UP HJS Eligibility 2026, Know Age Limit, Education, Experience

UP HJS Eligibility 2026 is a prerequisite for applying to become a judge in Uttar Pradesh, through the UP Higher Judicial Service (HJS) Examination. Every year, thousands of law graduates prepare for this exam. However, before starting preparation, it is very important to understand the UP HJS Eligibility 2026 clearly.

Here we will help you understand everything about UP HJS Eligibility 2026, including age limit, nationality, educational qualification, and key points.

UP HJS Eligibility 2026 Overview

The UP HJS exam is conducted to recruit District Judges directly in the Uttar Pradesh judicial system. It is meant for experienced advocates, not fresh law graduates. Through this exam, candidates enter the judiciary at a senior level, which makes UP HJS Eligibility 2026 stricter than lower judiciary exams.

The selection process requires candidates to meet specific conditions related to age, education, and professional experience.

• Nationality: Indian Citizen, among others.

• Age Limit: 35 to 45 years.

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Law.

• Additional Requirements: Seven years of continuous legal practice.

UP HJS Eligibility 2026 Nationality

The UP HJS Eligibility 2026 nationality condition ensures that judicial officers serving in the state have legal and constitutional ties with India. 

As per official rules, the candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Sikkim or Bhutan, or

• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or

• A person of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries (Pakistan or Burma) with the intention of permanent settlement in India

Always keep your nationality documents ready while filling out the application form.

UP HJS Age Limit 2026

Age is a very important factor in UP HJS Eligibility 2026. Candidates must fall within the prescribed age range on the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.

Note: These relaxations apply to Uttar Pradesh state residents only. The cut-off date for age calculation will be specified in the official notification, expected to be around January 1, 2026.

UP HJS Educational Qualification 2026

Candidates need specific academic credentials to apply for the exam. This ensures they possess the necessary legal foundation.

Required Qualification

To meet the UP HJS Educational qualification 2026, a candidate must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university

• Be enrolled as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961

Experience Requirement

Candidates must have:

• At least 7 years of continuous practice as an advocate

• Practice should be counted up to the cut-off date

The experience certificate must be issued by the competent authority. This ensures that only skilled and experienced professionals become judges.

UP HJS Eligibility 2026 Number of Attempts

The number of attempts is an important point that every UP HJS aspirant wants to understand clearly. The good news is that there is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for the UP HJS examination. 

A candidate can apply for the exam as many times as they want, provided they do not cross the maximum age limit and continue to meet all other UP HJS eligibility criteria. 

The Allahabad High Court and UPPSC are the authorities that decide and regulate these rules, so candidates should always follow the official notification for accuracy.

UP HJS Eligibility 2026 Key Points

Beyond academic and age criteria, applicants must meet additional essential conditions. These ensure candidates possess practical legal experience.

• Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of continuous practice as an advocate is mandatory. This experience must be current up to the application deadline.

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Hindi is generally expected.

• Other Special Requirements: Candidates must also meet judicial service conduct rules.

Explore the Judiciary Coaching 2026 to access essential resources for Judiciary exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Judiciary 2026 for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants excel in their exams.