List of Indian Chief of Army Staff [2023]

The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) is the most senior position within the Indian Army. Established by the Indian Parliament through the Commanders-In-Chief (Change in Designation) Act of 1955, the role is exclusive to the Indian Army, overseeing its numerous ground operations.

The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) stands as the apex position in the Indian Army, held by its top-ranking general. This role, sanctioned by the Commanders-In-Chief (Change in Designation) Act of 1955 passed by the Indian Parliament, is dedicated to supervising the myriad of ground operations within the Indian Army.

Holding the title of Army Chief of India comes with immense responsibility. The Indian Army, the largest of its kind globally, comprises 12 lakh active soldiers and an additional 9 lakh in reserve. Tasked with safeguarding the nation’s borders, its leadership falls under the purview of the Chief of Army Staff. Beyond leading this vast force, the CoAS also provides strategic counsel to the Prime Minister, President, and the Ministry of Defence, guiding them in various defence strategies and operations. As of 30th April 2022, the role is held by COAS Manoj Pande.

Army Chief of India

Founded on 1st April 1895, the Indian Army was initially known as the British Indian Army until January 1949. The esteemed office of the Army Chief of India traces its lineage back to 1947. The inaugural Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army was General Sir Robert Lockhart, with Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa later becoming the first Indian to hold this esteemed position.

In 1955, the title of the General of the Indian Army was established. However, the journey to this designation was evolutionary. From 1947 to 1948, the title was Commander-in-Chief. Subsequently, from 1948 to 1955, the position was termed Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. It was only after the passage of a parliamentary act in 1955 that the title of Army Chief of India was officially adopted. A critical strategic role, this position is invariably held by a four-star general, signifying a remarkable track record of achievement in the army. Since the foundation of the army, India has been served by 4 Commanders-in-Chief and 28 Chiefs of Army Staff. The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) office is situated in the South Block of the Central Secretariat on Raisina Hill in New Delhi.

Current Army Chief of India

General Manoj Pande, hailing from the Engineering Corps, is the current Chief of the Army Staff. Taking the reins on 30 April 2022, he was handpicked for this esteemed position by the Indian Government, succeeding Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane who completed his tenure on the same day. General Pande oversees various military operations and offers strategic advice to the government on defense matters. Notably, he is the first officer from his commissioning unit to ascend to the role of Chief of Army Staff. Prior to this elevation, he held significant positions such as the Vice Chief of Army Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Furthermore, he also served with distinction as the General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command before his current assignment.

ALSO READ: Ranks And Insignia Of Indian Army, Navy & Air Force [Updated]

The list of the Chief of Army Staff in India is given in the table below:

First Army Chief of India

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa made history as India’s inaugural Army Chief, succeeding General Francis Robert Roy Bucher on 16 January 1949 and serving until 14 January 1953. Here are some intriguing details about this pioneering figure:

• Born on January 28, 1899, in Karnataka’s Coorg district, he later passed away on May 15, 1993, in Bangalore.
• His military training commenced during World War I. Remarkably, in 1919, he was part of the first cohort of Indian cadets sent to Indore for training in the British Indian Army.
• Charting a stellar trajectory of promotions, he advanced from lieutenant in 1923, to captain in 1927. By 1938, he had achieved the rank of Major, and by 1942, he was a Lieutenant Colonel. His rise continued, culminating in a promotion to Brigadier in 1946, paving the way for his historic role as the first Army Chief of India.

Indian Army Chief Tenure

The Chief of Army Staff’s tenure is either 3 years or up to the age of 62, whichever comes first. There’s no set minimum age to take on this role. However, to be considered for the position, one must hold the rank of a full General with four stars.

Salary of the Army Chief of India

The Indian Army Chief’s compensation is the highest in the army, determined by the guidelines of the 7th pay commission. Positioned at Level 18 of the pay matrix, the Chief of Army Staff draws a fixed salary of Rs 2,50,000, in line with government regulations. Additionally, the Chief is provided with government benefits, including housing, transportation, and more.

Retirement Age of the Army Chief of India

The Army Chief’s retirement age is set at 62. Even though there’s no age restriction for this role, the Chief’s service is capped at 3 years. Retirement occurs either upon reaching the age of 62 or upon completing the 3-year term, depending on which happens first.

Vice Chief of Army Staff

As of 1st March 2023, Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar serves as the Vice Chief of Army Staff. This role, the second most prestigious in the Indian Army, is typically occupied by a three-star lieutenant general.

Chiefs of Indian Armed Forces

India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs operate under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) – the pinnacle position in the Indian Armed Forces. General Bipin Rawat was the inaugural CDS, assuming office on 1st January 2020. His term was set to conclude in December 2022; however, a tragic helicopter crash led to his untimely death in December 2021. Lt. General Anil Chauhan then stepped in as the subsequent CDS on September 28, 2022.