Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service HJS Online Form 2026

The High Court of Delhi has released the Important Instructions and detailed Syllabus for the prestigious Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination (DHJSE) 2026. Candidates aspiring to join the Delhi Higher Judicial Service must adhere to these rigorous guidelines, examination structures, and document verification processes.

In this comprehensive guide, we have outlined the complete exam pattern, section-wise syllabus for both Preliminary and Mains examinations, minimum qualifying marks, and crucial instructions for the DHJS Exam 2026.

1. Delhi Higher Judicial Service Exam 2026: Overview

2. Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 will be held in three successive stages:

1. DHJS Preliminary Examination: Objective type screening test with 25% negative marking.
2. DHJS Mains Examination (Written): Subjective written examination.
3. Viva-Voce: Personal Interview.

Preliminary Examination Structure

• Type: Multiple Choice Questions (Objective)
• Total Questions: 150
• Maximum Marks: 150
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Negative Marking: 0.25 Marks (25%) will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Mains Examination (Written) Structure

3. Minimum Qualifying Marks

To qualify for subsequent stages, candidates must secure the following minimum percentages:

4. Syllabus for Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination will include questions on the following topics:

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs
• English Language
• The Constitution of India
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
• The Limitation Act, 1963
• The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 & Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
• The Indian Penal Code, 1860 & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• The Indian Contract Act, 1872; Indian Partnership Act, 1932; Specific Relief Act, 1963
• The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
• The Transfer of Property Act, 1882; Sale of Goods Act, 1930
• The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
• Personal Laws: Indian Succession Act, 1925; Hindu Succession Act, 1956
• Special Acts: POCSO Act 2012, Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, DRT Act 1993, SARFAESI Act 2002, Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Industrial Disputes Act 1947, Payment of Wages Act 1936, Employee's Compensation Act 1923, Minimum Wages Act 1948, Factories Act 1948, Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, Juvenile Justice Act 2015, Commercial Courts Act 2015, Provident Funds Act 1925, IT Act 2000, Trade Marks Act 1999, Copyright Act 1957, Patents Act 1970, and Designs Act 2000.

5. Syllabus for Mains Examination (Written)

Paper I: General Knowledge & Language (150 Marks)

This paper tests the candidate's knowledge of current affairs and power of expression in English. Credit is given for substance and expression, while deductions will be made for incorrect expression, grammar faults, and wrong use of words.

Paper II: Law - I (200 Marks)

• The Constitution of India
• The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
• The Limitation Act, 1963
• The Registration Act, 1908
• The Commercial Courts Act, 2015
• The Court Fees Act, 1870
• IPR Laws: Trade Marks Act 1999, Copyright Act 1957, Patents Act 1970, Designs Act 2000.

Paper III: Law - II (200 Marks)

• The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
• The Indian Contract Act, 1872 & Specific Relief Act, 1963
• The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 & Indian Partnership Act, 1932
• Arbitration Law (The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996)
• Personal Laws: Indian Succession Act, Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, Guardians and Wards Act, Muslim Women Acts (1986 & 2019), Divorce Act 1869.
• Banking & Labour Laws: DRT Act, SARFAESI Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Payment of Wages Act, Employee’s Compensation Act, Minimum Wages Act, Factories Act.

Paper IV: Law - III (200 Marks)

• The Indian Penal Code, 1860 & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
• The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 & Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 & Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
• The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• POCSO Act 2012 & Juvenile Justice Act 2015
• Information Technology Act 2000 & Negotiable Instruments Act 1881
• Prevention of Money-Laundering Act 2002
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 & Dowry Prohibition Act 1961.

6. Document Submission (Post-Mains)

Candidates declared successful in the Mains Examination must send one set of self-attested copies of specific documents to the Joint Registrar (Examination) within five (05) days of the result declaration. Key documents include:

• Proof of Age (10th Certificate).
• Marksheets and pass certificates of 10th, 12th, and LL.B. degree.
• Advocate’s licence and enrolment certificate with Bar Council.
• Certificate of practice (7 years) duly countersigned by Registrar General / District Judge.
• Copy of order sheets/judgments (at least 2 per year) from the past 7 years showing appearances.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Statement of Accounts for indicated years.
• NOC from employer (if in Govt/Judicial service).

7. Important Instructions & OMR Rules

• Identity Proof: No candidate will be allowed entry without downloading the Admit Card and carrying an original, valid photo ID (Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar, PAN). Mobile images are not permitted.
• OMR Sheet Rules: Use ONLY Blue/Black Ball Point Pen. Erasing or using white fluid will result in a 0.25 negative mark. Rough work on OMR is strictly prohibited.
• Scribe Facility: Eligible PwD candidates (40% or more disability) must submit required medical certificates and affidavits at least 3 days prior to the exam to avail scribe/compensatory time (20 minutes per hour).

8. Quick Apply & Notification Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)