The present invention discloses a recombinant domain III envelope (rJEV -DIII) protein for detecting Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV). The present invention also provides a process for preparing the rJEV - DIII and an indirect antibody capture process for detecting Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) using rJEV - DIII protein. A diagnostic kit and composition for detection of JE virus comprising the rJEV - DIII protein is also disclosed.