Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026 notification has been released on 01 July 2026 for 27 positions across General, SC, ST, and PwD categories. This is a prestigious judicial recruitment offering positions at the J-5 pay scale (₹1,44,840-₹1,94,660) for qualified legal professionals. Candidates with a minimum of 7 years of continuous practice as an Advocate or equivalent judicial experience can apply online through https://www.delhihighcourt.nic.in before 15 July 2026 at 17:30 Hrs.
With the application window closing in approximately two weeks, eligible candidates must initiate their registration immediately to avoid missing this opportunity for a central government judicial appointment.
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 (DHJSE 2026) |
| Organization | High Court of Delhi, New Delhi |
| Total Vacancies | 27 (24 Existing + 03 Anticipated) |
| Last Date to Apply | 15/07/2026 (17:30 Hrs.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 26/07/2026 (Sunday), 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Pay Scale | ₹1,44,840-₹1,94,660 (J-5) |
| Official Website | https://www.delhihighcourt.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 01/07/2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01/07/2026 (10:00 Hrs.) |
| Online Application Last Date | 15/07/2026 (17:30 Hrs.) |
| Delhi HJS Preliminary Examination | 26/07/2026 (Sunday), 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Mains Examination (Written) | To be notified after the Preliminary Exam results |
| Viva-Voce | To be notified after the Mains results |
Eligibility Criteria
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026 candidates must meet both age and experience requirements as determined on 15 July 2026, the application closing date. Applicants must be Indian citizens and cannot have been dismissed from service by any government body or court.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 35 and 45 years of age on 15 July 2026. No relaxation in age limit is applicable for any category.
Experience / Practice Requirement
| Candidate Type | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Advocate | Continuously practising for a minimum of 7 years as on 15/07/2026 |
| Judicial Officer with prior Bar experience | Completed 7 years in Bar before recruitment in subordinate judicial service OR 7 years combined experience as Judicial Officer and Advocate |
| Person in judicial service | Combined experience of 7 years or more as Advocate or Judicial Officer as on 15/07/2026 |
Continuous practice for an Advocate means active engagement in legal practice without any break of more than 6 months. Experience as a Judicial Officer counts only if gained after completion of a law degree.
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Senior legal professionals with 7+ years of continuous advocacy practice seeking judicial roles with central government pay scale and pension benefits.
- Judicial Officers and subordinate judges with equivalent combined experience who wish to transition to High Court judicial service.
- In-service judges and judicial officers are seeking higher judicial positions with greater responsibility and enhanced remuneration.
- Candidates aged 35-45 years who have maintained an unbroken legal practice or judicial service experience.
Delhi HJS Vacancy 2026 – Category-wise Breakdown
| Category | Existing Vacancies | Anticipated Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 14 | 03 | 17 |
| SC | 05 (03 backlog) | – | 05 |
| ST | 05 (04 backlog) | – | 05 |
| Total | 24 | 03 | 27 |
PwD Reservation
| PwD Category | Vacancies Reserved |
|---|---|
| Blindness and Low Vision | 01 (Backlog carry forward) |
| One arm, one leg, both legs, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victim | 01 |
| Specific Learning Disability and Multiple Disabilities | 01 (Backlog carry forward) |
| Total PwD | 03 |
The 27 positions comprise both existing vacancies and positions anticipated to arise during the recruitment cycle. SC and ST categories include backlog vacancies from previous years, offering additional opportunities for reserved category candidates.
About the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Role
Members of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service serve as judges in the High Court of Delhi, responsible for hearing and deciding civil and criminal matters, issuing writs and directions, and interpreting constitutional and statutory provisions. The role requires independent judicial decision-making, conducting court proceedings, writing detailed judgments, and managing court calendars and case loads. This is a Group A (Gazetted) central government position at J-5 pay scale, offering career progression to even more senior judicial positions and membership in the High Court collegium system. The Delhi Higher Judicial Service operates under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Delhi and follows the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970, as amended, ensuring formal statutory governance and transparent selection processes.
Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹1,44,840-₹1,94,660 (Level J-5) |
| Grade | Group A, Gazetted |
Selected officers will be placed in the J-5 pay scale with full central government benefits, including pension, medical coverage, leave encashment, and other statutory entitlements. The salary structure is governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations. In-hand salary typically ranges from ₹1,50,000-₹1,80,000 monthly before location-based allowances and personal income tax deductions.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD (Identified Benchmark Disability of 40% or more) | ₹500 |
| Female (General category) | ₹1,000 |
The application fee must be paid online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI during the application window. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is withdrawn or cancelled.
Delhi HJS Selection Process 2026
Selection comprises three successive stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type), Mains Examination (Written), and Viva-Voce. Each stage has qualifying marks and advancement criteria.
Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The Preliminary Examination will be held on 26 July 2026 from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM. The exam carries 150 marks with 150 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each). Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each incorrect answer. The duration is 2 hours. Qualifying marks are 50% for the General category and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Marks in the Preliminary Examination are qualifying in nature only and are not counted toward the final merit list. Candidates admitted to the Mains Examination shall not exceed twenty times the total number of advertised vacancies per category.
Preliminary Exam Syllabus: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, English Language, Constitution of India, Indian Evidence Act / Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, Civil Procedure Code, Criminal Procedure Code / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Indian Penal Code / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Indian Contract Act, Transfer of Property Act, Arbitration & Conciliation Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Information Technology Act, Trade Marks Act, Copyright Act, Patents Act, and other relevant Acts as specified in the official notification.
Mains Examination (Written)
The Mains Examination comprises four papers totalling 750 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Knowledge & Language | 150 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Law – I (Civil Laws, Evidence, Constitution, IP Laws, etc.) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper III | Law – II (Property, Contract, Personal Laws, Labour Laws, etc.) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper IV | Law – III (Criminal Laws, POCSO, IT Act, Domestic Violence, etc.) | 200 | 3 Hours |
Minimum qualifying marks are 45% in each paper and 50% in aggregate for General category candidates; 40% per paper and 45% in aggregate for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Viva-Voce
The Viva-Voce round carries 250 marks. Candidates must secure a minimum 50% marks (General category) or 45% marks (SC/ST/PwD) to qualify. The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks of the Mains Examination and Viva-Voce combined. Candidates shortlisted for Viva-Voce shall not exceed three times the number of advertised vacancies per category.
How to Apply for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026
- Visit the official application portal at the High Court of Delhi website.
- Register with a valid email address and mobile number if you are a new applicant.
- Fill in personal details, including name, date of birth, citizenship, address, and contact information.
- Upload a recent colour passport-sized photograph (JPG format, size not exceeding 200 KB) and scanned signature (JPG format, size not exceeding 100 KB).
- Declare your professional category (Advocate, Judicial Officer, or Person in Judicial Service) and enter your Bar Council registration number and enrolment date.
- Provide details of your legal practice or judicial experience, including the specific duration of continuous practice.
- Select the preferred examination centre from the list of centres provided.
- Choose your category (General, SC, ST, or PwD) carefully, as most boards do not allow changes after submission.
- Pay the applicable application fee online via the payment gateway using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI.
- Submit the completed application form and retain a printout for your records (do not send it to the High Court).
Upon submission, you will receive an automated confirmation with your registration number. Save this number for future reference during admit card download and examination updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Incomplete experience documentation: Failing to ensure you have completed exactly 7 years of continuous practice as an Advocate on 15 July 2026 before applying-this is non-negotiable and will lead to outright rejection during document verification.
- Incorrect category selection: Selecting the wrong category (General instead of SC/ST if eligible, or vice versa) at the time of form submission, the category cannot be changed after application closure and may result in incorrect merit list placement or disqualification.
- Submitting printout to the High Court: Sending physical copies of your online application form to the High Court of Delhi, which explicitly states that printouts are not required and may cause processing delays or form rejection.
- OMR sheet errors during Preliminary Exam: Using erasers or whiteners on the OMR Answer Sheet, or darkening more than one oval per question, both attract automatic negative marking of 0.25 marks each.
- Missing PwD documentation deadline: PwD candidates must submit the Certificate of Limitation in Writing (Annexure A or C) at least 3 days before the examination date, or they will be denied scribe/compensatory time facility.
- Neglecting parent office notification: Candidates already in Government or Judicial service must inform their parent office of their application before submitting the form, or face complications if selected for the Viva-Voce stage.
Documents Required
Candidates declared successful in the Mains Examination must submit one set of self-attested copies of the following documents to the Joint Registrar [Examination (Judicial)], High Court of Delhi, within five days of declaration of results:
- Proof of age (Matriculation Certificate or equivalent)
- Mark-sheets and Pass Certificates of Xth and XIIth Class
- LL.B. degree or equivalent law degree (semester-wise/consolidated marksheets)
- Advocate’s licence and Bar Council enrolment certificate
- Certificate from the Bar Council certifying the period of continuous practice, countersigned by the Registrar General or an authorised officer of the High Court/District Judge
- Pass Certificate of All India Bar Examination (wherever applicable)
- Copy of order sheets/judgments (minimum 2 per year) for cases handled during the 7 years preceding 15 July 2026
- Income Tax Return Acknowledgements and Computation/Statement of Accounts for all relevant years
- No Objection Certificate (original) from the employer if currently in Government or Judicial service
- Original Caste Certificate (for SC/ST candidates) issued by a competent authority
- Original Disability Certificate (for PwD candidates) issued by the Government Hospital or the Medical Board with disability percentage clearly stated
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 15 July 2026 at 17:30 Hrs.
- Admit cards for the Preliminary Examination are released on the official website (date to be notified).
- Preliminary Examination conducted on 26 July 2026 from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM.
- Preliminary Exam results and shortlist for Mains Examination will be released after evaluation (date to be notified).The
- Mains Examination is scheduled for four consecutive days as per the official notification.
- Mains Examination results declared and shortlist for Viva-Voce released (date to be notified).
- Document verification and Viva-Voce will be conducted for shortlisted candidates (dates to be notified).
- The final merit list has been prepared and released on the official website.
- Appointment letters will be issued to selected candidates as per the merit list and vacancy position.
- Joining and assumption of office at the High Court of Delhi as per the notification.
PwD Guidelines
PwD candidates with an Identified Benchmark Disability of 40% or more are eligible to apply. PwD candidates must submit a Certificate of Limitation in Writing (as per Annexure A or C in the official notification) along with the Disability Certificate at least 3 days before the examination date to avail scribe or compensatory time facility. Scribe facility is available for candidates with visual impairment or limited handwriting capability. Compensatory time of 20 minutes is provided for every hour of examination duration.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Online Application Portal | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the minimum practice requirement for an Advocate applying for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026?
Ans. An Advocate must have continuously practised law for a minimum of 7 years as on 15 July 2026. Continuous practice means active engagement in legal practice without any break of more than 6 months. Practice in Government or High Court legal departments, or as in-house counsel, may be counted depending on the official notification’s specific clarifications.
Q2. Can a Judicial Officer with less than 7 years of experience but with prior Bar experience, apply?
Ans. A Judicial Officer is eligible if they have completed 7 years of practice in the Bar before recruitment to subordinate judicial service, OR if they have a combined total of 7 years as a Judicial Officer and Advocate as on 15 July 2026. The experience must be calculated from the date of starting judicial service or Bar practice, not from appointment to the subordinate bench.
Q3. What is the negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?
Ans. The Preliminary Examination has a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Therefore, each wrong response reduces your total score by one-quarter of a mark. Questions left unanswered attract no negative marking.
Q4. Are marks from the Preliminary Examination counted in the final merit list?
Ans. No. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are of a qualifying nature only. The final merit list is prepared solely based on aggregate marks obtained in the Mains Examination and Viva-Voce round combined.
Q5. What is the selection ratio between the main admission and the Viva-Voce shortlisting?
Ans. Candidates admitted to the Mains Examination shall not exceed twenty times the total number of advertised vacancies per category. For Viva-Voce, candidates shortlisted shall not exceed three times the number of advertised vacancies per category. This means if 5 vacancies exist in the General category, up to 100 candidates may take Mains, and up to 15 may be called for the Viva-Voce.
Q6. Is there any age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, or other reserved categories?
Ans. No age relaxation is mentioned in the official notification. All candidates, regardless of category, must be between 35 and 45 years of age as on 15 July 2026. Only PwD candidates may check the official notification for any specific age relaxation applicable to them.
Q7. What documents do I need to submit if I am selected for Viva-Voce?
Ans. You must submit one set of self-attested copies of Matriculation Certificate, graduation/post-graduation marksheets, LL.B. degree/law degree, Bar Council enrolment certificate, Bar Council practice certificate, copies of judgments or orders (minimum 2 per year for 7 years), Income Tax returns, and original Caste/Disability Certificate if applicable. All documents must be submitted within 5 days of the Mains result declaration.
Q8. Can a candidate in Government service apply without informing their employer?
Ans. While a candidate in Government or Judicial service can apply, they must inform their parent office of their application. Failure to do so may create complications at the NOC (No Objection Certificate) stage if they are shortlisted for Viva-Voce, potentially leading to disqualification.
Your Next Step
Eligible senior legal professionals must register online before 15 July 2026 at 17:30 Hrs to secure their place in this prestigious judicial recruitment. The Preliminary Examination will follow on 26 July 2026, with subsequent rounds scheduled as per official notification. Keep track of our free job alert service to receive instant updates on admit card releases, result declarations, and any schedule changes from the High Court of Delhi.
