Indian Army Religious Teacher (JCO) Recruitment 2026: The Indian Army has released the official notification for Religious Teacher (Dharmik Shikshak) – Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Recruitment 2026. Eligible male candidates can apply online from 13 February 2026 to 01 April 2026 through the official Join Indian Army portal. Selected candidates will be appointed as Naib Subedar with a starting basic pay of ₹29,200 (Pay Level 5).
Indian Army Religious Teacher JCO 2026 – Overview
| Organization | Indian Army |
| Post Name | Religious Teacher (Dharmik Shikshak) – JCO |
| Rank | Naib Subedar |
| Pay Scale | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 (Pay Level 5) |
| Application Dates | 13 Feb – 01 April 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹250 |
| Selection Process | CEE + Rally + Interview |
| Job Location | All India |
Religious Categories
- Pandit (Hindu)
- Pandit – Gorkha Regiment
- Granthi (Sikh)
- Maulvi – Sunni (Muslim)
- Padri (Christian)
- Buddhist Bhikshu – Mahayana (Ladakh Scouts)
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Pandit: Shastri / Acharya in Sanskrit + Karm Kand (Main subject or Diploma)
- Granthi: Graduation + Gyani in Punjabi
- Maulvi: Graduation + Aalim in Arabic OR Adeeb-e-Mahir
- Padri: Graduation + Ordained Pastor
- Buddhist Bhikshu: Graduation + Recognised Bhikshu Certificate
Age Limit (As on 01 July 2027)
- Minimum Age: 25 Years
- Maximum Age: 34 Years
- Born between 01 July 1993 – 01 July 2002
- Only Male Candidates Eligible
Physical Standards
| Region | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 160 | 77 (+5 cm expansion) |
| Gorkha & Ladakh | 157 | 77 |
| Andaman/Nicobar & Lakshadweep | 155 | 77 |
Selection Process
Stage 1: Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE)
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Awareness | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour | No |
| Paper II | Religious Subject | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour | No |
Minimum 40% marks required in both papers. Paper-I is qualifying only.
Stage 2: Recruitment Rally
- 1.6 km run (within 8 minutes)
- Physical Measurement Test
- Medical Examination
Stage 3: Personal Interview
Candidates must secure minimum 50% marks in interview. Granthi candidates will be assessed for Kirtan ability.
Salary & Benefits
- Basic Pay: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- DA, HRA, TA
- Medical Facilities
- CSD Canteen Benefits
- NPS & Gratuity
Important Dates
- Application Start: 13 February 2026
- Last Date: 01 April 2026
- CEE Exam: To Be Announced
- Rally & Interview: To Be Announced
Application Fee
All Candidates: ₹250 (Payment via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
How to Apply
- Visit Join Indian Army official website
- Click on JCO/OR Enrollment
- Register and create profile
- Select Religious Teacher (JCO)
- Fill application form carefully
- Upload photograph
- Pay application fee
- Submit and download confirmation
🔗 Important Links – Indian Army Religious Teacher JCO 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for RT JCO 2026 | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download |
| Indian Army Official Website | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Download Admit Card (When Released) | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| CEE Exam Updates | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Rally & Interview Schedule | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
FAQs – Indian Army Religious Teacher (JCO) Recruitment 2026
1. What is the post offered under Indian Army Religious Teacher Recruitment 2026?
The post offered is Religious Teacher (Dharmik Shikshak) – Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). Selected candidates are appointed at the rank of Naib Subedar in the Indian Army.
2. What is the starting salary of Religious Teacher JCO?
The starting basic pay is ₹29,200 per month (Pay Level 5). The salary can go up to ₹92,300 along with Military Service Pay, DA, HRA, and other allowances.
3. What is the age limit for RT JCO 2026?
Candidates must be 25 to 34 years as on 01 July 2027.
Eligible date of birth range: 01 July 1993 to 01 July 2002 (both dates inclusive).
4. Who can apply for Religious Teacher JCO 2026?
Only male candidates belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Muslim (Sunni), Christian, or Buddhist communities with required religious qualifications and graduation degree can apply.
5. Is there negative marking in the CEE exam?
No. There is no negative marking in the Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE).
6. What is the exam pattern for RT JCO 2026?
The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper I – General Awareness (50 Questions, 100 Marks)
- Paper II – Religious Subject (50 Questions, 100 Marks)
Minimum 40% marks required in each paper.
Paper I is qualifying only and not counted in final merit.
7. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes:
- Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE)
- Recruitment Rally (PFT / PMT / Medical)
- Personal Interview
- Final Merit List
8. What is required in the Physical Fitness Test?
Candidates must complete:
- 1.6 km run within 8 minutes
- Height, weight, and chest measurement
- Medical examination clearance
9. What is the interview qualifying mark?
Candidates must score minimum 50% (50 out of 100 marks) in the interview to qualify.
10. How is the final merit prepared?
Final merit is prepared based on:
- Paper II (Religious Subject) marks
- Interview marks
Paper I marks are not included in final merit.
11. What is the application fee?
All candidates must pay ₹250 through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI.
12. Is it a permanent job?
Yes. Selected candidates are granted permanent commission as Junior Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army.
13. Where will training be conducted?
Training consists of:
- 6 weeks basic training at BEG & Centre, Kirkee
- 11 weeks of specialised training at the Institute of National Integration (INI), Pune
14. Can serving soldiers apply?
Yes. Serving soldiers can apply provided they meet the same age and qualification criteria.
