CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced for 2 retainer counsel positions. The Central Bureau of Investigation invites applications from experienced advocates to serve as Special Public Prosecutors on a contractual basis. With a competitive annual retainer fee of ₹50,000 plus case-based compensation, this is a specialised opportunity for senior legal practitioners. The application window closes on 24/07/2026.
CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) |
| Post Name | Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| Advertisement No. | 1867/117/Estt/CBI/ACB/JMU |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Contract |
| Official Website | https://cbi.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Online Application | 24/07/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree from a recognised university, be enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, and possess at least 10 years of experience as an Advocate with substantial experience in handling criminal cases. As per the official CBI notification, these are mandatory qualifications for consideration.
Educational Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Degree | Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) from a recognised university |
| Bar Enrollment | Advocate, Bar Council of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court |
| Experience | Minimum 10 years as an Advocate in criminal law practice |
Age Limit
Age limit details are to be verified from the official notification.
Who Should Consider This Recruitment?
- Senior advocates with a minimum 10-year criminal law practice in Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh High Court are eligible.
- Candidates with specialised expertise in criminal proceedings and appellate litigation should apply.
- Advocates seeking flexible, contract-based engagement with India’s premier investigating agency may find this opportunity valuable.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) | 2 |
About the Special Public Prosecutor Role
Special Public Prosecutors represent the Central Bureau of Investigation in criminal proceedings before courts. The role involves conducting prosecutions, drafting pleadings, presenting arguments in appellate matters, and managing legal briefs for complex criminal cases under CBI investigation. This is a contract position requiring independent legal judgment, courtroom expertise, and familiarity with criminal procedure and evidence law. Selected advocates will engage on a retainer basis with additional compensation for case-specific work, reflecting the specialised and senior nature of this legal function within a federal investigating agency.
Compensation Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Retainer Fee | ₹50,000 |
| Daily Fee (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) | ₹15,000 per case per day |
| Daily Fee (Other Cities) | ₹10,000 per case per day |
| Drafting Fee | ₹5,000 per case |
| Clerkage Fee | 10% of daily fee, maximum ₹3,000 |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | ₹1,000 per case |
Compensation is structured as a base retainer plus performance-based fees. The daily fee varies by location, recognising higher court costs in metropolitan centres. Advocates will receive additional compensation for specific tasks such as drafting and research, making this a flexible engagement model for experienced legal practitioners.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Application Fee |
How to Apply for CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official CBI portal at https://cbi.gov.in.
- Locate the application link for Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) recruitment.
- Register or log in with your credentials.
- Fill the application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload required documents, including educational certificates (L.L.B. degree), Bar Council enrollment certificate, and proof of 10 years’ experience in criminal law.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline of 24/07/2026.
- Save or print the application confirmation for your records.
Given the specialised nature of this recruitment and the requirement to verify eligibility through Bar Council records, ensure all documentation is organised and easily accessible before beginning the online process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Submitting an application without verifying your current Bar Council enrollment status – CBI will cross-check your license validity.
- Underestimating the 10-year experience requirement – applicants without documented criminal law experience will face rejection.
- Uploading certificates without proper dates and issuing authority details – ensure all documents clearly show the issuance date and authorised signature.
- Missing the deadline of 24/07/2026 – portal submissions stop at the stated time, with no extensions.
- Providing incomplete or inconsistent information across the L.L.B. qualification and Bar enrollment fields, CBI conducts detailed verification of all legal credentials.
Documents Required
- Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) degree certificate
- Bar Council enrollment certificate (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court)
- Proof of 10 years’ experience as an Advocate
- Professional identification or practice certificate
- Photograph and signature (as per application form specifications)
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 24/07/2026.
- CBI conducts verification of educational qualifications, Bar Council enrollment, and professional experience with issuing authorities.
- Merit-based selection of candidates meeting all eligibility criteria, as per the official notification process.
- Selected candidates will be notified directly and issued engagement letters.
- Engagement and appointment follow, subject to final verification and acceptance of terms.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the key requirements for CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Applicants must hold an L.L.B. degree, be enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in criminal law practice. These are non-negotiable eligibility criteria set by CBI.
Q2. Is there an upper age limit for this recruitment?
Ans. Age limit details are mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify the age criteria directly from the CBI official notification PDF.
Q3. What is the compensation for this position, and does it include benefits?
Ans. Compensation is structured as an annual retainer fee of ₹50,000 plus case-based daily fees (₹15,000 in major metros, ₹10,000 elsewhere), drafting fees (₹5,000), and expense reimbursement. This is a contract position, and benefit eligibility depends on the engagement terms specified in the appointment letter.
Q4. How is experience verification conducted for the 10-year requirement?
Ans. CBI typically verifies criminal law experience through Bar Council records, court engagement history, and professional references. Applicants should maintain documentary proof such as case files, court appearances, or practice certificates covering the required period.
Q5. What is the application process, and can I apply offline?
Ans. Applications are accepted online only via the CBI portal. The process involves registration, form completion, document upload, and final submission before 24/07/2026. No offline applications are accepted for this recruitment.
Q6. Are there any restrictions on practicing privately while engaged as a Retainer Counsel?
Ans. The notification does not explicitly mention restrictions on private practice. Candidates should clarify engagement terms with CBI upon selection, as some government retainer positions may impose conditions on concurrent legal practice.
Q7. How long is the engagement period, and is there renewal possibility?
Ans. The notification specifies a contract-based engagement model but does not detail the tenure or renewal terms. Selected candidates will receive complete details in their engagement letters from CBI.
Q8. What should I do if I encounter technical issues while applying online?
Ans. Contact the CBI recruitment cell or visit the official portal’s help section for technical support. Ensure you apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical complications that could result in missed submission.
Your Next Step
Submit your application via the official CBI portal before 24/07/2026, ensuring all required documents and eligibility credentials are included with your submission. After the application deadline, CBI will conduct qualification and experience verification directly with the Bar Council and relevant authorities before announcing the merit list. Follow MyNaukriAlert.com for updates on the selection timeline and final results announcement.
