The High Court of Delhi conducts the Delhi Judicial Service Preliminary Examination as an objective screening test. Unlike most state judicial exams that test direct section numbers, DJS questions are predominantly problem-based, analytical, and heavily centered on recent Supreme Court ratios. The examination consists of a single paper containing 200 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks, with a duration of 2.5 hours (150 minutes). A strict negative marking penalty of 25% (0.25 marks) applies to every incorrect answer. General category candidates must score at least 60% (120 marks) to qualify, while reserved categories need 55% (110 marks), subject to vacancy-based screening limits.
The syllabus spans core procedural and substantive laws alongside commercial enactments. The criminal component covers the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Questions routinely present short fact patterns where candidates must identify specific exceptions, degrees of culpability, or procedural irregularities that cure under BNSS.
Constitutional Law questions focus heavily on constitutional bench decisions, fundamental rights jurisprudence under Articles 14, 19, and 21, and supervisory writ jurisdiction under Article 227. Civil and commercial laws demand equal preparation. Candidates face problem-based questions on the Indian Contract Act, Specific Relief Act, Limitation Act, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, and the Commercial Courts Act.
Preparation for DJS demands moving beyond Bare Act titles into illustrations, statutory explanations, and reported rulings from the last five years. Time management is crucial, as reading 200 analytical passages within 150 minutes allows under 45 seconds per question. Candidates should practice simulated 200-question mocks to develop rapid reading stamina and maintain accuracy under time pressure.