Understanding Ranks and Insignia
Ranks and insignia provide essential identification for soldiers within the armed forces. It’s imperative for us to recognize these symbols accurately whenever we encounter them. Aspiring officers, are you prepared to learn about the rank you’ll hold upon induction and the subsequent promotions?
An Overview of Indian Defence Ranks
I trust you’re eager and enthusiastic. Let’s delve into the diverse ranks within the Indian Defense system. Below, you’ll discover the corresponding ranks of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
| Indian Army | Indian Navy | Indian Air Force |
| Field Marshal | Admiral of the Fleet | Marshal of the Air Force |
| General | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
| Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
| Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
| Brigadier | Commodore | Air Commodore |
| Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
| Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
| Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant |
| Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
- Field Marshal Kondandera Madappa Cariappa (1899–1993)
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914–2008)
- Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh
Officer Ranks
| INDIAN ARMY | INDIAN NAVY | INDIAN AIR FORCE |
|---|---|---|
| General | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
| Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
| Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
| Brigadier | Commodore | Air Commodore |
| Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
| Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
| Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant |
| Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
Personnel Below Officer Ranks
| INDIAN ARMY | INDIAN NAVY | INDIAN AIR FORCE |
|---|---|---|
| Subedar Major | Master Chief Petty Officer (First Class) | Master Warrant Officer |
| Subedar | Master Chief Petty Officer (Second Class) | Warrant Officer |
| Naib Subedar | Chief Petty Officer | Junior Warrant Officer |
| Havaldar | Petty Officer | Sergeant |
| Naik | Able Seaman | Corporal |
| Lance Naik | Leading Seaman | Leading Aircraftsman |
| Sepoy | Seaman | Aircraftsman |
Indian Army Rank Insignia
Indian Navy Rank Insignia
Indian Air Force Rank Insignia
Hope this information will help you to remember the ranks of Indian Armed Forces officers. You may face question-based on ranks in your SSB interview.
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