Delhi Judiciary Syllabus 2026: Pre & Mains Syllabus PDF

The Delhi Judiciary Exam syllabus covers major laws like the Constitution, CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act, Contract, TPA, Family Laws, Torts, and key Delhi-specific laws, along with essays, précis, and language skills.

DJS consists of Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Viva Voce. Prelims tests GK, aptitude, English, and legal MCQs, while Mains evaluates detailed legal understanding across four law papers.

This guide gives a concise, well-organised overview of the Delhi judiciary syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy.

These are the primary topics in syllabus of Delhi judiciary exam:

  • Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, distribution of powers, writs, basic structure.
  • Code of Civil Procedure (CPC): Jurisdiction, suits, pleadings, interim orders, execution, appeals, review, restitution.
  • Indian Contract Act & Specific Relief: Contract formation, performance, breach, remedies, specific performance, and reliefs.
  • Transfer of Property Act: Properties, mortgages, leases, sales, and creation of interests.
  • Hindu Law & Mohammedan (Muslim) Law: Succession, marriage, maintenance, custody, and statutory updates.
  • Law of Torts & Consumer Protection: Fundamentals, negligence, strict liability, remedies, and consumer protection statutes.
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC): Substantive offences, general exceptions, sentencing principles.
  • Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Investigation, charge, trial, bail, appeals, and procedural safeguards.
  • Indian Evidence Act: Relevancy, burden of proof, admissibility, documentary & oral evidence.
  • Juvenile Justice, POCSO, Domestic Violence, and Negotiable Instruments Act: Key special statutes often tested.
  • Local Laws Specific to Delhi: Delhi Rent Control Act, NDMC/DMC statutes, local municipal laws, and allied state rules (important for marks).
  • General Legal Knowledge, Current Legal Affairs & Language Skills: Essay, Precis, Translation, and Drafting ability. 

The Delhi judicial exam is conducted in three stages:

DJS Prelims / Screening Paper

Broadly covers the same range as Papers I–III of Mains (objective form) to test legal awareness, expression, and objective legal problem-solving.

DJS Mains Paper Breakdown

  • Paper I: General Legal Knowledge & Language (essay, précis, translation, comprehension).
  • Paper II: Civil Law I (Contracts, Specific Relief, Transfer of Property, Torts, Local Laws).
  • Paper III: Civil Law II / Procedure (CPC, Civil remedies, local municipal laws).
  • Paper IV: Criminal Law (IPC, CrPC, Evidence, special criminal statutes).

Following is the Delhi judiciary exam pattern:

Preliminary Examination

ComponentDetails
Exam TypeObjective (MCQs)
Total Marks200
Duration2.5 hours
Qualifying Marks60%
Marking Scheme+1 for correct answer, -0.25 for incorrect
Subjects Covered12 subjects (Legal Knowledge, GK, Aptitude, Language)

Mains Examination

PaperMarksDetails
General Knowledge & Language250Section I: GK & Legal Awareness (100 marks)
Section II: Essay, Precis, Translation (150 marks)
Civil Law – I200Substantive Civil Laws
Civil Law – II200Procedural Civil Laws
Criminal Law200Substantive & Procedural Criminal Laws

Viva Voce (Interview)

ComponentDetails
Total Marks150
Qualifying Marks50% (General)
45% (SC/ST/PwD)
Evaluation CriteriaPersonality, communication, confidence, and judicial aptitude

Explore important resources for Delhi Judiciary preparation here:

Delhi Judiciary Admit CardDelhi Judiciary Eligibility Criteria
Online Delhi Judiciary CoachingDelhi Judiciary Exam Date

Find the Delhi judiciary prelims syllabus:

Subject AreaTopics Covered
General Knowledge & AptitudeCurrent affairs, static GK, logical reasoning, analytical ability
English LanguageGrammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and expression
Objective Legal KnowledgeMCQs based on the key laws listed below
Core Legal Subjects– Constitution of India
– Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
– Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
– Indian Penal Code
– Indian Contract Act, 1872
– Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
– Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996
– Indian Evidence Act, 1872
– Specific Relief Act, 1963
– Limitation Act, 1963
– Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
– Commercial Courts Act, 2015

Tips to Prepare for DJS Prelims

1. Build Strong GK & Aptitude

  • Stay updated with current affairs.
  • Revise important static GK topics.
  • Practice reasoning and analytical questions regularly.

2. Improve English Skills

  • Work on grammar and vocabulary.
  • Read daily to strengthen comprehension.
  • Solve previous English-based questions for familiarity.

3. Focus on Legal MCQs

  • Practice objective questions from all core laws.
  • Revise important definitions, sections, and case laws.
  • Take short quizzes to test speed and accuracy.

4. Cover All Major Legal Subjects

  • Thoroughly revise bare acts and essential provisions.
  • Concentrate on commonly tested areas across subjects.
  • Review fundamental concepts and key chapters.

5. Revise Smartly

  • Create short notes, charts, and summaries.
  • Revisit important provisions multiple times.
  • Use quick revision techniques to retain information.

6. Attempt Mock Tests

  • Practice full-length tests under exam conditions.
  • Review mistakes to strengthen weak areas.
  • Track your progress regularly for improvement.

Below is the Delhi judiciary mains exam syllabus:

Paper 1 – General Legal Knowledge & Language (250 marks)

SectionDetails
Section I: General Legal KnowledgeTests awareness of current legal affairs, important judgments, and general knowledge.
Section II: Language (Essay, Translation & Precis)Essay writing, precise use of English, translation from English to Hindi (Devnagri) and Hindi to English, and precis writing. Emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and grammar.

Paper 2 – Civil Law–I (200 marks)

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

Paper 3 – Civil Law–II (200 marks)

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

Paper 4 – Criminal Law (200 marks)

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Indian Penal CodeProtection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015

Tips to Prepare for DJS Mains

1. Build Strong Legal Awareness

  • Follow current legal developments and important judgments.
  • Maintain brief notes on major updates and amendments.

2. Improve Writing & Language Skills

  • Practice essays, precis, and answer writing regularly.
  • Work on translation (English ↔ Hindi) and strengthen grammar/vocabulary.

3. Prepare Civil Law–I Effectively

  • Focus on Contract, TPA, Specific Relief, Hindu/Mohammedan Law.
  • Revise Delhi-specific laws and important case laws.
  • Use charts and notes for quick revision.

4. Master Civil Law–II

  • Understand CPC sections/orders and Evidence Act concepts deeply.
  • Learn key limitation periods and essential IP law provisions.
  • Practice problem-based questions.

5. Strengthen Criminal Law

  • Revise CrPC procedures, IPC offences, and important case laws.
  • Cover special Acts such as the DV Act, JJ Act, NI Act, and POSH Act thoroughly.

6. Practice Answer Writing

  • Write structured, clear, and case-law-supported answers.
  • Develop speed and accuracy through regular mocks.

7. Use Bare Acts Smartly

  • Read Bare Acts multiple times.
  • Highlight key sections and prepare compact notes.

8. Revise Regularly

  • Follow a fixed revision schedule.
  • Keep concise notes for last-minute preparation.

Stage 1: Foundation (8–12 weeks)

  • Read bare acts thoroughly (word-for-word). Bare acts are the backbone of questions, and judgments often track statutory language.
  • Simultaneously, create a subject map (list major chapters/sections to cover for each law). Use the official syllabus to prioritize topics.

Stage 2: Consolidation (8–12 weeks)

  • Study one core subject at a time (CPC / IPC / CrPC / Evidence / Contracts). After reading the bare act, consult one standard commentary for depth.
  • Practice writing daily time yourself for 30–40 mark answers and learn to cite relevant sections/case law concisely. (Mains is about accurate, structured answers.)

Stage 3: Application & Revision (6–8 weeks)

  • Take full-length Mains mock papers and Prelims MCQ tests. Review errors and maintain an error log.
  • Focus on local laws & recent legislative amendments and leading Supreme Court and Delhi High Court decisions.

Ongoing

  • Daily current affairs: legal developments, Supreme Court / Delhi High Court landmark rulings.
  • Vocabulary & language drills: essay practice, precis, translation, and reading judgments for legal drafting style. 

Use these books for Delhi judiciary preparation:

Book NameAuthor/PublisherBook Description
Constitutional Law of IndiaJN PandeyA comprehensive book to study after the Bare Act; covers landmark judgments and explains concepts in detail.
Indian Constitution LawMP JainProvides an in-depth and analytical understanding of the Constitution; ideal for advanced conceptual clarity.
The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908C.K. TakwaniExplains CPC provisions with illustrations and simple case-law summaries, making it helpful for understanding complex procedural concepts. 
The Indian Evidence Bare Act
The Evidence Act, 1872| BatuklalSimple, student-friendly explanations with case briefs covering all key provisions of the Evidence Act.
The Indian Penal Code, 1860  T. BhattacharyaDetailed explanations with case law and illustrations; best used after mastering the Bare Act.
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 Ratanlal & DhirajlalReliable and detailed commentary on CrPC (and IPC references); essential for clarity on procedural aspects.
Contract and Specific ReliefAvtar SinghCovers important sections, concepts, and case laws clearly; great companion to the Bare Acts.
Law of TortR.K. BangiaThorough and straightforward coverage of tort principles, including leading foreign judgments.
Family Law in IndiaParas DiwanClear explanations and illustrations; helpful in tackling tricky questions in family law.
The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996N.V. Paranjape Comprehensive coverage with easy case law illustrations; simplifies complex provisions.
  • Skipping Bare Acts: Relying only on commentaries or notes.
  • Poor Answer Format: Long paragraphs, no headings, weak legal structure. Mains reward concise, sectional answers.
  • Ignoring Local Delhi Laws: Municipal and rent-control statutes are frequently asked.
  • Neglecting Negative Marking Strategy for Prelims: random guessing can hurt scores.
  • Not Practicing Past Papers or Mock Interviews: Both are crucial to gauge readiness.
Has the Delhi Judiciary Exam Notification 2026 been released?

No. The Delhi Judiciary Exam Notification 2026 has not yet been released. However, candidates can start preparing based on the standard syllabus followed in previous exam cycles.

How many stages are there in the Delhi Judicial Service Exam?

The DJS exam has three stages:
1. Prelims – Objective MCQs
2. Mains – Descriptive written papers
3. Viva Voce – Personality & aptitude-based interview

Are local Delhi laws important for the exam?

Yes. Delhi-specific laws, such as the Delhi Rent Control Act, DMC Act, NDMC Act, etc., are highly important and often carry significant weightage in both Prelims and Mains.

Is current legal affairs important for the exam?

Yes. Recent Supreme Court and Delhi High Court judgments, amendments, and major legal developments are crucial for both Paper I (Mains) and the Viva Voce.

How important is language (English/Hindi) in DJS Mains?

Very important. Paper I includes:
– Essay
– Precis writing
– Translation (English ↔ Hindi)
Strong grammar, clarity, and structure directly impact your score.

Can Prelims and Mains preparation be done together?

Yes. Since the syllabus overlaps heavily, a combined approach focusing on Bare Acts, conceptual clarity, and regular practice—works best.

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