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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking?
The official notification doesn't specify negative marking for the written test. However, prepare as if there is — accuracy matters regardless.
What level of questions should I expect — diploma or graduation level?
Diploma/BCA level. Questions test practical IT knowledge — not theoretical computer science. Focus on hardware troubleshooting, networking setup, and software usage over algorithms and data structures.
Is the skill test practical or theoretical?
Practical. You'll actually assemble/disassemble hardware, install OS, configure networks, and troubleshoot issues on real computers. Theoretical knowledge alone won't help — you need hands-on experience.
What percentage of marks comes from networking vs hardware?
Approximately 25% networking, 20% hardware, 25% computer fundamentals, 30% IT applications. But these are approximate — the exact distribution varies each year.
Can I clear the interview without IT work experience?
Yes, but having experience helps significantly. If you're a fresh graduate, emphasize your practical skills, projects, and internships during the interview. Show enthusiasm about court digitization and e-governance.
Also Read:
How to Prepare for the Practical Skill Test — Step by Step
The practical test is where most candidates panic. Written test preparation is straightforward — read books, solve papers. But practical? You need hands-on skills. Here's exactly how to prepare:
Step 1: Get a Desktop PC to Practice On
Buy an old/used desktop PC (₹3,000-5,000 on OLX) or borrow one. You need a machine you can open up, take apart, and put back together without worrying about damaging it. A laptop won't work for this — you need a proper desktop with a separate CPU cabinet.
Step 2: Practice PC Assembly — 10 Times Minimum
Open the cabinet. Remove every component — RAM, hard drive, SMPS, processor, motherboard, cables. Then put it all back together. Do this until you can do it almost blindfolded. Time yourself — you should be able to disassemble and reassemble a PC in under 15 minutes. The practical test gives you limited time, so speed matters.
Step 3: Install Windows and Linux from USB
Create a bootable USB drive (use Rufus software — it's free). Practice installing Windows 10/11 from scratch — formatting, partitioning, driver installation, activation. Then do the same with Ubuntu Linux. The test may ask you to install either OS. Practice both at least 5 times each.
Step 4: Set Up a LAN Between 2 PCs
Get an ethernet cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6, ₹100 from any computer shop). Connect two PCs directly. Configure IP addresses manually (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2, subnet 255.255.255.0). Test connectivity using the ping command. Then try sharing files between the two PCs. This is a very commonly asked practical task.
Step 5: Practice IP Configuration
Learn to configure static IP, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS on both Windows and Linux. Know the difference between static and DHCP. Practice using ipconfig (Windows) and ifconfig/ip addr (Linux) commands to check network settings.
Step 6: Troubleshoot Common Errors
Practice fixing these common problems:
- Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) — caused by driver conflicts, RAM issues, overheating. Learn to boot in Safe Mode and diagnose.
- No Network Connection — check cable, check IP config, ping gateway, check DNS. Follow this troubleshooting sequence every time.
- Slow PC — check Task Manager for high CPU/RAM usage, disable startup programs, check for malware, clear temp files.
- PC not booting — check power supply, check RAM seating, listen for beep codes, check boot order in BIOS.
YouTube Resources for Practical Preparation
You don't need expensive courses. YouTube has everything you need for practical preparation. Search for these specific tutorials:
- "PC assembly tutorial step by step" — watch at least 3 different videos to see different cabinet types
- "LAN setup between two computers" — follow along with your own setup
- "Windows 10 installation from USB step by step" — practice alongside the video
- "Ubuntu Linux installation dual boot" — important if they ask Linux
- "Network troubleshooting basics" — understand the systematic approach
- "BIOS settings explained" — boot order, secure boot, UEFI vs Legacy
Pro tip: Watch the video once, then try doing it yourself without the video. If you get stuck, watch again. This is how you actually learn — not by just passively watching.
Written Test — Topic Weightage Analysis from Similar Exams
Based on analysis of similar court IT recruitment exams across India, here's the approximate topic weightage you can expect:
| Topic Area | Weightage | Key Sub-topics |
|---|---|---|
| Networking | 25% | OSI model, TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, routers vs switches |
| Computer Hardware | 20% | CPU architecture, RAM types, storage devices, motherboard components, BIOS, peripheral devices |
| Computer Fundamentals | 25% | Operating systems (Windows/Linux), file systems, memory management, software types, binary/hexadecimal |
| IT Applications | 30% | MS Office, database basics, internet & email, cybersecurity, cloud computing basics, e-governance |
The heaviest section is IT Applications (30%) — and this is also the easiest to score in. Focus here for quick marks.
Interview Preparation — 10 Questions They'll Likely Ask
If you clear the written and practical tests, you'll face an interview. Here are 10 questions commonly asked for court IT positions:
- "Tell us about yourself and your technical background." — Keep it under 2 minutes. Education, skills, any IT work experience or projects.
- "What is the e-Courts project?" — Know about the Supreme Court's e-Courts Mission Mode Project, its phases, and objectives.
- "How would you set up a secure network for a courtroom?" — Talk about firewall, restricted access, VPN for remote hearings, regular password changes.
- "What is NJDG and why is it important?" — National Judicial Data Grid — provides real-time court data to public and administration.
- "How do you handle an urgent IT issue during a court hearing?" — Stay calm, have a backup plan (spare laptop, alternative internet), communicate clearly with the judge.
- "What is the difference between a hub, switch, and router?" — Classic networking question. Know the OSI layer each operates at.
- "Explain how video conferencing works in courts." — VC equipment setup, bandwidth requirements, recording protocols, privacy considerations.
- "What cybersecurity measures would you implement?" — Antivirus, firewall, regular updates, access control, backup policy, user awareness.
- "Why do you want to work in the judiciary?" — Talk about contribution to justice delivery through technology, job stability, meaningful work.
- "What is cloud computing and how can courts benefit?" — SaaS/IaaS basics, data backup, accessibility from anywhere, cost savings.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in the written test?
This varies by recruitment notification. Some Patna HC exams have 0.25 marks negative marking per wrong answer, while others have no negative marking. Always check the specific notification carefully. As a safe strategy, prepare as if there is negative marking — attempt only questions you're reasonably sure about.
What is the exam pattern — online or offline?
Recent Patna HC technical exams have been conducted in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode — online. The written portion is objective (MCQ), and the practical test is hands-on with actual hardware in a lab setting. The interview is in-person at Patna High Court premises.
Can I prepare for this exam alongside other government exams?
Yes, but with a plan. The computer fundamentals and networking portions overlap with SSC CGL (Tier II Computer), IBPS IT Officer, and other court IT recruitment exams across states. The practical component is unique to this exam, so allocate separate time for hands-on practice. A good approach is to combine written preparation with other exams and dedicate weekends specifically for practical skills.
