Central Bureau of Investigation
Click here for Complaint / Information

Go Back

Frequently Asked Questions

1. On what basis does the CBI take up cases for investigation ?


The CBI is a multidisciplinary investigation agency of Government of India and undertakes investigation of corruption related cases, economic offences and cases of conventional crime. The jurisdiction of CBI is defined by DSPE Act 1946. CBI can undertake investigation into offences duly notified under Section 3 of DSPE Act by Government of India in Union Territories and in States with the consent of the State Governments under Section 6 of the said Act. The CBI normally confines its activities in anti-corruption field to offences committed by the employees of Central Government and Union Territories and their Public Sector Undertakings.


The CBI takes up investigation of conventional crimes like murder, kidnapping, rape etc. on reference from the State Governments or when directed by the Supreme Court / High Courts.


2. How can one join CBI ?

CBI recruits Sub-inspectors through Staff Selection Commission which publishes its Recruitment Notice in Employment News and all leading dailies. Police officers in the rank of Sub-inspector/ Inspector of the Ste Police may approach local CBI Superintendent of Police generally located in the State Capital. The addresses are available on the web-site. The officers coming on deputation in these ranks are entitled to 25 percent extra salary and one month’s extra salary.

3. How can one complain to the CBI?

The CBI welcomes complaints and information primarily relating to corruption in Central Government departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings and nationalised banks. Information on crimes relating to national economy and national security are also welcome. You can use the "Contact Us" link on the left pane of the web page or link "Complaint/Information" on home page of this site to submit the information. The identity of the informant will be kept secret. CBI does not entertain anonymous / pseudonymous complaints.

4. How does the CBI differ from State Police?

CBI is a specialised investigating agency which takes up cases of corruption by the high ranking officers of Central Government and Central Public Sector Undertakings. Cases which have inter-state and international ramifications are also taken up for investigation when referred to by the State Governments or entrusted by Constitutional Courts.

5. What is the success rate of the CBI?

Conviction rate in cases prosecuted by CBI has been between 65 to 70 percent which is comparable to the best investigation agencies of the world.

6. Does the CBI reward its informants?

Yes. Rewards are announced for information leading to the location of missing persons. Please see the "Wanted Persons" and "Missing Persons" section on this site. The CBI ensures anonymity of the informant, if desired.

7. What is the role of the CBI vis-à-vis Interpol?

The CBI acts as the "National Central Bureau" of Interpol in India. The Interpol Wing of the CBI coordinates requests for investigation related activities originating from Indian law enforcement agencies and the member countries of the Interpol.

8. Why does the CBI take much time to complete investigations?

CBI conducts professional investigation and uses all the latest available scientific tools in gathering evidence. The same is evaluated by the supervisory officers and legal inputs taken whenever considered necessary. This does take time but all efforts are made to complete investigation within a period of one year or earlier. In complicated cases which need extensive investigation and even outside the country, the effort is to complete the exercise within a period of two years. If required a team of officers is entrusted with the task of investigation. CBI makes all efforts to complete investigation at the earliest.

Go Back