Introduction + Quick Snapshot

If you have been tracking Delhi High Court recruitment, the official notification for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination – 2026 is finally out. The High Court of Delhi has invited online applications to fill 27 vacancies (24 existing and 03 anticipated) for the prestigious DHJS posts. This direct recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for advocates with a minimum of seven years of practice and judicial officers seeking elevation. With a lucrative pay scale and the status of a higher judicial officer, the competition is expected to be intense. The application process begins on 01.07.2026 and the last date to apply online is 15.07.2026. Candidates must ensure they meet the strict eligibility criteria before applying.

Based on official notification by High Court of Delhi. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

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Important Dates

Vacancy and Category Analysis

PwD Reservation: 3 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (40% or more) covering Blindness & Low Vision, One Arm/Leg, Specific Learning Disability, and multiple disabilities involving these.

Backlog Note: 03 out of 05 SC and 04 out of 05 ST vacancies are backlog vacancies. Also, 02 out of 03 PwD vacancies are backlog reserved vacancies from previous years (2022, 2023, 2024).

Competition Analysis: With 27 vacancies and an expected high number of applicants (given the lucrative pay and prestige), the selection ratio is expected to be highly competitive, potentially around 1:5000 or higher. General category candidates face higher competition due to more applicants, while reserved categories have a fixed quota. The PwD backlog vacancies indicate that there might be fewer applicants in these categories, potentially improving the odds for eligible candidates in these reserved slots.

Salary and In-Hand Calculation

Approximate Monthly Breakdown:

• Basic Pay: ₹1,44,840 (Minimum of Scale).
• Dearness Allowance (DA): ~46% of Basic Pay (approx. ₹66,626).
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): 24% of Basic Pay for Delhi (Class X city) (approx. ₹34,761).
• Transport Allowance (TA): ~₹7,200 + DA.

Deductions:

• NPS (National Pension System): 10% of Basic Pay + DA = ~₹21,146.
• CGHS/Income Tax: As applicable.

Final In-Hand Estimate: Taking the minimum basic pay, the gross earnings are around ₹2,53,427. After standard deductions, the approximate in-hand salary is ₹1.44 lakh – ₹1.95 lakh per month. Compared to a District Judge in a state service (which might offer around ₹1.3 lakh in-hand), this post offers more take-home due to the higher pay scale and central-style allowances under the Delhi High Court.

Candidates posted in Class X cities (Delhi) receive significantly higher HRA than those in Class Y or Z cities, a difference of approximately ₹10,000–₹15,000 per month compared to lower city classifications.

Application Fee

Payment can be made via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI. Important: The application will not be considered complete until the fee is successfully paid online.

Age Limit

For example, a candidate born on 16.07.1981 would be 45 years old on the last date (15.07.2026) and would be eligible in the General category.

Eligibility Criteria

The most common eligibility mistake for this post is miscalculating the total legal experience. Candidates must ensure their Bar registration is continuous and active for the entire 7-year period. Equivalent qualifications are not accepted; only an LLB from a recognized university meets the requirement. Final year students are not eligible to apply as they do not possess the required 7 years of experience.

Selection Process

The selection for Delhi Higher Judicial Service consists of three successive stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It is objective with a negative marking of 25% for every wrong answer. The exam is scheduled for 26.07.2026.

2. Mains Examination (Written)

Candidates who clear the Prelims will appear for the written Mains Examination. This stage is merit-based and determines who is called for the final interview.

3. Viva-Voce (Interview)

The final stage is an interview/personality test. The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks of the Mains and the Viva-Voce.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Download and save a copy of your submitted application form for future reference.
2. Review the detailed exam instructions on the Delhi High Court portal.
3. Start preparing a structured study plan focusing on the DHJS syllabus.
4. Collect and verify all your legal practice certificates and documents.
5. Keep checking the Delhi High Court official website for any amendments or new information regarding the exam.

Exam Syllabus

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How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply online for DHJS 2026:

1. Visit the official website: delhihighcourt.nic.in.
2. Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Public Appointments” section.
3. Find the link for “Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination – 2026” and click on it.
4. Click on “New Registration” to create a login.
5. Fill in all personal, educational, and professional details accurately in the online form.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified format.
7. Pay the application fee using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
8. Submit the form and take a printout of the final confirmation for your records.

FAQ

What is approximate in-hand salary for DHJS after deductions?

Approximately ₹1.44 lakh to ₹1.95 lakh per month after standard deductions. This estimate is based on the minimum pay scale of ₹1,44,840 plus allowances, with deductions for NPS, CGHS, and tax.

What is last date to apply for Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026?

Based on the official notification, the last date for submitting the online application and making the payment is 15.07.2026 (up to 5:30 PM).

How many vacancies are available in DHJS 2026?

A total of 27 vacancies are available (24 existing and 03 anticipated) to be filled through direct recruitment.

What is the minimum educational qualification for this post?

Candidates with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university are eligible, provided they have the requisite 7 years of experience.

What is the age limit for General category candidates?

Candidates must have attained the age of 35 years and must not have attained the age of 45 years as on 15.07.2026.

What is age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates?

SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation (up to 50 years), and OBC candidates get 3 years (up to 48 years) as per the notification.

What is the application fee for DHJS 2026?

The application fee for General category candidates is ₹2,000, while SC/ST/PwD candidates are required to pay ₹500.

Can final year law students apply for this exam?

As per the notification, candidates must have 7 years of experience as of 15.07.2026, hence final year law students are not eligible.

What documents are required to apply for DHJS?

You need a valid email ID, passport photo, signature, LLB certificate, 7 years of experience certificate, Aadhar card, and category certificate if applicable.

Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Examination?

Yes, there is a 25% negative marking for incorrect answers in the Objective Type Preliminary Examination.