All you want to know about the ranks in Indian army

The Indian Army is admired by each countryman due its commitment and professionalism in protecting the country. It is divided into seven commands and is an all-volunteer force. Being the second largest standing army, it has 1,237,117 active troops and 990,960 reserve troops.

Take a look at the various ranks of the Indian army

Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army

Rank – Field Marshal

Insignia – National emblem over a crossed baton and saber in a lotus blossom wreath

The Field Marshal rank is the highest rank in the Indian Army. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal KM Cariappa were the only two officers who were elevated to the rank of Field Marshal.

Rank – General

Insignia – National emblem over a five-pointed star, both over a crossed baton and saber

This is the highest rank held by an Army officer, after Field Marshall. Only the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who holds this rank. Their pay band 90,000 fixed at equivalent to Cabinet Secretary of India.

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC – Level 18, Rs. 2,50,000

Incumbent – General Dalbir Singh, COAS

Retirement – After 3 years as COAS or at the age of 62, whichever is earlier

Rank – Lieutenant General

Insignia – National emblem over crossed baton and saber

Appointed only by selection, after 36 years of commissioned service. They are appointed as Vice Chief of Army Staff/Army Commanders/Equivalent at Pay Band 80,000 Apex Grade fixed. They are required to do 36 years of commissioned service.

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC: Level 17, Rs.2,25,000

Retirement age- 60

Rank – Major General

Insignia – Five-pointed star over crossed baton and saber

Major Generals are promoted by selection (after 32 years of commissioned service).

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC: Level 14, Rs. 1,44,200

Retirement age- 58

Rank – Brigadier

Insignia – National emblem over three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation

Brigadiers are promoted by selection (after 25 years of commissioned service)

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC: Level 13A, Rs.1,34,400

Retirement age- 56

Rank – Colonel

Insignia – National emblem over two five-pointed stars

Colonels may be promoted by selection (after 15 years of commissioned service) or may be promoted (time-scale) after 26 years of commissioned service. Time-scale Colonels may, however, only hold the portfolio of a Lt. Colonel.

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC – Level 13, Rs. 1,25,700

Retirement age- 54

Rank – Lieutenant Colonel

Insignia – National emblem over five-pointed star

Time bound promotion on completion of 13 years commissioned service.

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC: Level 12A, Rs. 1,16,700

Rank – Major

Insignia – National emblem

Time bound promotion on completion of 6 years commissioned service.

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC – Level 11, Rs. 69,400

Rank – Captain

Insignia – Three five-pointed stars

Time bound promotion on completion of 2 years commissioned service

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC – Level 10B, Rs. 61,300

Rank – Lieutenant

Insignia – Two five-pointed stars

Rank achieved on commissioning into Indian Army as an Officer

Proposed level & pay in 7th CPC – Level 10, Rs. 56,100

Junior Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army

Rank – Subedar Major (Infantry) or Risaldar Major (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – Gold national emblem with stripe

Promotion by selection

Retirement age– After 34 years service or at the age of 54, whichever is earlier

Rank – Subedar (Infantry) or Risaldar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – Two gold stars with stripe

Promotion by selection

Retirement age – After 30 years service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier

Rank – Naib Subedar (Infantry) or Naib Risaldar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – One gold star with stripe

Promotion by selection

Retirement age– After 28 years service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier

Non-Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army

Rank – Havildar (Infantry) or Daffadar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – Three rank chevrons

Promotion by selection

Retirement age – After 26 years service or at the age of 49, whichever is earlier

Rank – Naik (Infantry) or Lance Daffadar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – Two rank chevrons

Promotion by selection

Retirement age– After 24 years service or at the age of 49, whichever is earlier

Rank – Lance Naik (Infantry) or Acting Lance Daffadar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)

Insignia – One rank chevron

Promotion by selection

Retirement age– After 22 years service or at the age of 48, whichever is earlier

Soldiers

Rank – Sepoy

Insignia – Plain shoulder badge

The Sepoys identify themselves according to the Corps that they serve in.

• A sepoy from Signals will identify him as Signalman.
• From Infantry as Rifleman.
• From the Armoured Corps as Gunner.