Every defence aspirant, aspiring to join the Indian Army must have a clear knowledge of their career progression which is in terms of Indian Army Rank. Let us have a look at the Indian Army Ranks and Equivalent Ranks of the Indian Army, Navy, and Airforce.
Knowledge of the Ranks and their insignia help us identify the rank, regiments, any special achievement badges, and years of service of a soldier/officer.
Introduction
Indian Army is the largest standing volunteer army in the world with almost 1,129,900 active personnel and 960,000 reserve personnel (as per International Institute for Strategic Studies, in 2010). India is one of those countries in the world, where there is no compulsion to join the Army.
The Indian Army is considered the second-largest standing army in the world.
The Contemporary Ranks in The Indian Army derives its origin from that of the Western military and in particular reflect those of the British and Commonwealth armies.
The article provides detailed information on Indian Army Ranks and their equivalent ranks in the Indian Air force and Indian Navy. Read on to know more!
Ranks of Indian Army Officers based on Stars
| 5 Star Officer | Field marshal is a five–star general officer rank Highest attainable rank in the Indian Army Not exercised in the regular army structure. |
| 4 Star Officer | General is a four-star general officer rank Highest active rank in the Indian Army |
| 3 Star Officer | Lieutenant General |
| 2 Star Officer | Major General |
| 1 Star Officer | Brigadier |
Ranks and Insignia of the Indian Army
Dress insignia are in Gold/Black/Silver based on regiments of the officers commissioned.
Officer’s Rank
Rank- FIELD MARSHAL
Insignia – National emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a lotus blossom wreath
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with Five golden stars
Rank- GENERAL
Insignia – National emblem over a five-pointed star, all over a crossed baton and sabre
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with Four golden stars
Rank- LIEUTENANT GENERAL
Insignia – National emblem over crossed baton and sabre
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with Four golden stars
Rank- MAJOR GENERAL
Insignia – Five-pointed star over crossed baton and sabre
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with Two golden stars
Rank- BRIGADIER
Insignia – National emblem over three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with One golden star
Rank- COLONEL
Insignia – National emblem over two five-pointed stars
Collar Patch – Crimson patches with golden braids
Rank- LIEUTENANT COLONEL
Insignia – National emblem over a five-pointed star
Collar Patch – No Patch
Rank- MAJOR
Insignia – National emblem
Collar Patch – No Patch
Rank- CAPTIAN
Insignia – Three five-pointed stars
Collar Patch – No Patch
Rank- LIEUTENANT
Insignia – Two five-pointed stars
Collar Patch – No Patch
Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Ranks
Rank – Subedar Major
Insignia – Golden national emblem with a stripe
Rank – Subedar
Insignia – Two golden stars with a stripe
Rank – Naib Subedar
Insignia – One golden star with a stripe
Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Ranks
Rank – Havildar
Insignia – Three rank chevrons
Rank – Naik
Insignia – Two rank chevrons
Rank – Lance Naik
Insignia – Single rank chevron
Ranks of the Indian Army that are no longer in Use
Rank – Second Lieutenant
Rank – Regimental Quartermaster Havildar
Rank – Regimental Havildar Major
Rank – Company Havildar Major
Rank – Company Quartermaster Havildar
Equivalent Ranks in The Indian Air force & The Indian Navy
Officer’s Rank
| INDIAN ARMY | INDIAN AIR FORCE | INDIAN NAVY |
| Field Marshal | Marshal of the Air Force | Admiral of the Fleet |
| General | Air Chief Marshal | Admiral |
| Lieutenant General | Air Marshal | Vice Admiral |
| Major General | Air Vice Marshal | Rear Admiral |
| Brigadier | Air Commodore | Commodore |
| Colonel | Group Captian | Captian |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Wing Commander | Commander |
| Major | Squadron Leader | Lieutenant Commander |
| Captian | Flight Lieutenant | Lieutenant |
| Lieutenant | Flying Officer | Sub-Lieutenant |
Personnel Below Officer Ranks
| INDIAN ARMY | INDIAN AIR FORCE | INDIAN NAVY |
| Subedar Major | Master Warrant Officer | Master Chief Petty Officer (First Class) |
| Subedar | Warrant Officer | Master Chief Petty Officer (Second Class) |
| Naib Subedar | Junior Warrant Officer | Chief Petty Officer |
| Havaldar | Sergeant | Petty Officer |
| Naik | Corporal | Able Seamen |
| Lance Naik | Leading Aircraftsman | Leading Seamen |
| Sepoy | Aircraftsman | Seamen |