Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Online Form 2026: Notification Out, Eligibility, Age Limit, Vacancy, Fees & Apply Online
The Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Online Form 2026 has been released for the recruitment of eligible Advocates to the prestigious Higher Judicial Service. This recruitment offers experienced legal professionals an excellent opportunity to become District Judges in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Interested candidates who fulfill all eligibility conditions can submit their online application through the official website of the Delhi High Court before the last date.
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination is one of the most respected judicial recruitment examinations in India. Every year, thousands of advocates compete for a limited number of vacancies. The selection process is designed to assess candidates’ legal knowledge, professional experience, analytical ability, judicial temperament, and communication skills.
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before filling out the application form. The notification contains complete information regarding eligibility criteria, vacancy details, age limit, application fee, examination pattern, syllabus, important dates, and the selection process.
Delhi High Court HJS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Delhi High Court |
| Examination Name | Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Examination 2026 |
| Post Name | Higher Judicial Service (District Judge Entry Level) |
| Job Location | Delhi |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Examination, Viva-Voce, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in |
Important Dates
Candidates should complete the application process within the timeline mentioned in the official notification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Available |
| Online Application Start | As per Official Notification |
| Last Date to Apply | As per Official Schedule |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | As per Notification |
| Preliminary Examination | To be Announced |
| Main Examination | To be Announced |
| Interview (Viva-Voce) | To be Announced |
| Final Result | Will be Announced Later |
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final day to submit the online application to avoid server-related issues.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Vacancy Details
The Delhi High Court has announced 27 vacancies for direct recruitment to the Higher Judicial Service.
Category-wise Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 17 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 05 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 05 |
| Total Posts | 27 |
Vacancy Details Explained
The vacancies have been distributed according to the reservation policy applicable to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should ensure that they possess valid category certificates issued by the competent authority.
The High Court reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies depending upon administrative requirements. Therefore, applicants should regularly visit the official website for the latest updates.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Only candidates fulfilling all prescribed eligibility conditions can participate in the recruitment process.
The eligibility conditions include:
- Educational Qualification
- Professional Experience
- Age Limit
- Citizenship Requirements
- Character and Conduct
- Medical Fitness
Failure to satisfy any of these conditions may result in the rejection of the application at any stage of recruitment.
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 must possess the following qualification:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree from a recognized University established by law in India.
The law degree should be recognized by the Bar Council of India (BCI). Candidates must have completed all academic requirements before the last date of submitting the application.
Applicants must also be enrolled as Advocates under the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961.
Professional Experience Requirement
Apart from the educational qualification, applicants must possess adequate legal practice experience.
Candidates should have:
- Not less than seven years of continuous practice as an Advocate on the last date prescribed for receipt of applications.
Experience certificates issued by the competent authority may be required during document verification.
Only genuine professional experience will be considered for eligibility.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Age Limit
Applicants must satisfy the prescribed age criteria as mentioned in the official notification.
| Particular | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 35 Years |
| Maximum Age | 45 Years |
Age Calculation
The age of the applicant will be calculated according to the cut-off date specified in the official recruitment notification.
Candidates should verify their date of birth carefully while filling out the online application form.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available for eligible reserved category candidates in accordance with the rules applicable to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service.
Age relaxation may be applicable to:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Other eligible categories notified by the High Court
Candidates claiming age relaxation must produce valid supporting documents during document verification.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay the prescribed application fee while submitting the online application form.
Category-wise Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹2,000/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹500/- |
Payment Mode
The application fee can be paid through online payment methods such as:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- UPI
- Other Online Payment Gateways
Applications submitted without successful payment of the prescribed fee will not be accepted.
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India and should fulfill all eligibility conditions prescribed by the Delhi High Court.
Applicants should also possess good moral character and should not have been convicted of any criminal offence involving moral turpitude.
Why Choose Delhi Higher Judicial Service?
Joining the Delhi Higher Judicial Service is considered one of the most prestigious career opportunities for experienced advocates. Selected candidates become part of the higher judiciary and play a crucial role in delivering justice.
Some major advantages include:
- Prestigious judicial career
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Excellent work-life balance
- Job security
- Government accommodation (subject to availability)
- Medical facilities
- Pension and retirement benefits as per applicable rules
- Career growth opportunities
- Chance to serve the judicial system at the district level
- Opportunities for promotion to senior judicial and administrative positions
Important Official Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in |
| Recruitment / Job Openings | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/web/job-openings |
| Public Notices | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/web/public-notice |
| Higher Judicial Service Rules | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/files/2026-03/notifications-and-practice-directions/dhjs_rules_as_on_19.2.2026.pdf |
How to Apply
In the first part of this article, we discussed the overview of the Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Recruitment 2026, including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, experience requirement, application fee, and important dates. In this part, we will explain the complete selection process, examination pattern, syllabus, salary, required documents, and online application procedure in detail.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s legal knowledge, professional experience, analytical ability, judicial temperament, and communication skills.
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Written Examination
- Viva-Voce (Interview)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next phase.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. It serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
Key Features
- Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Conducted in offline mode
- Tests legal knowledge and reasoning ability
- Qualifying in nature for shortlisting
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are generally used for qualifying candidates for the Main Examination, subject to the rules mentioned in the official notification.
Stage 2: Main Written Examination
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are invited to appear in the Main Written Examination.
This stage carries significant weight in the final merit list.
The Main Examination evaluates:
- Knowledge of substantive laws
- Procedural laws
- Analytical skills
- Judgment writing
- Legal drafting
- Interpretation of statutes
- Application of legal principles
Candidates should prepare descriptive answers with proper legal reasoning and citations.
Stage 3: Viva-Voce (Interview)
The interview is conducted to evaluate the overall suitability of the candidate for appointment to the Higher Judicial Service.
During the Viva-Voce, the interview board assesses:
- Professional legal knowledge
- Judicial temperament
- Communication skills
- Decision-making ability
- Personality
- Confidence
- Ethics and integrity
- Awareness of current legal developments
Performance in the interview plays an important role in determining the final merit.
Stage 4: Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted after the interview must produce original documents for verification.
The following documents are usually required:
- LL.B. Degree Certificate
- Bar Council Enrollment Certificate
- Experience Certificate
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Government-issued Identity Proof
- Passport-size Photographs
- Application Form Printout
- Fee Payment Receipt
Any discrepancy found during verification may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
Candidates found successful in all previous stages are required to undergo a medical examination.
The medical examination ensures that the selected candidates are medically fit to discharge judicial duties efficiently.
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Exam Pattern
Although candidates should refer to the official notification for the latest scheme, the examination generally consists of the following stages.
Preliminary Examination
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Purpose | Screening Test |
| Subjects | Law & Legal Aptitude |
Main Examination
The Main Examination generally consists of descriptive papers covering various branches of law.
The written papers assess:
- Legal drafting
- Judgment writing
- Interpretation of statutes
- Civil law
- Criminal law
- Procedural laws
- Constitutional law
- Evidence
Candidates should focus on writing structured and well-reasoned answers.
Interview
The Viva-Voce is conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Examination.
The interview evaluates:
- Practical legal knowledge
- Professional experience
- Communication ability
- Judicial ethics
- Leadership qualities
- Decision-making skills
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Detailed Syllabus
Candidates should prepare thoroughly from the prescribed legal subjects.
Constitutional Law
Topics include:
- Fundamental Rights
- Directive Principles
- Fundamental Duties
- Constitutional Amendments
- Judiciary
- Judicial Review
- Federal Structure
- Emergency Provisions
Civil Law
Candidates should study:
- Code of Civil Procedure
- Transfer of Property Act
- Specific Relief Act
- Contract Act
- Partnership Act
- Easements Act
- Limitation Act
Criminal Law
Important topics include:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), where applicable
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)
- Criminal Procedure
- Criminal Jurisprudence
Evidence Law
Candidates should prepare:
- Admissibility of Evidence
- Documentary Evidence
- Oral Evidence
- Burden of Proof
- Presumptions
- Witness Examination
Commercial Laws
Important areas include:
- Company Law
- Arbitration
- Commercial Courts Act
- Insolvency principles
- Negotiable Instruments
Family Laws
Study topics include:
- Hindu Marriage Act
- Hindu Succession Act
- Muslim Personal Law
- Guardianship
- Adoption
Other Important Topics
- Legal Ethics
- Recent Supreme Court Judgments
- Recent High Court Judgments
- Current Legal Developments
- Legal Drafting
- Judgment Writing
Delhi High Court HJS 2026 Salary Structure
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service offers an excellent salary package along with numerous government benefits.
Selected candidates receive salary as per the applicable Judicial Pay Commission recommendations.
Salary Components
The salary package generally includes:
- Basic Pay
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Pension Benefits (as applicable)
- Government Accommodation (subject to availability)
- Telephone and other admissible facilities
Apart from financial benefits, judicial officers also enjoy high social respect and long-term career stability.
Career Growth
The Higher Judicial Service offers excellent promotion opportunities.
Eligible officers may be promoted to positions such as:
- Additional District Judge
- Principal District Judge
- Registrar (High Court)
- Registrar General
- Other senior judicial administrative posts
Outstanding judicial officers may also be considered for elevation to the High Court in accordance with constitutional provisions and applicable rules.
Work Responsibilities
A District Judge is responsible for:
- Hearing civil and criminal matters
- Delivering judgments
- Supervising subordinate courts
- Maintaining judicial discipline
- Ensuring timely disposal of cases
- Managing court administration
- Protecting constitutional and legal rights
These responsibilities require high standards of integrity, impartiality, and legal expertise.
FAQs & Conclusion
In the previous parts of this article, we covered the notification overview, eligibility criteria, vacancy details, age limit, application fee, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and career prospects. This final part explains the online application process, required documents, important instructions, preparation tips, FAQs, official links, and conclusion to help candidates complete their application successfully.
Documents Required for Delhi High Court HJS Online Form 2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before filling out the online application form.
Personal Documents
- Passport-size recent photograph
- Scanned signature
- Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport / Voter ID or any valid Government-issued ID
- Date of Birth Certificate or Class 10 Certificate
Educational Documents
- LL.B. Degree Certificate
- Mark Sheets of LL.B.
- University Passing Certificate (if applicable)
Professional Documents
- Bar Council Enrollment Certificate
- Certificate showing continuous practice as an Advocate (minimum 7 years)
- Experience Certificate, wherever applicable
Reservation Documents
- SC/ST Certificate
- PwBD Certificate
- Any other certificate required as per the official notification
Other Documents
- Valid Mobile Number
- Active Email ID
- Online Fee Payment Receipt
- Printed Copy of the Submitted Application Form
Candidates should ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, readable, and in the prescribed format and size.
How to Apply Online for Delhi High Court HJS Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website of the Delhi High Court:
Step 2: Open the Recruitment Section
On the homepage, click on the Recruitment or Job Openings section.
Step 3: Read the Official Notification
Download and carefully read the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 notification before proceeding.
Step 4: Register Yourself
Create a new registration using:
- Valid Mobile Number
- Active Email ID
You will receive login credentials after successful registration.
Step 5: Fill the Online Application Form
Enter all required information carefully, including:
- Candidate’s Name
- Father’s/Mother’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Category
- Address
- Educational Qualification
- Bar Council Enrollment Details
- Professional Experience
Double-check all details before proceeding.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the required scanned documents:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Educational Certificates
- Experience Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Ensure that all files meet the size and format requirements specified in the notification.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Complete the fee payment using any of the available online payment methods:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Wait for the payment confirmation before closing the page.
Step 8: Final Submission
Review the complete application form carefully.
If all information is correct, submit the application.
Step 9: Print the Application Form
Download and print the submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before submitting the application, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Read the official notification thoroughly.
- Verify eligibility before applying.
- Fill all details correctly.
- Use a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Upload only clear scanned documents.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Keep login credentials safe.
- Preserve the application printout and payment receipt.
- Regularly visit the official website for updates regarding admit card, examination dates, and results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications are rejected due to avoidable errors. Candidates should avoid:
- Entering incorrect personal information
- Using an inactive email ID or mobile number
- Uploading blurred photographs or signatures
- Providing incorrect Bar Council enrollment details
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Waiting until the last date to apply
- Not verifying eligibility before applying
- Forgetting to save the application form and payment receipt
Preparation Tips for Delhi High Court HJS Examination
Since the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination is highly competitive, candidates should adopt a disciplined preparation strategy.
1. Study Bare Acts
Read important Bare Acts regularly to strengthen your understanding of legal provisions.
2. Focus on Landmark Judgments
Stay updated with significant judgments of the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts.
3. Practice Judgment Writing
Develop the habit of writing clear, reasoned, and well-structured judgments.
4. Improve Drafting Skills
Practice drafting pleadings, legal notices, and judicial orders.
5. Revise Procedural Laws
Pay special attention to procedural laws, as they form an important part of the examination.
6. Solve Previous Year Papers
Previous question papers help understand the pattern and level of difficulty.
7. Take Mock Tests
Mock tests improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
8. Prepare for the Interview
Work on communication skills, confidence, and awareness of recent legal developments.
Why Choose Delhi Higher Judicial Service?
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service is one of the most prestigious judicial careers in India.
Some key advantages include:
- Highly respected government position
- Attractive salary package
- Excellent allowances and benefits
- Job security
- Career advancement opportunities
- Judicial independence
- Opportunity to serve society through the administration of justice
- Possibility of promotion to senior judicial positions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the full form of HJS?
Answer: HJS stands for Higher Judicial Service.
Q2. Who conducts the Delhi HJS Examination?
Answer: The examination is conducted by the Delhi High Court.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification?
Answer: Candidates must possess an LL.B. Degree from a recognized university and must be enrolled as an Advocate.
Q4. How much professional experience is required?
Answer: Applicants should have at least seven years of continuous practice as an Advocate before the last date of application.
Q5. What is the age limit?
Answer: The prescribed age limit is:
- Minimum Age: 35 Years
- Maximum Age: 45 Years
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved categories as per the official rules.
Q6. What is the application fee?
Answer:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹2,000
- SC/ST/PwBD: ₹500
Q7. What are the stages of selection?
Answer: The selection process consists of:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Written Examination
- Viva-Voce (Interview)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Q8. Where can I apply online?
Answer: Candidates can submit their online applications through the official Delhi High Court website.
Important Official Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in |
| Recruitment / Job Openings | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/web/job-openings |
| Public Notices | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/web/public-notice |
| Higher Judicial Service Rules | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/files/2026-03/notifications-and-practice-directions/dhjs_rules_as_on_19.2.2026.pdf |
| Apply Online | Available through the Recruitment/Job Openings section of the official website after the application window opens |
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Online Form 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for experienced Advocates seeking a distinguished career in the Indian judiciary. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria should complete their online application well before the deadline and begin focused preparation for all stages of the selection process.
A thorough understanding of constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, procedural laws, legal drafting, and judgment writing is essential for success. Along with strong legal knowledge, candidates should also develop analytical thinking, communication skills, and judicial temperament to perform well in the written examination and Viva-Voce.
Applicants are strongly advised to rely only on the official Delhi High Court website for the latest notifications, application updates, admit cards, examination schedules, and results. Timely preparation, careful completion of the application form, and consistent revision will significantly improve the chances of securing a place in the prestigious Delhi Higher Judicial Service.
Apply Online:-
Application Login:-
Download Notification:-
Official Website:-
Aman Saini
Aman Saini has experience in creating educational and government job-related content. He focuses on delivering accurate recruitment updates, exam notifications, admit cards, results, and career guidance for students and job aspirants.