Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026 Notification Out — Direct Recruitment for District Judge Posts
The Delhi High Court has released the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) Recruitment 2026 notification for 27 District Judge posts through direct recruitment. If you are a practising advocate who dreams of sitting on the bench, this is a wonderful chance to serve the justice system. These are among the most respected government jobs in Delhi, offering a very high salary in the J-5 pay scale of Rs 1,44,840 – Rs 1,94,660 per month along with great prestige, authority, and job security.
The online application window is open now, and the last date to apply is 15 July 2026 (up to 5:30 PM). Advocates who have practised continuously for at least seven years can apply directly. In this article, we will explain everything in very simple language — vacancies, eligibility, age limit, salary, selection process, important dates, application fee, and the step-by-step apply process. Please read till the end, and keep GovtJobsAlert.in bookmarked for the latest updates.
Key Highlights — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service is the senior judicial service of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Officers selected here work as Additional District Judges / District Judges in Delhi’s district courts. This is a direct-entry route for experienced advocates into the higher judiciary — a dream role for anyone in the law and judicial field.
- Recruiting Body: Delhi High Court (Delhi Higher Judicial Service)
- Post Name: District Judge (Delhi Higher Judicial Service)
- Total Vacancies: 27 posts (24 existing + 03 anticipated)
- Salary / Pay Scale: Rs 1,44,840 – Rs 1,94,660 (Pay Level J-5)
- Job Location: Delhi (NCT)
- Last Date to Apply: 15 July 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
A total of 27 vacancies are being filled through this direct recruitment drive. The break-up is given below. Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) will be applied as per the rules mentioned in the official notification, including some backlog reserved vacancies.
| Vacancy Type | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Existing Vacancies | 24 |
| Anticipated Vacancies | 03 |
| Total | 27 |
Eligibility Criteria — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
Before applying, please check that you meet both the qualification and the age rules. Since this is a direct-recruitment route into the higher judiciary, the experience requirement is strict.
Educational Qualification
- Must be a law graduate (LLB) and enrolled as an advocate.
- Must have been continuously practising as an advocate for not less than seven years as on the last date of receipt of applications.
- Candidates who have combined experience of seven years or more as an advocate or as a Judicial Officer (as on the last date) are also eligible. A degree in law and judicial studies is the base requirement.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 35 years
- Maximum Age: 45 years (must not have attained 45 years as on the last date of receipt of application)
- Age relaxation for reserved categories will be as per Delhi High Court rules.
What is the Salary for Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026?
The salary for a District Judge under the Delhi Higher Judicial Service is one of the biggest attractions of this job. Members of the service are placed in the J-5 pay scale, which is a senior judicial pay band.
- Pay Scale: Rs 1,44,840 – Rs 1,94,660
- Basic Pay (Starting): Rs 1,44,840 per month
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other benefits as per rules
Along with the basic pay, judges receive dearness allowance, official residence or HRA, and other judicial perks, making the total monthly package very attractive and among the highest in the government sector.
Besides money, the post carries deep respect, authority in the courtroom, and complete job security — things very few careers can offer.
What is the Selection Process for Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026?
The selection is done through a three-stage examination process. Every stage is important, so plan your exam preparation and syllabus carefully.
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): A screening test with objective questions and 25% negative marking. It is only for shortlisting candidates for the Mains and its marks are not counted in the final merit.
- Mains Examination (Written): A descriptive written exam to test deep legal knowledge, judgement-writing and understanding of law.
- Viva-Voce (Interview): Candidates who clear the Mains are called for a personal interview, which checks overall suitability for the bench.
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of the Mains Examination and the Viva-Voce together.
How to Apply Online for Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026?
Applying is fully online. Follow these steps carefully and complete the form before the last date to avoid the last-minute rush.
- Visit the official Delhi High Court application portal (link given in Essential Links below).
- Register yourself using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal, educational and Bar enrolment details correctly.
- Upload the scanned documents, photograph and signature in the required format.
- Pay the application fee online through Debit Card, Credit Card or Internet Banking.
- Submit the form and download a printout of the final application for your records.
Documents Required for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Application
Keep these documents ready in scanned form before you start filling the online form:
- LLB degree certificate and mark sheets
- Bar Council enrolment certificate
- Proof of continuous practice (7 years) as an advocate
- Date of birth proof (Class 10 certificate)
- Category / caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature
Important Dates — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
Note down these dates so you never miss a deadline. The most important one is the last date to submit the online form.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Online Application & Fee Payment | 15 July 2026 (up to 5:30 PM) |
| Preliminary Examination | To be announced |
Application Fees — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. The fee depends on your category, as shown below.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs 2,000 |
| Reserved (SC / ST) | Rs 500 |
Payment can be made through Debit Card, Credit Card or Internet Banking. Please pay the fee only once.
Preparation Tips for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Exam
Don’t worry if the syllabus feels heavy — steady daily study is the key. Focus first on the core subjects: the Constitution, CPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act, Contract Act, and important local Delhi laws. Practise judgement writing and legal drafting for the Mains, because that is where many strong candidates lose marks. Read recent Supreme Court and Delhi High Court judgments to stay current. Solve previous years’ papers under timed conditions, and revise regularly so that your seven years of court experience turns into confident answers on exam day.
Essential Links — Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026
- Visit Delhi High Court Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
Becoming a District Judge is a proud milestone in any advocate’s career, and the Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026 gives you a direct path to it. If you meet the seven-year practice rule, prepare well and apply confidently before 15 July 2026. For more law and judicial job notifications and exam updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.