In this article, Anubhav Pandey discusses Job opportunities for law graduates in Indian Army. The JAG branch.

Job opportunity: Judge Advocate General in the Indian Army

As the window opens for the selection of Judge Advocate General of Indian Army, let us take a look at career prospect of JAG branch.

What is the eligibility criteria? How many vacancies are there? What are the physical standards required? Is there any tattoo policy? What is the mode of selection? In how many levels is the selection procedure divided? How much does a JAG officer gets paid? What is the salary? Are there any TA, DA, canteen facilities for JAG officers too? How tough is the medical screening test for the selection of JAG in the Indian Army? What is the tenure of service of JAG officers? What is the rank of JAG officers in Indian Army? What privileges does a JAG lieutenant get? What is the stipend during training period? Finally, how to apply for JAG branch and documents required to apply for JAG branch?

What is the role played by JAG in Indian Army?

• A Judge Advocate General of the Indian army advises the military personnel on their day to day matters. Work is very similar to any litigator save, all the works are done for military officers.
• From the filing of drafts to appearing at courts and military tribunals, JAG officers are equal to the rank of lieutenant and are master in practice of Military laws. In fact, military laws are the bible for JAG officers.
• If one is interested in litigation, filing court draft, litigating penal offences as well as one has the inner fire to serve the nation, JAG is your call!

Eligibility criteria: JAG in Indian Army

1. Candidate applying must be an Indian citizen.
2. Candidate applying must be between the age group  21-27. (as on 1.01.2017)
3. 55% in graduate, it can either be a 3 year LL.B or 5 year course from any recognised Bar Council of India institution.

What is the number of seats available for JAG branch?

For the position of Judge Advocate General a fixed number of vacancies, 13 for men and 7 for women is reserved. Total seat is 20. vacancies differ from year to year. Vacancies at timecan be less than 20 also.

What are the physical standards required for applying in the JAG branch?

Height, weight, and vision standards.

Gender	Height (minimum)	Weight	Distant Vision
Male	157.5 cms*	Correlated with height**	Better eye- 6/6 Worse eye 6/18 Myopia not more than ,3.5D Hypermetropia not more than 3.5D
Female	152cms***	42 kg****	Better eye 6/6 Worse eye 6/18 Myopia not more than -3.5 D

Relaxation for Height:

In case of candidates belonging to the North East and hilly areas like Gorkhas, Nepalese, Assamese and Garhwalis, the height is relaxed by 5 cms and weight commensurate with reduced height. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height is reduced by 2cms.

Particular specification for vision:

• A candidate must have a good binocular vision and should be able to recognize red and green colours.
• Candidates who have undergone Radial Keratotomy will be permanently rejected.
• Candidate who after the age of 20 have undergone any laser operation except for one stated above will be scrutinized on the following grounds-

1. Uncomplicated stable LASIK/Excimer (PRK) laser procedure done for. Myopia or Hypermetropia, with stable refraction for a period of six months after the procedure.
2. A healthy retina.
3. Corrected vision should be 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye, with maximum residual refraction of : ± 1.50 in any meridian for myopia or hypermetropia and axial length within permitted limits.

Physical exercise for screening is on the basis of these followings

• Running 2.4 Km in 15 minutes.
• Push up – 13 Nos.
• Sit-ups – 25 Nos.
• Chin ups- 6 Nos.
• Rope climbing – 3-4 meters.

Is there any tattoo policy for the criteria of selection?

Yes, there exists strict tattoo policy. For candidates belonging to tribal areas, a permanent tattoo is permitted provided it is as per the customs of the tribe.

For any other candidate, tattoos are allowed in the following encircled part in the image below. Tattoo should not be obscene or racist or sexist and must respect the army discipline.

Selection procedure in JAG examination

1. Initial shortlisting of online applications will be done at Recruiting Directorate Army Headquarters and the decision of DG Recruiting will be final. In this regard, no representation will be entertained.
2. Those who qualify stage 1 can appear for Stage 2. Stage 2 in itself is divided into two sub-stages. Bothe the stages are based on Psychological Aptitude Test.
3. Only those who qualifies sub-stage 1 of stage 2 will move forward for sub-stage 2 of stage 2. Sub-stage 2 is based on Group Test, Psychological Tests, and Interview which will extend for a duration of 4 days. Those who qualify stage 2 will be finally screened on the medical grounds.

Pay scale of JAG officers

At the entry level, one is allotted the post of Lieutenant.

The following allowances are privileged to a JAG Lieutenant

Training period after selection for JAG in Indian Army

• Training will be conducted at Chennai and their further posts will be accommodated on the basis of the merit.
• Forty-nine weeks training duration. A trainee will officially be allotted the post of Lt. JAG only on successful completion if the training period.
• A candidate in not allowed to marry during the period of training failing to which they will be subject to dismissal.
• All candidates who successfully complete Pre-Commission training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai will be awarded “ Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” by University of Madras.
• All candidates who successfully complete Pre-Commission training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai will be awarded “ Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” by University of Madras.

Tenure

An overall tenure is of 14 years with subject to certain restrictions. After 10 years of service an SSC officer, if fit and suitable for further continuation will continue for a period of another 4 years.

Privileges provided to JAG officer in Indian Army

Army provides free Medical facilities for self & dependents, Canteen facilities, Entitled Ration, Mess/ Club/Sports facilities, Furnished Govt Accommodation, Car/Housing Loan at a subsidized rate.

The Army provides facilities to pursue any sport of your liking. In addition, one can learn and participate in adventure sports, such as River Rafting, Mountaineering, Hot air ballooning, Hang gliding, Horse Riding etc

How to apply for JAG

• Open the website “www.joinindianarmy.nic.in”.
• Click on Officers Entry ‘Apply/Login’ and then click ‘Registration.
• Follow onscreen instructions for registration. Fill online Registration after reading instructions very carefully. After registration, your profile will open. Click on ‘Apply Online’ to process the application. A page ‘Officer’s Selection-Eligibility’ will open.
• Your Registration details will confirm your eligibility to apply. Click on ‘Apply’ and a page ‘Application Form’ will open. Proceed with the application as per onscreen instructions. Read onscreen instructions carefully and click ‘Continue’ to fill details under various segments- personal information, communication details, Education details and Details of previous SSB. ‘Save & Continue’ each time before you proceed to the next segment.
• After filling details of last segment you will move to a page ‘Summary of Information’, wherein you can check & edit entries you have made so far. Only after ascertaining the correctness of all your details click on ‘Submit’. After submitting click on ‘PDF’ and take out two copies of the application form having the Roll Number and other details generated by the system.

Documents required during form filing

• One copy of the Printout of application form duly signed and self attested photograph affixed.
• Copy of Matriculation or equivalent certificate for proof of age.
• Copy of 12th Class Certificate & Marksheet.
• Copy of Graduation Degree/Provisional Degree (in case of three years LLB after graduation).
• Copy of LLB Degree/Provisional Degree.
• Copy of Marks sheets of all years/Semesters.
• Copy of registration with Bar Council of India/State/Certificate from college/University that the LLB Course in the said institution is recognized by Bar Council of India.
• All above mentioned certificates are required in original. Originals will be returned after verification at the Service Selection Board itself. Any candidate who does not carry the above documents for the SSB interview, his candidature will be cancelled.
• The second copy of the printout of online application is to be retained by the candidate for his reference. There is no need to send any hard copy to Directorate General Recruiting.
• Variation, if any, in name and/or spelling as recorded in Matriculation or equivalent certificate and Graduation or equivalent certificate must be supported by an affidavit and Gazette notification authorizing the change.

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^[1] (2011) 4 NUJS L Rev 1, Justice Altamas Kabir’s Convocation Address