Delhi Judicial Services notification, dates, and important details
The Delhi Judicial Service (DJS) Examination is a highly competitive, prestigious state-level recruitment process conducted by the High Court of Delhi to appoint judicial officers for the cadre of Civil Judge / Judicial Magistrate First Class. Unlike standard memory-based exams, DJS tests rigorous legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, real-time application of mind, and advanced legal drafting skills.
Crucial Syllabus Focus: New Sanhitas & Local Acts
- Transition to New Criminal Laws: Candidates are evaluated on the newly enacted criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita - BNS, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita - BNSS, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam - BSA) along with relevant transitional mapping to the legacy codes (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act).
- Local & Commercial Statutes: The exam places heavy emphasis on specialized legislation, including the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958, Commercial Courts Act, 2015, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, POCSO Act, and LLP Act, 2008.
- Language & High-Weightage Translation: Mains Paper I explicitly tests candidates on English language proficiency, precis writing, essay drafting, and English-to-Hindi / Hindi-to-English legal translations.
Key DJS Examination Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Stages | 3 Stages: Prelims (200 marks) → Mains (850 marks) → Viva-Voce (150 marks) |
| Prelims Structure | Single objective OMR paper (200 MCQs | 2.5 Hours | 0.25 Negative Marking) |
| Qualifying Cutoffs | 60% (General) and 55% (Reserved) mandatory minimum in Prelims to qualify for Mains shortlisting |
| Mains Structure | 4 Written Descriptive Papers: Paper 1 (GK & Language - 250m), Paper 2 (Civil Law I - 200m), Paper 3 (Civil Law II - 200m), Paper 4 (Criminal Law - 200m) |
| Final Merit List | Calculated out of 1,000 marks (Mains 850 + Viva-Voce 150) |
Delhi Judiciary 2026 - Upcoming Dates
| Detailed Notification | August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | August/September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | To Be Announced |
| Prelims Exam Date 2026 | October/November 2026 |
| Prelims Result | To Be Announced |
| Mains Admit Card | To Be Announced |
| Mains Exam Date 2026 | To Be Announced |
| Mains Result | To Be Announced |
| Interview Schedule | To Be Announced |
| Final Result | To Be Announced |
| Selection process | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Application mode | Online |
| Exam languages | English |
| Exam location | Delhi/NCR |
| Official website | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in |
| Apply online | https://delhihighcourt.nic.in |