Impending Vacancy of CBI Director Post

The position of Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to become vacant in May 2026 following the completion of the extended tenure of incumbent director Praveen Sood. Sood, a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Karnataka cadre, was appointed as CBI Director on May 25, 2023, for an initial two-year term. He was subsequently granted a one-year extension, which will conclude next year.

The Director of CBI holds a crucial role in overseeing investigations related to corruption, economic offenses, and high-profile criminal cases. The appointment is made by a high-powered committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India or his nominee. As the tenure draws to a close, administrative and political circles are likely to intensify discussions about succession planning.