Vacancies: 4 · Posts: 1 · Type: Contractual · Mode: Online · Fee: Nil · Apply: By 30 June 2026 · Salary: Retainer + Case-based fees · Selection: Application Review + Document Verification · Location: Kolkata
Experienced criminal advocates practising before the Calcutta High Court and subordinate courts in Kolkata now have a focused opportunity to engage with India’s premier investigative agency. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has released the notification for 4 Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) posts on a contractual retainer basis to handle prosecution, appeals, revisions and other matters arising from CBI-investigated cases in Kolkata.
This recruitment is particularly relevant for senior advocates already enrolled with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court who possess substantial experience in criminal litigation. The role allows practising lawyers to contribute to high-profile CBI cases without requiring them to leave private practice entirely. The contractual nature means remuneration is a combination of a fixed yearly retainer and per-case professional fees rather than a regular government pay scale.
Advocates meeting the eligibility criteria — LL.B. degree, 10 years standing as an advocate, and proven experience in criminal cases — should apply online through the official CBI website before the deadline of 30 June 2026. No application fee is charged. Candidates must carefully review the official notification PDF for complete terms before submitting their application.
Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)
- LL.B. graduates duly enrolled as Advocates with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court (minimum 10 years standing with substantial experience in handling criminal cases) → Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) – 4 posts
- Practising advocates in Kolkata/West Bengal with a strong track record in criminal litigation before the High Court or Sessions Courts who wish to handle CBI cases on a retainer basis.
About the Central Bureau of Investigation & Why This Role Matters
Central Bureau of Investigation – Overview
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigating agency functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, it maintains zonal offices across the country, including in Kolkata. CBI investigates corruption, economic offences, serious criminal cases, and other matters of national importance referred to it by state governments or courts.
Why Candidates Search for CBI Jobs
CBI engagements carry significant prestige and provide exposure to complex, high-stakes criminal cases that few other organisations handle. The retainer counsel model offers flexibility for established advocates to take up government work alongside private practice. However, this is a contractual position with no automatic claim to permanent employment, pension under OPS/NPS, or regular government benefits. Renewal depends on performance, case requirements and organisational needs. Case load and court appearances in Kolkata can be demanding.
Why this CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) role is attractive:
- Opportunity to work with India’s top investigative agency on serious criminal matters in Kolkata courts.
- Flexible retainer structure suitable for practising advocates.
- Professional fees structured on a per-case basis in addition to a yearly retainer.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take – Is This CBI Retainer Counsel Role for You?
This recruitment offers a solid opportunity for senior criminal advocates already practising in Kolkata who want structured engagement with CBI cases without full-time government employment. It particularly suits lawyers with a proven track record in criminal litigation who are enrolled with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court and seek exposure to high-profile prosecutions.
This is not suitable if you are looking for a permanent, pensionable government job or if you lack substantial criminal case experience or the required Bar Council enrollment. Candidates based outside Kolkata or without strong local court standing may find the role less practical due to the Kolkata-specific nature of the engagement.
Practical tip: In your application, clearly list and document the specific criminal cases you have handled, especially any involving CBI, economic offences or serious crimes. Highlight your years of standing and court appearances before the Calcutta High Court or the Sessions Courts. Since selection is based on application review and document verification, strong documentation of experience is critical.
Unlike regular CBI prosecutor recruitments that sometimes involve written tests or different selection routes, this retainer counsel engagement is experience-driven and targeted at practising advocates in Kolkata.
Quick Overview – CBI Kolkata Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026
- Organisation: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Sector: Central Government (Investigation & Prosecution)
- Recruitment / Exam Name: Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) Recruitment 2026
- Post / Trade / Exam Name(s): Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel)
- Total Vacancies: 4
- Job Location / Exam Centre: Kolkata, West Bengal (for cases before Calcutta High Court and subordinate courts in Kolkata)
- Job Type / Nature: Contractual (Retainer Counsel) – fixed-term engagement on a retainer basis
- Approx. Pay: Retainer fee ₹50,000 per year + Daily fee ₹15,000 per case per day (Kolkata) + Drafting fee ₹5,000 per case + Clerkage (10% of daily fee, max ₹3,000) + Out of pocket expenses ₹1,000
- Apply / Register Between: (Open as per notification) to 30 June 2026
- Apply Online: Through the official CBI website (cbi.gov.in)
- Notification PDF: Available on cbi.gov.in under the Vacancies/Recruitment section
- Official Portal: https://cbi.gov.in
Important Dates – CBI Kolkata Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May/June 2026 (as per current updates) |
| Last Date to Apply / Register | 30 June 2026 |
| Result / Engagement (Tentative) | To be notified |
What Is the Application Fee? – CBI Special Public Prosecutor 2026
Application Fee: 0 (NIL). There is no application or examination fee for this recruitment as per the notification.
How to Apply for CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) 2026? (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Main Application Process on CBI Portal
- Visit the official CBI website cbi.gov.in and navigate to the Vacancies or Recruitment section (open until 30 June 2026).
- Locate the advertisement for Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) Recruitment 2026 for Kolkata.
- Register or log in if required and fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, professional and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (LL.B. degree, Bar Council enrollment certificate, experience certificates detailing criminal cases handled, photograph, signature, etc.) in the prescribed format and size. Need to resize a photo or a signature? Use our Photo & Signature Resizer.
- Review all entries carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form and download/print the application confirmation for your records.
Note: Applications must reach the designated authority online on or before 30 June 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to provide clear proof of a minimum of 10 years standing as an advocate or specific details of criminal cases handled.
- Submitting incomplete experience certificates that do not clearly mention duration, nature of cases (criminal), and court appearances.
- Missing or incorrect Bar Council of Calcutta High Court enrollment proof.
- Uploading documents in the wrong format or size.
- Applying after the deadline or without reviewing the full notification PDF.
সিবিআই কলকাতা স্পেশাল পাবলিক প্রসিকিউটর (রিটেইনার কাউন্সেল) নিয়োগ ২০২৬
সেন্ট্রাল ব্যুরো অফ ইনভেস্টিগেশন (সিবিআই) কলকাতায় ৪টি স্পেশাল পাবলিক প্রসিকিউটর (রিটেইনার কাউন্সেল) পদের জন্য বিজ্ঞপ্তি জারি করেছে। এটি চুক্তিভিত্তিক নিয়োগ যেখানে অভিজ্ঞ আইনজীবীরা কলকাতা হাইকোর্ট ও অধস্তন আদালতে সিবিআই মামলার প্রসিকিউশন, আপিল ও অন্যান্য বিষয় পরিচালনা করবেন। বার্ষিক রিটেইনার ফি ও প্রতি মামলার ফি-এর সমন্বয়ে পারিশ্রমিক দেওয়া হবে।
যোগ্যতা: স্বীকৃত বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে এলএল.বি. ডিগ্রি, কলকাতা হাইকোর্টের বার কাউন্সিলে নথিভুক্ত অ্যাডভোকেট এবং ফৌজদারি মামলায় কমপক্ষে ১০ বছরের অভিজ্ঞতা। কলকাতা ও পশ্চিমবঙ্গের আইনজীবীরা যারা ফৌজদারি মামলায় দক্ষ এবং সিবিআই-এর মতো সংস্থার সঙ্গে কাজ করতে আগ্রহী তারা আবেদন করতে পারবেন।
আবেদন প্রক্রিয়া: অনলাইনে cbi.gov.in ওয়েবসাইটের মাধ্যমে ৩০ জুন ২০২৬-এর মধ্যে আবেদন করতে হবে। কোনো আবেদন ফি নেই। বিস্তারিত জানতে অফিসিয়াল নোটিফিকেশন পিডিএফ দেখুন এবং প্রয়োজনীয় নথি আপলোড করুন।
Who Is Eligible for CBI Special Public Prosecutor 2026? – Education, Age & Domicile
1. Nationality, Domicile & Basic Requirements
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Domicile: Not explicitly restricted beyond enrollment with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court (implies practice jurisdiction in West Bengal/Kolkata area).
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible.
- Valid ID proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID or Passport as applicable.
2. Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Required Qualification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) | Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a recognised university + Duly enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court | Minimum 10 years standing as an Advocate with substantial experience in handling criminal cases required |
Key Rules:
- Cut-off date for educational qualification and experience: As per the notification (typically the last date of application).
- Candidates must produce original certificates at the document verification stage.
3. Age Limit
The age limit is not mentioned in the notification. There is no upper or lower age limit prescribed for this contractual retainer engagement.
4. Additional Eligibility
- Must have substantial experience in handling criminal cases (details to be provided in the application with supporting documents).
- Enrollment with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court is mandatory.
5. Reservation & PwBD Suitability
Reservation as per Government of India norms applicable to contractual engagements (details in official notification). PwBD suitability will be as per the rules for the nature of duties.
What Is the Salary? – Retainer Fee & Professional Fees – CBI Special Public Prosecutor 2026
This is a contractual retainer engagement, not a regular government pay scale post. Remuneration is a combination of fixed retainer and case-based professional fees.
Remuneration Structure (as per notification)
| Component | Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Retainer Fee | ₹50,000 per year | Fixed yearly |
| Daily Fee | ₹15,000 per case per day (Kolkata) | For court appearances/work in Kolkata |
| Drafting Fee | ₹5,000 per case | For drafting pleadings, etc. |
| Clerkage | 10% of daily fee (maximum ₹3,000) | Support staff allowance |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | ₹1,000 | Per case / as applicable |
Note: Actual earnings will depend on the number of cases assigned and the work performed. This is professional fee income subject to applicable income tax and professional tax. There is no DA, HRA, pension or regular government allowances unless specifically mentioned.
Calculate your tax liability on the professional fees using our Income Tax Calculator.
How Are Candidates Selected? – CBI Retainer Counsel 2026
Stages Overview
- Application Review – Scrutiny of applications and supporting documents for eligibility and experience.
- Document Verification – Verification of original certificates, Bar Council enrollment, experience proofs and other documents.
There is no written examination or interview mentioned in the notification. Selection is merit-based on the strength of the application and documents submitted.
What Documents Are Required? – CBI Special Public Prosecutor 2026
At the time of the online application
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- LL.B. degree certificate
- Bar Council of Calcutta High Court enrollment certificate
- Detailed experience certificates (mentioning duration, nature of criminal cases handled, and courts appeared)
- ID proof and address proof
At Document Verification
- All original certificates and documents
- Self-attested photocopies
- Any additional documents as requested by CBI
Document Alert: Experience certificates must clearly establish the 10-year standing and substantial criminal case handling experience. Vague or incomplete certificates may lead to rejection at the verification stage.
Tenure / Contract Terms & Conditions
- Contract Duration: As per engagement terms in the notification (typically on a retainer basis, renewable based on performance and requirement).
- No Permanent Claim: This is a contractual retainer engagement. Completion or continuation does not automatically guarantee permanent employment or absorption into CBI.
- Remuneration: As detailed in the salary section (retainer + case-based fees).
- Termination / Extension: Governed by the terms of engagement and performance review.
What Happens After Selection? – CBI Retainer Counsel 2026
- Selected candidates receive an engagement offer/letter from the CBI Kolkata branch.
- Document verification and submission of original certificates at the designated venue/office in Kolkata.
- Execution of the engagement agreement/bond as per CBI terms.
- Assignment of CBI cases for prosecution, appeals and revisions before the Calcutta High Court and subordinate courts in Kolkata.
- Performance monitoring and review for continuation of retainer engagement.
- Renewal or extension of retainer based on organisational needs, case load and satisfactory performance.
General Instructions & Important Rules
- Only one application per candidate.
- All information provided must be true and correct; any false information will lead to disqualification and possible legal action.
- Candidates must be ready to work in Kolkata and handle cases as assigned by CBI.
- Check the official website regularly for updates, corrigenda or further instructions.
Contact & Helpline – CBI Recruitment
Contact details are available in the official notification PDF on cbi.gov.in. For recruitment-related queries, refer to the advertisement or contact the designated CBI office in Kolkata as mentioned in the notification.
For general queries, visit the official website https://cbi.gov.in or the Contact/Recruitment section.
Important Links – CBI Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | cbi.gov.in |
| Notification PDF | Download CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF (Check Vacancies section) |
| Apply Online | Apply for CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) 2026 (Navigate to Recruitment/Vacancies – open until 30 June 2026) |
| Result / Merit List Page | To be updated on cbi.gov.in |
FAQs – CBI Kolkata Special Public Prosecutor Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the CBI Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) 2026?
A: 30 June 2026. Submit your online application well before the deadline, as late applications are not accepted.
Q2: What is the age limit for this CBI retainer counsel post?
A: The age limit is not mentioned in the notification. There is no upper or lower age restriction prescribed for this contractual engagement.
Q3: Is there a written exam or interview for CBI Special Public Prosecutor recruitment?
A: No. Selection is through application review followed by document verification. There is no written examination or interview mentioned.
Q4: What is the salary or remuneration for this post?
A: Retainer fee of ₹50,000 per year plus daily fee of ₹15,000 per case per day (Kolkata), drafting fee ₹5,000 per case, clerkage and out-of-pocket expenses. Actual earnings depend on the cases assigned. This is professional fee income, not a fixed government salary.
Q5: Can final-year LL.B. students or fresh graduates apply?
A: No. Minimum 10 years standing as an Advocate with substantial criminal case experience is required. You must already be enrolled with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court.
Q6: Is this a permanent government job?
A: No. This is a contractual retainer engagement. There is no automatic claim for permanent employment or regular government benefits upon selection or completion.
Q7: Can advocates from other states apply?
A: Enrollment with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court is mandatory. Candidates must be able to practise and appear in Kolkata courts. Practising advocates from other states may apply if they meet this enrollment condition and the experience criteria.
Q8: Where will I be posted or required to work?
A: The engagement is for handling CBI cases before the Calcutta High Court and subordinate courts in Kolkata. You will be required to work from Kolkata.
Q9: What are the disadvantages of this retainer counsel engagement?
A: One thing to note — this is purely contractual with no pension, job security or automatic absorption into regular CBI service. Renewal depends entirely on performance and organisational requirements. Case load can be unpredictable and demanding.
Q10: How competitive is this recruitment?
A: With only 4 posts targeted at experienced advocates enrolled with the Calcutta Bar Council, competition will be among qualified senior lawyers in Kolkata. Strong documentation of criminal case experience will be the key differentiator.
Q11: Is there any bond or service agreement?
A: Yes. Selected candidates will have to execute an engagement agreement as per CBI terms. Details are in the official notification.
Q12: Can I apply if I am already engaged as counsel elsewhere?
A: You may apply, but you must be able to fulfil the retainer obligations for CBI cases in Kolkata. Any conflict of interest or inability to dedicate the required time may affect your engagement.
Q13: What happens if my application is rejected after submission?
A: The notification does not specify a refund or appeal process for rejected applications. Ensure all eligibility conditions and documents are in order before applying to avoid rejection at the scrutiny stage.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Opportunity for You?
- You have an LL.B. degree and are enrolled with the Bar Council of Calcutta High Court.
- You have a minimum of 10 years’ standing as an Advocate with substantial criminal case experience.
- You are comfortable with a contractual retainer engagement (no permanent job claim).
- You can work in Kolkata and handle cases before the Calcutta High Court and the subordinate courts.
- You can arrange all the required documents and experience proofs before the deadline.
📄 Source: Official notification released by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for Special Public Prosecutor (Retainer Counsel) Recruitment 2026. All details sourced from the official notification and consistent information on cbi.gov.in.
