Do you enjoy a sense of justice and want to stand in aid of the state in criminal matters? Then becoming a Public Prosecutor (PP) in India can be the job for you, as serving as a Public Prosecutor in India enables you to take a primary role in protecting the law and providing justice.
Here is the step-by-step process that will help you to learn everything that you need to learn about becoming a Public Prosecutor in India: What it entails? The roles and responsibilities you are going to have, growth trends and career outlook in 2025 and onwards, and what is the pay of a public prosecutor in India.
Learning the Role of a Public Prosecutor
Let’s clear this out the way first. As a Public Prosecutor in India, you will be the representative of the state during criminal trials. It is your job to present evidence before courts, advise the police during investigations, and see to it that justice is delivered equally and without prejudice. That’s all. That’s all you need to do as a Public Prosecutor in India, you’re not just going to be a government pleader, rather, you will be a guardian of public interest, and an important part of the criminal justice system as a Public Prosecutor in India.
Educational Pathway
Now, onto the How of How to Become a Public Prosecutor in India. Firstly, you will need to get a degree in law. You can directly go for a 5-year integrated law program (such as BA LLB or BBA LLB) after passing Class 12th, or get a 3-year LLB Course after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in any field. During your studies, do get as much internship experience as you can, as this will be very valuable for you, teaching you the ground reality and helping you network and learn from the best in this field.
But do make sure that your degree is from an approved university, and get registered with the Bar Council of India to start your career as a Lawyer.
Gain Practical Experience
So, after obtaining your degree in law, you will need to do some serious fieldwork. You are required to work as an advocate for a minimum of seven years before you are qualified to be appointed as Public Prosecutor in India. So, the exposure you get will make you competent as well as aware in the legal system of the laws of India.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the conditions given below to be eligible for working as a Public Prosecutor in India:
- Citizenship: You should be an Indian Citizen.
- Educational Qualification: LLB from a recognized, well known university.
- Experience: At least 7 years of practical experience as an advocate.
- Age Limit: Between 35 to 45 years, but the same can vary via personal state guidelines.
Public Prosecutor Exam
And now you may be thinking “wait, there is a public prosecutor exam in India?” and the answer is yep, there is. Appointment of a Public Prosecutor in India is done on the basis of a competitive exam, conducted most of the time by UPSC or the State Public Service Commissions. This generally consists of a written exam followed by an interview.
The paper test evaluates your familiarity in the fields of Criminal Law, Procedural Law and General Principals of Law.
Career Options and Growth Trends
As a Public Prosecutor in India, you can progress in most posts like:
- Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP): Primarily the point of entry, where you handle cases in Magistrate courts. It is the job of the Central Government to employ you as an APP.
- Public Prosecutor (PP): Handling cases of a serious nature in Sessions Court. Like APP, it is the Central Government that will bestow upon you the honor of serving as a Public Prosecutor in India.
- Additional Public Prosecutor: Assists the PP and may handle special cases. It is the responsibility of the State Government to employ Additional Public Prosecutors.
- Special Public Prosecutor: Picked for the specific case, generally pertaining to complicated or high profile ones. Unlike the others, they can be employed by both the Central and the State Governments.
What is the Salary of a Public Prosecutor in India?
Now, let’s talk about one of the most important, if not the most important, factors to keep in mind when trying to become a Public Prosecutor in India, “What is the Salary of a Public Prosecutor in India?” and the answer is, like any other profession, it depends on your role and experience.
- Assistant Public Prosecutor Salary: The entry-level Assistant Public Prosecutor Salary in India is usually between ₹47,000 to ₹60,000.
- Public Prosecutor Salary: A fully fledged Public Prosecutor can expect to earn between ₹67,000 to ₹1 Lakh per month (excluding perks).
- Special Public Prosecutor Salary: This is a high-ranking role, and as such, a Special Public Prosecutor Salary can go beyond ₹1.5 Lakhs per month.
- Additional Public Prosecutor: The same as Special Public Prosecutor.
Common Challenges a Public Prosecutor in India faces
Let’s be real - it’s not all courtroom drama, or heroic speeches, or getting the ability to say “Tarikh pe Tarikh”. Being a prosecutor involves serious challenges, including, but not limited to:
- High Pressure Environment: Handling serious criminal cases can be physically and emotionally demanding.
- Workload: Courts are usually flooded with cases i.e. late nights and tight deadlines.
- Pressure and Threats: In high-profile cases, you may face external pressure or even threats.
- Public Scrutiny: Your arguments and performance will be constantly judged, not just by the court and the judge, but by the public as a whole.
- Moral Dilemmas: Sometimes, evidence might be thin, or you may feel morally conflicted about the case.
- Administrative Hurdles: Dealing with law enforcement, judiciary and bureaucracy requires tact and patience.
Despite all this, the job of a Public Prosecutor in India is deeply fulfilling if you’re committed to justice.
