The Patna High Court Technical Assistant exam is unlike any standard MCQ-only competitive exam. Final merit is calculated out of 330 marks across three stages — Written Test (200), Skill/Proficiency Test (100), and Interview (30). The Skill Test is the differentiator: it tests hands-on PC assembly, OS installation, and LAN setup — skills that book-only preparation cannot replace. This guide covers practice questions for the written test, skill test preparation, interview tips, and an 8-week plan.
Selection Process — Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
| Stage | Marks | Minimum Qualifying | Nature | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening Test (MCQ) | Qualifying only | — | Only if very high applications | Computer basics; marks do NOT count in merit |
| Written Test (MCQ/Objective) | 200 | 40% (80/200) | Merit-counting | Networking, Hardware, IT Concepts, Fundamentals |
| Skill / Work Proficiency Test | 100 | 40% (40/100) | Merit-counting | PC assembly, OS install, LAN config, troubleshooting |
| Interview | 30 | 30% (9/30) | Merit-counting | IT depth, e-Courts knowledge, court-context scenarios |
| Final Merit | 330 | — | — | Sum of Written + Skill + Interview |
Written Test — Subject-wise Distribution (200 Marks)
| Subject Area | Approx. Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Fundamentals | 40–50 | Generations, CPU/RAM/ROM, number systems, OS types, storage devices |
| Computer Networking | 40–50 | OSI & TCP/IP models, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, routers, switches, Wi-Fi |
| Computer Hardware | 30–40 | Motherboard, RAM types (DDR3/4/5), BIOS/UEFI, booting, printers, UPS |
| IT Concepts & Applications | 40–50 | SQL/RDBMS, Cyber Security, MS Office, e-governance, court management systems |
| Total | 200 | BCA/Diploma-level depth; 40% qualifying (80 marks) |
Networking & Hardware Practice Questions
The written test is IT-domain specific at diploma/BCA level. These concepts appear repeatedly — master them cold.
Q1. What does the OSI model stand for, and how many layers does it have?
Answer: Open Systems Interconnection — 7 layers.
Layers (top to bottom): Application → Presentation → Session → Transport → Network → Data Link → Physical.
Mnemonic (bottom-up): "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away". Key layer functions: Transport (TCP/UDP, end-to-end reliability), Network (IP addressing, routing), Data Link (MAC addresses, error detection).
Q2. What is the key difference between TCP and UDP?
Answer:
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) = connection-oriented, reliable, ordered delivery; uses 3-way handshake (SYN → SYN-ACK → ACK); used for HTTP/HTTPS, email, file transfer.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) = connectionless, no delivery guarantee, faster; used for DNS, video streaming, VoIP, online gaming.
Both operate at Transport Layer (Layer 4) of OSI.
Q3. What is NJDG and what is its purpose in the Indian judiciary?
Answer: National Judicial Data Grid — an online platform developed under the eCourts Project, operated by National Informatics Centre (NIC). It provides real-time data on case pendency, filings, and disposals for district courts and High Courts across India. It is accessible at njdg.gov.in and is monitored by the Supreme Court e-Committee. Patna HC Technical Assistants maintain and support court IT infrastructure that feeds into NJDG.
Q4. What is the default subnet mask for a Class C IP address?
Answer: 255.255.255.0 (also written as /24 in CIDR notation)
IP Address Classes:
• Class A: 1.0.0.0 – 126.x.x.x → Default subnet 255.0.0.0 (/8)
• Class B: 128.0.0.0 – 191.255.x.x → Default subnet 255.255.0.0 (/16)
• Class C: 192.0.0.0 – 223.255.255.x → Default subnet 255.255.255.0 (/24)
Class C supports up to 254 usable hosts per network — common for small office/court networks.
Q5. Which protocol provides secure web browsing, and which port does it use?
Answer: HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) — Port 443
HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit. Key protocols and ports:
HTTP = port 80; HTTPS = port 443; FTP = port 21; SMTP = port 25; DNS = port 53; SSH = port 22; RDP = port 3389.
Q6. What is the function of DNS in a network?
Answer: Domain Name System — translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses.
Example: When you type "patnahighcourt.gov.in," DNS resolves it to the server's IP address. Without DNS, users would need to memorise numeric IP addresses. DNS operates at Application Layer (Layer 7); uses UDP port 53 for queries, TCP port 53 for zone transfers.
Q7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer:
RAM (Random Access Memory) = Volatile (loses data when power off); stores data/programs currently in use; types: DDR3, DDR4, DDR5 (higher = faster).
ROM (Read-Only Memory) = Non-volatile (retains data); stores firmware (BIOS/UEFI); cannot be easily modified. Modern systems use EEPROM/Flash for firmware updates.
Q8. What is BIOS/UEFI and what is POST?
Answer:
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) / UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) = firmware stored on a chip on the motherboard. It initialises hardware and loads the OS.
POST (Power-On Self-Test) = diagnostic test run by BIOS at startup to check CPU, RAM, keyboard, storage, and other hardware. A beep code or on-screen error indicates POST failure. UEFI is the modern successor to BIOS with a GUI interface and support for drives >2TB.
Q9. What are the four basic SQL commands (CRUD operations)?
Answer: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
• SELECT * FROM table WHERE condition; — retrieve records
• INSERT INTO table (col1, col2) VALUES (v1, v2); — add record
• UPDATE table SET col1=v1 WHERE condition; — modify record
• DELETE FROM table WHERE condition; — remove record
Also know: CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE, DROP TABLE. Patna HC uses court management software (CIS — Case Information System) which runs on an SQL-based database backend.
OSI Model — Quick Reference
| Layer # | Layer Name | Protocol / Device Examples | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, DNS, DHCP | End-user services; data formatting for apps |
| 6 | Presentation | SSL/TLS, JPEG, MP4, ASCII | Data encryption, compression, translation |
| 5 | Session | NetBIOS, RPC, PPTP | Manages sessions (start/maintain/end connections) |
| 4 | Transport | TCP, UDP | End-to-end delivery; flow control; error recovery |
| 3 | Network | IP, ICMP, OSPF, RIP — Router | Logical addressing (IP); routing between networks |
| 2 | Data Link | Ethernet, MAC, ARP — Switch, Bridge | Physical addressing (MAC); error detection (CRC) |
| 1 | Physical | Cables (Cat5/6/fiber), Hub, NIC | Transmits raw bits over physical medium |
Skill Test Preparation — What to Practice
| Skill Area | What Is Tested | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| PC Hardware Assembly | Build a PC from components; identify and seat CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, PSU correctly | Practice on an actual desktop PC; watch YouTube teardown/build videos; know connector types |
| OS Installation | Install Windows 10/11 and/or Ubuntu Linux from bootable media; partition setup | Create bootable USB with Rufus; install Windows and Ubuntu at least 3 times each |
| LAN Configuration | Set static/dynamic IP, configure a router, connect multiple devices on a local network | Set up a small LAN at home; practice ipconfig/ifconfig, ping, traceroute commands |
| Troubleshooting | Diagnose common issues: no display, slow boot, network not connecting, printer offline | Learn symptom → cause → fix logic; practice safe mode, device manager, event viewer |
| Software Installation | Install court management software, antivirus, printer drivers; configure MS Office | Practice fresh OS installs with driver installation sequence; know Windows Update process |
Interview Preparation — e-Courts & Patna HC Context
| Topic | Key Facts to Know |
|---|---|
| eCourts Project | Phase III ongoing; computerises all district courts; provides video conferencing for virtual hearings; CIS (Case Information System) is the core software |
| NJDG | National Judicial Data Grid at njdg.gov.in; real-time case pendency data; accessible to public; 25+ crore cases tracked nationally |
| Patna High Court | Established 1916; jurisdiction over Bihar; Bench at Patna; Chief Justice appointed by President of India in consultation with CJI |
| Video Conferencing | Used for prisoner hearings from jails; saves transport; Technical Assistants set up and maintain VC infrastructure |
| e-Filing | Lawyers file cases online via eFiling portal; Technical Assistants support the system and assist filers; reduces physical queue at HC |
| CCTV & Security | HC premises have CCTV surveillance; Technical Assistants install, monitor and maintain cameras, DVRs/NVRs |
| Common IT Emergencies | Network down → check router/switch first; PC not booting → check power supply, RAM seating; Printer offline → check spooler service, driver |
Cyber Security — High-Yield Topics for Written Test
| Threat / Concept | Definition | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing | Fake emails/sites mimicking legitimate ones to steal credentials | Check sender domain; never click suspicious links; 2FA |
| Ransomware | Malware that encrypts files and demands payment | Regular offline backups; keep OS/antivirus updated; no pirated software |
| Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) | Attacker intercepts communication between two parties | Use HTTPS; avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive work; VPN |
| SQL Injection | Attacker injects malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate DB | Parameterised queries; input validation; least privilege DB accounts |
| Firewall | Hardware/software that monitors and controls network traffic based on rules | Configure ingress/egress rules; deny by default policy |
| Encryption | Converting plaintext to ciphertext using algorithms (AES, RSA) | AES-256 for data at rest; TLS 1.3 for data in transit |
8-Week Preparation Plan
| Week | Focus | Daily Goal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Computer Fundamentals + Number Systems | Binary/Octal/Hex conversions; RAM/ROM/CPU; OS types; 20 Qs/day | Strong foundation for 40–50 marks section |
| Week 2 | Computer Networking — OSI + TCP/IP + Addressing | All 7 OSI layers; IP classes + subnetting; DNS/DHCP; 20 Qs/day | Networking is highest-weight topic — aim 40/50 |
| Week 3 | Computer Hardware — Assembly + Troubleshooting | Motherboard anatomy; RAM types; BIOS/UEFI; booting sequence | Know every component by sight and function |
| Week 4 | IT Concepts — SQL + Cyber Security + MS Office | CRUD SQL; threat types + prevention; MS Office advanced features | Complete IT Concepts coverage; 20 Qs/day |
| Week 5 | Skill Test Practice — Hardware | Disassemble and reassemble a PC 5+ times; identify all components | Comfortable with PC assembly in 15–20 minutes |
| Week 6 | Skill Test Practice — OS + LAN | Install Windows 10/11 + Ubuntu; configure LAN (static IP, ping test) | OS install in <30 min; LAN setup in <20 min |
| Week 7 | Interview Prep + e-Courts Knowledge | Study eCourts Phase III, NJDG, CIS, Patna HC history; mock Q&A | Confident answers on court IT context |
| Week 8 | Full Mock Written Tests + Skill Drills | 2 full 200-mark mock papers; timed PC troubleshooting drills | Target 130+/200 written; smooth skill test execution |
• Patna HC Technical Assistant Syllabus 2026 — Written Test, Skill Test & Interview Pattern
• Patna HC Technical Assistant Salary 2026 — In-Hand Pay, Allowances & Promotion
Computer & Office Automation Practice Questions
The Skill Test for Patna HC Technical Assistant evaluates practical computer skills. The Written Test covers Computer Fundamentals, MS Office, and court-related operations. These are the most tested topics.
Q6. What is the difference between RAM and ROM, and which is relevant for computer performance?
Answer:
RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory — data is lost when power is off. Used for currently running programs. More RAM = faster multitasking. Types: DDR4, DDR5.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile — data persists without power. Stores BIOS/firmware. Cannot be easily modified.
Performance relevance: RAM directly affects speed. A computer with 4GB RAM runs 2–3 applications well; 8GB handles professional workloads; 16GB+ for heavy tasks. For court applications, 8GB RAM is a typical requirement for smooth document management.
Q7. What keyboard shortcuts are most important for court document work in MS Word?
Answer — Essential MS Word shortcuts for court/legal work:
• Ctrl+S: Save (do this every 2 minutes — critical for legal documents)
• Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y: Undo / Redo
• Ctrl+F: Find text in document
• Ctrl+H: Find and Replace (very useful for correcting party names)
• Ctrl+A: Select all text
• Ctrl+B / Ctrl+I / Ctrl+U: Bold / Italic / Underline
• Ctrl+P: Print
• Ctrl+Enter: Page break (separates sections cleanly)
• Alt+F4: Close application
• F7: Spell check
Court documents require precise formatting. Mastering these shortcuts demonstrates technical competence in the skill test.
Q8. What is the role of a Technical Assistant in Patna High Court — day-to-day functions?
Answer: The Technical Assistant in Patna HC primarily handles:
• Maintaining court records: Filing, updating, and retrieving case files in digital and physical formats.
• Data entry: Entering case details, order sheets, and judgment summaries into the Court Management System (CMS).
• Document scanning and digitisation: Converting legacy paper records to digital PDFs.
• Technical support: Assisting judges and staff with computer systems, printers, and networked devices.
• Roster maintenance: Updating cause lists, hearing schedules, and bench rosters.
The role requires both technical computer skills and familiarity with judicial/administrative terminology.
Additional FAQs
Q: What is the Patna HC Technical Assistant salary after all allowances?
The gross salary is determined by Pay Level in the 7th Pay Commission matrix plus HRA, DA, and other allowances applicable to Bihar state employees. Refer to the official Patna HC notification for exact pay scale — figures vary based on posting location and current DA revision.
Q: Is there an interview for Patna HC Technical Assistant?
Yes — the selection process includes Written Test (200 marks) + Computer Skill Test (100 marks) + Interview (30 marks) = 330 marks total. The interview component means your overall communication and professional demeanor matter alongside technical skills.
