The Indian Army has released the official notification for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry Scheme 35th Course, scheduled to commence in October 2025. This entry invites applications from unmarried male and female law graduates to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Officers in the JAG branch.
Contents
Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, application process, age limits, selection criteria, important dates, and more.
JAG 35 Notification
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Entry | Short Service Entry (JAG)-35 Course |
| Age | 21 to 27 Years as on 01 Jul 2025 |
| Open for | Unmarried Male & Unmarried Female (Law Graduates) |
| Education Qualification | Minimum 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree. Should have appeared for CLAT PG Exam -2024 |
| Selection Process | Application > Shortlisting > SSB > Medical > Merit List > Joining Letter |
| Date for shortlisting for SSB | Based on CLAT PG score – Second week of March |
| Likely Duration and Dates for SSB | Five days SSB in May/June 2025 (Choice for SSB dates open for two weeks in May) |
| Medical Standards | As given on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Pre Commission Training Academy | Officer Training Academy, Chennai |
| Duration of Training | 49 weeks from Oct 2025 |
| Stipend during Training | Rs 56,100 per month |
| Rank after Training | Lieutenant |
| Salary on Commissioning | CTC approx. 17-18 Lac per annum (Excluding Free Medical cover & Travel to Hometown once a year) |
| Type of Commission | Short Service Commission |
| Maximum Engagement Period | 14 Years |
| Option for Release | First – After 05 Years, Second – After 10 Years |
| Option for Permanent Commission | After 10 Years |
| Primary Arms / Service for Commission | JAG Branch |
| Release Benefits | Depending on service on release |
Overview of the JAG Entry Scheme
- Type of Entry: Short Service Commission (NT) for Law Graduates.
- Course Commencement: October 2025.
- Eligibility: Open to unmarried male and female law graduates.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens. Those of Indian origin who migrated from select countries with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible, provided they meet the government’s nationality requirements.
- Age Limit: Candidates should be between 21 to 27 years as of 1st July 2025 (born between 2nd July 1998 and 1st July 2004).
- Educational Qualification:
- Minimum 55% aggregate in LLB (either a 3-year professional degree after graduation or a 5-year integrated course after 10+2).
- CLAT PG 2024 score is mandatory.
- Candidates must be eligible for registration as advocates with the Bar Council of India or State Bar Councils and should have completed their degree from a recognized institution.
Vacancies
- Total Vacancies: 8 (4 for men and 4 for women).
Terms and Conditions of Service
- Commission: Short Service Commission (SSC) for an initial term of 10 years, extendable by 4 years.
- Release Options:
- Officers may choose to exit after 5 or 10 years.
- A Permanent Commission may be offered after 10 years, subject to eligibility and requirements.
- Training:
- Duration: 49 weeks at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
- Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during training.
- Award: Graduates will receive a “Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” from the University of Madras.
- Probation Period: Officers will be on probation for six months from the date of commission.
Promotion and Salary Structure
- Rank Progression:
- Lieutenant: On commissioning.
- Captain: After 2 years of service.
- Major: After 6 years of service.
- Lieutenant Colonel: After 13 years of service.
- Pay Scale:
- Lieutenant: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
- Captain: Level 10B (₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900).
- Major: Level 11 (₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200).
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month for ranks Lieutenant to Brigadier.
Application Process
- Mode of Application: Only online applications are accepted through the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Application Window: 30th October 2024 to 28th November 2024.
- Steps to Apply:
- Register on the portal (if not already registered).
- Fill in personal, educational, and SSB details.
- Verify information before final submission.
- Print the completed application form and keep a copy for SSB interview.
Selection Procedure
- Shortlisting of Applications: Applications will be shortlisted based on the CLAT PG 2024 score.
- SSB Interview:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the 5-day SSB interview, tentatively scheduled for May/June 2025.
- The interview process is conducted in two stages; only candidates who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II.
- SSB Centers: Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, and Jalandhar.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB will undergo a medical examination to determine fitness.
- Final Merit List: Based on SSB scores. Age and qualifying exam scores will be considered if candidates have identical SSB marks.
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: 30th October 2024.
- Online Application End Date: 28th November 2024.
- SSB Shortlisting: March 2025.
- SSB Interview Dates: Likely in May/June 2025.
Additional Benefits and Allowances
- Allowances:
- High Altitude Allowance (₹3,400 – ₹25,000/month).
- Field Area Allowance (₹10,500/month).
- Siachen Allowance: ₹42,500/month.
- Ration in Kind: Available in field and peace areas.
- Insurance: ₹1 Crore under the Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF).
- Other: Education and hostel allowances for children.
Documents Required at SSB
- Original and self-attested copies of:
- Application form with a photograph.
- 10th, 12th, Graduation, and LLB degree certificates and mark sheets.
- CLAT PG 2024 scorecard.
- Bar Council registration (if applicable).
Travel Allowance
- First-time candidates attending the SSB interview for this entry will be entitled to AC 3-tier railway fare or equivalent bus fare reimbursement.
This JAG 35 Notification provides an excellent opportunity for law graduates aspiring to serve in the Indian Army’s JAG Branch, where they can bring their legal expertise to support the armed forces while advancing their careers in a prestigious field.
