A distinguished alumnus of Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Sameer Rajput, has emerged at the top of the Services Selection Board (SSB) merit list for the 124th intake of the Indian Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) entry scheme. Rajput, a graduate from the 2019-2024 cohort at HNLU, has been chosen for this prestigious program, which commissions law graduates as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers within the Indian Army’s JAG department.
The selection process for the JAG entry is rigorous, involving initial shortlisting based on CLAT PG scores, followed by a five-day SSB interview and a comprehensive medical examination. The JAG department plays a critical role as the legal and judicial arm of the Indian Army, managing military law, disciplinary issues, litigation, court-martial proceedings, and providing legal counsel to military authorities.
Sameer Rajput’s path to achieving the top rank was fraught with challenges. After being screened out in his initial two SSB attempts, he considered giving up but decided to persevere with his remaining opportunities. On his third attempt for the 123rd course, he received a recommendation from the SSB, but his rank on the merit list was insufficient for selection to the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. However, in his fourth attempt, Rajput not only cleared the SSB but also secured the prestigious first rank on the merit list.
When asked why he chose the JAG branch over other legal career paths, Rajput revealed that his interest was piqued during early college internships and was driven by a longstanding ambition to serve in the Army. He compared the JAG officer role to that of a litigator, highlighting the litigation-related responsibilities that JAG officers assume a few years into their commission.
“The JAG branch combines command, purpose, and the integration of legal expertise with military life. The Army offers unparalleled exposure and lifestyle. As a JAG officer, I will engage in tasks I am passionate about while being compensated for them,” he stated.
Rajput also dispelled a common misconception among law students by clarifying that the SSB process is uniform across all entry schemes, emphasizing the demanding nature of the role. “It’s far from a cushy government job and requires exceptional dedication. Regardless of your entry scheme, you are a soldier first and must be prepared for the lifestyle. Even if you’re not on the field, the profession demands a lot,” he remarked.
He credited HNLU’s emphasis on conceptual understanding over rote memorization, along with its extracurricular offerings and diverse student body, for instilling the confidence, discipline, and teamwork qualities that the SSB values.
