NHAI Young Professional Legal Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Vacancy, Salary and Application Process
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited online applications for the engagement of Young Professional (Legal) on a contractual basis at the Legal Affairs (LA) Division of NHAI Headquarters. The recruitment is an important opportunity for law graduates who have appeared in CLAT PG 2026 and are looking to gain professional experience in the legal and infrastructure sector.
NHAI functions under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.
NHAI Young Professional Legal Vacancy 2026
According to the recruitment notification:
- Post: Young Professional (Legal)
- Total Vacancies: 5
- UR: 4
- OBC: 1
- SC: 0
- ST: 0
- EWS: 0
- PwBD: 1 position identified within the advertised vacancies
- Work Location: NHAI Headquarters, Legal Affairs Division
- Nature of Engagement: Contractual
NHAI has clarified that the number of positions may be increased or decreased depending on the requirements of the Authority.
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the NHAI Young Professional Legal position must satisfy the prescribed educational requirements:
- A Degree in Law from a recognized university, National Law School or Institute.
- A valid CLAT Post Graduate (CLAT PG) 2026 score is required.
- Selection will be based on merit in the CLAT PG 2026 score.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant for law graduates and candidates who have recently appeared for CLAT PG.
Age Limit
The candidate should be below 32 years of age as on the closing date of online applications.
Age relaxation is available according to applicable Government of India rules. The notification specifically provides:
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- PwBD candidates belonging to OBC: 13 years relaxation
- PwBD candidates belonging to General category: 10 years relaxation
Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must possess valid certificates in the prescribed format.
Salary and Contract Period
The selected Young Professional (Legal) will receive a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 60,000 per month initially.
The remuneration may increase by 5% in each succeeding year, subject to satisfactory performance.
The engagement may initially continue for up to two years and may be extended by one additional year based on NHAI’s requirements and the candidate’s performance. The maximum contractual period is three years.
Selection Process
The selection process is primarily based on the candidate’s performance in CLAT PG 2026.
The merit list will be prepared on the basis of CLAT PG 2026 scores. In case of a tie, the candidate born earlier will receive higher placement in the merit list. If the dates of birth are also identical, the merit will be determined according to the first letter of the candidates’ names.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before completing the online application:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 certificate showing date of birth
- Law degree certificate
- CLAT PG 2026 scorecard
- OBC-NCL certificate, wherever applicable
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
- Other supporting documents, if applicable
The prescribed file-size and file-format requirements mentioned in the recruitment notice should be followed carefully.
Last Date to Apply
The online application must be submitted by 8 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Applicants are advised not to wait until the last date and should complete the application well in advance.
Important Points for Applicants
Candidates should carefully verify all information before submitting the form because:
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- Incorrect information may affect candidature.
- Multiple applications may result in only the latest application being considered.
- Candidates cannot subsequently withdraw their candidature.
- Documents submitted after the deadline may not be accepted.
- Canvassing or attempting to influence the recruitment process can lead to disqualification.
- Any corrigendum or amendment will be published on the NHAI website.
- NHAI may select fewer candidates than the advertised number of positions.
- The recruitment is subject to the outcome of SLP(C) No. 33251/2025, National Highway Authority of India v. Shanu Baghel & Another.
