38 women, 2 transgender candidates among 83 new civil judges

Koppal: High court, Tuesday, notified the final selection of 83 candidates for appointment as civil judges, following the competitive written examination held in Dec 2025 and the viva-voce conducted in Jan 2026.The selection was made in accordance with the Karnataka Judicial Services (Recruitment) Rules, 2004, and subsequent amendments. The final list was prepared on the basis of merit in the written examination and interview.
Of the 83 candidates, 35 were selected under the General Merit category, including sub-quotas such as Women, Rural, Kannada Medium, Ex-servicemen, Persons with Disabilities, and Transgender. Twenty-five candidates were from the Scheduled Caste category, and ten from the Scheduled Tribe category. The remaining 13 belonged to other backward classes.Women secured a significant share, with 38 candidates selected — nearly half of the total appointments. Forty-three candidates were men. Two candidates were chosen under Transgender quota.Among the selected candidates, two individuals — Santosh Belagod and Savita Vandal from Gangavathi in Koppal district — were appointed as civil judges. Both are 26 years old and cleared the exam on their first attempt. Senior advocate Doddabasappa Halasamudra and physician Dr Shivanand Bhavikatti conveyed their joy over their selection.