CBI Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Examination 2025-26: Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus and Selection Process

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit eligible law graduates for the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor in the Central Bureau of Investigation under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India.

The post of Assistant Public Prosecutor is one of the most sought-after legal positions in the central government, offering an opportunity to work on high-profile criminal investigations and prosecutions handled by the CBI. Candidates are selected through a Recruitment Test followed by a Personal Interview conducted by UPSC.

This article provides complete details about the CBI APP Examination 2025-26, including exam pattern, eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, and detailed syllabus.

CBI Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Examination 2025-26 Overview

CBI APP Selection Process 2025-26

The recruitment process for Assistant Public Prosecutor in CBI consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Recruitment Test (RT)

Candidates are required to appear for an objective-type written examination conducted by UPSC. The test evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, evidence law, procedural law, anti-corruption laws, and other statutes relevant to the functioning of the CBI.

Stage 2: Personal Interview

Candidates who qualify in the Recruitment Test and fulfill all eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the interview round. The interview assesses the candidate’s legal aptitude, professional competence, analytical ability, communication skills, and suitability for the role of Assistant Public Prosecutor.

CBI APP Exam Pattern 2025-26

The Recruitment Test serves as the primary screening stage for the interview.

Key Features of the Exam

• Objective-type multiple-choice questions.
• Conducted entirely in English.
• Negative marking applicable for incorrect answers.
• Focus on criminal laws and special legislations relevant to CBI investigations.
• Candidates must secure qualifying marks to be shortlisted for the interview.

CBI Assistant Public Prosecutor Eligibility Criteria 2025-26

Candidates must satisfy the educational and age requirements prescribed by UPSC.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must possess:

• A Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized University or Institution.
• UPSC may relax qualification requirements in exceptional circumstances for candidates possessing outstanding credentials.

Experience Requirement

Unlike several prosecutorial positions, prior legal practice or advocacy experience is not mandatory for the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor.

Candidates possessing a recognized Law Degree are eligible to apply without any mandatory professional experience.

Nationality

Candidates must fulfill the nationality conditions prescribed under UPSC recruitment rules.

CBI APP Age Limit 2025-26

The upper age limit is determined as on the closing date of the application.

Age relaxation shall be applicable as per Government of India norms wherever notified by UPSC.

CBI APP Eligibility Summary

CBI Assistant Public Prosecutor Syllabus 2025-26

The Recruitment Test syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of criminal jurisprudence, constitutional provisions, procedural laws, anti-corruption legislation, and specialized statutes frequently encountered in CBI investigations.

1. Constitution of India

• Fundamental Rights
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Fundamental Duties
• Union and State Judiciary
• Constitutional Bodies
• Legislative, Executive and Judicial Structure
• Constitutional Remedies

2. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

• General Principles of Criminal Liability
• Offences Against Human Body
• Property Offences
• Public Tranquility
• Criminal Conspiracy
• Abetment
• Attempt to Commit Offences

3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023

• Relevancy of Facts
• Admissions and Confessions
• Documentary Evidence
• Electronic Evidence
• Burden of Proof
• Witness Examination
• Presumptions

4. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

• Investigation Procedures
• Arrest and Bail
• Cognizance of Offences
• Trial Procedures
• Appeals and Revisions
• Powers of Criminal Courts

5. Information Technology Act, 2000

• Cyber Crimes
• Electronic Records
• Digital Signatures
• Cyber Security Framework
• Investigation of Cyber Offences

6. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

• Definition of Public Servants
• Corrupt Practices
• Investigation Mechanism
• Prosecution Procedures
• Sanction for Prosecution

7. Companies Act, 2013

• Corporate Governance
• Incorporation and Management
• Directors and Board Meetings
• Corporate Offences
• Penalties and Compliance

8. Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003

• Powers and Functions of CVC
• Vigilance Administration
• Anti-Corruption Mechanisms
• Oversight Functions

9. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

• Money Laundering Offences
• Attachment and Confiscation of Property
• Investigation Powers
• Adjudication Process
• Enforcement Framework

10. Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946

• Constitution of CBI
• Jurisdiction of CBI
• Investigation Powers
• Superintendence and Control
• Central Government Authority

11. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• Environmental Protection Framework
• Regulatory Authorities
• Environmental Compliance
• Penalties and Enforcement

12. Competition Act, 2002

• Anti-Competitive Agreements
• Abuse of Dominant Position
• Competition Commission of India (CCI)
• Combination and Merger Regulations

Preparation Strategy for CBI APP Examination

To perform well in the Recruitment Test, candidates should:

• Develop a strong command over BNS, BNSS, and BSA.
• Thoroughly study the Constitution of India.
• Focus on anti-corruption and economic offence legislations.
• Practice objective-type legal questions regularly.
• Revise landmark judgments related to criminal law and constitutional law.
• Solve previous UPSC legal recruitment papers for better understanding of the examination pattern.

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