The Delhi APP contractual vacancy 2026 is a separate recruitment from the 140 regular posts advertised by UPSC, and many advocates are mixing the two up. Both are for Assistant Public Prosecutors (APPs), the government lawyers who conduct criminal cases for the State. This guide is for practising advocates and law graduates, and it explains how the two routes differ in law, pay, selection and prospects. Details come from published notices, so confirm each on the official website.
Background: Two Recruitments for One Post
- Regular posts: UPSC Advertisement No. 11/2026 covers 140 permanent posts in the Directorate of Prosecution, Home Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. Applications close at 6 pm on 2 October 2026.
- Contractual posts: The Directorate separately advertised 50 posts around 22 to 24 September 2026 from Tis Hazari Courts. The engagement runs for six months or until regular APPs join, whichever is earlier.
Legal Framework
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS): the criminal procedure law that replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Section 19 requires appointment of APPs in each district for Magistrate courts. Section 20 provides for a Directorate of Prosecution. Section 18 covers Public Prosecutors.
- Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution: equality and equal opportunity in public employment. Article 16(4) and Article 16(6) allow reservation for backward classes and economically weaker sections.
- Article 309: lets the government frame recruitment rules for its posts, which the regular APP post follows.
- Article 320: sets out UPSC’s role in recruitment.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: Section 34 reserves posts for persons with benchmark disabilities, and the UPSC notice includes 8 such posts.
- Advocates Act, 1961: governs enrolment, and Bar experience must be as an enrolled advocate.
- Indian Contract Act, 1872: contractual engagement is governed by its terms, not by service rules for permanent staff.
- Right to Information Act, 2005: lets you seek selection-related information.
Delhi APP Contractual Vacancy 2026 vs UPSC Regular Posts: Comparison
| Feature | Contractual (50 posts) | UPSC regular (140 posts) |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised by | Directorate of Prosecution | UPSC, Advt. No. 11/2026 |
| Nature | Contract, six months or until regular APPs join | Permanent, Group A gazetted, two-year probation |
| Pay | Minimum of Level 10 plus DA, fixed for the contract period | Level 10 (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500) plus allowances |
| Eligibility | Law degree, three years at the Bar | Law degree, three years at the Bar |
| Age limit | 35 years, with relaxation (reported: 5 years SC/ST/PH, 3 years OBC) | 35 (UR/EWS), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST), up to 10 more for PwBD |
| Selection | Scrutiny, then interview | Interview, with a test possible if applications are many |
| Category-wise posts | Not reported | UR 50, EWS 14, OBC 37, SC 30, ST 9 |
| Fee | Check the notice | ₹25, exempt for women, SC/ST and PwBD |
How the Contractual Selection Works
Application → Scrutiny of documents → Shortlisting (if needed) → Interview → Contract engagement
The department reportedly calls about three times the number of vacancies for interview. If applications are many, shortlisting may use higher qualifications such as an LLM or PhD in Law, total experience, and proof of criminal court practice supported by order sheets showing your appearance. Self-attested copies of degrees, experience and category certificates are required, and incomplete applications may be rejected.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Contractual route: faster entry, useful courtroom experience and a foot in the Directorate. But it is temporary, and it does not create a right to regular appointment.
UPSC route: a permanent Group A post with pay-matrix benefits, but more competitive and slower.
Nothing in the reported notices bars you from applying to both, but check each notice. The UPSC advertisement is also reported to offer a one-time age relaxation to eligible contractual employees, subject to its conditions.
Legal Cautions and Remedies
- Genuine documents only. False certificates can lead to rejection, cancellation of engagement and prosecution for cheating under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Grievances: first send a written representation to the Directorate, then use the RTI Act if needed. A writ petition under Article 226 before the High Court is the usual remedy for an unfair rejection.
- Watch the three-year rule. A legal challenge to the three-year Bar requirement has been reported. Any change would come through the courts or a fresh notice, so follow official updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are separate notices by different bodies.
No. Both notices require three years at the Bar.
Six months or until regular APPs are recruited through UPSC, whichever is earlier.
It is the minimum of Level 10 plus a fixed DA, so it is generally lower than the regular pay structure with growth and allowances.
No. Regular posts are filled only through the UPSC process.
Reports say selection is by application scrutiny and interview, with no separate test.
The notices do not appear to prohibit it, but confirm in each advertisement.
Use only the Directorate of Prosecution and UPSC official websites.
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