New Delhi: With the tenure of incumbent CBI Director Praveen Sood set to conclude on May 24, 2026, the process to appoint the next chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation has gathered momentum in New Delhi. A high-powered selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet on May 12 to finalise the appointment of the country’s next top investigative officer.
The committee comprises Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Sources familiar with the developments said the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has almost finalised the list of senior IPS officers who will be placed before the panel for consideration.
The race for the coveted post has triggered intense discussions within bureaucratic and security circles, with several senior IPS officers emerging as strong contenders.
Praveen Sood’s Tenure Nears Completion
Praveen Sood, a 1986-batch Karnataka cadre IPS officer, took charge as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation on May 24, 2023. Under Supreme Court guidelines, the CBI Director enjoys a fixed tenure of two years to ensure institutional independence and continuity in investigations.
As his term approaches its end later this month, the Centre has accelerated consultations to identify his successor.
Interestingly, administrative circles have not entirely ruled out the possibility of an extension for Sood. Officials point out that in the past, the government has extended the tenure of incumbent CBI chiefs when the high-powered committee failed to arrive at a consensus on a successor.
However, indications suggest that the government is actively evaluating a broad pool of experienced IPS officers with expertise in intelligence, counter-terrorism, economic offences, and policing administration.
Top Names Under Consideration
According to sources, several senior IPS officers are being discussed prominently for the top CBI post. Among the names generating the maximum buzz are Parag Jain, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, G.P. Singh and Yogesh Gupta.
Parag Jain
Parag Jain, a 1989-batch Punjab cadre IPS officer, is currently serving as chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Known for his intelligence and security background, Jain is considered one of the most experienced officers in the national security establishment.
His name has emerged prominently in discussions due to his extensive experience in intelligence operations and strategic security management.
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990-batch Haryana cadre IPS officer, is currently serving as Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Prior to heading the central armed police force, Kapoor served as Director General of Police of Haryana.
An engineering graduate by qualification, Kapoor has held several important policing and administrative assignments during his career. He is regarded as an officer with deep experience in law and order management, intelligence coordination, and police modernisation initiatives.
His administrative experience and long tenure in senior policing positions have made him one of the leading contenders for the CBI Director’s post.
G.P. Singh
G.P. Singh, a 1991-batch IPS officer presently serving as Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is also among the senior officers under consideration.
Known for his operational experience and leadership in internal security matters, Singh has held several key assignments during his distinguished career. His experience in handling security challenges and leading one of India’s largest paramilitary forces has added weight to his candidature.
Yogesh Gupta
Yogesh Gupta, a 1993-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, is currently serving as Director General of Police for Fire and Rescue Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards in Kerala.
Gupta is widely regarded as an expert in financial crime investigations. During his career, he served in important assignments in both the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He is particularly known for developing the “TRACK Model” for investigative analysis.
Over the years, Gupta has handled several high-profile economic offence cases and earned a reputation for his expertise in complex financial investigations and forensic analysis.
Bureaucratic circles believe his experience in white-collar crime investigations could work in his favour as the government evaluates candidates for the sensitive post.
Surprise Candidate Still Possible
Despite intense speculation around the frontrunners, senior officials believe the Modi government could still spring a surprise while selecting the next CBI Director.
Over the years, appointments to sensitive national security and investigative positions have often witnessed unexpected choices, with the government prioritising factors such as integrity, administrative ability, investigative experience, and institutional leadership.
As a result, several other senior IPS officers are also being discussed informally in administrative circles.
Amit Garg Also in Discussion
Among them is Amit Garg, a 1993-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer who currently serves as Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.
Garg has held several important policing assignments during his career, including serving as Commissioner of Police in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. He has also worked in senior positions within Hyderabad Police and Andhra Pradesh CID.
Importantly, Garg has prior experience of working on central deputation with the Central Bureau of Investigation. He is also a recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
His experience in both field policing and investigative work has made him one of the names being watched closely in bureaucratic circles.
Sadanand Date’s Name Gains Attention
Another prominent officer whose name is drawing attention is Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990-batch Maharashtra cadre IPS officer currently serving as Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra.
Date is widely recognised across the country for his bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. During the attacks, he sustained serious injuries while leading anti-terror operations against terrorists in Mumbai.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Date has served as chief of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Joint Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, and Commissioner of the Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate. He also earlier headed the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
A recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Date is regarded as an officer with strong investigative credentials and extensive counter-terrorism experience.
Final Decision Expected Soon
With the May 24 deadline approaching, all eyes are now on the high-powered committee meeting expected on May 12. The panel’s decision will determine who takes charge of India’s premier investigative agency at a time when the CBI continues to handle several politically sensitive and high-profile corruption and criminal investigations.
The appointment is being keenly watched across political, bureaucratic, and law enforcement circles, as the next CBI Director will play a crucial role in shaping the functioning and credibility of the country’s top investigative agency over the next two years.
