Indian Army ranks represent the hierarchical structure and organisation of the Indian Army. These ranks signify the levels of authority, responsibility, and leadership within the military. The Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Indian Army. Understanding the Indian Army ranks is essential for comprehending the organisation’s chain of command, promotions, and career progression.
Indian Army Ranks
The Indian Army follows a well-defined rank structure, including commissioned, non-commissioned, and junior commissioned officers. Each rank carries specific duties, responsibilities, and insignia that distinguish individuals within the military hierarchy. These ranks serve as a symbol of authority, leadership, and expertise within the Indian Army, defining the hierarchy and command structure that upholds the nation’s defence and security.
After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian Army underwent significant changes, including the restructuring of its rank system. In 1950, a new set of ranks was introduced to reflect the independent status of the Indian Army. Let us explore each in detail in the coming sections.
Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Indian Army
Commissioned officers hold leadership positions and are responsible for commanding and leading troops. As officers progress through the ranks, their responsibilities and scope of command increase. Commissioned officers are trained extensively in leadership, tactics, and specialized skills, playing a vital role in planning and executing military operations.
The table provided below represents the ranks of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, along with a description of their insignia and the collar patches associated with each rank:
| Rank | Insignia Description | Collar Patch |
| Field Marshal | The insignia consists of the national emblem placed over a crossed sword and baton, encircled by a lotus blossom wreath. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and adorned with five golden stars. |
| General | The national emblem is positioned over a five-pointed star, placed above a crossed baton and sabre. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and embellished with four gold stars. |
| Lieutenant General | The insignia showcases the national emblem positioned above a crossed baton and sabre. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and decorated with three golden stars. |
| Major General | The insignia includes a five-pointed star positioned above a crossed baton and sabre. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and display two golden stars. |
| Brigadier | The insignia consists of the national emblem positioned above three five-pointed stars arranged in a triangular formation. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and feature one golden star. |
| Colonel | The insignia showcases the national emblem placed above two five-pointed stars. | The collar patches are crimson in colour and adorned with golden braids. |
| Lieutenant Colonel | The insignia includes the national emblem placed above a single five-pointed star. | – |
| Major | The insignia features the national emblem. | – |
| Captain | The insignia consists of three five-pointed stars. | – |
| Lieutenant | The insignia includes two five-pointed stars. | – |
Junior Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Indian Army
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) hold positions that bridge the gap between commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers. They are responsible for both leadership and technical expertise.
The table provided represents the ranks of JCOs in the Indian Army, along with their insignia and the collar patches:
| Rank | Insignia Description |
| Subedar Major | The insignia consists of a gold national emblem with a stripe. |
| Subedar | The insignia features two gold stars aligned in a single line with a stripe. |
| Naik Subedar | The insignia includes one gold star accompanied by a stripe. |
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Indian Army
Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) form the backbone of the Indian Army. They hold positions of authority and are responsible for training, discipline, and the welfare of soldiers.
Let us explore the ranks of Non-Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, along with their insignia and the collar patches:
| Rank | Insignia Description |
| CQMH | The insignia consists of three strips, and the Ashoka Chakra is positioned on top. |
| Havildar | The insignia features three rank chevrons. |
| Naik | The insignia includes two rank chevrons. |
| Lance Naik | The insignia consists of a single rank chevron. |
Soldiers in the Indian Army
In infantry and other arms, enlisted soldiers are called ‘Sepoys’ and in cavalry and armour, they are called ‘Sowar’. They have no insignia.
☞ Also Check: List of Ranks in Indian Navy
FAQs on Indian Army Ranks
Q1
How many ranks are there in the Indian Army?
The Indian Army has several ranks that are categorised into three ranks:
- Non-Commissioned Officers,
- Junior Commissioned Officers, and
- Commissioned Officers.
Q2
What are the ranks in the Army?
The ranks of commissioned officers in the Indian Army, in ascending order, are as follows:
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
Q3
What is the last rank of the Indian Army?
The highest attainable rank in the Indian Army is General. The rank of General is typically held by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the highest-ranking military officer in the Indian Army.
Q4
What is JCO rank in the army?
JCO stands for Junior Commissioned Officer. Junior Commissioned Officers hold positions that bridge the gap between commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers.
Q5
Which is the highest rank in Indian army?
The highest rank in the Indian Army is the rank of Field Marshal, which is not an operational rank but primarily a ceremonial rank.
