- Edited
The Indian Army officer ranks from lowest to highest:
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
- Field Marshal
Comparison of Indian Army Officer Ranks: From Lieutenant to Field Marshal:
1. Lieutenant
Role: Leads a platoon of about 30–40 soldiers.
Experience: Freshly commissioned officer.
Promotion Time: Becomes Captain after 2 years.
Insignia: One 
star.
Salary Level: Pay Level 10 (Approx ₹56,100 per month).
2. Captain
Role: Commands a company of about 100–150 soldiers.
Experience: 2+ years in service.
Insignia: Two stars.
Promotion Time: Eligible for Major after 6 years.
Salary Level: Level 10B.
3. Major
Role: Performs administrative and operational planning.
Experience: 6+ years in service.
Insignia: National Emblem 
(Ashoka Lion).
Promotion Time: Promoted to Lt Colonel after 13 years.
Salary Level: Level 11.
4. Lieutenant Colonel
Role: Commands a battalion (800 soldiers) or serves as 2IC (Second-in-command).
Insignia: National Emblem + star .
Promotion Type: Selection-based.
Salary Level: Level 12A.
5. Colonel
Role: Commanding Officer of a battalion or holds senior staff appointments.
Experience: 15+ years.
Insignia: National Emblem + stars .
Promotion Type: Based on merit.
Salary Level: Level 13.
6. Brigadier
Role: Leads a brigade (3,000–4,000 soldiers).
Insignia: National Emblem over a triangle of stars 
.
Command Level: Field command or key staff position.
Salary Level: Level 13A.
7. Major General
Role: Commands a division (15,000 soldiers).
Insignia: National Emblem above a crossed sword & baton 
.
Authority: Strategic planning and large-scale operations.
Salary Level: Level 14.
8. Lieutenant General
Role: Leads a corps (up to 50,000 troops) or holds a top HQ role.
Insignia: National Emblem + crossed sword & baton + star .
Position: One of the topmost military leaders.
Salary Level: Level 15.
9. General (Chief of Army Staff)
Role: Highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army (COAS).
Insignia: National Emblem + crossed sword & baton + stars .
Power: Directs entire Indian Army operations.
Salary Level: Level 18 (₹2.5 lakh fixed/month).
10. Field Marshal
Role: Honorary rank given for extraordinary service in wartime. (Not Active Duty)
Insignia: National Emblem above crossed baton & sword in a wreath.
Only 2 in Indian history: (1) Sam Manekshaw (2) K. M. Cariappa
Summary Table
| Rank | Command Level | Experience Needed | Insignia | Type of Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Platoon (~40 soldiers) | Entry Level | | Field leadership |
| Captain | Company (~150 soldiers) | 2 years | | Tactical leadership |
| Major | Staff/Admin roles | 6 years | | Operational planning |
| Lt Colonel | Battalion (~800 soldiers) | 13 years | | Command & Second-in-Command |
| Colonel | Battalion / Staff HQ | 15–17 years | | Senior command |
| Brigadier | Brigade (~3,000 troops) | 25+ years | | Large unit leadership |
| Major General | Division (~15,000) | 28+ years | | Strategic command |
| Lt General | Corps (~50,000 troops) | 30+ years | | High command |
| General (COAS) | Entire Indian Army | Top 1–2 officers | | Chief of the Army Staff |
| Field Marshal | Honorary Role | Lifetime Honor | + Wreath | Ceremonial Only |