Army RT JCO Recruitment, Syllabus and Physical Test 2025-2026

Indian Army has invited applications for filling up the vacancies of Junior Commissioned Officer (Religious Teacher) or JCO (RT) for the current RRT Recruiting Year. All eligible male candidates can apply online for the Army JCO Religious Teacher Bharti Vacancies of Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi, Padre and Bodh Monk Dharm Guru till 25th Apr 2025 (extended). Indian Army RT JCO Recruitment 2025-2026 as application form, salary, eligibility criteria, selection process, CEE  syllabus, physical test, rally date, notification etc info is given below.

Indian Army JCO Religious Teacher Recruitment

Pay Scale – Rs 35400-112400 plus other allowances.

Indian Army RT JCO Categories:

• Pandit (Hindu candidates only)
• Pandit (Gorkha) for Gorkha Regiments (Hindu Gorkha candidates only)
• Granthi (Sikh candidates only)
• Maulvi (Sunni) (Muslim Sunni candidates only)
• Maulvi (Shia) (Muslim Shia candidates only)
• Padre (Christian candidates only)
• Bodh Monk (Mahayana) for Ladakh Scouts (Budhist candidates only)

See also: Army Education Havildar Recruitment, Syllabus and Physical Test

Eligibility Criteria – Indian Army JCO RT eligibility criteria in terms of age limit, educational and religious denomination qualification for Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi, Padre and Bodh Monk is as follows:

Age Limit:

Civilian and Serving Candidates – 25 to 34 years as on 01st Oct 2025 i.e. candidate should be born between 01 Oct 1991 and 01 Oct 2000 inclusive of both dates.

Educational Qualification:

The following educational and religious denomination qualification are common for Civilian (Direct Entry) and Serving Soldier (In-Service) candidates:

RT Pandit and Pandit (Gorkha) for Gorkha Regiment – Hindu candidate with Shastri/ Acharya in Sanskrit form any recognized University. The candidate must have Karam Kand as one of the main/ core subject during Shastri/ Acharya OR 01 year Diploma in Karam Kand.

RT Granthi – Sikh candidate with graduation in any discipline from any recognized University. The candidate must have Gyani in Punjabi.

RT Maulvi – Muslim candidate with graduation in any discipline from any recognized University. The candidate must have Alim in Arabic or Adeeb-e-Mahir/ Urdu Mahir in Urdu.

RT Padre – Christian candidate with graduation in any discipline from any recognized University. The candidate must have been ordained priesthood by the appropriate ecclesiastical authority and is on the approved list of the local Bishop.

RT Budhist (Bodh Monk) – Budhist candidate with graduation in any discipline from any recognized University. The candidate must have ordained Monk/ Budhist Priest by an appropriate authority.

See also: Army Sports Quota Recruitment Havildar Subedar 2025-2026

JCO RT Selection Process, CEE Pattern and Physical Test

Indian Army JCO Religious Teacher or Dharm Guru recruitment process consists of 03 phases as follows:

• Phase 1: Common Entrance Examination (CEE)
• Phase 2: Recruitment Rally (Checking of original certificates, Physical Test, Adaptability Test and Medical examination)
• Phase 3: Interview

The latest and detailed recruitment process for Indian Army Religious Teacher Junior Commissioned Officer is as follows:

Common Entrance Examination (CEE)

Firstly, Admit Card will be issued for Computer Based Common Entrance Examination (Online CEE) to all candidates whose application forms are found to be in order. Candidates will have to download RT JCO Admit Card through Join Indian Army website and carry a colour printout at the exam centre. Entry gates at exam center will be opened one and a half hour prior to scheduled time of exams and will close 30 minutes prior to time of exam.

The RT JCO Online Exam consists of two papers as per the following exam pattern:

• Paper I (General Awareness): 50 Questions (Max 100 Marks)
• Paper II (Specific to Religious Denominations): 50 Questions (Max 100 Marks)

The 1st Paper consists of a total 50 objective type questions (02 Marks each) based on General Knowledge/ Awareness and is a qualifying exam only. Minimum 40% Marks are required to qualify in Paper 1st. There will be no negative marking applicable in Paper-I. Marks obtained in Paper-I will not be added for preparing the merit list.

The 2nd Paper consists of a total 50 objective type questions (02 Marks each) to check the knowledge specific to belonging religious category. Minimum 40% Marks are required to obtain in this paper to come in the merit list and to be eligible for PFT/ PMT/ Medical examination. There will be no negative marking applicable in Paper-II also.

The marking pattern in online test for Indian Army RT JCO for Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi (Sunni/ Shia), Padre, Bodh Monk (Mahayana) category is as follows:

• 02 marks for every correct answer.
• Zero marks for unattempted questions.
• No negative marking for wrong answers.
• All questions, if attempted, will be considered for evaluation, even if marked for review.

Marks obtained by the candidates in the online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) will be normalized taking into account the variation in difficulty levels of the question papers in different sessions (in case the examination is held in more than one session).

Indian Army JCO RT Syllabus:

Paper-1 (General Awareness) – The paper 1 test will consist of questions related to India and its neighboring countries based on History, Culture, Geography and who’s who. In addition Abbreviations, Sports, Awards and Prizes, Terminology, Indian Armed Forces, Continents and Sub Continents, Inventions and Discoveries, The Constitution of India, International Organizations, Books and Authors, Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India and at world level in the recent years, Current important world events, Prominent personalities etc.

Paper-2 (Specific to Religious category) – Pandit, Maulvi, Granthi, Padre, Monk : Rituals, Scriptures and Discourses of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Buddhism, Motivational concepts.

You can check the Latest and detailed RT JCO Syllabus for Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi (Sunni/ Shia), Padre, Bodh Monk (Mahayana) category (for Paper 1 and 2) as provided by the Indian Army below.

See also: Army Online Exam CEE Syllabus and Model Paper (Mock Test)

Recruitment Rally

After completion of RT JCO CEE (online exam), candidates will be shortlisted proportionate to the available vacancies by applying a cut off in written exam result. The Roll Number of the candidates who are in merit will be published on the JIA official website. Thereafter, shortlisted candidates will be issued admit card for Phase-2 (Recruitment rally) as per the Schedule of AROs.

Recruitment rallies (Documentation, Physical test, Adaptability test and Medical examination) will be conducted at respective HQ Recruiting Zone/ Regimental Centres as per the Schedule (see below) fixed by the Indian Army.

Documents Required for Recruitment rally – You will have to carry Admit Card along with the following required documents in original as well as photocopies, when called for recruitment rally:

• Admit Card printed on Laser Printer on good quality paper.
• Twenty (20) copies of unattested Passport size colour photographs developed on good quality photographic paper in white background not more than three months old. Computerized/ photocopied/ shopped photographs will not be accepted. Photographs must be with proper hair cut and clean shave (except Sikh candidates).
• Education certificates with marks sheet of all educational qualifications achieved by candidate i.e. Matric/ intermediate etc from recognized School/ College/ Board/ University. Candidates with matric certificate from Open School should bring School Leaving Certificate countersigned by BEO/DEO.
• Domicile Certificate with photograph issued by Tehsildar/ District Magistrate.
• Caste Certificate affixed with photograph of the candidate issued by the Tehsildar/ District Magistrate.
• Religion Certificate issued by the Tehsildar/ SDM (if religion as “SIKH/ HINDU/ MUSLIM/ CHRISTIAN/ BODH” is not mentioned in caste certificate.
• Character Certificate issued by the College Principal where the candidates last studied.
• Character Certificate with photograph issued by Village Sarpanch/ Municipal Corporation within last 06 months.
• Relationship Certificate issued by concerned Record Officer for Son of Serviceman/ Ex-servicemen, Son of War Widow/ Son of Widow (if applicable).
• Affidavit duly signed by candidate on Rs 10/- Non-Judicial Paper as per the prescribed format.
• PAN Card and Aadhar Card.
• Police Character Certificate.
• Sarpanch/ Nagar Sewak (Residence proof).

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

1.6 Kms (1600 Meters) Run within 08 Minutes. Provisions of extra time for run/ race in Hilly Terrain Areas: Between 5000 feet to 9000 feet- Additional 30 Seconds and Between 9000 feet to 12000 feet- Additional 120 Seconds.

The PFT will be qualifying in nature and candidates will have to qualify in all the physical fitness tests. Marks obtained in PFT will not be considered while finalizing the final merit.

Physical Measurement Test (PMT)

Candidates qualified in PFT will have to undergo Physical Measurement Test. The Physical Standards (Height, Chest and Weight) for Indian Army JCO (RT) will be measured as follows:

Height – Minimum 160 Cms (157 Cms for Gorkhas & Ladakhi region candidates and 155 Cms for Andaman & Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep Group including Minicoy).
Chest – Minimum 77 Cms for all.
Weight – 50 Kgs (48 Kgs for Gorkhas & Ladakhi region candidates).

See Also: Army Selection Process, Physical Test and Standards 2025-2026

Adaptability Test

Candidates qualified in Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT) will be put through Adaptability Test as per policy in vogue. Adaptability Test is for selection of candidates who can adapt to the environment of the Indian Army and are able to adapt to the challenges of military life. Those candidates who qualify the Adaptability Test will be eligible for Medical Exam and further recruitment process.

Medical Examination

Candidates should have robust physique and mental health, chest should be well developed having minimum 5 cm expansion, should have normal hearing with each ear, should have sufficient number of natural teeth i.e. 14 dental points with healthy gums. Candidate should not have diseases like deformity of bones, hydrocele, varicose veins or piles.

Interview

Candidates qualified in Phase-2 (PFT, PMT and Medical exam) will be interviewed by a board of officers at 1 Signal Regiment Centre Jabalpur and 39 GTC Varanasi (as applicable). The interview will be of maximum 100 Marks and a minimum of 50 marks will be required to pass the Aptitude Skill Test/ Interview.

The ability to perform Kirtan will be an essential condition for the selection of Granthi which will be assessed by the Interview Board.

Final selection of candidates will be based on merit list prepared on the basis of the total marks obtained in Paper-II and Interview. No bonus marks will be entitled to son of Serving/ Ex-servicemen/ War Widow/ Widow and Sportsmen/ NCC/ Computer certificate holders.

Candidates finally selected will be enrolled as JCO (RT) and will undergo 06 weeks of Basic training at BEG and Centre Kirkee followed by 11 weeks of training specific to religious denominations. On successful completion of training the candidates will be commissioned as Religious Teacher (Dharm Guru) in the rank of Naib Subedar.

See also: Indian Army Soldier Nursing Assistant Recruitment 2025-2026

Indian Army RT JCO Syllabus (Detailed)

The latest and detailed Syllabus for Religious Teacher Junior Commissioned Officer for the categories of Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi (Sunni/ Shia), Padre, Bodh Monk (Mahayana) for Paper I & II Exam 2025-2026 is as follows:

Syllabus Paper-I (General Awareness):

Geography of India Sub-Continent – Geographic regions & its implications, Climatic conditions, Environment, Vegetation, Wild life conservation, Resources (Concept and their Impact): Land and Water, Minerals, Agriculture, Industrial Development, Trade & Commerce, Transportation and Communication.

Indian History – Facts, progress/ development, causes of success and failures of various imp events, Impact on Indian subcontinent and society pertaining to the following period: Ancient Period (3000 BC-700 AD), Medieval Period (700 AD-1700 AD), Period Under East India Company (1700 AD-1947), Modern India.

Culture and Cultural Heritage of India – Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Society and the Nation, Challenges of Indian Democracy, Problems in our society, National Integration, Economy of India.

Current Affairs:

National – Modern/ Recent Development; Defense; Foreign Policy; Art, Science and Culture; Sports; Political Events; Latest Events.
International – United Nations; Neighboring countries of India; Current Problems at International level; Art, Science & Culture; Sports; Latest Events.

Syllabus Paper-II (Specific to Religious Denominations):

Hinduism

Rituals – Nam Karan; Yagyopavit; Vivah (Marriage); Antyesti; Grah Shanti Evam Havan.

Scriptures of Hinduism – Scriptures of Hinduism for example Ram Charit Manas, Gita, Upanishad, Maha Bharat, Purans etc.

Discourses – National/ Regional Festivals of the country.

Motivation – The question paper on Motivation will be same for all religions. This will include:

1. Motivation on Good Citizenship- Values and Morals.
2. Motivation on Good Soldiering- Personality Development and Character.
3. Motivation on Service Before Self.
4. Motivation on Sportsmanship.
5. Motivation in the Times of War/ Operation.
6. Counselling on Addiction and De-Addiction.
7. Counselling of Sick Persons.
8. Counselling of Prisoners.
9. Counselling on Family Relationship.
10. Counselling on Children.

Islam

Rituals – Janam Sanskar; Khatna, Aaphiqa; Vivah Sanskar; Antim Sanskar.

Scriptures – Scriptures of Islam for example Holy Quraan and Hadees etc.

Discourses – National/ Regional Festivals to include the following:

1. Id-Ul-Fitar.
2. Id-Ul-Juha.
3. Id-Ul-Milad.
4. Muharram.
5. Shab-e-Qadar.
6. Shab-e-Barat.

Sikhism

Rituals – Nam Karan; Amrit Pan; Anand Karaj; Antyesti.

Scriptures – Scriptures of Sikhism for example Guru Granth Sahib, Dasham Granth and Vara Bhai Gurudas Ji etc.

Discourses – National/ Regional Festivals to include the following:

1. Janmdin Guru Nanak Ji.
2. Janmdin Guru Govind Singh Ji.
3. Shahidi Divas Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
4. Shahidi Divas Guru Teg Bahadue Ji.
5. Baisakhi (Khalsa Panth Sthapana Divas)
6. Shahidi Barhe Sahab Zade.
7. Shahidi Chhote Sahab Zade.
8. Prakash Divas Guru Granth Sahib.
9. Guru Gaddi Divas.

Christianity

Rituals (Holy Sacraments) – Baptism; Holy Communion; Child Dedication; Confirmation; Holy Matrimony; Funeral.

Holy Scriptures – Holy Scriptures of Christianity, for example Old Testament and New Testament etc.

Discourses – National/ Regional Festivals to include the following:

1. Christmas.
2. Palm Sunday.
3. Good Friday.
4. Easter.
5. Ascension.
6. Pentecost.

Buddhism

Rituals – Nam Karan; Vivah (Marriage); Antyesti; Dixna Sanskar.

Scriptures – Scriptures of Budhism for example Vinay Pitak, Sutt Pitak and Abhidhamm Pitak etc.

Discourses – National/ Regional Festivals to include the following:

1. Char Arya Satya.
2. Asht Marg.
3. Buddh Purnima.
4. Pera Hera.
5. Qaza.
6. Buddh Dharm Ka Darshan.

See also: Army JCO Catering Recruitment, Syllabus and Physical Test

Application Form, Important Dates and Notification

Eligible and interested candidates are required to apply for the Indian Army RT JCO (Dharm Guru) Recruitment to the concerned Headquarter Recruiting Zone/ Regimental Centre as per their permanent domicile. Candidates applying for Pandit, Pandit (Gorkha), Granthi, Maulvi (Sunni/ Shia), Padre and Bodh Monk (Mahayana) categories are required to register and submit online application on the website joinindanarmy.nic.in from 12th Mar to 25th Apr 2025 (extended).

See also: Army Online Application Form, Date and Eligibility 2025-2026

In-service candidates will also have to forward the application form (as per the prescribed format) to respective Record Offices along with attested photocopies of character certificate, 10th & 12th certificate, graduation qualification, domicile and detailed marks sheet separately for each year of UG/PG in Religious qualification. For the offline application form, download the official recruitment notice below and take printout of the format.

Documents Required with Offline Application:

1. Character/ Conduct certificate.
2. High School certificate.
3. Intermediate (10+2) certificate.
4. Certificates of graduation qualification.
5. Photocopies of detailed mark sheets separately for each year (1st, 2nd & 3rd year) of religious qualification as per denomination. OR Photocopies of detailed marks sheet separately for each year (1st & 2nd year) of Post-Graduation in Religious qualification as per denomination.
6. Domicile certificate.

Examination fee – All candidates will have to pay Rs 250/- plus banking charges (as applicable) for the online examination. The payment can be made through Maestro, Master Card, VISA, Rupay Cards both Credit & Debit of all major banks, Internet banking and UPI.

Important Dates (Revised):

Opening date of registration of online form – 12th Mar 2025
Last date for registration of online form – 25th Apr 2025
Written Exam (Online CEE) date – Jun 2025 Onwards
Recruitment Rally date – See the schedule below

Register and submit online application form for the Indian Army RT JCO Recruitment through the JIA official website below. For various formats and more information about the Dharm Guru Bharti 2025-2026, download the official RT JCO Recruitment Notification or advertisement in pdf format.

See also: Army Havildar Surveyor Auto Cartographer Recruitment

Army Online Registration Form

Indian Army Official Website

RT JCO Recruitment Notice

JCO RT Syllabus (Paper 1 and 2)

JCO RT Recruitment Rally Dates 2025-26

Phase-2 (Recruitment Rally) for the JCO RT (Religious Teacher) will be conducted by the respective HQ Recruiting Zone (ZRO). Admit Card for the recruitment rally will be sent through registered Email ID. Candidates will have to report at rally venue on given date and time as mentioned in the Admit Card only. Check the latest RT JCO Recruitment Rally Schedule (for All Zones and States) below (to be updated).

ZRO Ambala (Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and UT Chandigarh):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Rohtak

Jabalpur Zone (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Sagar

ZRO Shillong (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Udalguri (Hathigarh Cantt)

ZRO Jaipur (Rajasthan):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Sikar

ZRO Bangalore (Karnataka, Kerala, UT Lakshadweep and Mahe):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Trivandrum

Jalandhar Zone (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab):
Admit Card download –
Bharti Location – Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Jalandhar

ZRO Kolkata (West Bengal, Sikkim and Odisha):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Kharagpur (West Bengal)

ZRO Pune (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, UT Daman, Diu, Dadar & Nagar Haveli):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Palghar

ZRO Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Banbasa Military Station

ZRO Chennai (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, UT of Puducherry & Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Karimnagar or Rangareddy

ZRO Danapur (Bihar and Jharkhand):
Recruitment Rally date –
Bharti Location – Danapur

Army Bharti Rally Schedule

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