Army Ranks in India: Check Indian Army Ranks Insignia & Rank Progression for COs, JCOs & NCOs
Army Ranks in India: There are 17 Indian Army ranks & each Army Rank in India carries its own set of responsibilities and authority. In this article, we have discussed regarding Indian Army rank structure from the lower level to the highest position.
Army Ranks in India
The Indian Army is the largest military forces in the world. It follows a well-defined structure of ranks. Each Army Ranks in India carry its own set of responsibilities and authority. These Army Ranks are not just titles, they reflect experience, command and a soldier’s place within the Indian Army chain of command. There are 17 Indian Army ranks. In this article, we have discussed regarding Indian Army rank structure from the lower level to the highest position. Field Marshal is the highest Army Ranks in India. This will help to understand the Army Ranks in India, including salary, duties, responsibilities,and Indian Army ranks insignia.
Also Read:
- Army Rank Structure in India
- Army Rank in India Infograph
- Commissioned Officers' (COs) Rank in Indian Army & Insignia
- Non‑Commissioned Officers (NCOs) Ranks in Indian Army
- Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) Ranks in Indian Army
- Rank Progression in Indian Army
Army Rank Structure in India
Army Ranks in India are an important part of Armed Forces. Indian Army rank insignia guide provides a clear structure of authority and responsibility. Army rank structure India determines a soldier’s role, duties and chain of command so that the order is maintained smoothly from the highest ranking officers to those who are at the lower ranks. Indian Army Rank Structure is divided into three main categories- Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). Each category plays an important role in the operations starting from leading troops to maintaining discipline and training. Indian Army Rank Structure is given below.
The Indian Army has 17 ranks and are divided into three different groups, Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Other Ranks. These include non-commissioned officers and regular soldiers. Each group has different roles and responsibilities.
The ranks in Indian Army is categorised into following three parts:
Commissioned Officer Ranks
- Field Marshal
- General
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major (Army Officer)
- Captain
- Lieutenant
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) Ranks
- Subedar Major
- Subedar
- Naib Subedar
Non? Commissioned Officers
· Havildar
· Naik
· Lance Naik
· Sepoy
| Category | Indian Army Ranks |
|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer Ranks |
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| Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) Ranks |
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| Non‑Commissioned Officers
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Army Rank in India Infograph
The infographic of the Indian Army officer hierarchy is given below.
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Indian Army Ranking Hierarchy
Commissioned Officers' (COs) Rank in Indian Army & Insignia
Commissioned Officers Rank in the Army carry important responsibilities and they are the leaders. They make strategic plans, lead operations, and command troops during both peace and war. Commissioned Officers are trained at prestigious defence academies such as Indian Military Academy (IMA) or the National Defence Academy (NDA). The entry-level Indian Army ranks of Commissioned Officers is Lieutenant. This may go up to the rank of General. As they move up, they take more responsibilities and leadership. Indian Army officer hierarchy of Commissioned Officers is given below.
| COs Rank Structure in India Army | Role of Commissioned Officers | Indian Army Ranks Insignia |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant rank India |
Lieutenants role is to lead a platoon of 50 soldiers. They are responsible for the day-to-day management, training, and welfare of their platoon members ensuring smooth running of the operations |
Two five-pointed stars |
| Caption Indian Army |
Captains command about 120 soldiers. They play a crucial role in tactical operations, planning, and implementing strategies. They also handle administrative tasks |
Three five-pointed stars |
| Major (Army Officer) |
Majors are responsible for handling multiple and specialized tasks within the battalion. They are the part of the higher-level planning and strategic operations, coordinating efforts between various units |
Mational Emblem (the Ashoka Lion Capital) |
| Lieutenant Colonel Rank
|
Lieutenant Colonels are command of smaller unit such as a regiment. They are involved in planning, execution of operations |
A national emblem and one five-pointed star |
| Colonel Indian Army |
Colonels are in command of a full battalion. They oversee operations, logistics, and personnel management. They are responsible the battalion’s readiness and effectiveness in various missions and training exercises
|
A national emblem and two five-pointed stars |
| Brigadier Rank |
Brigadiers lead a brigade which includes multiple battalions. They are involved in planning and execution of large-scale operations. They coordinates across different units to achieve strategic objectives |
A national emblem with three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation |
| Major General rank |
Major Generals command divisions and oversee several brigades. They are responsible for high-level strategic planning, decision-making and ensure the division’s success in operations |
Crossed baton and sword with one five-pointed star |
| Lieutenant General Rank |
Lieutenant Generals lead corps, which comprises several divisions. They play important role in regional military strategies and guide operational and strategic decisions |
Crossed baton and sword with a national emblem. |
| General Indian Army |
As Chief of Army Staff, General rank in Indian Army is the highest-ranking officer. Their role is to oversee the entire Army, setting strategic direction and making crucial decisions on national defence and military operations |
Crossed baton and sword with a national emblem and a five-pointed star |
| Field Marshal Rank |
This is honorary and awarded for exceptional service and leadership. It is lifetime achievement and recognition for contribution to Indian Army
|
Crossed baton and sword with a national emblem encased in a laurel wreath.
|
Non‑Commissioned Officers (NCOs) Ranks in Indian Army
NCOs are responsible for training, discipline and welfare of soldiers. They also hold positions of authority. Army ranks in India for NCOs are given below.
| NCOs Rank Structure in India Army | Role of Non-Commissioned Officers | Indian Army Ranks Insignia |
|---|---|---|
| Sepoy Indian Army |
Sepoys are the Junior-most soldiers in the Indian Army ranks. They are responsible for carrying out frontline duties in combat and military operations. |
No insignia |
| Lance Naik role |
Lance Naiks assists in leading small teams or sections |
A single chevron |
| Naik rank India |
Naiks supervise squads, handle the training and welfare of junior soldiers, and support Havildar |
Two chevrons |
| Havildar rank meaning |
Havildars are responsible for leading sections or platoons, managing daily operations, training soldiers, and enforcing discipline |
Three chevrons |
Honorary ranks in the Indian Army are special titles awarded to individuals as a mark of recognition for their exceptional service, contributions, or association with the military. Following are the types of such ranks:
- Honorary Commissioned Ranks
- Brevet Ranks
- Honorary Civilian Appointments
- Field Marshal
The ranks of the Indian army from the lowest to the highest begin from Sepoy, followed by Lance Naik, and Havildar for soldiers. Officers begin with Lieutenant, then go up to Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, and Lieutenant General, with the highest being Field Marshal.
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) Ranks in Indian Army
JCOs serve as a link between the military ranks in Indian Army (Commissioned Officers), NCOs and Soldiers. They are responsible for implementing orders, maintaining discipline and managing troops. JCOs are often experienced soldiers who have promoted from lower rank based on their knowledge and skills.
| JCOs Rank Structure in India Army | Role of Junior Commissioned Officers | Indian Army Ranks Insignia |
|---|---|---|
| Naib Subedar Role |
Naib Subedars assist in supervising and managing troops within a platoon or section |
One golden star with a stripe |
| Subedar Indian Army |
Subedars often command squadron.They maintain discipline and ensure that the unit's objectives are met.
|
Two golden stars with a stripe |
| Subedar Major duties |
Subedar Majors are senior JCOs who typically serve as the senior-most non-commissioned officer in a battalion or regiment |
Golden national emblem with stripe |
Rank Progression in Indian Army
Rank progression in the Indian Army has a clear and structured career path with opportunities for promotion based on the years of service. The rank progression depends on the following criteria.
- Time-Bound Promotions are done when they fulfil the required service tenure and meet the necessary criteria, such as performance, discipline, and fitness.
- Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme: This was introduced to ensure that personnel who have not been promoted despite their years of service receive financial upgradation to the next pay grade.
- Automatic Promotion for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs): Through this eligible person receive automatic promotions to higher pay scales after completion of a certain service period, subject to meeting the necessary criteria.
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The highest of the Indian Army Ranks is Field Marshal. This title is given to truly exceptional military leadership. This rank is not a part of the regular promotions and has been awarded only twice.