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Indian Army Ranks and Insignia: Officers, NCOs, JCOs

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 11th, 2023

Indian Army Ranks include various cadres with various positions and the rank hierarchy. Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and other ranks are the three basic categories into which Indian Army ranks can be divided. Indian Army is the land-based and most prominent branch of the Indian Armed Forces. A 4-star general heads the Indian Army.

Ranks of Indian Army is the most common question asked in the Defence Forces exam and SSB interview. This article covers all the queries related to the Indian Army ranks, insignia, and promotion from Sepoy, Officers, JCOs & NCOs, to Field Marshal.

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Indian Army Ranks

For administrative efficiency, the officials have implemented a variety of Indian Army Ranks and cadres. Before applying for any position, candidates who want to join the Army through various Defence exams, such as NDA Exam, should be aware of the various roles and ranks of Indian Army.

The Indian Army ranks are divided into three general groups. Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO), Commissioned Officers (CO), and other ranks are included here (Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers).

Highest Rank in Indian Army

To know more about the Indian Army ranks, one must have a fair idea about the posts. Field Marshal, who is a five–star general officer rank is the highest rank in Indian Army. The insignia of Field Marshal consists of the national emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a lotus blossom wreath. Field Marshal is ranked above the Indian Army General. It is a largely ceremonial or wartime rank awarded to two people in history. 

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Sam Manekshaw became the first Field Marshal of India on 1 January 1973.

Kodandera M. Cariappa became Chief Marshal on 15 January 1986.

Indian Army Post List

Sipahi is the most junior in Indian Army ranks, and Field Marshal is the highest rank in Indian Army. The following table consists of all Indian Army ranks and their promotions.

Indian Army Ranks

Promotion

Details

Field Marshal

On Selection It is a ceremonial or wartime rank.

General

On Selection

Highest rank in Indian Army.

Lieutenant General

On Selection

Ranks below general and above major general.

Major General

On Selection

A senior Indian Army officer is promoted by selection (after 32 years of commissioned service)

Brigadier

26 Years

Generally commands a brigade of several thousand soldiers.

Colonel

On Selection

Senior military officer rank below the brigadier and general officer ranks. 

Lieutenant Colonel

13 Years

A lieutenant colonel is typically in charge of a battalion in the army. 

Major

06 Years

Rank is obtained on completion of 6 years of service in Indian Army.

Captain

02 Years

A captain is given the second-in-command of a company or artillery battery.

Lieutenant

On Commission/ JCO Promotion 

Is a junior most commissioned officer in the armed forces.

Subedar Major

Promotion by selection

Senior rank of junior commissioned officer in the Indian Army.

Subedar

Promotion by selection

Subedar Major is the chief advisor of the Commanding Officer, responsible for advising him in critical service matters.

Naib Subedar

Promotion by selection

Naib subedar is the most junior JCO post in Indian Army.

Havaldar

Promotion by selection

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