Field marshal:
Rank descriptions:
Indian Army Ranks can be classified into three categories.
Commissioned officers:
Commissioned officers are the leaders of the army and command anywhere from Platoon, Company, Battalion, Brigade, Division, Corps & the Whole army.
Rank | Insignia | Description |
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National emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a lotus blossom wreath. |
1. The Field Marshal rank is the highest rank in the Indian Army. 2. It is a ceremonial or wartime rank. 3. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal KM Cariappa have been the only two officers to be elevated to the rank of Field Marshal. |
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National emblem over a five-pointed star, all over a crossed baton and sabre. |
1. Apart from the honorary rank of Field Marshal, this is the highest rank held by an Army officer. It is only the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who holds this rank. 2. Incumbent – General Bipin Rawat, COAS 3. Retirement – After 3 years as COAS or at the age of 62, whichever is earlier. |
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National emblem over crossed baton and sabre. |
1. Lieutenant generals are appointed only by selection (after 36 years of commissioned service) and may hold the position of a Vice Chief of Army Staff or Army Commanders. 2. Retirement – At the age of 60. |
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Five-pointed star over crossed baton and sabre. |
1. Major Generals are promoted by selection (after 32 years of commissioned service). 2. Retirement – At the age of 58 |
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National emblem over three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation. |
1. Brigadiers are promoted by selection (after 25 years of commissioned service) 2. Retirement – At the age of 56 |
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National emblem over two five-pointed stars |
1. Colonels may be promoted by selection (after 15 years of commissioned service) or may be promoted (time-scale) after 26 years of commissioned service. 2. Retirement – At the age of 54 |
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National emblem over five-pointed star. | 1. Time bound promotion on completion of 13 years commissioned service. | |
National emblem. | 1. Time bound promotion on completion of 6 years commissioned service. | |
Three five-pointed stars. | 1. Time bound promotion on completion of 2 years commissioned service. | |
Two five-pointed stars. | 1. Rank achieved on commissioning into Indian Army as an Officer. |
Junior Commissioned Officers:
Junior commissioned officers are promoted from non-commissioned officers and are broadly equivalent to warrant officers in Western armies.
Rank | Insignia | Description |
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Gold national emblem with stripe |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 34 years’ service or at the age of 54, whichever is earlier. |
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Two gold stars with stripe |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 30 years’ service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier. |
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One gold star with stripe |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 28 years’ service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier. |
Non-commissioned officers:
Non-Commissioned Officers (“NCOs”) are soldiers promoted to positions of responsibility, and are equivalent to junior non-commissioned officers (sergeants and corporals) in Western armies.
Rank | Insignia | Description |
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Three rank chevrons |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 26 years’ service or at the age of 49, whichever is earlier. |
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Two rank chevrons |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 24 years’ service or at the age of 49, whichever is earlier. |
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One rank chevron |
1. Promotion by selection. 2. Retirement – After 22 years’ service or at the age of 48, whichever is earlier. |
Soldiers:
Rank | Insignia | Description |
---|---|---|
Plain shoulder badge only |
1. The Sepoys identify themselves according to the Corps that they serve in. 2. For example, a sepoy from Signals will identify him as Signalman, from Infantry as Rifleman and from the Armoured Corps as Gunner. |
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