The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), under the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, has announced a recruitment drive to fill 4 Judicial Member positions. Applications must be submitted offline by 20 December 2026, 05:30 PM. This is a prestigious appointment for experienced legal professionals offering a fixed monthly salary of ₹2,25,000 plus Group 'A' officer allowances.
Overview
The Central Administrative Tribunal is one of India's principal quasi-judicial bodies, established to hear and determine cases relating to recruitment, promotion, and service conditions of civil servants. Judicial Members play a crucial role in adjudicating administrative disputes across the country. The CAT has its Principal Bench in New Delhi and 18 additional Benches located at various strategic centres across India.
This recruitment (Circular No. A-11013/1/2025-AT dated 5 November 2026) seeks qualified legal professionals to serve as Judicial Members for a five-year term (or until age 67, whichever is earlier). The position offers a strong remuneration package, career growth in the judicial domain, and the opportunity to contribute to India's administrative justice system. Candidates from the Bench and Bar with substantial legal experience are encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Circular Release | 5 November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 20 December 2026, 05:30 PM (application must reach DoPT office) |
| Selection Committee Shortlisting | As per Search-cum-Selection Committee schedule |
| Personal Interaction | Scheduled after shortlisting (date to be notified) |
| Appointment Term | 5 years or until age 67, whichever is earlier |
Vacancy Details
| Post | Number of Vacancies | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Member | 4 (existing and anticipated; liable to vary) | High Court Judge (serving/retired) OR 10+ years as District Judge/Additional District Judge OR 10+ years as an advocate OR Indian Legal Service Grade I or above (serving/retired) |
Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy any one of the following eligibility requirements to apply:
- High Court Judge: Currently serving or retired High Court Judge of any High Court in India.
- District Judiciary: A minimum of 10 years of service as a District Judge and/or Additional District Judge.
- Advocate: A minimum of 10 years of practice as an advocate (including practice before any court, tribunal, or bar council).
- Indian Legal Service: Serving or retired officer of the Indian Legal Service (ILS) holding the rank of Grade I or above.
Candidates meeting any one of the above criteria are eligible. The experience must be demonstrable through official records, service certificates, or bar council registration (as applicable). Upper age limit and other statutory requirements as per the vacancy notification must also be satisfied.
Salary and Benefits
The appointment offers a fixed monthly salary of ₹2,25,000 plus allowances and benefits equivalent to those granted to a Group 'A' officer. Additional perquisites, leave, pension, and retirement benefits are governed by Government of India rules and CAT regulations applicable at the time of appointment.
How to Apply
- Download the Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application proforma (Annexure-I) from the DoPT official website or the Vacancy Circular PDF.
- Fill in Details: Complete all sections of the proforma legibly in English. Ensure dates, qualifications, and experience are accurate and match supporting documents.
- Prepare Documents: Gather and arrange copies of all required documents, including educational certificates, service records, bar council registration, identity proof, and any other documents specified in the notification.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Affix or bind all documentary evidence to the application in the order specified. Ensure all documents are attested photocopies (originals may be verified during personal interaction).
- Address and Submission: Address the completed application envelope to:
Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, New Delhi - Postal/Hand Delivery: Submit your application by one of the following modes:
- By hand to the DoPT office (handwritten receipt recommended)
- By speed post (ensure receipt confirmation)
- By registered post (keep proof of mailing)
- Deadline: The application must be received at the DoPT office on or before 20 December 2026 at 05:30 PM. Postmark date alone is insufficient; physical receipt is mandatory. Late submissions will be summarily rejected.
Selection Process
The selection of Judicial Members will be conducted by a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted by the Department of Personnel and Training. The process comprises two stages:
- Stage 1 – Scrutiny and Shortlisting: The committee will scrutinise all applications received and verify eligibility based on the criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the next stage.
- Stage 2 – Personal Interaction: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interaction with the committee. This stage assesses suitability, temperament, legal acumen, and overall fitness for the Judicial Member position.
The final selection will be communicated in writing to eligible candidates. Selected candidates will then undergo the appointment formalities as per Government of India procedures.
Important Links
- CAT Judicial Member Vacancy Circular (Circular No. A-11013/1/2025-AT, dated 5 November 2026)
- DoPT Official Website – Application Form and Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the application deadline and how is it calculated?
A: Applications must be received at the Secretary, DoPT, New Delhi office by 20 December 2026, 05:30 PM. The deadline is based on physical receipt, not postmark; applications arriving after this time will be rejected regardless of posting date.
Q: What is the monthly salary and benefits?
A: Judicial Members receive a fixed monthly salary of ₹2,25,000 plus allowances equivalent to those of a Group 'A' officer. Additional benefits and perquisites are as per government rules.
Q: Who can apply for Judicial Member position?
A: Candidates must meet one of the following: currently serving or retired High Court Judge; minimum 10 years as District Judge and/or Additional District Judge; minimum 10 years as a practicing advocate; or Indian Legal Service Grade I or above (serving or retired).
Q: How many Judicial Member posts are available and where will appointees be posted?
A: 4 vacancies (existing and anticipated; liable to vary) are open. Appointees can be posted at the Principal Bench in New Delhi or any of the 18 CAT Benches spread across India.
Q: What is the tenure of appointment as Judicial Member?
A: The appointment is for a term of 5 years or until the candidate attains 67 years of age, whichever comes first.
Q: What documents should I attach with my application?
A: See the official notification (Vacancy Circular PDF) for the complete list of required documents. Typically, you must submit proof of qualifications, experience certificates, identity proof, and other documents specified in Annexure-I (the application proforma).
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, dates, eligibility requirements, and submission procedures on the official DoPT website and the vacancy circular PDF before applying. Sarkari Spot is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with any government agency.