Which is the highest among Indian Army ranks?

The Highest Rank in Indian Army is Field Marshal, equivalent to a five-star general officer rank. The national anthem is displayed over a crossed baton and sabre in a lotus blossom wreath as the Field Marshal’s insignia. The Indian Army General is subordinate to the Field Marshal.

Which is the lowest in Indian Army ranks?

Sipahi/ Sepoy is the lowest in Indian Army ranks. The rank of sipahi is held by recruits. Candidates join this rank through the Bharti rally of the Indian Army.

What is the role of Subedar in Indian Army?

Subedar Major is the chief advisor of the Commanding Officer, responsible for advising him in critical service matters. Any incident which is affecting the unit administration, security, or morale of troops is reported by him, to the Commanding Officer.

How lieutenant is selected in Indian Army?

Lieutenant are selected through two ways either by promotion or direct entries. Candidates can apply for lieutenant post through different entries like NDA , CDS, NCC, etc.

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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.

Table of content

1.
2. Indian Army Ranks
3. Highest Rank in Indian Army
4. Indian Army Post List

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.


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