1. Overview
The JAG Branch is the legal arm of the Indian Army, responsible for military justice, court-martial proceedings, and providing legal advice on operational and administrative matters.
Commission Type: Short Service Commission (SSC) for an initial tenure of 10 years, extendable by 4 years.
Vacancies: Currently 08 total (combined for men and women).
Training: 49 weeks at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Key Dates (124th Course):
Application Period: 27 January 2026 to 27 February 2026.
SSB Interviews: Tentatively May/June 2026.
2. Examination Mode
There is no written entrance exam conducted by the Indian Army for this entry.
Shortlisting: Selection is based on merit from your LLB aggregate marks and a mandatory CLAT PG 2025 score.
Selection Process: Candidates are directly called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
3. Detailed Pattern
The selection follows a two-stage, five-day SSB process:
Stage I (Day 1 - Screening):
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR): Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests.
Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT): Writing a story based on a hazy image and a group discussion.
Stage II (Days 2-5):
Psychology Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SDT).
GTO Tasks: Outdoor group activities including Group Planning, Obstacle Races, Command Tasks, and Lecturettes.
Personal Interview: One-on-one session covering personal, academic, and legal background.
Board Conference (Day 5): Final assessment by all officers to recommend the candidate.
4. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the JAG 124th Course, you must meet these requirements as of 01 July 2026:
Nationality: Citizen of India, or subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries with permanent settlement intent.
Age Limit: 21 to 27 years (Born between 02 July 1999 and 01 July 2005, inclusive).
Marital Status: Unmarried.
Educational Qualifications:
LLB Degree: Minimum 55% aggregate marks (3-year after graduation or 5-year integrated course).
CLAT PG 2025: A valid score is mandatory for all applicants.
Bar Council: Must be eligible for registration as an advocate with the Bar Council of India or a State Bar Council.
5. How to Prepare for JAG Exam?
Preparation for JAG is focused on Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) and legal expertise.
Step 1: Master Legal Basics: Revise the Indian Constitution, Criminal Law, and Military Laws (Army Act, 1950).
Step 2: Stay Current: Read the Hindu or Indian Express daily to track landmark judgments and geopolitical news.
Step 3: Psychological Conditioning: Practice timed TAT, WAT, and SRT responses. Ensure your stories reflect positive outcomes and leadership.
Step 4: Physical Fitness: Aim for the Army’s physical standards: run 2.4 km in 15 minutes, 13 push-ups, and 25 sit-ups.
Step 5: Personal Interview Prep: Prepare answers for why you chose JAG over judiciary or corporate law.