Joining the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a dream for many aspirants in India. Candidates are attracted to join the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to its reputation for combating corruption, investigating high-profile cases, and offering a challenging and prestigious career in law enforcement and crime investigation. In this article, we are going to cover the following points on the topic- How to Become a CBI Officer in India?
- Introduction to CBI
- Who is a CBI Officer?
- How to Become a CBI Officer?- Eligibility and Government Exams
- Salary of a CBI Officer
Introduction to CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigative agency, established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment. Over the years, it has evolved into a formidable force in combating corruption, economic offences, cybercrimes, and other serious crimes of national and international importance. Headquartered in New Delhi, the CBI operates nationwide through various branches and specialized units.
Who is a CBI Officer?
A CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) officer is a dedicated law enforcement professional. They are experts in investigating corruption, fraud, and serious offences crimes. CBI officers work hard to uphold justice and fairness in society. A CBI Officer is a highly trained, skilled, and dedicated individual. They also possess strong intellect, quick decision-making, and analytical qualities.
How to Become a CBI Officer?
To become a CBI Officer, candidates must possess certain educational, age, physical fitness, and intellectual qualities. Their work is quite diverse and challenging. We discussed some qualities in the paragraph above such as strong intellectual and analytical skills to analyse, investigate, and make informed decisions while working on any case. The detailed procedure to join the Central Bureau of Investigation is discussed below.
Eligibility Criteria to join CBI
Check the required eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to join CBI.
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed their 12th grade from a recognized board.
- Candidates must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university.
- Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply to appear for the required exams.
Age Criteria:
- For General Category candidates, the age should be between 20-30 years.
- OBC Category candidates have an age limit of 20-33 years.
- SC/ST Category candidates should be between 20-35 years old.
Physical Fitness:
| Feature | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 150 cm |
| Chest | 76 cm with expansion (for men) | Not Applicable |
| EyeSight | Distant Vision: 6/6 and 6/9 | Distant Vision: 6/6 and 6/9 |
| Near Vision: 0.6 and 0.8 | Near Vision: 0.6 and 0.8 |
Government Exams to Become CBI Officer
To become a CBI Officer, candidates can take any of these three exams:
- UPSC Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE)
- SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL)
- Departmental Exams conducted by CBI
UPSC Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE) for CBI Officer Post
The UPSC Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE) is highly relevant for aspiring CBI Officers (Group A). It is the primary route for recruitment to various civil services, including the Indian Police Service (IPS), from which CBI officers are selected.
The UPSC CSE consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type), Main Examination (Descriptive Type), and Personality Test (Interview). Candidates who clear all stages are eligible for appointment as CBI Officers (Group A) by selecting IPS (Indian Police Service).
SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL) for CBI Officer Post
The SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL) is relevant for candidates seeking entry into the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for positions like Sub-Inspectors (SI) or other Group B and Group C roles.
The SSC CGL exam comprises two phases: Tier 1 (Prelims) and Tier 2 (Mains). Successful candidates are considered for various positions within the CBI based on their performance in the exam and their post preference.
Departmental Exams conducted by CBI for CBI Officer Post
These exams are specifically designed for existing employees or officers within the CBI who may be seeking promotions or transfers to higher positions, including CBI Officer roles.
The departmental exams conducted by CBI assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and suitability for specific roles within the organization. These exams may include written tests, interviews, and other evaluation methods.
Salary of a CBI Officer
The salary for the CBI Officer depends on the post they are serving. For example, a Sub Inspector in the CBI earns between 9,300 to 34,800 Indian Rupees per month. On the other hand, a CBI Inspector with a Grade Pay of 4200 receives a total monthly salary of 44,000 Indian Rupees. The CBI operates through several divisions, each with a specific focus and function. These divisions include the Anti-Corruption Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Directorate of Prosecution, Administration Division, Economic Offences Division, Special Crimes Division, and Policy & Coordination Division. Check the table below for more details.
| Rank | Starting Salary per Month (INR) |
|---|---|
| Sub Inspector | 44,900 |
| Inspector | 53,100 |
| Deputy Superintendent (DSP) | 67,700 |
| Superintendent (SP) | 78,800 |
| Assistant Director | 1,23,100 |
| Additional Director | 2,25,000 |
