How to Become a CBI Officer in India? Join CBI As a Officer

Are you searching for how to join the Central Bureau of Investigation as a CBI Officer? We have got you covered with our article How to Become a CBI Officer in India in detail.

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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
EyeSight	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

FAQs

How can I become a CBI Officer?

To become a CBI Officer, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria such as educational qualifications, age limits, and physical fitness standards. You can join through exams like UPSC Civil Service Exam (UPSC CSE), SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (SSC CGL), or Departmental Exams conducted by CBI.

What are the eligibility criteria to join CBI?

Candidates must have completed 12th grade and hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The age limit varies based on categories (General, OBC, SC/ST), and physical fitness requirements include height, chest measurements for men, and eyesight standards.

What is the salary of a CBI Officer?

The salary varies based on the rank. For instance, a Sub Inspector earns around 44,900 INR per month, while an Additional Director can earn up to 2,25,000 INR per month. The CBI operates through various divisions, each serving specific functions like Anti-Corruption, Forensic Science, and Economic Offences.