Ranks in Indian Army: The Indian Armed Forces consist of three main branches: the Indian Army(भारतीय थल सेना), the Indian Navy (भारतीय नौसेना), and the Indian Air Force (भारतीय वायुसेना). Together, they are tasked with safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and contributing to the country’s defence strategy in times of conflict and peace.
The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for defending India’s borders, maintaining peace and order within the country, and supporting civil authorities during emergencies such as natural disasters.
The ranks in Indian Army are divided into three broad categories: Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Other Ranks (includes non-commissioned officers and soldiers). Here’s an short overview of these ranks:
| Rank Category | Rank | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Officers | Field Marshal | FM |
| General | Gen | |
| Lieutenant General | Lt Gen | |
| Major General | Maj Gen | |
| Brigadier | Brig | |
| Colonel | Col | |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Lt Col | |
| Major | Maj | |
| Captain | Capt | |
| Lieutenant | Lt | |
| Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) | Subedar Major | SM |
| Subedar | Sub | |
| Naib Subedar | NS | |
| Other Ranks (ORs) | Havildar | Hav |
| Naik | Nk | |
| Lance Naik | LN | |
| Sepoy | – |
Let’s discuss these Indian Army ranks in-depth,
Ranks in Indian Army: Commissioned Officers
Field Marshal Rank in Indian Army
The Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Indian Army. It is awarded only in some exceptional circumstances (typically for ceremonial purposes or during times of war). It is an honorary rank and awarded to only two officers in Indian history:
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1973), for his leadership in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa (1986), the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post-independence.
The Field Marshal does not hold active command or administrative responsibilities but is a ceremonial position. The rank is conferred by the President of India upon the advice of the Prime Minister and Union Cabinet.
The insignia of a Field Marshal includes:
Crossed Swords: Representing military might.
Five-Pointed Star: Above the swords, symbolizing supreme status.
Ashoka Lion: A national symbol of India, above the star, signifying authority.
General Rank in Indian Army
The General is the highest active rank in the Indian Army and a four-star general officer rank. It ranks above the Lieutenant General (three-star) and below the honorary Field Marshal (five-star). A General is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the Army and is typically the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) or in other senior roles. The rank may also be referred to as a full general to distinguish it from lower general officer ranks.
As of 2024, two serving full generals in the Indian Armed Forces are General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwiwedi, the Chief of the Army Staff.
The insignia of a General includes:
For Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Gold-wreathed tri-service emblem (Naval anchor, crossed Army swords, and Air Force eagle), surmounted by the Ashoka emblem.
For Chief of Army Staff (COAS): Crossed sword and baton with a five-pointed star and Ashoka emblem above.
Gorget Patches:
CDS: Maroon patches with four golden stars and a golden laurel wreath.
COAS: Crimson patches with four golden stars and a golden laurel wreath.
Lieutenant General Rank in Indian Army
The Lieutenant General is a three-star officer rank in the Indian Army, ranking above Major General and below General. It is one of the senior-most active ranks, typically commanding corps or large formations and playing a key role in the strategic leadership of the Army.
The insignia of a Lieutenant General includes:
The badges of rank for a Lieutenant General feature crossed sword and baton with the Ashoka emblem above.
Gorget Patches:
Standard Lieutenant General: Crimson patches with three golden stars.
Army Commanders in the C-in-C grade: In addition to the three golden stars, they also wear oak leaves beneath the stars.
Major General Rank in Indian Army
The Major General is a two-star general officer rank in the Indian Army, ranking above Brigadier (one-star) and below Lieutenant General (three-star). It is the third-highest active rank in the Army. Officers in the Major General rank hold significant leadership positions, such as commanding a division (the Indian Army has 40 divisions in 14 corps) or serving as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of sub-areas. At Army headquarters, they also hold important staff positions, such as Additional Director General in various directorates and branches.
The insignia of a Major General includes:
The badges of rank for a Major General include crossed sword and baton with a five-pointed star above.
Gorget Patches:
Standard Major General: Crimson patches with two golden stars.
Brigadier Rank in Indian Army
The Brigadier is a one-star rank in the Indian Army, ranking above Colonel and below Major General. It is a senior leadership rank where officers typically command a brigade, which consists of multiple battalions. Brigadiers also hold key staff appointments, such as Brigadier General Staff (BGS) and Brigadier Administration (Brig Adm) at Corps headquarters. They serve as military attachés and advisors in Indian embassies and high commissions in select countries. Additionally, at Army headquarters, they hold roles like Deputy Director General in various directorates and branches.
The insignia of a Brigadier includes:
The badge of rank for a Brigadier features the National emblem above three five-pointed stars arranged in a triangular formation.
Gorget Patches:
Standard Brigadier: Crimson patches with one golden star.
A Brigadier plays an essential role in commanding brigades and overseeing administrative and operational duties at higher levels of the Indian Army.
Colonel Rank in Indian Army
The Colonel is a senior rank in the Indian Army, positioned above Lieutenant Colonel and below Lieutenant General. It is equivalent to the Captain in the Indian Navy and Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. Colonels often hold important leadership positions, such as commanding a regiment or a battalion, and play a critical role in both operational and administrative duties.
The insignia of a Colonel includes:
The badges of rank for a Colonel feature two five-pointed stars with the National Emblem above.
Gorget Patches:
Colonel: Crimson patches with golden braids.
Lieutenant Colonel Rank in Indian Army
The Lieutenant Colonel is a senior officer rank in the Indian Army, positioned above Major and below Colonel. Officers holding this rank often command units such as battalions or serve in key staff positions within higher formations. The rank signifies significant leadership and responsibility, often involving both tactical and administrative duties.
The insignia of a Colonel includes:
The badges of rank for a Lieutenant Colonel feature one five-pointed stars with the National Emblem above.
Major Rank in Indian Army
The Major is a field officer rank in the Indian Army, positioned above Captain and below Lieutenant Colonel. Officers holding this rank typically serve as unit commanders or in staff positions at higher formations, handling both leadership and administrative duties. Majors play a key role in overseeing smaller units and ensuring the effective implementation of strategies and orders.
The insignia of a Major includes:
The badges of rank for a Major feature the National Emblem only, with no stars.
Captain Rank in Indian Army
The Captain in the Indian Army, positioned above Lieutenant and below Major rank. Officers appointments Varies by corps/regiments. Captains play a key role in executing orders and managing day-to-day operations within their units.
The insignia of a Captain includes:
The badges of rank for a Captain feature three five-pointed stars
Lieutenant Rank in Indian Army
The Lieutenant is the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Indian Army, positioned above Second Lieutenant and below Captain. Officers holding this rank are typically newly commissioned and are often assigned to lead platoons or serve in various administrative or operational roles (appointment varies by corps/regiments)
The insignia of a Captain includes:
The badges of rank for a Lieutenant feature two five-pointed stars
Ranks in Indian Army: Junior-Commissioned Officers
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) hold a unique and respected position in the Indian Army. They are typically promoted from the ranks of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) based on merit, seniority, and their ability to clear promotion exams.
JCOs serve as a bridge between commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). They hold supervisory roles and are entrusted with key responsibilities in leadership and administration within their units. The JCO ranks include Subedar Major, Subedar, and Naib Subedar. These ranks are equivalent to Warrant Officers in the British Army.
Subedar Major (Sub Maj) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: Golden National Emblem with a stripe.
Description: The Subedar Major is the senior-most JCO rank. They hold a key supervisory and leadership role in the unit, responsible for maintaining discipline and overseeing the welfare of soldiers. The Risaldar Major is the equivalent rank in the Cavalry and Armour regiments.
Retirement Age: After 34 years of service or at the age of 54, whichever is sooner.
Subedar (Sub) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: Two golden stars with a stripe.
Description: The Subedar is responsible for overseeing smaller sections of the unit. They report to the Subedar Major and provide vital leadership at the platoon or company level. The Risaldar is the equivalent rank in the Cavalry and Armour regiments.
Retirement Age: After 30 years of service or at the age of 52, whichever is sooner.
Naib Subedar (Nb Sub) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: One golden star with a stripe.
Description: The Naib Subedar serves as the junior-most JCO rank, providing leadership and support at the platoon level. They assist in training and maintaining discipline within their respective units. The Naib Risaldar is the equivalent rank in the Cavalry and Armour regiments.
Retirement Age: After 28 years of service or at the age of 52, whichever is sooner.
Ranks in Indian Army: Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers
The Other Ranks in the Indian Army consist of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Soldiers (commonly referred to as sepoys or jawans). NCOs are soldiers who have been promoted to positions of responsibility, and they play key roles in maintaining discipline, training, and overall supervision within their units. Soldiers, on the other hand, form the backbone of the Army, performing a wide range of operational duties.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
NCOs are equivalent to junior non-commissioned officers (such as sergeants and corporals) in Western armies. They are promoted from the ranks based on merit, experience, and performance.
Havildar (Hav) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: Three chevrons.
Description: Havildar is a senior NCO rank responsible for overseeing a squad or section. The Daffadar is the equivalent rank in the Cavalry and Armour regiments. They assist in the leadership of soldiers and play a crucial role in the training and welfare of the troops.
Retirement Age: After 26 years of service or at the age of 49, whichever is sooner.
Naik (Nk) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: Two chevrons.
Description: Naik is a junior NCO rank, usually responsible for leading a small team of soldiers. The Lance Daffadar holds the equivalent position in the Cavalry and Armour regiments.
Retirement Age: After 23 years of service or at the age of 49, whichever is sooner.
Lance Naik (L/Nk) Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: One chevron.
Description: Lance Naik is the lowest NCO rank, often tasked with assisting in the leadership of small units or teams. The Acting Lance Daffadar is the equivalent rank in the Cavalry and Armour regiments.
Retirement Age: After 19 years of service or at the age of 48, whichever is sooner.
Sepoy Rank in Indian Army
Insignia: No insignia.
Description: Sepoys (in Infantry and other arms) or Sowars (in Cavalry and Armour) are the basic soldiers in the Indian Army. They undergo training and serve as the foundation of the Army, performing a variety of essential tasks on the ground.
Retirement Age: After 15 years, 56 days of service or at the age of 42, whichever is sooner.
Also, read the success stories of DDA’s students who have joined the Indian Armed Forces as officers
Adarsh’s Journey: From Challenges to Becoming a Flying Officer with Dehradun Defence Academy
Tadaji’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to OTA with Dehradun Defence Academy
“From Dreams to Reality” Mayank’s Journey to Clear the NDA Exam with Dehradun Defence Academy
