Join Indian Army: JAG Entry Scheme 35th Course 2025
The Indian Army has announced the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry Scheme 35th Course, set to commence in October 2025. This specialized entry welcomes applications from unmarried law graduates who aspire to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Officers in the JAG branch. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, application, age limits, and the selection process.
Table of Key Information
| 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) |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree; CLAT PG Exam 2024 mandatory |
| Selection Process | Application > Shortlisting (based on CLAT PG) > SSB > Medical > Merit List > Joining Letter |
| Date for SSB Shortlisting | Based on CLAT PG score – Second week of March |
| SSB Duration and Dates | 5-day SSB in May/June 2025; candidate’s choice for dates open for two weeks in May |
| Medical Standards | As per the standards on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Pre-Commission Training Academy | Officer Training Academy, Chennai |
| Duration of Training | 49 weeks starting from Oct 2025 |
| Stipend during Training | ₹56,100 per month |
| Rank after Training | Lieutenant |
| Salary on Commissioning | Approx. ₹17-18 lakh per annum (excluding free medical cover & annual travel to hometown) |
| Type of Commission | Short Service Commission |
| Maximum Engagement Period | 14 years |
| Option for Release | First: After 5 years; Second: After 10 years |
| Option for Permanent Commission | After 10 years |
| Primary Arms / Service | JAG Branch |
| Release Benefits | Based on the length of service at release |
Overview of the JAG Entry Scheme
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizens or individuals of Indian origin who migrated from specific countries with the intention to permanently settle in India.
- Age Limit: 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 (3-year professional or 5-year integrated course). Candidates must have taken the CLAT PG 2024 and be eligible for Bar Council registration.
Vacancies
- Total Vacancies: 8 (4 for men, 4 for women).
Terms and Conditions
- Type of Commission: Short Service Commission (initial 10 years, extendable by 4 years).
- Release Options: Officers can choose to exit after 5 or 10 years. Permanent Commission may be offered after 10 years, depending on eligibility.
Training and Career Progression
Training
- Academy: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
- Duration: 49 weeks, beginning in October 2025.
- Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during training.
- Award: Graduates receive a “Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” from the University of Madras.
Rank and Salary Progression
- Initial Rank: Lieutenant upon commissioning.
- Promotions:
- Captain: After 2 years
- Major: After 6 years
- Lieutenant Colonel: After 13 years
- 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 up to Brigadier
Application Process
Mode of Application: Online applications only via joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Application Window: 30th October 2024 to 28th November 2024.
Steps to Apply:
- Register on the official portal (if not already registered).
- Complete the personal, educational, and SSB sections.
- Verify the details and submit the application.
- Print a copy of the form for the SSB interview.
Selection Procedure
- Shortlisting: Based on the CLAT PG 2024 score.
- SSB Interview: Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the 5-day SSB, likely scheduled for May/June 2025 at centers in Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, and Jalandhar.
- Medical Examination: Qualified candidates undergo a medical examination to ensure fitness.
- Final Merit List: Determined by SSB scores and, if necessary, age and CLAT PG 2024 scores.
Important Dates
- Online Application Start: 30th October 2024
- Application End: 28th November 2024
- SSB Shortlisting: March 2025
- SSB Interview Dates: May/June 2025
Additional Benefits and Allowances
- Allowances: High Altitude (₹3,400 – ₹25,000/month), Field Area (₹10,500/month), Siachen (₹42,500/month).
- Rations: Available in both field and peace postings.
- Insurance: ₹1 Crore under the Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF).
- Other: Education and hostel allowances for children.
This opportunity is a prestigious pathway for law graduates to serve their country by applying their legal expertise in the JAG Branch of the Indian Army. For more information, visit Alpha Lead for guidance and insights on acing the application and SSB process, ensuring a successful military law career.
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