Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Exam 2026: Exam date released, check qualifying marks
The Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS) Mains Examination 2026 is the second stage of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service recruitment process. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the Mains Written Examination. Candidates who qualify in the Mains examination are then called for the Viva-Voce.
Preliminary result was declared on 14 August 2026 on the official website of the Delhi High Court
The selection process consists of Preliminary Examination, Mains Written Examination and Viva-Voce.
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Exam 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Examination | Delhi Higher Judicial Service Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | High Court of Delhi |
| Stage | Mains Written Examination |
| Mode | Written/Descriptive |
| Number of Papers | 4 |
| Total Mains Marks | 750 |
| Paper I | General Knowledge & Language – 150 marks |
| Paper II | Law-I – 200 marks |
| Paper III | Law-II – 200 marks |
| Paper IV | Law-III – 200 marks |
| Paper I Duration | 2 hours |
| Paper II-IV Duration | 3 hours each |
| Viva-Voce | 250 marks |
Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains Exam 2026: exam date released
Selection Process 2026
The selection process for Delhi Higher Judicial Service comprises three stages:
Preliminary Examination → Mains Written Examination → Viva-Voce
The Preliminary Examination is a screening/qualifying examination. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not counted towards the final merit list.
Candidates qualifying in the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the Mains Written Examination. Candidates who qualify in the Mains are subsequently called for Viva-Voce.
DHJS Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains Examination consists of four papers carrying a total of 750 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | General Knowledge & Language | 150 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Law-I | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper III | Law-II | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper IV | Law-III | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total | — | 750 | — |
DHJS Mains Syllabus 2026
Paper I – General Knowledge & Language
Maximum Marks: 150
Duration: 2 Hours
Paper I is designed to test the candidate’s:
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- English Language
- Written Expression
- Grammar
- Correct use of words
- Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively
Candidates should pay attention not only to the content of their answers but also to language, grammar, expression and clarity.
Paper II – Law-I
Maximum Marks: 200
Duration: 3 Hours
The major subjects covered under Law-I include:
Constitution of India
Important provisions and constitutional principles.
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Civil Procedure
- Jurisdiction
- Suits
- Pleadings
- Parties
- Orders
- Judgments
- Decrees
- Appeals
- Related procedural provisions
Evidence Laws
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Other Laws
- Limitation Act, 1963
- Registration Act, 1908
- Commercial Courts Act, 2015
- Court Fees Act, 1870
- Trade Marks Act, 1999
- Copyright Act, 1957
- Patents Act, 1970
- Designs Act, 2000
Paper III – Law-II
Maximum Marks: 200
Duration: 3 Hours
Law-II covers important civil, commercial, personal and service-related laws.
Major Acts
- Transfer of Property Act, 1882
- Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Sale of Goods Act, 1930
- Indian Partnership Act, 1932
- Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
- Indian Succession Act, 1925
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
- Special Marriage Act, 1954
- Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956
- Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986
- Divorce Act, 1869
- Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993
- SARFAESI Act, 2002
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
- Payment of Wages Act, 1936
- Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923
- Minimum Wages Act, 1948
- Factories Act, 1948
Paper IV – Law-III
Maximum Marks: 200
Duration: 3 Hours
Law-III primarily covers criminal law and other important special laws.
Criminal Laws
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Special Laws
- Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) 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
DHJS Mains Qualifying Marks 2026
Candidates have to secure the prescribed minimum marks in the Mains Examination.
| Category | Minimum Marks in Each Paper | Minimum Aggregate |
| General | 45% | 50% |
| SC/ST | 40% | 45% |
| Eligible PwD | 40% | 45% |
Candidates therefore need to satisfy both the paper-wise and aggregate qualifying requirements.
Advisable-: These qualifying marks will not help you much in reaching to the next level. You must aim higher for inclusion in the merit list.
DHJS Viva-Voce 2026
Candidates who qualify in the Mains Written Examination are called for the Viva-Voce.
| Maximum Marks: 250 | |
| Category | Minimum Viva-Voce Marks |
| General | 50% |
| SC/ST/PwD | 45% |
The Viva-Voce assesses the candidate’s overall suitability for judicial service, including legal understanding, judgment, personality and communication.
DHJS Final Merit List 2026
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the:
Mains Written Examination + Viva-Voce
The Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit.
The Mains Examination carries 750 marks, while the Viva-Voce carries 250 marks. Thus, the final selection is based on a total of 1,000 marks.
DHJS Preliminary to Mains Selection
The Preliminary Examination is conducted as a screening test.
Candidates who meet the prescribed qualifying criteria are shortlisted for the Mains Examination. The number of candidates shortlisted for Mains is subject to the prescribed vacancy-based ratio.
Since Preliminary marks are not included in the final merit, candidates should focus on qualifying the Preliminary Examination and then securing strong marks in the descriptive Mains examination.
How to Prepare for DHJS Mains 2026?
1. Study the Bare Acts
Candidates should give priority to the prescribed Acts and understand their sections, provisions and practical application.
2. Focus on New Criminal Laws
Special attention should be given to the transition between:
- IPC and BNS
- CrPC and BNSS
- Indian Evidence Act and BSA
Candidates should understand the corresponding provisions and important changes.
3. Practice Answer Writing
Since the Mains examination is descriptive, candidates should regularly practice writing answers within the prescribed time.
Focus on:
- Identifying legal issues
- Citing relevant provisions
- Using appropriate case laws
- Applying law to facts
- Providing a clear conclusion
4. Prepare Paper I Properly
Paper I should not be ignored. Along with General Knowledge and Current Affairs, candidates need to work on English language and effective written expression.
5. Improve Time Management
Paper II, III and IV each provide three hours. Candidates should practice completing full-length answers within the allotted time.
DHJS Mains Exam 2026: Important Points
- There are four papers in the Mains Examination.
- Mains Written Examination carries 750 marks.
- Paper I carries 150 marks.
- Papers II, III and IV carry 200 marks each.
- Paper I is of 2 hours duration.
- Papers II, III and IV are of 3 hours each.
- General candidates need 45% in each paper and 50% aggregate.
- SC/ST and eligible PwD candidates need 40% in each paper and 45% aggregate.
- Viva-Voce carries 250 marks.
- Final merit is based on Mains Written Examination and Viva-Voce.
- Preliminary Examination marks are not counted in the final merit.
FAQs – Delhi Higher Judicial Service Mains 2026
How many papers are there in DHJS Mains 2026?
There are four papers: General Knowledge & Language, Law-I, Law-II and Law-III.
How many marks is the DHJS Mains Examination?
The Mains Written Examination carries 750 marks.
How many marks is Paper I?
Paper I, General Knowledge & Language, carries 150 marks.
How many marks are the Law papers?
Law-I, Law-II and Law-III carry 200 marks each.
What is the duration of DHJS Mains?
Paper I is of 2 hours, while each of the three Law papers is of 3 hours.
Are Preliminary Examination marks counted in the final merit?
No. The Preliminary Examination is a screening examination and its marks are not added to the final merit.
How many marks is the DHJS Viva-Voce?
The Viva-Voce carries 250 marks.
What is the total score for final selection?
The final selection is based on 750 Mains marks + 250 Viva-Voce marks = 1,000 marks.