DLSA Bargarh Legal Aid Defence Counsel Recruitment 2026 - Notification, Eligibility, Salary

Recruitment Overview

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bargarh, has released an official notification (Advertisement No. LADCS-01-2026) for the recruitment of 05 Legal Aid Defence Counsel posts. This is a significant opportunity for advocates specializing in criminal law to work under the legal aid system of Odisha. The recruitment is being conducted on a Contractual basis for specific posts including Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel.

Recruitment Type: This recruitment involves a Written Examination followed by a Viva-voce. It is not a direct merit-based selection; candidates must qualify in the written test to proceed to the interview stage.

Key Highlights Table

Vacancy Details (Detailed Breakdown)

The total number of vacancies is 05. The breakdown by post is as follows:

Eligibility Criteria (In-Depth)

Educational Qualification & Experience

Candidates must be enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council. Specific experience requirements vary by post:

• Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel: Practice in criminal law for at least 10 years; Must have handled at least 30 criminal trials in Sessions Courts; Must have leadership ability and knowledge of computer systems.
• Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel: Practice in criminal law for at least 7 years; Must have handled at least 20 criminal trials in Sessions Courts; Skill in legal research and IT proficiency.
• Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel: Practice in criminal law from 0 to 3 years; Good communication skills and IT knowledge.
• General: Knowledge of Criminal Laws (Cr.P.C./BNSS, IPC/BNS, Indian Evidence Act/Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) is mandatory.

Age Limit

The notification text does not specify a maximum age limit or an "Age as on" date. Candidates must refer to the official notification PDF for age criteria. Typically, legal posts have an upper age limit (e.g., 35-45 years) with relaxations for reserved categories.

Age Relaxation

Standard government rules for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen likely apply. Refer to the official PDF for specific details.

Examination Structure & Selection Process

The selection process consists of two stages: a Written Examination and a Viva-voce (Interview).

Selection Stages

1. Written Examination: Objective type (likely) or Descriptive. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks (20 out of 50).
2. Viva-voce Examination: Candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for an interview (25 marks).

Exam Pattern

Negative Marking

The notification text does not specify negative marking for the written examination. Candidates should verify this in the detailed PDF notification.

Syllabus Highlights

• Criminal Law: IPC/BNS, Cr.P.C./BNSS, Indian Evidence Act/Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
• Legal Drafting: Ability to draft legal documents.
• General Knowledge: Current affairs, basic mathematics (likely).
• Computer Proficiency: Basic knowledge of MS Office/Internet.

Application Fee

The provided text does not mention an application fee. Candidates should check the official notification PDF for fee details (if any) and payment mode (likely Demand Draft or Indian Postal Order for offline mode).

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Interested candidates must apply Offline. Follow these steps:

1. Download Form: Download the application form from the official notification link provided below.
2. Fill Details: Fill in all required details carefully in the prescribed format.
3. Attach Documents: Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (Educational Certificates, Bar Council Enrollment ID, Experience Certificates, ID Proof, Photographs).
4. Envelope Superscription: Clearly write "Application for the Post of ________" on the envelope.
5. Send Application: Send the filled application form along with attachments to the following address via Registered Post/Speed Post:

Office of District Legal Services Authority, Bargarh
Civil Court Premises, Bargarh, Odisha

6. Deadline: Ensure the application reaches the office on or before 21-02-2026 by 5:00 PM.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 11-02-2026
• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 21-02-2026
• Written Exam Date: To be notified later.

Important Links

Candidates can access the necessary links below:

• Download Official Notification PDF & Application Form
• Visit Official Website (DLSA Bargarh)