1. Introduction - A Ground Reality for Law Graduates

Every year thousands of law graduates in India pass out with hopes of building a strong legal career. Many dream of courtroom practice, some aim for corporate law, and a large number look toward stable government legal positions.

The harsh truth is this: meaningful entry-level opportunities in core legal work are limited.

That is why positions like Young Professional (Legal) in the Income Tax Department deserve serious attention. This is not a clerical post disguised as a legal job. It is a role directly connected to tax litigation, legal research, and tribunal-level advocacy support.

For law graduates interested in taxation, appellate practice, and government legal functioning, this recruitment is far more valuable than many routine government jobs.

However, it is not for everyone-and this article will help you decide that honestly.

2. Verified Key Notification Details

ParticularDetails
OrganizationOffice of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Bihar & Jharkhand
Post NameYoung Professional
Total Vacancy1
Mode of ApplicationOffline
Last Date to Apply17-02-2026 (06:00 PM)
Place of PostingPatna
Contract Period1 year (extendable by 1 more year)
Monthly RemunerationRs. 60,000 (fixed)
Maximum Age Limit35 years
Essential QualificationLLB/LLM with 50% marks OR Qualified CA

All the above details are directly based on the official notification.

3. Real Meaning of Eligibility Criteria

On paper the eligibility looks simple:

  • LLB or LLM with at least 50% marks
  • OR Qualified Chartered Accountant
  • Age below 35 years

But as a mentor, let me decode what this actually means.

“Eligible on Paper” vs “Actually Suitable”

Many law graduates will technically qualify because they hold an LLB degree. But this role is highly specialized.

The department has clearly given preference to:

  • Candidates with taxation exposure
  • Research experience in tax laws
  • Strong analytical and drafting ability
  • ICT and communication skills

This means:

A fresh law graduate with no knowledge of tax law, income tax provisions, or appellate procedures will struggle badly in this role-even if selected.

On the other hand, candidates with:

  • LLM in Taxation
  • Experience in income tax practice
  • Internship with tax lawyers or CAs
  • Work in ITAT matters

will have a natural advantage.

Is Bar Council Enrollment Mandatory?

The notification does not explicitly mandate Bar Council enrollment. However, practically, any serious law graduate aiming for litigation-related roles should ideally be enrolled as an advocate. It adds credibility to your profile.

This is where the real value of the job lies.

The Young Professional will be attached to senior departmental representatives before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

Core Responsibilities Include:

  • Studying paper books of listed ITAT cases
  • Analyzing judgments cited by taxpayers
  • Researching judgments favorable to the Income Tax Department
  • Identifying distinguishing facts
  • Preparing briefing notes
  • Drafting written submissions
  • Assisting CIT(DR)/Senior DR in legal strategy

What This Means in Practical Terms

This job is essentially:

  • Tax litigation research assistantship at a very high level
  • Exposure to real appellate arguments
  • Learning how government tax cases are prepared
  • Understanding practical interpretation of Income Tax Act
  • Working closely with senior tax officers and departmental counsels

For a young lawyer, this is a front-row seat to tax litigation practice.

5. Who Should Apply - And Who Should Not

Ideal Candidates:

You should definitely apply if you:

  • Have genuine interest in tax law
  • Want to build a career in taxation
  • Plan to practice before ITAT in future
  • Have done internships with tax lawyers
  • Enjoy legal research and drafting
  • Prefer analytical work over courtroom drama

You Should Avoid Applying If:

  • You dislike taxation law
  • You are only looking for “any government job”
  • You expect typical court advocacy work
  • You want a permanent government position
  • You have zero interest in research-oriented roles

This is a professional assignment, not a regular sarkari naukri.

6. How to Apply - Lawyer-Friendly Walkthrough

Since this is an offline application process, be extra careful.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Download the official application form (Annexure-II)
  2. Fill it neatly and accurately
  3. Attach self-attested copies of:
    • Law degree certificates
    • Mark sheets
    • Age proof
    • Experience certificates (if any)
  4. Prepare a proper covering letter
  5. Send the application by Speed Post or by hand

Postal Address

Commissioner of Income Tax (Admin & TPS)
[Attention: ITO (Technical)-1]
1st Floor, Central Revenue Building
Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna-800001, Bihar

Envelope Must Clearly Mention:

“Application For Engagement Of Young Professional As Per Young Professional Scheme, 2023”

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

  • Sending incomplete forms
  • Forgetting self-attestation
  • Poorly drafted CV
  • Not highlighting tax-related experience
  • Submitting after deadline
  • Casual handwritten applications

Avoid these at all costs.

7. Salary, Career Growth & Professional Impact

Financial Aspect

  • Fixed remuneration: Rs. 60,000 per month
  • No additional allowances
  • No government employee benefits

This is not a salaried government post. It is a contractual professional engagement.

But Look Beyond Salary

The real reward is:

  • Direct exposure to Income Tax Appellate Tribunal work
  • Networking with senior tax professionals
  • Strong CV value
  • Foundation for future specialization in taxation
  • Possibility of further extensions

Many successful tax lawyers and consultants start their careers from exactly such roles.

8. Preparation Strategy for Selection

The selection involves:

  • Screening
  • Interview

How to Prepare

Focus on:

  • Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Basic principles of direct taxation
  • Landmark ITAT and High Court judgments
  • Interpretation of statutes
  • Legal drafting skills
  • Research methodology

If called for interview, be prepared to discuss:

  • Recent tax law amendments
  • Key sections like 68, 69, 147, 148, 271(1)(c)
  • Burden of proof in tax cases
  • Difference between questions of fact and law

A candidate who speaks intelligently on these will stand out.

9. Pros and Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Excellent exposure to tax litigation
  • High learning curve
  • Decent monthly remuneration
  • Strong addition to legal CV
  • Opportunity to work with senior officials

Cons

  • Contractual nature
  • No job security
  • No long-term benefits
  • Only 1 vacancy - very high competition
  • Research-heavy role (not traditional advocacy)

10. Practical Applicant Checklist

Before applying, ensure you have:

  • LLB/LLM degree with 50%+ marks
  • Proper mark sheets
  • Updated CV focused on taxation
  • Experience certificates (if any)
  • ID proof and age proof
  • Cleanly filled application form
  • Correct postal address and envelope format

Most rejections happen due to careless documentation, not lack of merit.

11. Conclusion - Straightforward Career Advice

This opportunity is not a mass recruitment. It is a high-quality, niche legal assignment.

You should definitely apply if:

  • Tax law excites you
  • You want to build expertise in income tax litigation
  • You are comfortable with research and drafting
  • You want a strong stepping stone into government legal work

You should rethink if:

  • You are only searching for permanent government jobs
  • You dislike taxation
  • You expect courtroom-style advocacy

For the right candidate, this single vacancy can be a career-defining break.

Q1. Is court practice mandatory for applying?
No. Prior practice is not mandatory, but relevant tax exposure will help greatly.

Q2. Does internship experience count?
Yes, especially internships with tax lawyers, CA firms, or ITAT practitioners.

Q3. Is Bar Council enrollment required?
Not explicitly mentioned, but professionally advisable.

Q4. Can final year LLB students apply?
No. You must already possess the required degree at the time of application.

Q5. Is this a permanent government job?
No. It is a contractual engagement under the Young Professional Scheme.

Q6. What is the biggest selection factor?
Practical knowledge of income tax law and research ability.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/