NHAI Recruitment 2025: Application Deadline Extended Amid Legal Challenges

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the application deadline for law professionals to September 25, 2025. This decision comes amid a legal challenge regarding the use of CLAT PG scores for recruitment. The Delhi High Court is set to hear arguments on September 18 to determine the validity of this criterion. The recruitment process has raised concerns among legal professionals, as it limits eligibility to those who participated in the 2022 CLAT exam. Interested candidates can apply through the official NHAI website before the new deadline.

By Ambika Singh Sep 10, 2025, 12:52 IST

NHAI Recruitment 2025 Deadline Extension

NHAI Recruitment 2025 Last Date Extended: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the application deadline for law professionals. Initially set for September 10, the new deadline is now September 25. This decision comes as the Delhi High Court reviews the legality of using CLAT PG scores for recruitment.

NHAI informed the court, presided over by Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, that it may reconsider its stance on utilizing CLAT scores for hiring lawyers. This follows a petition challenging the use of CLAT-PG results for government job placements.

Details of the Recruitment Process

NHAI has announced openings for 44 positions for (Legal) Young Professionals. Candidates holding a law degree from a recognized institution are eligible to apply. The selection process initially included CLAT-PG scores as a criterion, which has raised concerns.

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is primarily designed for law degree admissions, and a lawyer has contested its use for employment purposes.

Petition Highlights Against NHAI's Recruitment Criteria

The petition, filed by advocate Shannu Bahgel, argues that CLAT-PG scores should not determine public employment eligibility, as the test is meant to assess qualifications for a master's degree in law. The petitioner contends that the recruitment process should focus on providing legal services rather than academic qualifications.

Additionally, the petition criticizes the restriction of recruitment to candidates who participated in CLAT 2022, excluding many qualified law graduates and practicing lawyers.

The petitioner asserts that there is no logical correlation between the recruitment objectives and the criteria set by NHAI, deeming the reliance on CLAT PG scores as arbitrary.

Upcoming Court Decision on September 18

The Delhi High Court has heard arguments from both sides and will reconvene on September 18 to determine whether CLAT-PG scores will remain a factor in NHAI's recruitment process. Meanwhile, eligible candidates can submit their applications via the official website until September 25, 2025.