The one organization that stays in the forefront when it comes to serving the nation, both in wartime and in peace, is the Indian Army.

The Indian Army, with its impressive performance, is the third largest standing army in the world.

Ranks details:

Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army
Rank – Field Marshal
Insignia – National emblem over a crossed baton and saber in a lotus blossom wreath
The Field Marshal rank is the highest rank in the Indian Army. It is a ceremonial or wartime rank and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal KM Cariappa have been the only two officers to be elevated to the rank of Field Marshal.

Rank – General
Insignia – National emblem over a five-pointed star, both over a crossed baton and saber
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.

Incumbent – General Dalbir Singh, COAS
Retirement – After 3 years as COAS or at the age of 62, whichever is earlier

Rank – Lieutenant General
Insignia – National emblem over crossed baton and saber
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.
Retirement – At the age of 60

Rank – Major General
Insignia – Five-pointed star over crossed baton and saber
Major Generals are promoted by selection (after 32 years of commissioned service).
Retirement – At the age of 58

Rank – Brigadier
Insignia – National emblem over three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation
Brigadiers are promoted by selection (after 25 years of commissioned service)
Retirement – At the age of 56

Rank – Colonel
Insignia – National emblem over two five-pointed stars
Colonels may be promoted by selection (after 15 years of commissioned service) or may be promoted (time-scale) after 26 years of commissioned service. Time-scale Colonels may, however, only hold the portfolio of a Lt. Colonel.
Retirement – At the age of 54

Rank – Lieutenant Colonel
Insignia – National emblem over five-pointed star
Timebound promotion on completion of 13 years commissioned service.

Rank – Major
Insignia – National emblem
Timebound promotion on completion of 6 years commissioned service.

Rank – Captain
Insignia – Three five-pointed stars
Timebound promotion on completion of 2 years commissioned service

Rank – Lieutenant
Insignia – Two five-pointed stars
Rank achieved on commissioning into Indian Army as an Officer


Junior Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army

Rank – Subedar Major (Infantry) or Risaldar Major (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)
Insignia – Gold national emblem with stripe
Promotion by selection
Retirement – After 34 years service or at the age of 54, whichever is earlier

Rank – Subedar (Infantry) or Risaldar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)
Insignia – Two gold stars with stripe
Promotion by selection
Retirement – After 30 years service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier

Rank – Naib Subedar (Infantry) or Naib Risaldar (Cavalry and Armoured Regiments)
Insignia – One gold star with stripe
Promotion by selection
Retirement – After 28 years service or at the age of 52, whichever is earlier