Basic Structure of Indian Army

The Indian Army, the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces and a land-based force, boasts a well-organized structure that ensures its readiness and operational efficiency. This article explores the fundamental structure of the Indian Army, emphasizing its organizational hierarchy, command system, and the various units that constitute its core.

The organizational hierarchy of the Indian Army is designed to enable effective command and control, streamline operations, and sustain a high level of preparedness. It is divided into several levels, each with specific roles and responsibilities.

Organizational Hierarchy

Army Headquarters

At the top of the hierarchy is the Army Headquarters (HQ), located in New Delhi. The Army HQ is responsible for the overall command, control, and administration of the Indian Army. It is headed by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a four-star general. The COAS is assisted by the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) and several Principal Staff Officers (PSOs).

Key Departments under Army HQ:

• Military Operations Directorate: Responsible for planning and conducting military operations.
• Military Intelligence Directorate: Manages intelligence gathering and analysis.
• General Staff Branch: Coordinates the administrative and operational functions.
• Adjutant General’s Branch: Handles personnel management and administrative services.
• Quartermaster General’s Branch: Manages logistics, supplies, and transport.

Commands of the Indian Army

Below the Army HQ are the various Army Commands, which are geographical and operational units. Each command is headed by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), typically a Lieutenant General.

The Indian Army is divided into seven commands:

• Northern Command (Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir)
• Western Command (Chandimandir, Haryana)
• Eastern Command (Kolkata, West Bengal)
• Southern Command (Pune, Maharashtra)
• Central Command (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
• South Western Command (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
• Army Training Command (ARTRAC) (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

Indian Army Corps

Each command consists of several corps, which are field formations responsible for specific operational areas. A corps is commanded by a Lieutenant General.

Types of Corps:

• Strike Corps: Focused on offensive operations.
• Holding Corps: Responsible for defensive operations.
• Mixed Corps: Combination of both offensive and defensive roles.

Divisions of the Indian Army

A corps is composed of multiple divisions, each commanded by a Major General. Divisions are the primary combat formations and are categorized into different types based on their operational role.

Types of Divisions:

• Infantry Divisions: Mainstay for ground combat.
• Armored Divisions: Equipped with tanks and armored vehicles.
• Mountain Divisions: Specialized for high-altitude warfare.
• Artillery Divisions: Provide fire support using various artillery pieces.

Brigades of the Indian Army

Divisions are subdivided into brigades, which are commanded by a Brigadier. A brigade typically consists of three to four battalions and supporting elements.

Types of Brigades:

• Infantry Brigades: Basic combat units of the Army.
• Armored Brigades: Focus on mobile armored warfare.
• Artillery Brigades: Provide indirect fire support.
• Engineer Brigades: Conduct engineering operations.

Battalions of the Indian Army

A brigade is composed of battalions, the basic fighting units of the Army. A battalion is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and comprises approximately 800 to 1,000 soldiers.

Companies of the Indian Army

Battalions are divided into companies, each commanded by a Major or a Captain. A company consists of around 120 soldiers.

Platoons and Sections of the Indian Army

Companies are further divided into platoons and sections. A platoon is led by a Lieutenant and consists of around 30 soldiers. A section, the smallest unit, is led by a non-commissioned officer and comprises 10 soldiers.

Specialized Units of the Indian Army

In addition to the regular infantry and armored units, the Indian Army has several specialized units designed for specific roles.

Para (Special Forces)

The Parachute Regiment, including the Para (Special Forces), is trained for airborne operations and special missions behind enemy lines.

Army Aviation Corps

The Army Aviation Corps provides air support and is equipped with helicopters for reconnaissance, transport, and combat operations.

Artillery Regiment

The Artillery Regiment is responsible for providing firepower support using a range of guns, howitzers, and missile systems.

Engineers Regiment

The Engineers Regiment handles construction, demolition, and field engineering tasks.

Signals Regiment

The Signals Regiment ensures effective communication across all levels of command.

Army Medical Corps

The Army Medical Corps provides medical care to soldiers, including in combat zones.

Army Service Corps

The Army Service Corps handles logistics, supply chain management, and transportation of troops and equipment.

Training Establishments of the Indian Army

To maintain a high level of readiness and professional competence, the Indian Army operates several training establishments.

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Located in Dehradun, the IMA trains officers for commissioning into the Indian Army.

Officers Training Academy (OTA)

The OTA, with campuses in Chennai and Gaya, trains short-service commission officers.

Army War College

Located in Mhow, it provides advanced training for senior officers.

College of Military Engineering

Located in Pune, it trains engineer officers and personnel.

Hierarchical Structure of the Indian Army

The Indian Army’s hierarchical structure ensures effective command and control, seamless operations, and rapid deployment. It begins at the top with the Army Headquarters in New Delhi and extends through various commands, corps, divisions, brigades, battalions, companies, platoons, and sections. This multi-tiered system ensures cohesive and efficient functioning across all units.

Overview Table of Hierarchical Structure

Level	Commanded by	Composition
Army Headquarters	Chief of the Army Staff	Various Directorates and Principal Staff Officers
Commands	General Officer Commanding-in-Chief	Multiple Corps
Corps	Lieutenant General	Multiple Divisions
Divisions	Major General	Multiple Brigades
Brigades	Brigadier	Multiple Battalions
Battalions	Lieutenant Colonel	Multiple Companies
Companies	Major/Captain	Multiple Platoons
Platoons	Lieutenant	Multiple Sections
Sections	Non-Commissioned Officer	10 Soldiers

Conclusion

The structure of the Indian Army is meticulously designed to ensure operational effectiveness, command efficiency, and rapid deployment capabilities. From the top-level Army Headquarters to the smallest section, each level plays a crucial role in the defense and security of India. The integration of specialized units and advanced training establishments further enhances the Army’s capability to respond to a wide range of threats and challenges. This detailed structure enables the Indian Army to maintain its operational readiness, ensuring the defense of the nation against any potential threats.

FAQs