The kinetics of ordering in the bcc ternary alloy is investigated by means of the micromasterequation method in the pair approximation. The time evolution of the long-range order andshort-range order parameters are calculated. A transient ordered state results in distinct features, such as stepwise variation, overshooting effects, and peaks in the evolution to different equilibriumphases. It is found that the development of short-range order in the ordering stage of the transientordered state is different from that in the equilibrium phase. Short-range order relaxes gradually inthe ordering stage of the transient ordered state in contrast to the fast change of short-range order in the ordering stage of the equilibrium phase.