Eligibility
Candidates must be unmarried Indian citizens (or meet specific nationality criteria), hold an LLB degree from a Bar Council of India-recognized institution, and appear in CLAT PG 2025. Minimum 55% marks in LLB is mandatory.
Selection Process
Applications are shortlisted based on CLAT PG 2025 scores (second week of March 2026). Shortlisted candidates attend a 5-day SSB interview (likely May/June 2026), followed by medical tests and merit list preparation.
Training and Commission
Pre-commission training lasts 49 weeks at OTA Chennai. Successful candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the JAG Branch. Training stipend is ₹56,100/month, with full government-covered expenses.
Pay and Benefits
Post-commission pay starts at Level 10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) plus allowances. Various field area, special duty, and other allowances apply depending on posting.
Detailed Overview of JAG Entry Scheme 124 (October 2026 Course)
The Indian Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch offers a prestigious career path for law graduates through the Short Service Commission (SSC) route. The 124th JAG Entry (starting October 2026) is a dedicated recruitment drive for unmarried male and female law graduates, with a total of 8 vacancies (combined for both genders). This scheme is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing effort to induct qualified legal professionals into its legal advisory and judicial roles. Applications are invited through the official portal www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, and the process is entirely online.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must meet strict nationality, age, and educational requirements:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, or subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc.) with the intent to settle permanently in India. A certificate of eligibility from the Government of India is required for certain categories (except Nepalese Gorkhas).
- Age Limit: 21 to 27 years as on 1 July 2026 (born not earlier than 2 July 1999 and not later than 1 July 2005). Date of birth is strictly as per Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate.
- Educational Qualification: LLB degree (3 years after graduation or 5 years after 10+2) with minimum 55% aggregate marks. Candidates must appear in CLAT PG 2025, and the score is mandatory for shortlisting. Registration eligibility with Bar Council of India/State Bar Council is required. Only candidates with LLB degree and marksheet are eligible.
Important Note: CLAT PG 2025 result verification is compulsory before SSB. Failure to verify results will lead to cancellation of candidature.
2. Vacancies and Gender Policy
A total of 8 vacancies are notified for the SSC (JAG) 124 course, open to both unmarried males and females. The Indian Army reserves the right to adjust vacancies based on operational needs.
3. Selection Process
The selection is merit-based and proceeds in stages:
- Application and Shortlisting: Online applications followed by shortlisting based on CLAT PG 2025 scores (expected in the second week of March 2026).
- SSB Interview: 5-day process (likely May/June 2026) at designated SSB centers.
- Medical Examination: Conducted as per standards available on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Merit List and Joining: Final merit list leads to joining instructions.
4. Terms of Service and Commission
- Commission Type: Short Service Commission (SSC) for an initial 10 years, extendable by 4 years (total 14 years).
- Release Options:
- After 5 years (special provision for those who completed special courses).
- After 10 years.
- After 14 years.
- Permanent Commission (PC): Option available after 10 years for eligible officers.
- Probation: 6 months from commissioning date.
- Training: 49 weeks at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. No marriage allowed during training; violation leads to discharge and cost recovery.
5. Physical Fitness Standards (Pre-Training)
Candidates must meet minimum physical standards before joining OTA:
| Activity | Minimum Standard (Male) | Minimum Standard (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 km Run | 10 min 30 sec | 13 min |
| Long Jump | 30 sec (standing) | 25 sec (standing) |
| Push-ups | 40 | 15 |
| Chin-ups | 04–06 | 02 |
| Squats | 30 reps × 2 sets | 30 reps × 2 sets |
| Lunges | 10 reps per leg × 2 sets | 10 reps per leg × 2 sets |
| Swimming | 25 m (any style) | 25 m (any style) |
6. Pay, Allowances, and Benefits
- Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during OTA training.
- Post-Commission Pay Scale:
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lt Colonel | 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month (up to Brigadier).
- Other Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance, Field Area Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Special Forces Allowance, etc. (detailed in notification).
- CTC: Approximately ₹17–18 lakhs per annum post-commission.
7. Promotion Criteria
Promotions are time-based up to Lt Colonel, and selection-based thereafter:
| Rank | Promotion Criteria |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | On Commission |
| Captain | After 2 years of commissioned service |
| Major | After 6 years |
| Lt Colonel | After 13 years |
| Colonel (TS) | After 26 years |
| Colonel/Brigadier | Selection-based |
The notification emphasizes that all terms, pay, and allowances are subject to government revisions.
Conclusion
The JAG Entry 124 offers law graduates a unique opportunity to serve the nation in a legal capacity within the Indian Army. With only 8 vacancies and a rigorous selection process centered on CLAT PG 2025 performance, candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly and apply early via the official portal. For the full notification, visit www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
