Indian Armed Forces Ranks & Insignia, Check Here For Army, Navy, Air Force

The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, together form the Indian Armed Forces. These three branches take care of India’s national security and defense. There is a strict hierarchical structure at the core of each branch which governs the degree of duties and responsibilities. Learning about the hierarchy of the Indian military is crucial and first step for both, military aspirants and general population, in understanding the roles and responsibilities rested upon different ranks. There hierarchical structure has three categories; Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Non-Commissioned Officers/other ranks. There are different ranks and insignia across all categories.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of these ranks and insignia to enhance comprehension of the organization of the Indian Armed Forces. 

Indian Army: Ranks and Insignia

The Indian Army ranks can be broadly classified into three categories: Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks. Commissioned Officers who are equivalent to All India Services & Group "A" Service officers. Junior Commissioned Officers who are equivalent to Group B Gazetted officers. Other Ranks comprise non-commissioned officers and soldiers. See below the ranks and insignia:

Commissioned Officers Ranks

The Indian Army has 10 commissioned officer ranks, with the Field Marshal being the highest rank. The Field Marshal is the highest military rank in India. The next highest rank is the General, who is the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The COAS is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army.

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) Ranks

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) are a category of officers in the Indian Army who are promoted from the ranks of non-commissioned officers (NCOs). They are equivalent to Group B gazetted officers in the government of India. JCOs hold three ranks:

Other Ranks

The other ranks in the Indian Army include non-commissioned officers (NCOs).

List of Equivalent Commissioned Rank of Indian Armed Forces

Indian Navy: Ranks and Insignia

The Indian Navy ranks can be broadly classified into three categories: Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks. The highest-ranked naval officer is the Chief of Naval Staff, who holds the rank of Admiral. See below the ranks and insignia:

Commissioned Officers Ranks

The Indian Navy has 10 commissioned officer ranks. The provision of Admiral of the Fleet exists for major wartime use and honour.

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Non-Commissioned Ranks

Chief Petty Officer was the highest non-commissioned rank until December 1968 until when the ranks of Master Chief Petty Officer Class II and Master Chief Petty Officer Class I were introduced.

Know about Ranks and Insignia of Indian Navy

Indian Air Force: Ranks and Insignia

The Indian Navy ranks can be broadly classified into three categories: Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks. The highest-ranked naval officer is the Marshal of the Indian Air Force. See below the ranks and insignia:

Commissioned Officers Ranks

The Indian Air Force has 11 commissioned officer ranks. The Marshal of the Indian Air Force is the highest rank attainable which is conferred by the President of India after exceptional service during wartime. The head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff who holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal. All officers begin as flying officers upon commissioning. See below the ranks and insignia:

Junior Commissioned Officers Ranks

There are 6 posts under the ranks of the Junior Commissioned Officer. Master Warrant Officer is the senior-most rank with NATO ranking of OF-9. Aircraftsman is the training rank of the IAF. See below ranks and insignia:

Indian Air Force (IAF) Ranks : Complete List