The Allahabad High Court Private Secretary (Grade I) recruitment 2026 offers 195 posts with a unique four-stage selection: Written Exam → Shorthand Test → Typing Test → Document Verification. The written exam is 150 MCQs / 150 marks / 2 hours with no negative marking — making accuracy strategy different from most competitive exams. The highest-weighted and most exam-specific section is General Law (25 marks). This guide covers practice questions, section-wise strategy, shorthand/typing preparation, and an 8-week plan.
Allahabad HC PS Written Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge (GK) | 40 | 40 | — | UP-specific GK, Polity, History, Current Affairs |
| Hindi Language | 30 | 30 | — | Grammar, Samasa, Muhavare, Shuddhi, Comprehension |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | — | Grammar, Vocabulary, RC, Error Detection |
| General Law | 25 | 25 | — | Constitution, IPC, CPC, Evidence Act, HC structure |
| Computer Knowledge | 25 | 25 | — | MS Office, Internet, OS, Hardware/Software |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 2 Hours | No negative marking — attempt all |
Selection Process — All Four Stages
| Stage | Test | Standard / Speed Required | Qualifying Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Examination (MCQ) | 150 marks / 2 hours / no neg marking | Merit-based ranking |
| Stage 2 | Shorthand Test (English) | 100 words per minute dictation + transcription | Qualifying |
| Stage 2 | Shorthand Test (Hindi) | 80 words per minute dictation + transcription | Qualifying |
| Stage 3 | Typing Test (English) | 40 words per minute on computer | Qualifying |
| Stage 3 | Typing Test (Hindi) | 30 words per minute on computer | Qualifying |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification | Original documents and certificates | Final confirmation |
Allahabad HC & Judiciary Practice Questions
The General Law (25 marks) and GK (40 marks) sections both reward Judiciary-specific knowledge. These questions appear frequently — master them.
Q1. In which year was the Allahabad High Court established?
Answer: 1866
The Allahabad High Court was established on 17 March 1866 as the "High Court of Judicature at Allahabad" under the High Courts Act 1861. It was created for the North-Western Provinces and was renamed Allahabad High Court in 1919. It is among the oldest and largest High Courts in India.
Q2. The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court was established in which year?
Answer: 1948
The permanent Bench at Lucknow was established in 1948 to provide judicial access to litigants from the Avadh region (former princely state integrated into UP). The Principal Seat remains at Prayagraj (Allahabad).
Q3. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution are High Courts for each State established?
Answer: Article 214
Article 214 mandates that there shall be a High Court for each State. Article 215 declares that every HC shall be a court of record. The appointment of HC judges is under Article 217 (by President in consultation with CJI, Governor, and Chief Justice of that HC).
Q4. Who issues the writ of Habeas Corpus, and what does it command?
Answer: Courts (HC or SC) issue it; it commands production of the detained person before the court.
Habeas Corpus = "produce the body." It is the most immediate writ for personal liberty (Article 21). The court examines the legality of detention — if detention is unlawful, the court orders release. It can be issued against any person or authority, including the State.
Q5. Which writ directs a lower court to send its records to a higher court for review?
Answer: Certiorari
Certiorari is issued to quash an inferior court's or tribunal's order made without jurisdiction or in violation of natural justice. Remember the five writs: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, Quo Warranto — mnemonic: HaMPCQ.
Q6. Under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), in which court should a plaint be filed?
Answer: The court of the lowest grade competent to try it (Section 15, CPC).
Section 15 CPC: "Every suit shall be instituted in the Court of the lowest grade competent to try it." This prevents overburdening higher courts with suits that can be decided by subordinate courts. Pecuniary jurisdiction determines which court is competent.
Q7. What is the limitation period for filing a civil suit for breach of a simple contract under the Limitation Act 1963?
Answer: 3 years from the date when the right to sue first accrues (i.e., date of breach).
Key limitation periods: Contract suits = 3 years; Recovery of immovable property (adverse possession) = 12 years; Appeal from decree = 30–90 days (varies). The Limitation Act 1963 does not extinguish rights — it only bars the remedy.
Q8. Under Article 141 of the Constitution, which court's law is binding on all courts in India?
Answer: The Supreme Court of India
Article 141: "The law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India." This makes SC precedent (ratio decidendi) mandatory for all High Courts and subordinate courts. Obiter dicta (passing remarks) are persuasive, not binding.
Q9. Under the Indian Evidence Act 1872, which document is considered a 'public document'?
Answer: Documents forming acts/records of acts of sovereign authority, official bodies, tribunals, public officers (Section 74).
Examples: Acts of Parliament, Gazettes, official registers, court records. Private documents (Section 75) are all others. Certified copies of public documents are admissible without production of the original (Section 77).
Five Writs — Quick Comparison Table
| Writ | Literal Meaning | Issued Against | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habeas Corpus | Produce the body | Any person/authority detaining | Release from unlawful detention |
| Mandamus | We command | Public authority, lower court | Compel performance of public duty |
| Prohibition | To forbid | Inferior courts/tribunals | Stop proceedings beyond jurisdiction |
| Certiorari | To be certified | Inferior courts/quasi-judicial | Quash orders made without jurisdiction |
| Quo Warranto | By what authority | Person holding public office | Challenge unlawful occupation of public office |
General Law — Key Acts Quick Reference
| Act / Law | Key Provision | Exam Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution of India | Articles 214–231: High Courts; Art 141: SC binding; Art 226: HC writ power | 3–5 questions expected |
| Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC) | S.9: civil court jurisdiction; S.15: lowest court rule; Order 1–7: plaint/parties | 2–3 questions expected |
| Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) | S.299–300: Culpable homicide/Murder; S.378: Theft; S.415: Cheating; S.463: Forgery | 2–3 questions expected |
| Indian Evidence Act 1872 | S.74–75: Public/Private docs; S.101: Burden of proof; S.65B: Electronic records | 2–3 questions expected |
| Limitation Act 1963 | 3 yrs (contract); 12 yrs (land); S.5: Condonation of delay | 1–2 questions expected |
| Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 | Lok Adalat — statutory body for ADR; awards have decree status; no appeal lies | 1 question expected |
Computer Knowledge — Topic-wise Strategy (25 Marks)
| Topic | Expected Questions | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | 6–8 | Ctrl+S=Save, Ctrl+Z=Undo; Excel formulas =SUM, =VLOOKUP; PPT slide layouts |
| Internet & Email | 4–5 | HTTP vs HTTPS; URL structure; CC vs BCC; spam filters; browsers |
| Operating System | 4–5 | Windows OS; File/Folder management; Task Manager; Control Panel; Desktop icons |
| Hardware & Software | 3–4 | Input/Output/Storage devices; RAM vs ROM; System vs Application software |
| Networking Basics | 2–3 | LAN/WAN/MAN; IP address; Router vs Switch vs Hub; Wi-Fi standards |
| Cyber Security Basics | 1–2 | Virus, Malware, Phishing, Firewall; strong password rules; 2FA |
Shorthand Test — Strategy for 100 wpm (English) and 80 wpm (Hindi)
| Aspect | English Shorthand | Hindi Shorthand |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Required | 100 words per minute | 80 words per minute |
| System Commonly Used | Pitman Shorthand | Kailash Chandra System |
| Dictation Duration | Typically 5 minutes | Typically 5 minutes |
| Transcription Time | Allowed time on computer/typewriter | Allowed time on computer/typewriter |
| Common Errors | Joining outline breaks, vowel marks, blends | Matra omission, halant errors, speed outlines |
| Daily Practice Goal | 200–300 words passage at target speed | 200–300 words passage at target speed |
Typing Speed — Requirements and Practice Plan
| Language | Required Speed | Key Points | Daily Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Typing | 40 WPM on computer | Touch typing (no looking at keyboard); accuracy >95% | 15 min Keybr/TypingClub daily |
| Hindi Typing | 30 WPM on computer | Mangal font (Unicode); Remington GAIL or Inscript layout | 15 min Hindi typing tool daily |
Indicative Cut-offs (Based on Exam Pattern)
| Category | Expected Written Cut-off (out of 150) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 100–115 | No neg marking → high scores common |
| OBC | 95–108 | Verify official Allahabad HC notification |
| SC | 85–98 | Verify official Allahabad HC notification |
| ST | 80–92 | Verify official Allahabad HC notification |
| EWS | 98–110 | Verify official Allahabad HC notification |
8-Week Preparation Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Daily Goal | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | GK — Polity + Constitution + Judiciary | Study Articles 214–231, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs; 20 GK Qs/day | Constitution mastery for both GK + Law sections |
| Week 2 | GK — History, Geography, UP-specific + Current Affairs | UP districts/rivers/schemes; last 6 months current affairs; 20 GK Qs/day | 40/40 in GK section |
| Week 3 | Hindi Language | Grammar (Samasa, Sandhi, Alankara); Muhavare; Shuddhi; 20 Hindi Qs/day | 28–30/30 in Hindi |
| Week 4 | English Language | Error detection, Fill in blanks, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), RC; 20 Eng Qs/day | 27–30/30 in English |
| Week 5 | General Law | CPC, IPC, Evidence Act, Limitation Act, writ jurisprudence; 15 Law Qs/day | 22–25/25 in Law |
| Week 6 | Computer Knowledge + Full Written Mocks | MS Office shortcuts, OS, Internet; 2 full 150Q mock papers | Target 120+ in mock; Computer 22–25/25 |
| Week 7 | Shorthand Practice | English 100 wpm daily dictation passages (30 min); Hindi 80 wpm (20 min) | Build speed + accuracy; reduce error rate below 5% |
| Week 8 | Typing Practice + Final Revision | English 40 wpm (20 min); Hindi 30 wpm (15 min); 1 full mock/day | Consolidate all sections; timed revision |
• Allahabad HC Private Secretary Syllabus 2026 — Complete Exam Pattern
• Allahabad HC Private Secretary Salary 2026 — In-Hand Pay & Allowances
Stenography & Shorthand Practice Questions
The Allahabad HC PS exam tests both written knowledge and practical stenography skills. Mastering Pitman shorthand theory is as important as the typing test itself.
Q6. What is Pitman Shorthand, and what are its key principles?
Answer: Pitman Shorthand (developed by Sir Isaac Pitman, 1837) is a phonetic shorthand system — it records the sound of words, not their spelling. Key principles:
• Thickness of stroke distinguishes voiced vs unvoiced consonants (thick = voiced: b, d, g, j; thin = unvoiced: p, t, k, ch).
• Vowels are indicated by dots and dashes written near strokes — can be omitted in fast writing once context is clear.
• Stroke position (above, on, or through the line) can change meaning.
• Contraction and joining — common words have brief-forms (short symbols) to increase speed.
Hindi stenography (Devanagari shorthand) adapts Pitman for Hindi phonetics — used for Hindi language PS posts.
Q7. What is the difference between "stenographer" and "stenotypist" in the court context?
Answer:
Stenographer: Takes dictation manually in shorthand (Pitman system) and transcribes it to typewritten text. Requires dual skill: shorthand speed (80–100 WPM typically for court posts) + typing speed (English 40 WPM / Hindi 30 WPM).
Stenotypist: Uses a stenotype machine (keyboard with fewer keys; multiple keys pressed simultaneously to form phonetic codes). Less common in Indian courts but used in some high-volume court reporting.
For Allahabad HC PS: The Pitman shorthand system is specifically mentioned in the skill test. Practice on actual exam format — dictation is given at 80 WPM for 5 minutes, then transcribed in 60 minutes.
Q8. What are the key provisions of the High Courts Act relevant to PS work?
Answer: Personal Secretaries in Allahabad HC deal with orders, correspondence, and confidential matters for judges. Key knowledge areas:
• Orders and Judgments: PS must accurately transcribe judge's dictation into formal legal language. Errors can affect the outcome of cases.
• Confidentiality: All matter dictated to PS is privileged. Disclosure is a serious disciplinary offence.
• Court Language: Allahabad HC uses English as the principal language. Hindi petitions are permitted but orders are primarily in English.
• Copying and certified copies: PS may be involved in the certified copy issuance process — formal language and accuracy are critical.
Additional FAQs
Q: What is the pay scale for Allahabad HC Personal Secretary?
Allahabad HC PS pay is governed by UP State Pay Scale + court-specific allowances. The exact pay band is published in the official Allahabad HC vacancy notification. Verify from the official notification at allahabadhighcourt.in — do not rely on third-party salary estimates.
Q: How many posts are available for Allahabad HC PS 2026?
The vacancy count is declared in the official Allahabad HC notification. The 195 posts figure cited is based on reported vacancy data — verify from the official source before assuming this figure applies to your application cycle.
