Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 27 District Judge Posts.The Delhi High Court has officially started the recruitment process for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) Examination 2026, inviting applications from experienced advocates for 27 District Judge (Entry Level) posts. This recruitment is one of the most prestigious opportunities in India’s judicial system and is aimed at legal professionals who aspire to serve in the Higher Judicial Service.
The online application process began on 1 July 2026 and will remain open until 15 July 2026 (5:30 PM). The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 26 July 2026, giving candidates a limited preparation window.
The selected candidates will be appointed in the J-5 Pay Level, with a salary ranging from ₹1,44,840 to ₹1,94,660, along with several government allowances and long-term career benefits.
For advocates who have spent years building their legal practice, this recruitment presents an excellent opportunity to transition into the judiciary and contribute directly to the justice delivery system.
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | High Court of Delhi |
| Examination Name | Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) Examination 2026 |
| Post Name | District Judge (Entry Level) |
| Total Vacancies | 27 |
| Recruitment Mode | Direct Recruitment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Starts | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 July 2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | 26 July 2026 |
| Job Location | Delhi |
| Website | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/web/recruitment |
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Vacancy 2026
The Delhi High Court has announced 27 vacancies, including both existing and anticipated positions.
Category-wise Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General | 17 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 5 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 |
| Total | 27 |
Reservation benefits for eligible candidates will be applicable according to the prescribed government rules.
Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note the important dates to avoid missing any deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 1 July 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 15 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 26 July 2026 |
| Mains Examination | To Be Announced |
| Interview (Viva-Voce) | To Be Announced |
Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Only candidates meeting the eligibility conditions prescribed under the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules can apply.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
Professional Experience
Candidates should have:
- At least seven years of continuous practice as an Advocate on the last date of submission of applications.
Eligible Judicial Officers fulfilling the prescribed service conditions may also apply if permitted under the recruitment rules.
Candidates must ensure they possess the required professional experience before submitting their application.
Age Limit
As on 15 July 2026, candidates must satisfy the following age criteria:
- Minimum Age: 35 Years
- Maximum Age: 45 Years
Age relaxation will be available for reserved category candidates in accordance with applicable government norms.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹500 |
The application fee can be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Selection Process
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment will be conducted in three stages.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is an objective-type screening test designed to shortlist candidates for the written examination.
There will be 25% negative marking for every incorrect answer.
Mains Examination
Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination will appear for the descriptive written examination.
The Mains Examination generally assesses candidates on:
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Procedural Laws
- Judgment Writing
- Legal Drafting
- Language Skills
Performance in the written examination plays a crucial role in the final selection.
Viva-Voce (Interview)
Candidates shortlisted after the Mains Examination will be called for the Viva-Voce.
The interview panel evaluates:
- Legal knowledge
- Analytical ability
- Decision-making skills
- Communication skills
- Professional ethics
- Overall suitability for judicial service
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains Examination and Viva-Voce.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Objective |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 25% |
| Purpose | Screening Test |
Only candidates securing the prescribed cut-off marks will qualify for the next stage.
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will be appointed in the J-5 Pay Level.
Pay Scale
₹1,44,840 – ₹1,94,660
Apart from the basic salary, officers will receive several benefits, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical Facilities
- Leave Benefits
- Pension Benefits
- Travel Allowance
- Other government allowances
The post offers financial stability along with excellent opportunities for professional growth within the judicial system.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready while filling out the online application form:
- LLB Degree Certificate
- Bar Council Enrollment Certificate
- Proof of Seven Years’ Practice as an Advocate
- Aadhaar Card or Valid Identity Proof
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Valid Mobile Number
- Active Email ID
How to Apply for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can complete their online application by following these steps:
- Visit the official Delhi High Court recruitment portal.
- Click on the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 application link.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in all personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Verify all information carefully before submission.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
