The Patna High Court Technical Assistant selection process is unlike most government exams. It's not just a written test — there's a practical skill test worth 100 marks and a 30-mark interview. Final merit is calculated out of 330 marks, and the skill test is where real IT professionals have a clear advantage over textbook-only candidates.
Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Marks | Min. Qualifying |
|---|---|---|
| Screening / Preliminary Test (MCQ) | Qualifying only | — |
| Written Test (MCQ / Objective) | 200 Marks | 40% |
| Trade / Skill / Work Proficiency Test | 100 Marks | 40% |
| Interview | 30 Marks | 30% |
| Final Merit | 330 Marks | — |
Note: The screening test is conducted only if applications are very high. If held, it's qualifying — marks don't count in final merit.
Written Test — 200 Marks (MCQ/Objective)
The written test covers IT and computer-related topics at diploma/BCA level:
Computer Fundamentals (40-50 marks)
- Computer generations, types, components (CPU, RAM, ROM, cache)
- Input/output devices, storage devices (HDD, SSD, optical)
- Operating systems — Windows, Linux basics, file management
- Number systems — binary, octal, hexadecimal, conversions
- Software types — system software, application software, utility
Computer Networking (40-50 marks)
- Network types — LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
- OSI model and TCP/IP model — layers and functions
- IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP
- Network devices — router, switch, hub, modem, firewall
- Network topologies — star, bus, ring, mesh
- Wi-Fi standards, Ethernet, network cables (Cat5, Cat6, fiber)
Computer Hardware (30-40 marks)
- Motherboard components, processor architecture
- RAM types (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), expansion slots
- BIOS/UEFI, booting process, troubleshooting
- Printers (laser, inkjet), scanners, projectors
- Power supply, UPS, surge protection
IT Concepts & Applications (40-50 marks)
- Database basics — RDBMS concepts, SQL basics
- Cyber security — viruses, malware, firewall, encryption basics
- Internet — email, web browsers, protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP)
- MS Office — Word, Excel, PowerPoint (advanced features)
- E-governance, digital India initiatives, court management systems
- CCTV and video conferencing systems — setup and maintenance
Skill / Work Proficiency Test — 100 Marks
This is the practical test where you demonstrate actual technical skills:
- Hardware assembly/disassembly — building a PC from components
- OS installation — Windows/Linux setup and configuration
- Network setup — configuring LAN, setting IP addresses, connecting devices
- Troubleshooting — diagnosing and fixing common hardware/software issues
- Software installation — court management software, antivirus, drivers
This is where hands-on experience wins. If you've actually worked in IT support or computer maintenance, you'll score significantly higher than someone who only studied from books. Minimum qualifying: 40%.
Interview — 30 Marks
The interview tests your communication, technical knowledge depth, and understanding of the role. Expect questions on:
- Your IT experience and projects
- Court digitization — e-filing, NJDG, virtual hearings
- How you'd handle common IT emergencies in a courtroom setting
- General awareness about Patna High Court and judiciary
Preparation Strategy
- Written: Cover BCA/diploma-level computer science. NCERT Computer Science Class 11-12 + networking fundamentals from any standard book.
- Skill test: If possible, practice hardware assembly, LAN setup, and OS installation on actual hardware. YouTube practical videos help.
- Interview: Read about e-courts project, NJDG, and Patna HC's digital initiatives.
- 40% qualifying means: You need 80/200 in written and 40/100 in skill test. Not hard — but consistency across all stages is key.
👉 Salary: Patna HC Technical Assistant Salary — Level 5, ₹38K-42K In-Hand
👉 Apply: Patna HC Technical Assistant 2026 — 53 Posts (Last Date: 30 April)