The Indian Army has released the official notification for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry Scheme, 125th Course (April 2027), inviting applications from unmarried male and female law graduates for grant of Short Service Commission in the JAG Branch. This is one of the most sought-after entry routes for law graduates into the armed forces, and selection is based primarily on CLAT PG 2026 scores followed by the SSB Interview. Online applications are open at joinindianarmy.nic.in until 17 August 2026.
Overview
- Recruiting body: Indian Army (Judge Advocate General’s Branch)
- Post: Short Service Commissioned Officer — JAG Entry Scheme, 125th Course
- Commencement of course: April 2027
- Total vacancies: 10 (combined for male and female candidates)
- Eligibility: Law graduate (LL.B.) with a valid CLAT PG 2026 score
- Application mode: Online
- Last date to apply: 17 August 2026 (up to 3:00 p.m.)
Vacancies
A total of 10 vacancies have been notified for the JAG 125th Course, combined for both male and female candidates. The Army has not released a fixed male–female split; the vacancies are common and will be filled on the basis of merit as per the Army’s requirements.
Eligibility criteria
- Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India (or otherwise eligible as per the Army’s nationality rules).
- Marital status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Educational qualification: A degree in Law — either a three-year professional LL.B. after graduation or a five-year integrated LL.B. after 10+2 — with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks, from a college recognised by the Bar Council of India.
- CLAT PG 2026: It is mandatory to have appeared in and hold a valid CLAT PG 2026 score. Shortlisting for the SSB Interview is done on the basis of the CLAT PG 2026 all-India merit.
Age limit
Candidates should be between 21 and 27 years of age as on 01 January 2027 — that is, born not earlier than 02 January 2000 and not later than 01 January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
Selection process
The selection is a multi-stage process:
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for the SSB Interview on the basis of their CLAT PG 2026 merit (cut-off decided as per vacancies and number of applicants). Shortlisting is expected in the second week of September 2026.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for the SSB Interview at a Selection Centre (Allahabad / Bhopal / Bengaluru / Kapurthala, as allotted). It is a two-stage procedure spread over five days.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a medical examination.
- Merit list: The final merit list is drawn up on the basis of SSB performance, subject to medical fitness and vacancies.
Training
Selected candidates undergo 49 weeks of pre-commission training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, commencing in April 2027. On successful completion, candidates are granted a Short Service Commission in the JAG Branch of the Indian Army.
How to apply
- Applications are to be submitted online only through the official website joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Registered candidates should log in, fill in the application form for the JAG Entry Scheme 125th Course, and submit it before the closing date and time.
- Candidates are advised to keep their educational certificates, CLAT PG 2026 score details and other documents ready before starting the application.
Important dates
- Online application starts: 17 July 2026 (3:00 p.m.)
- Online application closes: 17 August 2026 (3:00 p.m.)
- Shortlisting for SSB (tentative): Second week of September 2026
- Commencement of training: April 2027, at OTA Chennai
Important links
- Official Notification (PDF): Click here
- Apply Online / Official Website: joinindianarmy.nic.in
Why this matters for law graduates
The JAG Entry Scheme is a rare opportunity for young law graduates to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Army while practising law in uniform. JAG officers advise the Army on military law, courts-martial, disciplinary matters and legal issues, combining a legal career with the prestige and responsibility of an armed-forces commission. With selection anchored to the CLAT PG 2026 score, candidates who have already taken the exam should ensure they complete the online application well before the 17 August 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on the official Indian Army notification for the JAG Entry Scheme 125th Course (April 2027). It is not legal or career advice. Candidates must read the official notification carefully and rely only on the official Indian Army website (joinindianarmy.nic.in) for authoritative details before applying.
