All you need to know about Delhi Judicial Services Examination

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The Delhi Judicial Services Examination (DJS) is one of the most prestigious competitive exams for aspiring civil judges in India. Conducted by the Delhi High Court, the exam opens doors to a rewarding and impactful career in the judiciary.

Delhi Judicial Services Examination notification is available on the website of the Delhi High Court viz. http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/index.asp

The eligible candidates interested in appearing for this exam can find the details regarding the exam notification, exam dates, and exam pattern of the Delhi Judicial Services Exam in this post.

Introduction to Delhi Judicial Services Examination

The Delhi Judicial Services Examination is conducted annually to recruit Civil Judges for the Delhi Judicial Service. A career in the judiciary is not only highly respected but also comes with the responsibility of upholding justice, interpreting laws, and contributing to the legal framework of the country.

The exam is known for its rigorous selection process, testing candidates on their legal acumen, general knowledge, language proficiency, and personality. It is a multi-stage examination consisting of three parts: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Viva-Voce (Interview).

Why Should You Consider the Delhi Judicial Services Examination?

  1. Prestige and Respect: A position in the judiciary symbolises integrity, impartiality, and a deep commitment to justice.
  2. Public Service: Judges play a critical role in shaping societal norms and upholding the rule of law.
  3. Job Security: Judicial services offer unmatched job stability, attractive remuneration, and perks.
  4. Impactful Career: As a judge, you have the opportunity to make decisions that impact lives and society at large.
  5. Professional Growth: Continuous engagement with evolving legal issues enhances your expertise and decision-making abilities.

Eligibility Criteria for DJS

To appear for the Delhi Judicial Services Examination, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Basic Eligibility

  1. Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India.
  2. Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a degree in Law (LLB) from a recognised university and be qualified to practice as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961.
  3. Experience: While prior practice as an advocate is preferred, fresh graduates meeting the other criteria are also eligible.

Age Limit

  • General Category: Candidates must not be more than 32 years of age on the specific date mentioned in the official notification.
  • Relaxations:
    • SC/ST Candidates: Upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years.
    • Ex-Servicemen: Maximum relaxation of 5 years if the candidate has served at least 5 years in the military.

Delhi Judicial Services Exam: Exam Pattern

The Delhi Judicial Services Exam is conducted in three stages namely Preliminary, Mains & Viva-voce. The details regarding these stages of the exam are as follows:

S.NoExaminationExam TypeDuration TimeNo. of QuestionsMarks
1Preliminary ExaminationObjective2 Hours150150
2.Mains Examination (Paper I)Descriptive2 Hours 250
 Mains Examination (Paper II) 3 Hours 200
 Mains Examination (Paper III) 3 Hours 200
 Mains Examination (Paper IV) 3 Hours 200
3.Viva – Voce150

Preliminary Examination

  1. The Prelims Question Paper Examination shall consist of Objective type questions.
  2. There will be 150 questions for 150 marks (1mark Each) with negative marking of 0.25 Marks for each wrong answer.
  3. Time Duration shall be 2 hours to attempt the paper.
  4. Candidates qualifying the Prelims Exams shall be eligible to appear for Mains Examination.
  5. The minimum Qualifying marks for Prelims Examination for General Category is 60% & for the Reserved Categories is 55%.

Mains Examination

  1. Mains Examination consists of four papers & shall be conducted in descriptive answer writing format with 2 hours allotted for Paper I while 3 hours are allotted for Paper II, Paper III & Paper IV.
  2. The Paper I of Mains Examination shall consist of 250 Marks while Paper II, Paper III, Paper IV shall consist of 200 Marks (Each).
  3. The four question papers of Mains Exam shall consist of:
  4. Paper I: General Knowledge & language
  5. Paper II:  Civil Law I
  6. Paper III: Civil Law II
  7. Paper IV: Criminal Law
  8. The Minimum qualifying Marks for Mains Examination for General Category is 40% for each Paper & for the reserved categories is 35% for each paper.

Viva-Voce

Those candidates who clear Mains Exams shall be called for Viva-voce which constitute 150 Marks in Total. The final merit will be prepared on the basis of the marks attained by the candidates in the main examination & viva-voce.

Delhi Judicial Services Exam: Exam Syllabus

Preliminary Examination

  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • English Language
  • The Constitution of India
  • The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • The Limitation Act, 1963
  • The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
  • The Indian Penal Code, 1860
  • The Indian Contract Act, 1872
  • The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
  • The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
  • The Specific Relief Act, 1963
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012
  • The Commercial Courts Act, 2015

Mains Examination

Paper I: General Knowledge & Language (Marks – 250)

  Section I: General Knowledge & Current Affairs (100 marks)

  • Current Legal Affairs

  Section II: Language (150 Marks)

  • Essay Writing
  • Precis Writing
  • Translation

Paper II: Civil Law I (Marks – 200)

  • The Indian Contract Act, 1872
  • The Sale of Goods Act, 1930
  • The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
  • The Specific Relief Act, 1963
  • Hindu Law; Mohammaden Law
  • The Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958
  • Law of Torts
  • The New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994
  • The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957
  • The Commercial Courts Act, 2015.

Paper III: Civil Law II (Marks – 200)

  • The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
  • The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • The Limitation Act, 1963
  • The Registration Act, 1908
  • The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
  • The Trade Marks Act, 1999
  • The Copyright Act, 1957

Paper IV: Criminal Law (Marks – 200)

  • The Indian Penal Code, 1860
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
  • The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
  • The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
  • The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
  • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Reference Book For Delhi Judicial Services Exam

Subject RelatedAuthor/ PublisherName of the BookLinks of the Books
Constitution of IndiaMP JainIndian Constitutional LawView Here
 J N PandeyConstitution of IndiaView Here
 Universal’s Constitution of India Bare actBareactView Here
Code of Criminal ProcedureRV KelkarLectures on Criminal ProcedureView Here
 Ratanlal & DhirajlalCode of Criminal Procedure by RV KelkarView Here
 Universal The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973BareactView Here
 The Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (CRPC) Bare Act with AmendmentsBareactView Here
Code of Civil ProcedureCK TakwaniCivil Procedure with Limitation ActView Here
 Avtar SinghThe Code of Civil ProcedureView Here
Indian Penal CodeK.D GaurTextbook on Indian Penal CodeView Here
 Indian Penal Code, 1860BareactView Here
Evidence LawBatuk LalThe Law of Evidence PaperbackView Here
 Dr. Avtar SinghPrinciples of the Law of EvidenceView Here
 The Indian Evidence Act 1872 Bare ActBareactView Here
 The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Bare Act with Short Notes (Universal Publications)BareactView Here
Indian Contract Act Specific Relief ActAvtar SinghLaw of Contract & Specific ReliefView Here
 Dr RK BangiaLaw of Contract & Specific ReliefPart 1: View Here Part 2: View Here  
Transfer of Property ActPoonam PradhanProperty Law PaperbackView Here
 Dr R K SinhaThe Transfer of Property ActView Here
 Universal Publication (Transfer of Property Act) BareactBareactView Here
Limitation ActUniversal Publication (The Limitation Act) BareactBareactView Here
Hindu LawParas DiwanModern Hindu lawView Here
Muslim LawAkhil AhmedOutlines of Mohammedan LawView Here
Sales of Goods ActUniversal’s Publication (The Sale of Goods Act)BareactView Here
Indian Registration Act     Universal PublicationBareactView Here
The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008Universal’s PublicationBareactView Here
The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957Universal’s PublicationBareactView Here
The New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994Universal’s PublicationBareactView Here
The Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958Universal’s PublicationBareactView Here
Negotiable Instruments ActUniversal’s PublicationBareactView Here
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015Universal’s PublicationsBareactView Here
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013  Universal PublicationBareactView Here
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence ActN. K. AacharyaCommentary on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005View Here
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996Universal PublicationBareactView Here
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012  Universal PublicationBareactView Here
The Commercial Courts Act, 2015  Universal PublicationsBareactView Here
The Trade Marks Act, 1999  Universal PublicationsBareactView Here
The Copyright Act, 1957  Universal PublicationsBareactView Here
Past Year Paper Solved BookUniversal’sUniversal’s Delhi Judicial Service (Preliminary) Examination – 2/EditionView Here

Preparation Tips for Delhi Judicial Services Examination

The Delhi Judicial Services Examination is a competitive test that demands a focused approach, thorough preparation, and disciplined execution of a well-structured plan. Aspiring candidates often face challenges like a vast syllabus, dynamic legal updates, and the need for consistent practice. Here, we discuss the essential preparation tips, common challenges, and career opportunities after clearing the exam.

Preparation Tips for DJS

Preparing for the Delhi Judicial Services Examination involves mastering both the Preliminary and Mains stages while building confidence for the Viva-Voce (interview). Below are detailed strategies to streamline your preparation:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first and foremost step in your preparation is familiarising yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Understanding the structure helps prioritise subjects and identify key focus areas.

  • Prelims: Objective-type questions covering General Knowledge, Aptitude, English, and Law.
  • Mains: Descriptive questions divided into four papers: General Knowledge and Language, Civil Law I, Civil Law II, and Criminal Law.
  • Viva-Voce: Evaluates legal knowledge, personality traits, and communication skills.

A clear grasp of what each stage entails allows you to tailor your study plan effectively.

2. Develop a Study Plan

A study plan acts as the backbone of your preparation, ensuring systematic coverage of all subjects.

  • Allocate Time: Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to difficult subjects while regularly revising stronger ones.
  • Daily Targets: Break the syllabus into smaller segments and set daily or weekly targets.
  • Flexibility: While sticking to a schedule is important, allow room for adjustments based on your progress.
  • Revision Slots: Dedicate the last few weeks before the exam to intensive revision and mock tests.

A well-organised plan not only improves efficiency but also boosts confidence.

3. Refer to Standard Textbooks

The right resources play a pivotal role in DJS preparation. Choose textbooks and reference materials that are authoritative and comprehensive.

  • For Civil Law: Use Mulla’s Code of Civil Procedure and Avtar Singh’s Law of Contract.
  • For Criminal Law: Rely on Ratanlal & Dhirajlal’s Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
  • General Knowledge: Standard yearbooks or reliable online resources for current affairs.

Stick to a limited number of high-quality resources to avoid confusion and overlapping information.

4. Practice Previous Year Papers

Solving previous year question papers is invaluable for understanding the type and difficulty of questions.

  • Analyse Trends: Identify frequently asked topics and allocate more time to them.
  • Improve Accuracy: Practice helps minimise errors, especially in Prelims where negative marking is a factor.
  • Time Management: Familiarity with the pattern ensures better time allocation during the actual exam.

Integrating past papers into your routine builds familiarity and confidence.

5. Take Mock Tests

Mock tests are a mirror of your preparation. They simulate the exam environment and help refine your approach.

  • Prelims: Focus on accuracy and speed.
  • Mains: Practice writing descriptive answers within the stipulated time.
  • Post-Test Review: Analyse your performance, identify weak areas, and revise accordingly.

Regular mock tests prepare you mentally and emotionally for the pressure of the exam.

6. Enhance Writing Skills

The Mains exam demands the ability to write precise, well-structured, and coherent answers.

  • Essay Writing: Practice essays on legal and general topics to improve articulation and vocabulary.
  • Translation Skills: Work on translating passages between English and Hindi with clarity and accuracy.
  • Answer Presentation: Develop the habit of organising answers logically, with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.

Good writing skills not only fetch higher marks but also demonstrate your clarity of thought.

7. Stay Updated with Legal Developments

Judicial services exams emphasise candidates’ knowledge of current legal developments and amendments.

  • Follow Judgments: Regularly read landmark Supreme Court and High Court judgments.
  • Legal Updates: Subscribe to legal journals or follow trusted online platforms for updates.
  • Current Affairs: Focus on issues affecting the judiciary, legal reforms, and significant events.

Being informed helps tackle questions in Prelims, essay topics in Mains, and discussions during the Viva-Voce.

8. Focus on Personality Development

The Viva-Voce stage evaluates candidates on their communication skills, confidence, and demeanor.

  • Mock Interviews: Participate in mock sessions to gain confidence and identify areas for improvement.
  • Legal Awareness: Be prepared to discuss recent judgments or legal issues in-depth.
  • Body Language: Maintain a confident and approachable posture during the interview.

A polished personality is often the differentiator in the final selection.

Challenges in Preparing for the DJS Exam

Preparing for the DJS exam is a demanding journey, often riddled with challenges. Here are some common difficulties and tips to overcome them:

1. Vast Syllabus

The DJS syllabus is extensive, covering numerous laws, procedural codes, and general knowledge topics.

Solution: Break the syllabus into smaller sections. Prioritise high-weightage topics and focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.

2. Time Management

Balancing preparation for Prelims, Mains, and the interview, while managing personal commitments, can be daunting.

Solution: Create a realistic timetable and stick to it. Dedicate specific hours each day to different subjects and revision.

3. Stress and Anxiety

The pressure to perform and the fear of failure can lead to stress and reduced focus.

Solution: Maintain a healthy routine with proper sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay calm.

4. Dynamic Legal Updates

Keeping up with ever-evolving laws and current affairs is essential yet challenging.

Solution: Make concise notes on recent judgments and amendments. Revisit these notes periodically for reinforcement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly enhance your preparation efficiency and results:

  • Skipping Mock Tests: Mock tests provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses. Skipping them deprives you of a valuable self-assessment tool.
  • Ignoring Language Skills: Translation and essay writing are crucial in the Mains exam. Ignoring these areas can lower your overall score.
  • Neglecting Revision: Studying without regular revision leads to information gaps and reduced retention.
  • Overloading Resources: Using too many study materials can create confusion. Stick to a few trusted resources and focus on mastering them.

Career Opportunities After Clearing DJS

Clearing the Delhi Judicial Services Examination opens up a world of opportunities in the judiciary and beyond:

1. Civil Judge (Junior Division)

This is the entry-level position for candidates who clear the exam. As a Civil Judge, you will handle cases related to civil disputes, criminal trials, and family law matters.

2. Higher Judiciary Roles

With experience and a strong track record, Civil Judges can be promoted to District Judge and later to the High Court and Supreme Court.

3. Academia

Some judges transition into academia, teaching law students and contributing to legal research.

4. Legal Consultation

Judges with extensive experience are often sought after as legal consultants, arbitrators, or mediators.


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