A Detailed Guide to the Indian Army JCO Result & Selection Process

Namaste, My name is Ankit and I’ll guide you through the detailed process of Army JCO result and selection process as the title suggests throughout this blog.

JCO role in Indian army commands immense authority and respect as it acts as a vital bridge between commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

I will walk you through the complete selection process and result of JCO in a very detailed way in this blog post.

Understanding the JCO Selection Process

Basically there are two ways through one can attain JCO post, one is through direct recruitment while the other is through promotion (which is the most common one) as in promotion, existing army personnel rise through their rank to become a JCO, In this post I will be discussing about the direct method of recruitment as this is the only way for civilians to apply and potentially become JCOs for specific positions like Religious Teacher or Catering JCO.

The direct entry (civilians) is a multistep process, which I have discussed below:-

Online application:- keep yourself updated with the latest notifications directly from official Indian army website and I too will be posting latest updates here so you can check here too, all applicants must submit their applications through online registration (which was from March 12, 2025, to April 25, 2025) process.
Written Test (Common Entrance Examination/CEE):- There are two phases in written test in which, Phase 1 test is for general awareness where candidates are tested with general knowledge, numerical abilities, reasoning. Candidates are required to clear cut-off marks. In Phase 2 candidates are tested in their specific trade e.g. for religious teachers they are tested in religious scriptures while Catering JCOs are tested on their knowledge on catering field.
Recruitment Rally & Physical Fitness Test (PFT):- Candidates who have passed the written test are called for Recruitment Rally (It is crucial to arrive on time with all the original required documents). Then candidates are required to give Physical Fitness Test, which consists of 1.6 km run, Pull-ups, Zigzag Balance, 9-foot Ditch.
Physical Measurement Test:- JCO Candidates needs to pass a physical measurement test where their height, weight, and chest size are measured to ensure they meet the minimum criteria.
Medical Test:- After physical fitness test, candidates are required to take a full medical checkup to ensure they are fit physically as well as mentally. These checks include sharp senses, normal number of teeth, ‘The absence of diseases like piles, hydrocele etc.’
Interview:- Final and foremost tests is interview of the candidates for JCO roles which is conducted by council of elders, This interview assesses leadership qualities, decision-making, and composure.

Common Entrance Exam(CEE) for JCO, Phase 1

Common Entrance Exam (CEE) is a crucial exam which is acts a filter to remove those candidates who are Ineligible or less prepared before moving onto Recruitment Rally. Before the year 2023 the screening was done by physical rallies which took massive efforts and resources of officials considering the number of candidates who applies for JCO roles.

So, To save the valuable resources while outreaching whole India online screening is the optio they came up with considering the year-on-year increase in number candidates, the Common Entrance Exam (CEE) is focused to test cognitive abilities, academic knowledge which is crucial for military service and acts as a necessary basic foundation for future responsibilities.

From April 2023 the candidates are requires giving CEE exam then those who will qualify it gets to the Phase 2 which is Physical Fitness Test (PFT) simply, Physical Rallies which used to be the first screening process before 2023, So it’s a major change in screening process.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for JCO, Phase 2

In physical fitness test, candidates are assessed on the basis of their endurance, agility and courage. The site where they are requires taking this multistep tests is called Rally Site.

Procedure: A group of candidates runs a 1.6-kilometer (1600-meter) course, typically on a track. Officials with stopwatches record each candidate’s time.
Marking: Marks are awarded for male candidates based on their completion time.
- Group I: Completion within 5 minutes and 30 seconds fetches 60 marks.
- Group II: Completion between 5 minutes 31 seconds and 5 minutes 45 seconds fetches 48 marks.
- Failure: Exceeding 5 minutes and 45 seconds results in disqualification for this round.

Procedure: Candidates hang from a horizontal beam using an underhand or overhand grip and must pull themselves up until their chin is above the beam.
Marking: Marks are awarded based on the number of pull-ups performed correctly.
- 10 pull-ups: 40 marks.
- 9 pull-ups: 33 marks.
- 8 pull-ups: 27 marks.
- 7 pull-ups: 21 marks.
- 6 pull-ups: 16 marks.
- Failure: Completing fewer than 6 pull-ups or performing them incorrectly results in disqualification.

3. 9-feet ditch

This is a qualifying event testing courage.

Procedure: Candidates must jump across a 9-foot-wide ditch in a single leap. There is often a mark beyond the ditch that must be crossed.
Qualification: This is a pass or fail event. The distance is fixed; all candidates must clear it.

4. Zig-zag balance

This is a qualifying test of balance and agility.

Procedure: Candidates must walk along a zig-zag patterned beam or narrow plank without falling or losing balance.
Qualification: This is a pass or fail event.

After these round of tests, the candidates are required to take Physical Measurement Test to verify candidate’s bodily measurement against the required standard like:-

Height: The minimum acceptable height for JCOs is typically 160 cm, though this can be lower (e.g., 157 cm) for specific regions and communities like Gorkhas.
Weight: This must be “proportionate” to the candidate’s height, as defined by official BMI standards. Being underweight or overweight can lead to rejection.
Chest: The minimum chest expansion of 5 cm is mandatory. For measurement, a fraction of less than 0.5 cm is ignored, 0.5 cm is recorded as such, and 0.6 cm and above is recorded as 1 cm.

Next Candidates are required to give Medical Test to ensure the body meet the strict health standards. The check is done by Medical Board of specialist doctors whose result is thorough and final.

Examination process:-

1. Preliminary and detailed medical boards

Preliminary examination: Includes a general physical check-up, urine analysis, and blood tests.
Detailed examination: Follows the preliminary stage and includes vision and hearing tests, a chest X-ray, and other specialized tests.

2. Investigative tests
Mandatory tests for all candidates include hematology, biochemistry, urine analysis, ECG, a compulsory chest X-ray, and an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis. Other X-rays may be required if necessary.

Specific health standards and reasons for rejection:-

General physique and constitution
Candidates must be in good physical and mental health. Being underweight (BMI below 18) or obese (BMI over 25) can lead to rejection. Major deformities, extensive surgical scars, or asymmetrical facial features that hinder military tasks are also disqualifying.

Musculoskeletal system
Spinal and joint deformities like kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis, knock knees, bow legs, and flat feet are reasons for rejection. A specific carrying angle for the elbow is required (not more than 15° for males and 18° for females). Healed fractures with implants or functional limitations are also disqualifying.

Visual standards
Good distant vision is necessary, Vision correctable to 6/6 is often required. Normal color vision, tested with Ishihara plates, is mandatory, and any degree of color blindness results in permanent rejection.

Hearing
Candidates must have normal hearing, able to hear a forced whisper from 610 cm with each ear. Chronic ear discharge, perforated eardrums, or other ear diseases are not permitted.

Dental standards
A minimum of 14 dental points is required, based on tooth health and function. Severe pyorrhea or multiple cavities will result in rejection.

Systemic health issues
Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart murmurs, cardiac disease, chronic cough, asthma, evidence of tuberculosis, hernia, hydrocele, varicocele, piles, gallstones, kidney stones, and glandular swelling like thyroid issues are reasons for rejection.

Psychological and neurological
Candidates must be mentally robust, with no history of mental illness, epilepsy, fits, or chronic headaches. Tremors, speech impediments, and nervous instability are also grounds for disqualification.

Skin and tattoos
Chronic skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo can lead to rejection. The army has a strict tattoo policy, generally allowing permanent tattoos only on the inner forearm and back of the hand.

Temporary vs. permanent rejection
Temporary rejection (TR) is given for correctable issues, allowing candidates time to resolve them and re-appear. Permanent rejection (PR) is for incurable or serious conditions that would impact a candidate’s military effectiveness.

The Final (Provisionally Selected) Merit List, Phase 3

After all the required test’s and interview the final merit list is compiled on candidate’s score across all the test’s and that merit list is listed on official indian army recruitment website, This merit list is final, But for calling it provisional in heading there are several reasons for that:-

Verification of original documents:- Provisional label allows authority to thoroughly cross check all documents, if any disperecy found, candidate selection can be cancelled.
Character verification by police:- This check is to ensure you have no crminal cases which ensures good morale. this check usually take months.
Medical fitness clearance:- To cross check health.

Indian Army JCO Result: How to Check

Indian Army JCO results for provisional candidates is typically announced on their official website an a downlodable pdf format which consists Roll Numbers of all provisionally selected candidiates.

You can bookmark our webiste too, as I’ll update you as soon the result is out!

To check one’s result for Common Enterance Test (CEE) is easy just follow the simple steps provided below:-

Visit the official website. Open your web browser and go to Official Website of Indian Army
Go to the results section. On the homepage, look for and click on the “CEE Results” link. This link is usually under the “JCO” section.
Find your Army Recruitment Office (ARO). The results are typically organized by region or ARO. Find the result file for JCO posts, there may be separate links for specific categories, such as “JCO Religious Teacher.”
Download the result PDF. Click on the relevant link to download the PDF file of the merit list.
Search for your roll number. Open the downloaded PDF file. If you are on desktop the you can use the “Ctrl + F” keyboard shortcut to open a search box and type in your roll number.
Check your status. If your roll number appears in the list, you have been provisionally selected for the next phase of the recruitment process.
Download and print. Save a copy of the result PDF for your records and print it out. You will need it as proof of qualification for the next stages

If you are on that list then your are provisionally selected for next step which is

Physical Fitness Test
Physical Measurement Test
Document Verification
Medical tests
Interview

Note:- You’ll get admit card for Physical fitness and measurement test on official wesbite in an pdf downloadable format, as you can see below.

The Final Merit List for you will only be prepared after you’ve crossed every tests then a thorough Police Background Checks will happen these are the reasons why cadet’s remainn provisional until they get their offical appointment letter.

The Final Selection Process After CEE Result

Candidates of JCO are required to present a comprehensive list of original documents and Medical tests In Phase 1 Candidates are asked to provide these documents:-

1. Identity and personal details

Admit Card: Printed with a laser printer on good quality paper. Do not reduce the size.
Photographs: Twenty passport-size, unattested, color photographs with a white background. These should be recent (not more than three months old). Computer-generated or photoshopped images are not accepted.
Photo ID and address proof: You must bring your Aadhaar Card and PAN Card. A Driving License or Passport may also be required.

2. Educational and professional qualifications

Education certificates: Original mark sheets and passing certificates for Class 10th and any higher education (10+2, Diploma, Graduation) that you have declared.
Specialist qualification: For JCO specialist roles (like Religious Teacher or Catering), you must bring the relevant qualification documents. For a Religious Teacher, this would include graduation certificates with specific religious qualifications.

3. Domicile and community certificates

Domicile certificate: Issued by the Tehsildar or District Magistrate (DM) with your photograph.
Caste certificate: Issued by the Tehsildar or DM, bearing your photograph. Special rules apply to certain communities.
Religion certificate: Required if your religion is not specified in your caste certificate. It is issued by the Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

4. Character and behavior

Character certificate: Must be issued with a photograph by the Village Sarpanch or Municipal Corporation within the last six months.
Character certificate: Issued by the principal or headmaster of the school or college you last attended.
Unmarried certificate: For candidates under 21 years of age, this is issued by the Village Sarpanch or District Administration and must have a photograph. It must be issued within the last six months.

5. Additional certificates (if applicable)

Tattoo certificate: If you have any tattoos, you must bring a certificate verifying it is a religious or tribal design, per the rules.

Relationship certificate: Required for sons of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, widows, or war widows. It must be issued by the relevant Records Office.

NCC certificate: For those with NCC ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’ certificates, the original certificate and an attested photocopy are required.

Sports certificate: For candidates claiming a bonus for achievements in sports, certificates from recognized sports bodies are needed.

Affidavit: A mandatory affidavit, signed by the candidate on non-judicial stamp paper and attested by a notary, confirming eligibility and a lack of criminal record.

Note:- Always present verified and up to date documents to avoid rejection.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, The path to becoming a JCO is a multi-layered process, but i manage to broke it down into manageable steps: from the initial online application and CEE to the physical and medical tests, and finally, the provisional merit list. By understanding each phase, you can prepare effectively and increase your chances of success.

Now that you have a comprehensive guide, the next step is to act. Bookmark this page for the latest updates, start your physical training regimen, and prepare for the Common Entrance Examination.

Once you start a working on something, don’t be afraid of failure and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.
~ Chanakya

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.
~Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam