Methodology
The selection process is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skill endurance. It is divided into three distinct phases that aggregate to a total of 675 marks.
Stage-I: The Multi-Part CBT
The first stage is a Computer Based Test (CBT) held in a single shift, consisting of three parts:
- Part A (General Studies): 100 MCQs (200 marks) covering General Science, History, Indian Polity, and the culture of Uttar Pradesh. There is no negative marking in this section.
- Part B (Computer Knowledge): Candidates must reproduce a 500-word judgment format on a computer within 15 minutes. This part requires a minimum of 50 marks to qualify.
- Part C (Translation Test): A subjective test where candidates translate approximately 250 words from shorthand to English.
Stage-II: Shorthand Dictation Test
This is often considered the “Elimination Stage.” Candidates are given a 5-minute dictation at 100 wpm (roughly 500 words) and must transcribe it on a computer within 30 minutes. The qualifying threshold is high, requiring at least 160 marks out of 200. Every spelling or punctuation error typically results in a deduction of 0.400 marks.
Stage-III: Personal Interview
Only those who clear the rigorous skill tests are invited for the 75-mark interview. This stage evaluates the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and situational judgment.
Career Progression and Job Profile
A Private Secretary in the Allahabad High Court enters at a prestigious level but also enjoys a clear path toward senior administrative roles.
Duties and Responsibilities
The daily routine of a PS includes attending court sessions with Judges, taking down dictations of judgments, and ensuring the accuracy of legal transcripts. They serve as confidential aides, managing the Judge’s diary and ensuring that judicial orders are communicated to the relevant departments without delay.
The Promotion Ladder
The hierarchy for Private Secretaries is well-defined under the Allahabad High Court Private Secretaries (Conditions of Service) Rules:
- Private Secretary Grade-I (Entry Level – Pay Level 10)
- Private Secretary Grade-II
- Private Secretary Grade-III
- Private Secretary Grade-IV
- Joint Principal Private Secretary / Principal Private Secretary (Ex-Cadre high-ranking roles)
Promotions are generally based on seniority-cum-merit, ensuring that dedicated officers reach senior gazetted ranks before retirement.
Historical Context and Competitive Landscape
The role of the Private Secretary has evolved since the establishment of the High Court of North-Western Provinces in 1866. Originally based in Agra before shifting to Allahabad in 1869, the court has always relied on a “Personal Office” system to manage its massive caseload.
The competition for these 195 posts is expected to be intense. In previous recruitment cycles, the cut-off for General category candidates in Stage-I often exceeded 165 marks out of 200. This year, with the inclusion of the NTA as the conducting body, the difficulty level of the General Studies section is anticipated to be on par with other national-level competitive examinations.
Preparation Strategy for Aspirants
Given the high qualifying marks required for the Shorthand test, experts recommend a balanced approach:
- Shorthand Practice: Daily transcription of legal passages. Legal terminology differs from general English, making practice with court judgments essential.
- Typing Accuracy: In Part B of the CBT, formatting is as important as speed. Practice reproducing documents in MS Word exactly as they appear in the source.
- UP Specific Knowledge: Dedicate time to the history and current affairs of Uttar Pradesh, as “State-Specific Knowledge” is a key component of the General Studies paper.
Application Process and Fees
The application process is entirely digital. Prospective candidates must register on the NTA recruitment portal and pay the prescribed fee:
- General / OBC: ₹1,900
- SC / ST (UP Domicile): ₹1,700
The deadline for successful final transaction of fee is April 2, 2026. The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad has not yet finalized the Exam Date, but sources suggest the Stage-I tests will likely occur in the final week of May 2026.
Conclusion
The announcement of 195 Private Secretary (Grade-I) positions marks a significant recruitment event. With a starting salary nearing ₹90,000 per month (gross) and the prestige associated with the judiciary, it remains one of the most sought-after Group B posts in India. Candidates are advised to monitor the official Allahabad High Court website for further updates regarding the Exam Date and admit card release.
