AHC Private Secretary Grade-I Recruitment 2026: 195 Posts, Apply by April 1

The High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, through the National Testing Agency (NTA), has released an official notification for the recruitment of Private Secretary Grade-I posts. This is a significant opportunity for candidates seeking a prestigious government job within the judiciary. A total of 195 vacancies are announced for the Private Secretary Grade-I position under the Allahabad High Court Private Secretaries (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2001. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from March 12, 2026, with the application window closing on April 1, 2026. The selection process involves a multi-stage examination including General Studies, Computer Knowledge Test, Shorthand Dictation Test, and an Interview.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

The Allahabad High Court has announced 195 vacancies for the Private Secretary Grade-I post. These vacancies are subject to increase or decrease as determined by the Hon’ble Court. Detailed category-wise reservation is provided in the official notification.

Category-wise Vertical Reservation (Uttar Pradesh)

Category-wise Horizontal Reservation (Uttar Pradesh)

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria as of the closing date of application submission (April 1, 2026):

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree: Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a University established by Law in India, or a qualification recognized as equivalent thereto.
• English Shorthand & Typewriting: Good knowledge of English Shorthand with a minimum speed of 100 words per minute (wpm) and English Typewriting with a minimum speed of 40 words per minute (wpm).
• Computer Knowledge: Knowledge of Data Entry, Word Processing, and Computer Operations.

Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026)

A candidate for Direct Recruitment must have attained the minimum age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of more than 35 years. This means candidates should not be born before 2nd July 1991 and not born after 1st July 2005.

Age Relaxation

Note: Candidate claiming age relaxation in more than one category will be entitled to only one of the concessions, whichever is more beneficial. Benefits of reservation are only for candidates domiciled in U.P.

Nationality

A candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1972, with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Tanzania (formerly Tanganayika and Zanzibar) with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates under categories 2 and 3 require a certificate of eligibility issued by the State Government.

Preferential Qualification

Other things being equal, preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Served in the Territorial Army for a minimum period of two years, OR
• Obtained a ‘B’ Certificate of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

Application Fee

The application fee is payable online through the State Bank of India (SBI).

Note: Candidates seeking horizontal reservation shall have to pay fees according to their original (vertical) category. Applicable service/processing charges over and above the Application Fee are payable by the candidate to the Bank concerned. No refund of fee will be entertained once remitted.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection for Private Secretary Grade-I will be conducted in three distinct stages:

1. Stage I: Written Examination (Computer Based Test – CBT) – Total 400 Marks

   This stage comprises three parts, conducted in a single shift with a 15-minute gap between each part.

   • Part A: General Studies (For P.S. Grade-I)
     • Type: Multiple Choice Objective type test (CBT)
     • Total Questions: 100 MCQs
     • Maximum Marks: 200 (2 marks per question)
     • Duration: 90 minutes
     • Negative Marking: NO
     • Minimum Qualifying Marks: NO
     • Syllabus: General Science, History of India, Indian National Movement, Indian Polity, Economy and Culture, Indian Agriculture, Commerce, and Trade, Population, Ecology and Urbanisation (in Indian Context), World Geography & Geography and Resources of India, Current National and International Important Events, General Aptitude, Special Knowledge regarding Education, Culture, Agriculture, Industry, Trade, Living and Social Traditions of Uttar Pradesh, Knowledge of General English and General Hindi of Graduation level, Elementary Knowledge of Computers.
   • Part B: Computer Knowledge Test
     • Type: Computer Based Test (CBT) module
     • Maximum Marks: 100
     • Duration: 15 minutes
     • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 50 Marks out of 100 Marks
     • Task: Candidates will be given a copy of part of a Judgment (approximately 500 words) in ENGLISH to reproduce on the computer in the same format.
   • Part C: Subjective Type Translation Test
     • Type: Computer Based Test (CBT) module
     • Maximum Marks: 100
     • Duration: 15 minutes
     • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 50 Marks out of 100 Marks
     • Task: Translation of approximately 250 words from Shorthand to English on Computer (from Sir Isaac Pitman’s Book). This will be a Subjective Type Test.

2. Stage II: Shorthand Dictation Test – Total 200 Marks

   Candidates ten times the number of vacancies in each category, based on merit in Stage-I, will be called for Stage II.

   • Type: Computer Based Test (CBT) module
   • Maximum Marks: 200
   • Duration: 5 minutes for dictation & 30 minutes for transcription
   • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 160 Marks out of 200 Marks
   • Task: A passage in ENGLISH of approximately 500 words will be dictated in 5 minutes. Candidates will take down the dictation in Shorthand and transcribe it on the computer within 30 minutes. Required speed: English Shorthand 100 wpm, English Typewriting 40 wpm.

3. Stage III: Interview – Total 75 Marks

   Candidates three times the number of vacancies in each category, based on merit in Stage-I and Stage-II, will be called for Stage III.

   • Maximum Marks: 75

The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III Examinations (Total: 400 + 200 + 75 = 675 marks). If two or more candidates secure equal marks, the older candidate in age will be placed higher in the final merit list.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official websites. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Online Registration: Visit exams.nta.nic.in/allhcre/ or www.allahabadhighcourt.in. Register using your Email ID and Mobile Number to get a system-generated Registration Number/Application Number.
2. Complete Application Form: Log in with your Application Number and Password to fill out the detailed online application form.
3. Upload Scanned Images: Upload clear scanned images of your recent colored passport photograph (with name and date of capturing, 10KB-200KB), signature (10KB-100KB), left-hand thumb impression (10KB-200KB), Category Certificate (50KB-300KB, if applicable), Class Xth or equivalent Certificate (50KB-300KB), and Employment Certificate (optional, 50KB-300KB).
4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
5. Download Confirmation Page: After successful payment, download and print the Confirmation Page for future reference.
6. Correction Window: A correction window will be available from April 3 to April 4, 2026, for limited fields. Exercise utmost caution while filling the form.
7. One Application: Only one application per candidate will be accepted. In case of multiple submissions, only the last complete application will be considered.
8. Keep Documents Safe: Retain at least four printouts of the Confirmation Page, proof of fee paid, E-Admit Card, and 8 passport-size photographs (same as uploaded).

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The Private Secretary Grade-I position at the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad is a highly respectable and responsible role. Key duties typically include:

• Taking dictation in shorthand and transcribing it accurately.
• Managing appointments, schedules, and correspondence for senior judicial officers.
• Handling confidential documents and maintaining official records.
• Assisting with various administrative tasks and computer operations.
• Preparing drafts of judgments, orders, and other legal documents.

Career growth for a Private Secretary Grade-I can involve promotions to higher secretarial positions within the High Court, offering increased responsibilities and better pay scales. The work environment is professional and demanding, requiring precision, discretion, and efficiency. This role provides an excellent opportunity to be an integral part of the judicial system and contribute to its smooth functioning.

Preparation Tips

Comprehensive Study Plan

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus for General Studies, Computer Knowledge, and Shorthand/Typing.
• General Studies: Divide topics into manageable sections (History, Geography, Polity, Science, Current Affairs, UP-specific GK). Dedicate specific days to each.
• Shorthand & Typing: Regular and consistent practice is crucial. Aim to exceed the minimum speed requirements (100 wpm shorthand, 40 wpm typing) to build confidence and accuracy. Practice transcribing legal passages.
• Computer Knowledge: Focus on Data Entry, Word Processing (MS Word, LibreOffice Writer), and basic computer operations. Practice reproducing text accurately and quickly.
• Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests for Stage-I to familiarize yourself with the CBT environment, time management, and identify weak areas.
• Revision: Allocate dedicated time for daily and weekly revision of all subjects. Make short notes for quick recall.

Recommended Books

Based on this syllabus, here are highly recommended books:

Note: These are standard recommended books. Always refer to the official syllabus for specific topics and tailor your preparation accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to apply for AHC Private Secretary Grade-I Recruitment 2026?

The last date for online application submission is April 1, 2026. The last date for successful fee transaction is April 2, 2026.

Q2: What are the age limits for this recruitment?

Candidates must be between 21 and 35 years of age as on July 1, 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per U.P. Government rules.

Q3: Is there any negative marking in the Stage-I examination?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in Part-A (General Studies) of Stage-I.

Q4: What are the minimum qualifying marks for the Computer Knowledge Test and Shorthand Dictation Test?

For the Computer Knowledge Test (Stage-I, Part B) and Subjective Type Translation Test (Stage-I, Part C), candidates need to secure a minimum of 50 marks out of 100 in each test. For the Shorthand Dictation Test (Stage II), candidates must secure a minimum of 160 marks out of 200.

Q5: How many stages are there in the selection process?

There are three stages: Stage-I (Written Examination – CBT), Stage-II (Shorthand Dictation Test), and Stage-III (Interview).

Q6: Can candidates from other states apply for this recruitment?

Yes, citizens of India can apply. However, reservation benefits and age relaxations are primarily for candidates domiciled in Uttar Pradesh. Candidates from other states will generally be treated under the Unreserved category.

Q7: What documents are required to be uploaded during the online application?

Candidates need to upload a scanned passport photograph (with name and date), signature, left-hand thumb impression, Category Certificate (if applicable), Class X Certificate (for Date of Birth proof), and an Employment Certificate (optional).

Q8: When will the Admit Cards be released?

The Admit Cards for the examination will be announced later through a Public Notice on the official websites. Candidates are advised to regularly check the websites for updates.

Q9: What happens if I submit multiple application forms?

If a candidate submits more than one application form, only the last submitted complete application form will be considered, and the fee paid for earlier applications will not be refunded.

Q10: What should I do if I face issues during online fee payment?

If the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment, candidates should contact the concerned Bank/Payment Gateway Integrator or NTA’s helpdesk (helpdesk.allhcre@nta.ac.in) with payment details. If the issue persists, candidates may pay the fee a second time, and any duplicate payment will be refunded after reconciliation.