List of Ranks of Indian Army from Highest to Lowest 2024 PDF: Here is a detailed explanation of the list of ranks of Indian Army. Some important historical points about the Indian Army's formation and evolution are mentioned here. An explanation of the list of rank categories in the Indian Army is provided in this List of Ranks of Indian Army from Highest to Lowest 2024 PDF. From this different ranks in the Indian Army PDF, you will also learn about the ranks of Indian Army from lowest to highest. This will be very useful for the students preparing for the government exams, especially bank exams. Finally, some of the basic FAQs of ranks of Indian Army are noted here for further reference.

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Truths of Indian Army’s Historical Evolution

Here is the historical overview of the rise of the Indian Army throughout the years.

• Emperor Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire and formed a strong battalion force that featured elephants, footmen, and cavalry units in the 4th century BCE.
• Between the 4th and 6th centuries CE (Common Era), The Gupta Empire continues this tradition by influencing the importance of the Army.
• Some other regional kingdoms and the Delhi Sultanate established the Armed forces to protect their territory during the medieval period.
• Under the leadership of Emperor Akbar, the Mughal Army united various soldiers, such as cavalry, infantry, and artillery units, into a cohesive force. This helped to shape the structure of the Indian military.
• Entry of the British East India Company is a turning point in the Indian military. They transformed their army into the British Indian Army. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, highlights the importance of unity among Indian soldiers.
• After getting Independence in 1947, the Indian army began to run on its own. The separation of India and Pakistan leads to the army splitting to represent their countries.    
• In 1962, the Indian Army faced its first significant challenge during the Sino-Indian War.
• The win at the Kargil War in 1999, shows the Indian Army's skill, strong will, and ability to adjust to different situations.

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Responsibilities and Duties of the Indian Army

There are certain roles and responsibilities of the persons placed in all ranks of Indian Army.

• The Indian Army performs operations using modern technological equipment to perform their duties more efficiently.
• The Indian Army acts as a powerful shield, signaling to face potential threats, and has to be ready at any time to respond quickly to any security threats in different regions that may arise.
• The Indian army is frequently involved in infrastructure development projects in rural and frontier regions that improve economic growth, connectivity, and access.
• Indian Army ensures peace and stability in conflict regions and it is highly regarded for its commitment to professionalism and discipline.
• India has a rich legacy of sending troops to the United Nations to induce global peacekeeping operations.
• The Indian Army is very crucial during natural disasters. The rapid response provides vital support to the affected areas.
• The Indian Army is placed in critical zones in the country to face rebels and fight terrorism.
• The main job of the Indian Army is to protect the country's land and independence.
• The duty of maintaining border security against external risks and intrusions falls under its jurisdiction.

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Different Ranks in Indian Army

There are three types of classifications of ranks in the Indian Army i.e.,

1. Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army
2. Junior Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army
3. Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army

This classification is based on a hierarchical position(order).

Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army

The Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army from highest to lowest are listed below. From this, you can also understand the ranks of Indian Army from lowest to highest.

Junior Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army  

The JCO’s(Junior Commissioned Officers) role is to link officers and soldiers, guaranteeing the proper implementation of commands and the preservation of discipline. The ranks of the JCOs are mentioned in the table below, from highest to lowest.

Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army

Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) hold a crucial position within the Indian Army. They give training, ensure discipline, and provide care for the soldiers. The list of ranks of Indian Army for Non-Commissioned Officer is provided below.

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Roles and Rank Structure of Indian Army

Refer to the table below for a detailed overview and the role of the Indian Army rank list from highest to lowest in a hierarchical order and their associated duties. 

Points to Remember for Ranks in Indian Army

India’s Defense Forces dedicate their lives to serving and saving the country. There are a few points to note which is important to know about the ranks of Indian Army. 

• The ranking structure of the Indian Army is similar to the Western military forces because it is particularly influenced by the British and Commonwealth armed services.
• Both the All India Services and Group A Service officers fall under the classification of Commissioned Officers.
• The highest military rank is Field Marshal, a title that has only been held by two individuals: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal K.M Cariappa.
• A braid band made up of three strands of the braid, i.e. "crimson, yellow, crimson", will be placed underneath all rank badges and above shoulder titles to match JCO levels.

Achievements and Challenges of the Indian Army

The Indian Army has a history of impressive achievements that show its skill, bravery, and commitment.

• Over the years, the Indian Army has proven its strong planning skills by completing various operations successfully.
• Prominent events involving the Indian Army include the Kashmir War (1947-1948), the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the Indo-Pakistani Wars in 1965 and 1971, the Kargil War in 1999, as well as numerous peacekeeping missions.
• The Indian Army faces challenges with protecting the borders, fighting against rebellions, updating its equipment, and dealing with terrorism.

From Then Till Now

From ancient eras to the current age, the Indian Army's rich history highlights its resilience, loyalty, and essential function in ensuring the country's security.

• They safeguard individuals, provide assistance in emergencies, maintain peace, and develop the infrastructure.
• While the country faces new security issues, the Indian Army continues its unwavering commitment to national defense.
• The skill, discipline, and bravery displayed by the Indian Army serve as a testament to the nation's power, unity, and commitment to ensuring its freedom.

Ranks of Indian Army - FAQs

Q: Which is the highest rank in Indian Army?

The highest military rank is Field Marshal.

Q: What are the categories of the rank of Indian Army?

The  Indian Army ranks falls into three categories i.e., Commissioned, Junior Commissioned, and Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks of Indian Army. 

Q: How many ranks are there in Indian Army?  

There are a total of 18 ranks in Indian Army including all categories.

Q: Where can I download the List of Ranks of Indian Army from Highest to Lowest 2024 PDF?

On this page, you can download the List of Ranks of Indian Army from Highest to Lowest 2024 PDF. 

Q: How many ranks are there in the category of Commissioned officer ranks of Indian Army?

There is a total of 10 ranks in the commissioned officer ranks category.