Are you a qualified law graduate aspiring to serve the nation with distinction? The Indian Army offers a prestigious opportunity through the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry Scheme 124th Course scheduled to commence in October 2026. This comprehensive job profile provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedure, training, salary, benefits, and other essential details necessary for prospective candidates aiming to join as a Short Service Commission (NT) Officer in the JAG Branch. Read further to understand every aspect of this esteemed career opportunity with the Indian Army.
Indian Army JAG Entry Scheme 2026 – Detailed Overview
The Indian Army has issued an official notification for the JAG Entry Scheme 124th Course (October 2026) inviting unmarried law graduates to apply online for a total of 8 vacant positions. These vacancies are open for both male and female candidates. Successful applicants will be recruited as Short Service Commission (NT) Officers in the Judge Advocate General Branch, undergo rigorous training, and subsequently serve as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | JAG Entry Scheme 124th Course (Oct 2026) |
| Organization | Indian Army – Judge Advocate General Branch |
| Post Name | Short Service Commission (NT) Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 08 (For Men & Women) |
| Job Category | Law Graduate JAG Jobs 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Course Start | October 2026 |
| Training Duration | 49 Weeks at OTA Chennai |
| Rank after Training | Lieutenant |
| CTC after Commissioning | Approx. ₹17-18 Lakhs per annum |
| Commission Type | Short Service Commission (14 Years) |
| Last Date to Apply | 27/02/2026 @ 1500 Hrs |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Important Links
Candidates can directly access essential documents and application portals through the following links:
Important Dates for Indian Army JAG Entry 2026
The following timeline provides key dates for application, selection, training, and final appointment:
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 27/01/2026 @ 1500 Hrs |
| Last Date to Apply | 27/02/2026 @ 1500 Hrs |
| SSB Shortlisting (Based on CLAT PG Score) | Second Week of March 2026 |
| SSB Centre & Date Selection Opens | May 2026 (Two Weeks) |
| SSB Interviews | Upto 5 Days in May/June 2026 |
| Medical Examination | Post SSB for Recommended Candidates |
| Merit List Announcement | After Medical Exam |
| Joining Letter Issue | As per Merit & Vacancies |
| Course Start Date | October 2026 |
| Course Completion | Mid-2027 after 49 weeks |
Vacancy Details and Eligibility Criteria
Vacancy Breakdown
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Open to Men & Women | 08 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill specific eligibility requirements regarding nationality, education, age, and marital status to qualify for the Indian Army JAG Entry 2026.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be either:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal, or
- Persons of Indian origin migrated from countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of settling in India. Such candidates require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible, candidates should possess the following:
- LLB Degree (3 years after graduation or 5 years after 10+2)
- Minimum aggregate marks of 55%
- Recognized by the Bar Council of India
- Mandatory CLAT PG 2025 examination score
CLAT PG 2025 Score
Mandatory for all candidates including LLB, LLM, or appearing candidates. No exemption. Candidates must verify their CLAT PG 2025 result at the selection center before SSB. Application is invalid without verification.
Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 21 to 27 years (as on 01 July 2026) |
| Date of Birth | Born between 02 Jul 1999 and 01 Jul 2005 |
| Age Proof | Matriculation/SSC Certificate or equivalent |
| Marital Status | Unmarried men and women only |
| Marriage During Training | Strictly prohibited; disqualification if married during training |
Salary & Benefits in Indian Army JAG 2026
During Training Phase
The selected candidates will undergo a 49-week training at OTA Chennai with the following benefits:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹56,100/- |
| Insurance Coverage | ₹1.25 Crore (through Army Group Insurance Fund) |
| AGIF Subscription | ₹12,500/- per month (paid in advance) |
Post-Commission Salary Structure
Lieutenant rank salary details post-commissioning are as follows:
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel (TS) | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
The approximate total compensation (CTC) after successful training and posting amounts to ₹17-18 lakh per annum, inclusive of allowances and benefits.
Allowances & Additional Benefits
The officers will be entitled to numerous fixed and variable allowances, such as:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/- per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Central Government rates
- Transport Allowance: Higher Cities – ₹7,200 + DA; Other locations – ₹3,600 + DA
- Dress Allowance: ₹20,000/- annually
- Children Education & Hostel Allowance for first two children
- Special allowances for Para, Technical, High Altitude, and other exceptional roles
- Field Area Allowances, Siachen Allowance, and hardship allowances as applicable
Additional benefits include medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), insurance coverage, and opportunities for postgraduate diplomas. Officers also have the option to apply for Permanent Commission (PC) after 10 years.
Terms and Conditions of Service
Engagement & Release
- Initial engagement is for 10 years, extendable up to 14 years.
- Option for Permanent Commission after 10 years, subject to performance and vacancies.
- Releases are permitted after 5 years or during 10-14 years for civil pursuits or higher education.
- In case of medical unfitness or misconduct, the government can terminate the service at any time.
Probation & Discharge
- Probation period: 6 months from date of commissioning.
- Discharges can occur due to misconduct, failure to qualify, or medical unfitness, with proper notice.
Residency & Reserve Liability
Post-release, officers are liable for reserve duties up to additional 7 years, with age limits of 37 years for women and 40 years for men for reserve service.
Training Details at OTA Chennai
Pre-commission training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai spans 49 weeks, focusing on military discipline, law, physical fitness, and leadership. Financial expenditure during training is borne by the government. Candidates cannot marry during training and must adhere to strict discipline and physical standards.
Physical Standards & Standards for Admission
| Activity | Men (Cadets) | Women (Cadets) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 km Run | 10 mins 30 sec | 13 mins |
| Sit-ups | 30 | 25 |
| Push-ups | 40 | 15 |
| Cross Grip | 04-06 | 02 |
| Squats | 2 sets of 30 | 2 sets of 30 |
| Lunges | 2 x 10 reps per leg | 2 x 10 reps per leg |
| Swimming | Pass 25 m stroke | Pass 25 m stroke |
On successful completion, candidates are awarded a Post-Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras.
Selection Procedure for Indian Army JAG Entry 2026
The selection process involves multiple stages to ensure only suitable candidates are appointed:
Stage 1: Application Submission
Candidates must register and fill the online application carefully, ensuring all details match their official documents. The process involves:
- Registration on the official portal.
- Filling the application form with personal, educational, and other details.
- Uploading scanned copies of necessary documents.
- Submission before the deadline (27 Feb 2026, 1500 Hrs).
Stage 2: Shortlisting for SSB
Based on CLAT PG 2025 scores, applications will be shortlisted during the second week of March 2026. Only verified candidates will be called for SSB interviews.
Stage 3: SSB Centre & Date Selection
Candidates choose their SSB centre and interview dates in May 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis. Centres include Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, and Jalandhar.
Stage 4: SSB Interview
The SSB interview spans up to 5 days, comprising:
- Stage I – Screening (OIR & PP&DT): Same-day results.
- Stage II – Psychological Tests, GTO tasks, and Personal Interview.
- Conference and Final Recommendation based on overall performance.
Candidates must carry all original documents and self-attested copies for verification.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
Only recommended candidates attend medical checks, valid for 270 days. Standards are detailed on the official website.
Stage 6: Merit List & Final Selection
Based on interview scores and tie-breaking rules, a merit list is prepared. Candidates in the merit list who meet all criteria are issued joining letters.
Stage 7: Reporting & Training
Selected officers report to OTA Chennai for training, commencing in October 2026. Reporting must be within 7 days of the date specified on the joining letter.
How to Apply for Indian Army JAG Entry 2026
Follow these steps for a smooth application process:
- Registration: Register on the official portal if new.
- Login: Use credentials to access the application form.
- Course Selection: Choose ‘JAG Entry Scheme 124th Course.’
- Complete the Application: Fill all segments accurately, including personal and educational details.
- Review & Submit: Verify information before final submission. Remember, edits are not allowed after closure.
- Printout: Take two printouts—one for SSB and one for personal records.
Important Application Guidelines
- Ensure name, DOB, and parents’ name exactly match your certificates.
- CLAT PG 2025 score verification is mandatory at the selection center.
- Only one application per candidate—multiple applications will be rejected.
- Carry all original educational and identity documents for SSB.
- Complete the application well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.
Additional Details & Important Instructions
Candidates should be aware of restrictions, including:
- Marriage during training is strictly prohibited; violation leads to discharge.
- False or concealment of information results in cancellation at any stage.
- Application cannot be edited post-final submission; hence, meticulous attention is crucial.
- Queries related to application or selection should be directed through official feedback channels.
- Official updates and notifications are available on the official Indian Army website.
Disclaimer
This job description is based on the official notification for the Indian Army JAG Entry Scheme 124th Course (October 2026). Candidates must refer to the official website and notifications for the most current and detailed information, including updates on application procedures, eligibility, and selection process. The CLAT PG 2025 exam is a mandatory requirement for all applicants.
Ready to serve the nation? Prepare yourself and apply early to secure your place in this prestigious career opportunity. Jai Hind!