In Conversation with Radhika Ghosh: Law, Discipline and Armed forces

About Ms Radhika Ghosh

Ms Radhika Ghosh is an accomplished legal professional whose journey is both inspiring and unique. A graduate of Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), she began her career at the prestigious law firm S&R Associates, where she worked on complex corporate transactions and honed her skills in a Tier 1 law firm environment. Alongside her professional commitments, she actively contributed to the legal community as a long-serving Student Ambassador for SCC OnLine, representing HNLU until 2024. Driven by her passion to serve the nation and combine law with uniformed service, she transitioned from corporate practice to military law, securing the first rank in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) entry for the 35th course. Her story reflects resilience, balance, and a deep commitment to law and service, making her a role model for aspiring lawyers.

Interview questions

1. Kindly tell us a few words about yourself for our readers.

I am Radhika Ghosh, a graduate of Hidayatullah National Law University. During my time there, I actively engaged in co-curricular activities like moot courts, debates, and served as a Student Ambassador with SCC OnLine. My journey with law has taken me from practising high-value commercial disputes and insolvency cases at S&R Associates before the Bombay High Court and Tribunals, to now stepping into the Indian Army through the JAG entry, where I secured All India Rank 1 in the 35th course. For me, law has always been more than a profession, it is a tool to serve society. Combining it with the discipline and honour of the armed forces truly feels like a dream come true.

2. You were the SCC Ambassador for HNLU for several years. How was that experience? Any particular incident or memory that stands out?

Being an SCC Ambassador was one of the most enriching experiences of law school. It taught me leadership, responsibility, and the importance of bridging academia with practice. I still remember conducting my very first SCC workshop, I was nervous about whether juniors would find it useful. By the end, several students came up to thank me for simplifying research tools, and that was a very fulfilling moment. It made me realise how knowledge-sharing can empower others. Another highlight was the EBC-SCC OnLine Student Ambassador Conclaves, where I got to meet and befriend peers from some of the best law schools in the country. Those connections and learnings remain very close to my heart.

3. Preparing for the JAG entry and securing the first rank is an extraordinary achievement. Please walk us through your preparation strategy and mindset.

My preparation was rooted in consistency rather than long hours. Since SSB demands a balance of legal knowledge, current affairs, and officer-like qualities, I focused, I divided my time between brushing up constitutional and military law, practising psychological tests and lecturettes, and staying physically fit. I relied on online practice sets, books for SSB preparation, and even YouTube resources. More than anything, it was about mindset, I reminded myself daily that I was not just preparing for an exam, but for a life of service. That bigger purpose kept me motivated, even on tough days.

4. Balancing JAG preparation with a demanding role at S&R Associates must have been challenging. How did you manage both worlds?

It was certainly a test of discipline. The hours any corporate practise are intense and unpredictable, so I had to structure my preparation around whatever time I could carve out, for example early mornings, weekends, even short breaks during the day. Instead of viewing work and preparation as competing, I treated them as complementary. The rigour of corporate litigation taught me time management and attention to detail, while JAG preparation gave me clarity about my larger goals. This balance actually made me more resilient.

5. What habits or qualities do you believe have contributed to your success? What qualities should someone aspiring to reach your position cultivate?

For me, the two most valuable qualities have been discipline and adaptability. Discipline keeps you consistent even when motivation dips, and adaptability helps you face unexpected challenges calmly. For aspirants, I would also stress humility. In both law and the armed forces, you are constantly learning and serving something greater than yourself. These qualities not only shape your career, but also your character.

6. At what point did you realise corporate law was not where you wanted to see yourself, and that you wanted to pursue JAG instead?

I have always been a patriot at heart. While I deeply valued the mentorship and exposure I gained in corporate practice, I realised what truly inspired me was serving the nation directly. That clarity existed since school, and when I learned about the JAG entry during law school, I knew I had to attempt it. Litigation was already my forte, and JAG felt like the perfect way to merge law with service. Coming from a civilian background, I also wanted to make my parents proud by becoming the first military officer in the family and that thought gave me even more determination.

7. Lastly, what advice would you give to young law students and professionals who may be at a crossroads between pursuing traditional careers and exploring alternative careers like JAG?

My advice would be to listen closely to your own aspirations rather than just external expectations. Traditional paths like corporate law or litigation are rewarding, but so are alternative avenues like JAG, academia or policy. What matters most is whether your path aligns with your values and long-term vision. For those considering JAG, I would say that do not look at it as just a job option, but as a calling. If the blend of law and service excites you, then prepare with full dedication, because it is a path that demands both intellect and integrity.