How to Serve the Indian Army as a Lawyer? 

Reader's Digest: Are you a recent legal graduate looking to serve Indian Army as a Lawyer but don't know anything about it? Don't worry; we have gathered all the information for this blog from scratch. So, keep on reading to know more!!  

Are you a passionate legal professional who desires to serve your country uniquely and rewardingly? If so, you have come to the right place!

In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of how to serve Indian Army as a Lawyer. So, let's examine the steps to join the esteemed ranks of the Indian Army's Judge Advocate General (JAG) to clarify your doubts:

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• How can I join the Indian Army as a lawyer? After completing the LLB degree, register with the Bar Council of India and apply for the JAG (Judge Advocate General) branch.
• What qualifications are required to apply for the JAG branch? An LLB degree with a minimum of 55% marks, registered with the Bar Council of India and aged between 21 and 27.
• Is there a specific entrance exam for the JAG branch? No, the selection is through the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview followed by a medical examination.
• Do I need prior military experience to serve as a lawyer in the Indian Army? You can join as a law officer through the JAG entry scheme.

How to Serve Indian Army as a Lawyer? [Overview]

Who doesn’t want their career to be prestigious and lucrative? What if we say you can have both by joining the Indian Army as a lawyer?  

Although it is highly competitive with limited openings at the threshold, the Army lawyer is one of the most desirable jobs amongst law Aspirants. Also, this job profile offers a plethora of experience and is handsomely paid in terms of salary.  

The best part is that anyone with a three—or five-year LLB degree can appear for the entrance exam and serve Indian Army as a lawyer. However, there are specific prerequisites that you must be aware of. We are discussing those crucial details below.  

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming an Army Lawyer 

To become a lawyer in the Indian Army, you must meet specific criteria, including age, nationality, educational qualification, and marital status.

We have listed the requirements below: 

Age 

• The minimum age to apply for the post is 21, while the maximum is 27 years at the time of application. 
• Anyone whose age is less than 21 or more than 27 will automatically get disqualified with no objection entertained.  

Nationality 

• Indian, Nepali, or anyone who has migrated from Burma, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Pakistan, or Zaire have permanently settled in India.  
• However, the migrants must have a verified certificate of citizenship issued by the Indian Government.  
• This Certificate of Eligibility is not a requirement for the Gorkha Tribes of Nepal.  

Qualification 

• You must have a minimum of 55% aggregate score in your LLB.  
• Your Degree should be sourced from the University registered under the Bar Council of India. 
• Also, you must be eligible to register as a lawyer with the Advocate Bar Council.  
• Lastly, from April 2023 onwards, you must have a CLAT PG Scorecard to apply to the JAG.  

Marital status  

• You should be unmarried, or else you will get disqualified.  

Gender   

• Male and female candidates can apply and appear for the Test rounds.  

Physical Attributes & Parameters  

• Your eyesight must be 6/6.  
• The height for males should be about 157.5, and for females, it should be about 152 cm.  

Read More:  5 Qualities You Must Possess to Be a Lawyer

Different Ways to Serve Indian Army as a Lawyer 

To become a part of a legal team in the Indian Army, you can adopt the following processes. However, before you make a choice, know the necessary details.  

Through Army Education Corps (AEC):   

• The Army Education Corps is dedicated to cultivating an extensive knowledge of the Army and its families in different domains, such as psychology, language, IT, etc.  
• Also, the law is an integral part of the army, so you can join the military as a legal expert and train soldiers about the legal diaspora.  
• Also, ensure extensive knowledge of marital law alongside the Prima facie of the legal field.  

Through the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch 

• You can apply through the JAG to join the Army as a practising lawyer.
• The best part is that you can join the JAG after completing your LLB degree, as LLM is not required.  

Through Short Service Commission (SSC) 

• The Short-term Service Commission has a tenure of 14 years. Here, you can practice as an army lawyer.  
• This Service can be extended based on your performance.
• Even if not, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice as a lawyer in the government sector.  

Read More : How To Become a Lawyer in India?

 

Training for Army Lawyers 

The training for the Indian Army JAG will be conducted in Chennai and Kerala.  

• The training period lasts for 49 weeks for the JAG trainees. Upon completion, it will award you the position of lieutenant JAG. 
• You are not allowed to marry during the training period, and you will be dismissed if you do so.  
• Madras University will award a postgraduate diploma in defence management and strategic studies to all trainees who successfully complete the training.   

Importance of Training and Skills Required to Excel as an Army Lawyer 

As an Army lawyer, you must have a specific skill set to fare well as a military lawyer. These include: 

• Communication skills: You need impressive communication skills, like convincing power, to establish yourself as a lawyer.  
• Eyes for detail: Accuracy and perfection are required before you present your case in court. So, make sure to place every clause and argument in the correct place and order.  
• Time management skills: Discipline and time management are the prime aspects of the Army. Hence, you must be careful with your time and how you use it.  
• Research skills: Before presenting any argument, research the drawbacks and their contribution to your case. Or else it might fire back.  
• Resilience: Being an army lawyer brings a lot of pressure and responsibilities. You must have the strength to bear that pressure without impacting your performance. 

Read More: Law Entrance Exams Other than CLAT

Roles and Responsibilities of Army Lawyer 

As an Army lawyer, you need to perform specific roles and responsibilities. So what exactly are they? Let’s find them here: 

• You will be responsible for giving legal advice on a day-to-day basis.  
• You have to offer legal assistance to military officials on different issues.  
• Also, you are responsible for drafting cases and presenting them in the martial court and at Tribunals. 

Career Progression and Opportunities for Army Lawyers 

Army lawyers have a fair chance of growth, both professional and personal. The promotions are the added perks you will get alongside experience as an army lawyer:   

• Initially, you will join the Indian Army in the post of lieutenant. 
• You can later be promoted to Captain, Colonel, and Major General.  
• Even if you joined through the Short Service Commission, after 14 years of work tenure, you can practice as a Government or Private Lawyer, depending on your requirements.  

Benefits of Serving as an Army Lawyer  

JAG offers a handsome salary and additional perks, making this job highly desirable. Here are the benefits of being an Indian Army lawyer.  

Position/Promotion as JAG	Salary Packages
Lieutenant	56,000 - 1,70,000
Captain	61,000 - 1, 93,000
Major	69, 400 - 2, 07, 000
Colonel	1, 21, 000 - 2, 12, 000
Senior Colonel	1,30,000 - 2,15,000
Brigadier	1,39,000 - 2,17,000
Major General	1,44,000 - 2,18,000

Additional Perks of Joining the Indian Army as a Lawyer  

• Pension allowance for life. 
• Transport facility. 
• Dearness and housing allowance.  
• Maintenance allowance for kits.  
• Canteen and ration facilities.  
• Allowance of Field Area. 
• Two months leave (annually). 
• Up to 20 days of CL (Casual leave).  
• With pay leave for up to 300 days from the date of the last salary drawn.  
• Charge concession in rail and Flight tickets.  
• Free Health Assistance.  
• Loans at minimal interest rates.  

Read More: Why Law As A Career In India?

Challenges of Serving as an Army Lawyer 

Alongside perks and benefits, being an Army Lawyer brings a few challenges you must deal with. What are they? Let’s find out: 

• Long Working Hours: When dealing with cases, working hours are not limited to 9-5 cycles.  
• Frequent Transfer: The frequent transfer from one city to another is a big challenge for Army officials as it doesn’t allow them to settle down at a place for a more extended period. 
• Strict Disciplinary Environment: The Army has a strict disciplinary standard where a slight mistake can lead to suspension. Hence, it becomes very stressful to be meticulous with every case.  

Key Takeaways:

1. Lucrative and Prestigious Career: Joining the Indian Army as a lawyer offers a prestigious and well-paying career opportunity that combines legal expertise with national service.

2. Eligibility Criteria: To become an Army lawyer, you need to fulfil specific requirements such as age (21-27), nationality (Indian or specified migrants), LLB qualification (55% aggregate), and eligibility for Bar Council registration.

3. Various Entry Paths: You can enter the Army's legal team through the Army Education Corps (AEC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch, or Short Service Commission (SSC). LLM is not required for JAG entry.

4. Comprehensive Training: Army lawyers undergo comprehensive training that lasts 49 weeks and covers various aspects of legal and defence management. Successful completion leads to the position of lieutenant JAG.

5. Essential Skills: As an Army lawyer, essential skills include effective communication, attention to detail, time management, research abilities, and resilience to handle pressure.

6. Roles and Responsibilities: Army lawyers provide legal advice, assist military officials, and handle drafting and presenting cases in martial courts and tribunals.

7. Career Progression: Progression from lieutenant to higher ranks, such as Captain, Colonel, and Major General, is possible, offering growth and experience. After SSC, you can even practice as a government or private lawyer.

8. Attractive Benefits: Army lawyers enjoy attractive salary packages, pension allowance, transportation, housing, canteen facilities, health assistance, and various types of leave.

9. Challenges to Consider include long working hours, frequent transfers, and adherence to a strict disciplinary environment.

Becoming an Indian Army lawyer is a matter of pride, with a lucrative salary and some other additional benefits. You can join the army as a lawyer right after your LLB. Also, you must clear JAG before getting appointed as an army lawyer. However, if you are an aspirant aiming to be a part of the Army as a lawyer, you must give it a shot!!