The Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 has been officially released on 5 October 2026 at delhihighcourt.nic.in. The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Written Examination is scheduled on 10 and 11 October 2026 for 27 posts with a pay scale of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month.
The Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 is now available for download. The High Court of Delhi has released the official hall ticket for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Mains Examination (Written) 2026 on 5 October 2026 — just five days before the exam. This guide is for practising advocates aged 35–45 years who cleared the Delhi HJS Preliminary Exam held on 26 July 2026 and are now preparing for the Mains stage. This article covers the admit card download process, exam dates, exam pattern, eligibility, salary, selection stages, and key tips for the upcoming exam on 10–11 October 2026.
- Organisation: High Court of Delhi
- Exam Name: Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Examination 2026
- Total Vacancies: 27 Posts (24 existing + 3 anticipated)
- Post Name: District Judge (Higher Judicial Service)
- Pay Scale: Rs. 1,44,840 – Rs. 1,94,660 per month (J-5 Level)
- Admit Card Released: 5 October 2026
- Mains Exam Date: 10 and 11 October 2026
- Application Fee: Rs. 2,000 (General) | Rs. 500 (SC/ST/PwD)
- Age Limit: 35–45 Years (as on 15 July 2026)
- Official Website: delhihighcourt.nic.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What is Delhi High Court HJS Examination 2026?
- How to Download HJS Mains Admit Card 2026
- Delhi HJS Mains Exam Date 2026 — Updated Schedule
- Who Should Read This Guide?
- Delhi HJS Salary 2026 — Pay Scale and Allowances
- Eligibility Criteria for Delhi HJS Exam 2026
- HJS Mains Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
- Delhi HJS 2026 Selection Process — Step by Step
- Delhi HJS vs PCS-J — Comparison Table
- Pros and Cons of Delhi HJS Examination 2026
- Important Terms Related to Delhi Judiciary Exam 2026
- Important Dates Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delhi High Court HJS Examination 2026?
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Examination 2026 is a direct recruitment examination conducted by the High Court of Delhi to appoint eligible practising advocates as District Judges in the Delhi Higher Judicial Service. It is one of the most prestigious judicial recruitment drives in India, offering a salary in the J-5 pay scale of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month.
The Delhi High Court released the official notification on 1 July 2026 for 27 vacancies — comprising 24 existing posts and 3 anticipated posts. The examination follows a three-stage selection process: Preliminary Written Exam, Mains Written Exam, and Viva-Voce (Personal Interview).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | High Court of Delhi |
| Post Name | District Judge (Delhi Higher Judicial Service) |
| Recruitment Basis | Direct Recruitment from Bar |
| Total Posts | 27 (24 existing + 3 anticipated) |
| Pay Level | J-5 (Judicial Pay Matrix) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 1,44,840 – Rs. 1,94,660/month |
| Governed By | Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970 |
How to Download Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026
The Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 is available on the official portal delhihighcourt.nic.in. Follow these steps to download your hall ticket before the exam on 10–11 October 2026.
- Visit the official website — Go to delhihighcourt.nic.in on your browser.
- Go to the Recruitment section — On the homepage, click on “Public Notices” and then select “Recruitment” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the Admit Card notice — Look for the link titled “Download Admit Card for Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Examination (Written) – 2026” and click it.
- Open the PDF — The admit card is available as a PDF notice. Follow the instructions provided to log in and download your individual hall ticket.
- Enter your credentials — Use your registered application number, date of birth, or other required login details as specified in the official notice.
- Download and print — Save your HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 as a PDF and take at least two printouts on A4 paper for use on exam day.
- Verify all details — Check your name, roll number, exam date, exam centre address, and photograph carefully. Report any discrepancy to the Delhi High Court exam cell immediately.
Carry your printed HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 along with a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driving licence) to the exam centre. Without both documents, you will not be permitted to sit for the examination. Also carry your Bar Council Enrolment Certificate as eligibility proof if requested.
Delhi HJS Mains Exam Date 2026 — Updated Schedule
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Written Examination 2026 was originally scheduled for 12–13 September 2026 but was postponed to 10 and 11 October 2026 due to the 18th BRICS Summit. The High Court issued a rescheduling notice on the official website confirming the new dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 1 July 2026 |
| Online Application Started | 1 July 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 July 2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 26 July 2026 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) |
| Preliminary Answer Key Released | 28 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Result Declared | 14 August 2026 |
| Original Mains Exam Dates | 12–13 September 2026 (Postponed) |
| Revised Mains Exam Date (Day 1) | 10 October 2026 |
| Revised Mains Exam Date (Day 2) | 11 October 2026 |
| HJS Mains Admit Card Released | 5 October 2026 |
| Viva-Voce (Interview) | To Be Announced |
Who Should Read This Guide?
- ⚖️ Practising advocates aged 35–45 years who appeared in Delhi HJS Preliminary Exam 2026 on 26 July 2026 and qualified for the Mains stage.
- 📋 Shortlisted HJS candidates who need step-by-step instructions to download the admit card from delhihighcourt.nic.in.
- 🎓 Law graduates and junior advocates planning to appear in future Delhi HJS examinations who want to understand the full recruitment process.
- 💼 District court advocates from Delhi who are targeting the prestigious District Judge post through direct recruitment from Bar.
- 📚 Judiciary exam aspirants preparing for HJS 2026 Mains who need the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and paper-wise marks distribution.
- 🔍 Legal professionals seeking salary details, allowances, and career growth path after selection into Delhi Higher Judicial Service.
- 👨👩👧 Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD) who need information on qualifying marks, age relaxation, and fee details for Delhi HJS 2026.
- 📰 Legal researchers and journalists covering Delhi High Court recruitment news and judiciary sector updates in 2026.
Delhi HJS Salary 2026 — Pay Scale and Allowances
Selected candidates for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026 are placed in the J-5 pay level of the Judicial Pay Matrix, which is among the highest in the state judicial service tier in India. The gross monthly salary including allowances is substantially higher than the basic pay scale.
| Component | Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay Scale (J-5) | Rs. 1,44,840 – Rs. 1,94,660 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government norms |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per High Court of Delhi rules |
| Medical Allowance | As per Central Government rules |
| Transport Allowance | As per applicable rules |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | As per service rules |
| Pension Benefits | As per Delhi Government pension rules |
Career growth: District Judges appointed through Delhi HJS are eligible for promotion to the High Court bench based on merit, seniority, and judicial performance. The post also comes with official residence, court staff, and vehicle facilities as per the High Court’s administrative rules.
Eligibility Criteria for Delhi HJS Exam 2026
Candidates must satisfy all the eligibility conditions prescribed by the High Court of Delhi as per the official notification dated 1 July 2026 and the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Professional Qualification: Must have been continuously practising as an Advocate for not less than 7 years as on the last date of receipt of applications, i.e., 15 July 2026.
- Age Limit (as on 15 July 2026): Minimum 35 years and Maximum 45 years. Age relaxation applies as per Delhi High Court rules for eligible reserved categories.
- Enrolment: Must be enrolled as an Advocate with a Bar Council as per the Advocates Act, 1961.
- Character: Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD | Rs. 500 |
| Payment Mode | Online |
HJS Mains Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
The Delhi HJS Mains Examination 2026 is a descriptive-type written test consisting of 4 papers for a combined total of 750 marks. The Viva-Voce carries 250 marks, making the total selection merit out of 1,000 marks (excluding Preliminary, which is a screening test only).
| Stage | Type | Marks | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | Objective MCQ (25% negative marking) | 250 marks (150 questions) | Screening only — not counted in merit |
| Mains Paper I | Descriptive (Written) | 150 marks | Counts in final merit |
| Mains Paper II | Descriptive (Written) | 200 marks | Counts in final merit |
| Mains Paper III | Descriptive (Written) | 200 marks | Counts in final merit |
| Mains Paper IV | Descriptive (Written) | 200 marks | Counts in final merit |
| Viva-Voce | Personal Interview | 250 marks | Counts in final merit |
| Total Merit Marks | 1,000 marks |
Mains Qualifying Marks: General category candidates must secure a minimum of 45% marks in each paper and 50% in aggregate. SC/ST/PwD candidates must secure a minimum of 40% in each paper and 45% in aggregate.
Mains Syllabus Overview — Paper I (Law-I): The Constitution of India, the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, Indian Evidence Act 1872, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, Limitation Act 1963, Registration Act 1908, Commercial Courts Act 2015, Court Fees Act 1870, Trade Marks Act 1999, Copyright Act 1957, Patents Act 1970, and Designs Act 2000.
Papers II, III and IV cover substantive and procedural laws including Criminal Procedure, Indian Penal Code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Revenue Laws, Rent Control, Land Acquisition, and recent landmark judgements of the Supreme Court of India and Delhi High Court.
Delhi HJS 2026 Selection Process — Step by Step
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 follows a three-stage selection process prescribed under the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970. All three stages are mandatory, and merit in the Mains and Viva-Voce stages determines the final selection.
- Stage 1 — Preliminary Written Examination (Screening): Objective MCQ test of 250 marks (150 questions, 2 hours, 25% negative marking). This stage is a screening test only and its marks are NOT counted in the final merit list. Candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks (50% for General, 45% for SC/ST/PwD) are shortlisted for the Mains.
- Stage 2 — Mains Written Examination (Descriptive): Four conventional/descriptive papers held on 10 and 11 October 2026 totalling 750 marks. This stage’s scores directly contribute to the final merit. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each paper to proceed to the Viva-Voce stage.
- Stage 3 — Viva-Voce (Personal Interview): A 250-mark oral interview conducted by the High Court bench. Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% (General) or 45% (SC/ST/PwD) in the Viva-Voce to be eligible for final recommendation.
- Document Verification and Medical Examination: Candidates finally selected based on combined Mains + Viva-Voce merit must clear document verification and a medical fitness examination before appointment.
Delhi HJS vs PCS-J — Which Is Right for You?
Advocates often compare the Delhi Higher Judicial Service examination with the Provincial Civil Services (Judicial) or state-level judiciary exams. Here is a clear comparison to help you understand the differences.
| Parameter | Delhi HJS 2026 | PCS-J (State Judiciary) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | High Court of Delhi | Respective State Public Service Commission |
| Entry Level Post | District Judge (Higher tier) | Civil Judge / Munsiff (Lower tier) |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 1,44,840–1,94,660 (J-5) | Typically Rs. 27,700–44,770 (J-1 level) |
| Eligibility | Advocate with min. 7 years practice, age 35–45 | Law degree, age typically 21–35 |
| Exam Type | Objective Prelims + Descriptive Mains | Prelims + Mains + Interview |
| Competition Level | Very High (senior advocates) | High (fresh/junior advocates) |
| Career Entry Point | Senior tier — direct District Judge | Junior tier — promotion-based growth |
| Jurisdiction | Delhi NCT only | Respective state territory |
| Promotion Ceiling | High Court bench eligible | High Court bench after decades |
| Best For | Experienced advocates seeking senior judicial post | Fresh law graduates entering judiciary |
The Delhi HJS Examination 2026 is the right choice for senior advocates with 7+ years of practice who want to enter the judiciary directly at the District Judge level with an outstanding salary of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month. PCS-J suits fresh law graduates entering judicial service at the entry level with scope for gradual promotion.
Pros and Cons of Delhi HJS Examination 2026
- ✅ Pro: Direct entry to District Judge post — the highest direct recruitment level in state judiciary.
- ✅ Pro: Exceptional pay scale of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660/month (J-5), among the best in judicial services.
- ✅ Pro: Eligible for promotion to Delhi High Court bench based on seniority and performance.
- ✅ Pro: High social standing, job security, and comprehensive benefits including pension, HRA, and LTC.
- ✅ Pro: Recruitment from a high-quality pool of experienced advocates — competition is merit-based and structured.
- ❌ Con: Strict age window of 35–45 years makes it accessible only to a narrow group of senior advocates.
- ❌ Con: Requires minimum 7 years of continuous practice — fresh law graduates and junior advocates are ineligible.
- ❌ Con: Highly competitive with limited seats (27 posts in 2026) and thousands of senior advocates vying for selection.
- ❌ Con: Exam postponements (original date was September 2026, revised to October) can disrupt preparation schedules.
Important Terms Related to Delhi Judiciary Exam 2026
- Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS): The senior tier of Delhi’s state judicial service, governing District Judges directly under the High Court of Delhi’s administrative control.
- J-5 Pay Scale: The fifth level of India’s Judicial Pay Matrix, carrying a pay band of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month, applicable to District Judges under DHJS.
- Viva-Voce: A 250-mark oral examination conducted by a panel of High Court judges to assess a candidate’s legal knowledge, temperament, and judicial aptitude.
- Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970: The statutory framework governing recruitment, service conditions, promotions, and discipline of officers in the Delhi Higher Judicial Service.
- Negative Marking: In the HJS Preliminary Exam, for every wrong answer, 25% of the marks allotted to that question are deducted — making accuracy more important than speed.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023: The replacement of the Indian Penal Code 1860, effective from 2024, and a mandatory subject in the HJS Mains Examination syllabus from 2026.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023: The new evidence law replacing the Indian Evidence Act 1872 — included in the Delhi HJS Mains Paper I syllabus.
- Direct Recruitment from Bar: The recruitment method through which practising advocates are directly appointed as District Judges without prior judicial service experience, as opposed to promotion from the lower judiciary.
- BRICS Summit Postponement: The 18th BRICS Summit hosted in India in September 2026 caused the Delhi HJS Mains to be rescheduled from 12–13 September to 10–11 October 2026.
- delhihighcourt.nic.in: The official NIC-hosted portal of the High Court of Delhi where all recruitment notices, admit cards, results, and official notifications are published.
Delhi HJS 2026 — Complete Dates Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 1 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 July 2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 15 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Admit Card Released | 21 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Held | 26 July 2026 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) |
| Answer Key Released | 28 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Result Declared | 14 August 2026 |
| Mains Exam Postponement Notice | September 2026 |
| HJS Mains Admit Card Released | 5 October 2026 |
| HJS Mains Exam Day 1 | 10 October 2026 |
| HJS Mains Exam Day 2 | 11 October 2026 |
| Viva-Voce / Interview | To Be Announced by High Court |
Important Links — Delhi High Court HJS 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Download HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 (Official PDF) | Click Here |
| Official Delhi High Court Website | delhihighcourt.nic.in |
| Delhi HJS Prelims Result PDF | Click Here |
| Delhi HJS 2026 Official Instructions PDF | Click Here |
| Rescheduling Notice — HJS Mains Exam | Click Here |
| India Government Official Portal | india.gov.in |
| Agrijob.in — Government Jobs for Advocates | Agrijob.in |
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 is now available for download at delhihighcourt.nic.in, with the Mains Written Examination scheduled across two days — 10 and 11 October 2026. This is a critical milestone for the 27 District Judge posts carrying a pay scale of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month under the J-5 level of the Judicial Pay Matrix. Download your admit card immediately, verify all details, and carry it along with a valid government photo ID to the exam centre.
Bookmark this page — we update it every time the High Court of Delhi releases new notices related to Delhi HJS 2026 Mains results, Viva-Voce dates, and final selection list.
- Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 released on 5 October 2026 at delhihighcourt.nic.in — download immediately.
- Mains Written Exam is on 10 and 11 October 2026 — 4 descriptive papers totalling 750 marks.
- The exam was postponed from September 2026 due to the 18th BRICS Summit — October dates are final.
- Selected candidates receive a salary of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660/month at J-5 pay level — one of the highest in state judicial services.
- Carry your printed admit card + a valid government photo ID + Bar Council Enrolment Certificate to the exam centre on both days.
- Viva-Voce dates for eligible candidates will be announced separately — check delhihighcourt.nic.in regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026
Has the Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 been released?
Yes, the Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 has been officially released on 5 October 2026 by the High Court of Delhi. Candidates can download their hall ticket from the official website delhihighcourt.nic.in under the Recruitment section.
What is the Delhi HJS Mains Exam Date 2026?
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Written Examination 2026 is scheduled on 10 and 11 October 2026. The exam was originally planned for 12–13 September 2026 but was postponed to October 2026 due to the 18th BRICS Summit held in India.
How many posts are there in Delhi High Court HJS 2026?
The Delhi High Court HJS 2026 recruitment is for a total of 27 posts — comprising 24 existing vacancies and 3 anticipated vacancies at the District Judge level under the Delhi Higher Judicial Service.
What is the salary for Delhi HJS 2026?
Selected candidates for the Delhi Higher Judicial Service 2026 receive a pay scale of Rs. 1,44,840–Rs. 1,94,660 per month under the J-5 level of the Judicial Pay Matrix. In addition, they receive DA, HRA, medical allowances, LTC, and pension benefits as per High Court rules.
What is the eligibility criteria for Delhi HJS Exam 2026?
Candidates must be Indian citizens who have been continuously practising as an Advocate for a minimum of 7 years as on 15 July 2026. The age limit is between 35 and 45 years as on 15 July 2026. No age relaxation is provided for the EWS category as per the Delhi High Court’s current rules.
What is the exam pattern for Delhi HJS Mains 2026?
The Delhi HJS Mains Examination 2026 consists of 4 descriptive papers — Paper I carrying 150 marks and Papers II, III, and IV carrying 200 marks each, totalling 750 marks. General category candidates must score minimum 45% in each paper and 50% aggregate to qualify for the Viva-Voce stage.
Why was the Delhi HJS Mains Exam 2026 postponed?
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Written Examination 2026 was originally scheduled for 12 and 13 September 2026 but was rescheduled to 10 and 11 October 2026 by the High Court of Delhi due to the 18th BRICS Summit hosted in India in September 2026.
What documents to carry for Delhi HJS Mains Exam 2026?
Candidates appearing in the Delhi HJS Mains Written Exam on 10–11 October 2026 must carry their printed Delhi High Court HJS Mains Admit Card 2026 along with a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driving licence. Candidates are also advised to carry their Bar Council Enrolment Certificate.
When will the Delhi HJS Mains Result 2026 be announced?
The Delhi HJS Mains Result 2026 will be announced by the High Court of Delhi after the evaluation of the descriptive answer scripts for Papers I–IV of the Mains Examination held on 10–11 October 2026. No official date has been announced yet — candidates should check delhihighcourt.nic.in regularly for updates.
Is there any age relaxation in Delhi HJS 2026?
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 prescribes an age limit of 35–45 years as on 15 July 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for eligible reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD) as per the Delhi Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1970. Notably, the Delhi High Court confirmed that no age relaxation is provided for the EWS category under current recruitment rules.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: High Court of Delhi Official Website | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on Delhi HJS 2026.
This article is for informational purposes only. All data — including exam dates, salary figures, eligibility criteria, and admit card status — has been sourced from the official Delhi High Court website (delhihighcourt.nic.in) and is accurate as of October 2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details directly from the official notification before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the High Court of Delhi.
