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Ranks in Indian Army, Airforce and Navy from Lowest to Highest

Explore all ranks in Indian Army, Airforce and Navy from lowest to highest. Learn about commissioned officers, JCOs, NCOs, medical corps hierarchy, and insignia across all three forces.
authorImageNigam Sharma21 Aug, 2025
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Ranks in Indian Army, Airforce and Navy


Ranks in Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy:
The Indian Armed Forces, consisting of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, play a major role in protecting the nation's security and sovereignty. While these three branches have distinct roles and operations, they frequently collaborate on joint missions. The Army, Navy, and Air Force ranks are organized within a structured hierarchy of ranks and designations. This well-organized system ensures smooth command, control, and efficient execution of operations across the three branches. In this article, we will have a closer look at the ranks and their significance in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Equivalent Ranks in Indian Army, Airforce and Navy

The structured Indian armed forces ranks within the Army, Navy, and Air Force are a testament to discipline and duty. They represent the dedication and commitment of the personnel who safeguard the country's borders and interests, working together to uphold national security. Understanding equivalent ranks across these branches is crucial for effective communication and cooperation. Let us understand the equivalent ranks in Indian Army Navy, and Airforce through the comparison table below.

Also Check, Indian Army History, Roles, and Functions

Ranks of Commissioned Officers

Commissioned Officers are leaders in command roles across the services. These army airforce navy ranks define their level of authority and seniority:

  • Indian Army Ranks: The highest rank is Field Marshal, followed by General, Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and Captain.
  • Indian Navy Ranks: The Navy has Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Commodore, Captain, Commander, and Lieutenant Commander.
  • Indian Air Force Ranks: The Air Force ranks include Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal, Air Vice Marshal, Air Commodore, Group Captain, Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, and Flight Lieutenant.
Air Force Army Navy
Marshal of the Indian Air Force Field Marshal Admiral of the Fleet
Air Chief Marshal General Admiral
Air Marshal Lieutenant General (Army Commodore / VCOAS) Vice Admiral / FOC-in-C / VCNS
Air Vice Marshal Lieutenant General Vice Admiral
Air Commodore Brigadier Captain
Group Captain Colonel Captain
Wing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Commander
Squadron Leader Major Lieutenant Commander
Flight Lieutenant Captain Lieutenant
Flying Officer Lieutenant Sub Lieutenant
Flight Cadet - -

 

Also Check, Top 10 most powerful countries globally by military strength

Ranks of Non-Commissioned Officers

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and other ranks are essential for the operational efficiency of the armed forces. They serve as an important link between officers and soldiers, ensuring the execution of orders and maintaining overall discipline.

Junior Commissioned Officers: These individuals serve as a vital link between officers and soldiers, ensuring smooth execution of orders and maintaining discipline.

  • Indian Army: JCOs like Subedar Major, Subedar, and Naib Subedar, along with other ranks like Havildar, Naik, Lance Naik, and Sepoy.
  • Indian Navy: The Navy's JCOs include Master Chief Petty Officer I, Master Chief Petty Officer II, Chief Petty Officer, and Petty Officer, while other ranks consist of Leading Seaman, Able Seaman, and Seaman.
  • Indian Air Force: The Air Force's JCOs encompass Warrant Officers and Junior Warrant Officers, while NCO/Other Ranks include Sergeants, Corporals, Leading Aircraftsmen, and Aircraftsmen.
Indian Army Rank Indian Navy Rank Indian Air Force Rank
Subedar Major Master Chief Petty Officer I Warrant Officer
Subedar Master Chief Petty Officer II Warrant Officer
Naib Subedar Chief Petty Officer Junior Warrant Officer
Also Check, Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu Recruitment 2025

NCO/Other Ranks

Indian Army Rank Indian Navy Rank Indian Air Force Rank
Havildar Petty Officer Sergeant
Naik Able Seaman Corporal
Lance Naik Leading Seaman Leading Aircraftsman
Sepoy Seaman Aircraftman

Ranks in Indian Army After NDA Training

After completing training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and respective service academies, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. This is the starting point in the army ranks, from which officers progress based on experience, exams, and merit. The journey from Lieutenant to General reflects increasing responsibility and leadership.

Ranks in the Indian Armed Forces signify not only an individual's experience and authority but also the responsibilities they shoulder. The hierarchy ensures that orders are carried out efficiently, morale is maintained, and operational effectiveness is achieved. Whether on land, in the air, or at sea, the ranks within these branches contribute to the nation's security and defense in their unique ways.

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History of Defence System of India Know About Iron Dome

 

Ranks in Indian Army, Airforce and Navy

What is the highest rank in the Indian Army?

The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal.

Which rank in the Indian Navy is equivalent to General in the Army and Air Force?

Admiral in the Indian Navy is equivalent to General in the Army and Air Force.

What are the ranks of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) in the Indian Air Force?

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) in the Indian Air Force include Warrant Officers and Junior Warrant Officers.

What is the rank structure for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Indian Navy?

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Indian Navy include Chief Petty Officer, Petty Officer, Leading Seaman, Able Seaman, and Seaman.

What is the primary role of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) in the armed forces?

Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) serve as a vital link between officers and soldiers, ensuring smooth execution of orders and maintaining discipline.

Are there insignia differences in Indian Army ranks?

Every rank has a unique insignia, for example, stars for Lieutenants and crossed swords & baton for Generals. Insignia help in quickly identifying an officer’s level and command role.

What are the ranks in the Indian Army Medical Corps?

AMC officers follow standard ranks: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, etc., based on their experience and role.
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