CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) invites applications for the position of Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) across India. The CBI, India's premier investigating agency under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, requires skilled legal professionals to represent the agency in various courts during prosecution of cases. Special Public Prosecutors are responsible for conducting criminal proceedings on behalf of CBI in High Courts, District Courts, and Special Courts across different states. This is a contractual appointment where selected candidates will handle sensitive cases involving corruption, economic offenses, and other crimes under CBI jurisdiction. The role demands strong legal acumen, courtroom experience, and ability to handle complex prosecutions. Successful candidates will be posted at various CBI offices and court locations nationwide based on organizational requirements.

Typical / Indicative dates based on similar CBI recruitments:

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution:

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university or institution
• Must be enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of India/State Bar Council
• Desirable: Master's degree in Law (LLM) or equivalent
• Minimum 3-5 years of practice experience in criminal law matters
• Experience in handling prosecution cases in criminal courts will be preferred
• Knowledge of CrPC, IPC, Evidence Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act is essential

Age Limit

Age as on closing date of application:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Character and antecedents must be verified through proper police verification
• Should not have any criminal record or disciplinary action

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit the official CBI website at www.cbi.gov.in or designated recruitment portal
2. Click on "Recruitment" section and locate the "Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026" notification
3. Read the detailed notification carefully and verify eligibility criteria
4. Click on "Apply Online" link to access the application form
5. Complete one-time registration by providing basic details (name, email, mobile number)
6. Verify email and mobile through OTP received
7. Login using registration credentials and fill the complete application form with personal, educational, and professional details
8. Upload scanned documents: photograph (50 KB), signature (20 KB), LLB certificate, Bar Council enrollment certificate, experience certificates (each under 200 KB in JPG/PDF format)
9. Preview the filled application form and verify all entries
10. Proceed to fee payment through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
11. After successful payment, submit the final application
12. Download and save the application form with payment receipt for future reference
13. Take multiple printouts for records

Application Fee Structure:

Note: Fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications will be scrutinized for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, Bar Council enrollment, experience, and age limit. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further stages.

1. Written Examination: Shortlisted candidates will appear for a comprehensive written test covering legal knowledge, criminal law, Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, and current legal affairs. The exam will test analytical and legal reasoning abilities.

1. Personal Interview/Viva-Voce: Candidates qualifying the written examination will be called for personal interview before a selection committee comprising senior CBI officers and legal experts. The interview assesses legal knowledge, courtroom experience, communication skills, and suitability for the prosecutor role.

1. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates after interview must produce original certificates for verification including LLB degree, Bar Council enrollment certificate, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.

1. Background Verification: Selected candidates will undergo thorough police verification and character/antecedent checks as per CBI norms. Any adverse finding may lead to cancellation of candidature.

1. Medical Examination: Final selected candidates must undergo medical fitness examination at designated hospitals/medical boards to ensure fitness for the role.

1. Final Merit List: The final selection will be based on combined performance in written exam and interview, with weightage typically 70:30 or as specified in the notification.

Written Examination Pattern:

Preliminary Examination

Main Examination (For Qualified Candidates)

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in objective type questions. Descriptive questions will not have negative marking but incorrect or irrelevant content will attract zero marks. There is no negative marking in legal drafting section.

Indian Penal Code (IPC)

• General principles of criminal liability
• Offences against State and public tranquility
• Offences relating to public servants
• Offences against human body
• Property offences and economic crimes
• Criminal breach of trust and cheating
• Forgery and counterfeiting
• Abetment and criminal conspiracy

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

• Constitution and powers of criminal courts
• Powers of investigation and arrest
• Processes to compel appearance
• Bail provisions and procedures
• Trial procedures before different courts
• Examination of witnesses and evidence
• Judgment and appeal provisions
• Special proceedings and summary trials

Indian Evidence Act

• Relevancy of facts and evidence
• Admissibility and proof of evidence
• Documentary evidence and electronic records
• Examination of witnesses
• Burden of proof in different cases
• Presumptions under law
• Expert opinion and scientific evidence
• Dying declaration and confessions

Prevention of Corruption Act

• Definition of public servant
• Offences under corruption law
• Abetment of corruption offences
• Criminal misconduct by public servants
• Possession of disproportionate assets
• Procedure for prosecution and trial
• Powers of Special Judges
• Sanction for prosecution requirements

Legal Drafting & Prosecution

• Drafting of criminal complaints and applications
• Framing of charges in different offences
• Conduct of prosecution in trial courts
• Examination-in-chief, cross-examination techniques
• Preparation of written arguments
• Court procedures and etiquette
• Appeals, revisions and review applications
• Anticipatory bail and regular bail arguments

Special Laws & Acts

• Official Secrets Act
• PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)
• Negotiable Instruments Act
• Specific Relief Act (relevant portions)
• Constitutional provisions related to criminal justice
• CBI jurisdiction and special powers
• RTI Act and its application
• Witness Protection provisions

Current Legal Affairs

• Recent Supreme Court judgments on criminal law
• High Court important precedents
• Amendments in criminal laws
• Law Commission recommendations
• Contemporary legal issues and debates
• Landmark prosecution cases and outcomes

Typical / Indicative salary structure for CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Contractual basis):

Additional Benefits:

• Case-wise Fees: Additional remuneration per case handled/appearance made (typically ₹2,000-₹5,000 per hearing)
• Travel Allowance: Reimbursement for official travel and court appearances
• Daily Allowance: TA/DA as per government norms for outstation duties
• Professional Development: Access to legal training programs and workshops

Note: The position is typically on contractual/retainer basis. Salary structure may vary based on experience, location, and workload. Regular CBI employees on deputation may receive their substantive pay plus special allowances. Medical benefits and other allowances are subject to terms of contract and organizational policy.

Special Public Prosecutors in CBI gain extensive experience in handling high-profile corruption and economic offence cases, which significantly enhances their legal career prospects. With proven track record, SPPs can be promoted to Senior Public Prosecutor roles handling more complex cases and supervising junior prosecutors. Many SPPs eventually transition to permanent government legal service positions, judicial services, or establish successful private criminal law practices leveraging their CBI prosecution experience.

Admit cards for the written examination will be released approximately 10-15 days before the scheduled exam date on the official CBI recruitment portal. Candidates must login using their registration number and date of birth to download the admit card. The admit card will contain candidate's photograph, exam centre details, reporting time, and important instructions. No physical admit cards will be dispatched by post; candidates must carry printout of the downloaded admit card along with valid photo ID proof to the examination centre.

Written examination results will be declared on the official CBI website within 4-6 weeks after the exam. Candidates can check their results by entering registration number or roll number. The result will display marks obtained, qualifying status, and cutoff marks. Shortlisted candidates for interview will be intimated through email and SMS, with detailed schedule published on the website. Final selection list after interview and document verification will be published in order of merit with category-wise selections clearly indicated.

Typical / Indicative cutoff marks based on similar CBI legal recruitments: Written examination cutoff typically ranges between 55-65% for General category, 50-60% for OBC, and 45-55% for SC/ST candidates. The final cutoff varies based on vacancy numbers, difficulty level, and number of applicants. Interview cutoff is generally around 50-60% of maximum marks. Candidates scoring higher in written exam have better chances even with moderate interview performance, as written exam usually carries 60-70% weightage in final selection.

Major Examination Centres across India:

• North: Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Shimla
• South: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam, Mysuru
• East: Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Guwahati, Siliguri
• West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Indore, Surat, Goa
• Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala, Itanagar
• Central: Bhopal, Raipur, Jabalpur

Note: Exam centres are subject to availability and may be changed based on number of applicants. Candidates should indicate 3-4 centre preferences in order of priority. Final allotment depends on availability and administrative feasibility.