Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) 2026 Notification Out: Eligibility, Dates and How to Apply

The High Court of Delhi has released the notification for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) Examination 2026. This recruitment is under the 25% Direct Recruitment Quota from the Bar. A total of 27 vacancies have been announced for eligible Advocates.

This is a big opportunity for practicing advocates who want to become District Judges directly. If you are preparing for judiciary exams, this notification is worth your full attention. Let us look at the eligibility, important dates, fees and the full application process.

Delhi HJS Exam 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Candidates should note that the application window is short. It is important to apply well before the last date to avoid any last minute issues.

Application Fee

Age Limit, Vacancy Details and Qualification

The age limit for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Recruitment 2026 is 35 to 45 years. Age relaxation will be given as per the applicable rules.

Qualification required: LLB along with 7 years of experience as a practicing Advocate.

Candidates who have been continuously practicing as Advocates and fulfill the eligibility criteria under the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970 (as amended) can apply for this exam.

Selection Process

The Delhi HJS Examination 2026 is expected to be conducted in the following stages:

•        Preliminary Examination (Objective Type with negative marking)

•        Mains Examination (Written)

•        Viva-Voce (Interview)

•        Document Verification

•        Medical Examination

This pattern is similar to previous DHJS recruitment cycles, so candidates who are already familiar with the judiciary exam format will find it easier to plan their preparation.

How to Apply for Delhi HJS Exam 2026

•        Visit the official website of the Delhi High Court, delhihighcourt.nic.in

•        Open the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 recruitment link

•        Complete the online registration

•        Fill in the application form carefully

•        Upload the required documents

•        Pay the application fee online

•        Submit the application form

•        Download and print the confirmation page for future reference

Aashayein Judiciary's Point of View

At Aashayein Judiciary, we have guided many law graduates and practicing advocates through judiciary exams. Here is how candidates should approach each stage of the Delhi HJS Exam 2026.

Prelims

The preliminary exam is objective with negative marking, so accuracy matters more than speed alone. Advocates preparing for this stage should revise core subjects thoroughly and practice PYQ (previous year questions) and Mock Test papers regularly. Since this is a direct recruitment from the Bar, candidates with practical courtroom exposure should still not skip structured revision of bare acts.

Mains

The Mains Examination will test writing skill and depth of legal knowledge. Answer writing practice is essential. Candidates should focus on drafting, procedural laws and substantive laws with clear structure. Using updated Judiciary Study Material and Judiciary Notes helps in building well organized answers under time pressure.

Interview

The Viva-Voce stage checks a candidate's understanding of law, temperament and clarity of thought. Since this recruitment is from the Bar, the panel may also ask about real case experience. Advocates should be ready to discuss judgments, current legal developments and their own practice with confidence.

How to Prepare for Delhi HJS 2026

Direct recruitment from the Bar means the competition is between experienced advocates, so preparation needs to be sharp and focused. A structured plan works better than random reading.

•        Build a daily timetable covering Prelims, Mains and Interview preparation

•        Practice PYQ and Mock Test series regularly to track progress

•        Revise bare acts along with case laws relevant to Delhi and Central legislations

•        Work on answer writing speed and structure for the Mains stage

•        Stay updated with current judiciary exam notifications across states

Aashayein Judiciary, founded by Nitesh Sir, offers structured Judiciary Coaching for candidates preparing for exams like this one. The Online Judiciary Coaching programs at Aashayein Judiciary cover Civil Judge Exam and PCS J Exam preparation along with focused support for direct recruitment exams like the Delhi HJS. Candidates who want organized Judiciary Study Material and regular Mock Test practice often find guided coaching helpful, especially when preparation time is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Exam 2026?

It is a direct recruitment exam conducted by the High Court of Delhi to fill District Judge entry level posts under the 25% Bar quota.

2. How many vacancies are announced for Delhi HJS 2026?

A total of 27 vacancies have been announced, including UR, SC and ST categories.

3. What is the age limit for Delhi HJS Exam 2026?

The age limit is 35 to 45 years, with age relaxation as per applicable rules.

4. What is the qualification required for Delhi HJS 2026?

Candidates need an LLB degree along with 7 years of experience as a practicing Advocate.

5. When does the online application start and end?

The online application starts on 1 July 2026 at 10:00 AM and closes on 15 July 2026 at 5:30 PM.

6. What is the application fee for Delhi HJS 2026?

The fee is Rs 2,000 for General category candidates and Rs 500 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

7. What is the selection process for Delhi HJS 2026?

The process includes Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, Viva-Voce, Document Verification and Medical Examination.

8. When is the Preliminary Exam for Delhi HJS 2026?

The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 26 July 2026. The Mains Exam date will be announced later.

Conclusion

The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Exam 2026 is a valuable opportunity for practicing advocates who want to step directly into the District Judge role. With only 27 vacancies and a short application window, candidates need to act quickly and prepare seriously.

A clear plan for Prelims, Mains and Interview can make a real difference. If you are looking for structured guidance, Aashayein Judiciary provides bilingual Judiciary Coaching designed to help candidates like you prepare for exams such as the Delhi HJS, Civil Judge Exam and PCS J Exam with confidence.