Central Railway Advocate Empanelment 2026: Central Railway has released Notification No. 01/2026 inviting applications from eligible Advocates for empanelment as Railway Advocates for District and Subordinate Courts under its jurisdiction. The notification was issued on 21 September 2026, and applications will be accepted up to 23 October 2026.

The empanelment covers District and Subordinate Courts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. As listed in Annexure II of the notification, a total of 33 advocates are proposed to be empanelled across 18 locations.

Eligible advocates possessing an LL.B. degree and at least 3 years of professional practice experience may submit their application in the prescribed format. Applications are to be sent by email; offline applications will not be accepted.

Details for Central Railway Advocate Empanelment 2026:

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should possess a Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized university.

The notification also states that preference may be given to advocates possessing higher qualifications in Law or related disciplines.

Professional Experience

Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of experience practising as an Advocate.

The relevant experience certificate should be duly endorsed by the Chairman of the concerned Bar Association and submitted with the application.

Experience for Retired Railway Officials

Superannuated Railway officials who have subsequently enrolled as Advocates may also have their period of handling Railway legal cases considered toward the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Such applicants are required to provide a certificate indicating the period during which they handled legal cases, duly endorsed by the respective DGM/Law, Dy. CLO or Legal Head of the Zonal Railway/Production Unit, as applicable.

Preference and Selection Considerations

Central Railway has mentioned several factors that may be considered while assessing advocates for empanelment.

Legal Practice and Specialization

Consideration may be given to:

• Length of legal practice
• Area of specialization
• Experience representing Railways
• Experience representing Government Departments
• Experience representing Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Experience representing similar institutions

Infrastructure and Support Facilities

Weightage may also be given to advocates having adequate professional infrastructure, including:

• Office premises
• Junior Advocate
• Clerical staff
• Computer
• Printer
• Internet connection

Professional Achievements

The number of cases in which an advocate has secured favourable judgments or orders may also be considered.

Judgments or decisions reported or referred to in reputed legal journals or databases can be considered evidence of professional competence.

Integrity and Background Verification

Central Railway may verify an advocate’s professional integrity and track record.

If considered necessary, enquiries may also be made with the concerned Bar Council or Bar Association regarding the applicant’s claims, conduct and credentials.

Selection Process

The empanelment process involves shortlisting, interview and assessment.

1. Shortlisting

Applications satisfying the eligibility requirements will be shortlisted.

The notification states that candidates may be shortlisted at approximately twice the number of advocates required for empanelment.

2. Interview Intimation

Shortlisted advocates will be informed through the email address provided in their application regarding the personal interview date and venue.

3. Personal Interview

A constituted committee will conduct the personal interview of shortlisted advocates.

4. Independent Verification

Apart from the interview, the committee may conduct an independent enquiry that can include physical verification of:

• Advocate’s office
• Library
• Sitting arrangements
• Office infrastructure
• Other relevant facilities

5. Final Approval

The list of advocates finalized by the committee for each court will be submitted to the General Manager for approval.

Documents Required

Applicants should submit self-attested copies of the required supporting documents along with the prescribed application form.

The notification asks for documents including:

1. Degree in Law and other higher qualification certificates, if any.
2. Valid and current enrolment certificate issued by the Bar Council.
3. Experience certificate duly endorsed by the Chairman of the concerned Bar Association.
4. For eligible superannuated Railway officials, the relevant experience certificate endorsed by the competent Railway legal authority.
5. Copies/details of reported or referred judgments in reputed legal journals or databases relating to cases handled in individual capacity during the last three years.

The notification specifically states that applications may not be considered if the required documents are not enclosed.

Central Railway Advocate Application Form

Annexure I on pages 4 and 5 contains the prescribed application format. Applicants are required to provide information such as:

• Name
• Father’s name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Office address
• Residential address
• Mobile number
• Email ID
• Name of court applied for
• Educational qualifications
• Bar Council enrolment details
• Period of practice
• Railway case experience
• Number and nature of cases handled
• Number of cases won
• PSU/Government Departments represented
• Field of specialization
• Office infrastructure details
• Supporting document details

A recent coloured passport-size photograph also needs to be affixed to the prescribed application form.

How to Apply

Eligible and interested advocates should follow these steps:

1. Read the official Central Railway Advocate Empanelment Notification 2026 carefully.
2. Check the eligibility criteria and court/location for which you wish to apply.
3. Fill in the application form given in Annexure I.
4. Attach a recent coloured passport-size photograph.
5. Attach self-attested copies of all required certificates and documents.
6. Ensure that the application is complete in all respects.
7. Send the completed application along with supporting documents by email to lawsectiongm@cr.railnet.gov.in.
8. Submit the application on or before 23 October 2026.

Important: Central Railway has clearly stated that offline applications will not be accepted. Applications received after the deadline, incomplete applications, or applications not fulfilling the required conditions are liable to be rejected.

Important Dates

Important Links

FAQs – Central Railway Advocate Empanelment 2026