Indian Army Rank Structure & Military Nursing Service (MNS) Ranks

Indian Army Ranks and Hierarchy

The Indian Army ranking system is categorized into following categories:

• Commissioned Officers (COs)

• Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)

• Other Ranks (ORs)

• Military Nursing Service (MNS) Ranks

1. Commissioned Officers (COs) – Leadership & Commanding Roles

These officers lead troops and are recruited through NDA, IMA, OTA,AFA and AFMC.

Rank Insignia Equivalent Rank (Navy & Air Force)

Field Marshal (Honorary Rank) National emblem over crossed batons in a lotus wreath Admiral of the Fleet / Marshal of the Air Force

General (COAS - Chief of Army Staff) National emblem over a five-star collar patch Admiral / Air Chief Marshal

Lieutenant General National emblem over a crossed sword and baton Vice Admiral / Air Marshal

Major General National emblem over a star Rear Admiral / Air Vice Marshal

Brigadier National emblem over three stars Commodore / Air Commodore

Colonel National emblem over two stars Captain / Group Captain

Lieutenant Colonel National emblem over one star Commander / Wing Commander

Major National emblem Lieutenant Commander / Squadron Leader

Captain Three stars Lieutenant / Flight Lieutenant

Lieutenant Two stars Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer

2. Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) – Experienced Leaders

JCOs bridge the gap between officers and soldiers.

Rank Insignia

Subedar Major (SM) Gold national emblem with a red-yellow stripe

Subedar Two gold stars with a red-yellow stripe

Naib Subedar One gold star with a red-yellow stripe

3. Other Ranks (Non-Commissioned Officers & Soldiers) – Backbone of the Army

Rank Insignia

Havildar Three chevrons pointing upwards

Naik Two chevrons pointing upwards

Lance Naik One chevron pointing upwards

Sepoy (Soldier) No insignia

4. Military Nursing Service (MNS) Ranks – Army Nursing Officers

The Military Nursing Service (MNS) is an elite branch under the Army Medical Corps (AMC). MNS officers serve in Armed Forces Hospitals (AFMS) across India and abroad.

Rank Insignia Equivalent Army Rank

Major General (DG MNS - Director General, MNS) National emblem over a star Major General

Brigadier National emblem over three stars Brigadier

Colonel National emblem over two stars Colonel

Lieutenant Colonel National emblem over one star Lieutenant Colonel

Major National emblem Major

Captain Three stars Captain

Lieutenant Two stars Lieutenant

Career Growth in Indian Army & MNS

The promotion system in the Indian Army depends on years of service, performance, and exams.

Promotion Timeline in the Army (Approximate)

• Lieutenant to Captain – 2 years

• Captain to Major – 6 years

• Major to Lieutenant Colonel – 13 years

• Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel – 15-18 years

• Colonel to Brigadier – 25 years

• Brigadier to Major General – 30+ years

• Major General to Lieutenant General – 35+ years

MNS Officer Promotion Path

• Lieutenant (After MNS training)

• Captain (After 3 years of service)

• Major (After 8 years of service)

• Lieutenant Colonel (After 16 years of service)

• Colonel (After 24+ years of service)

• Brigadier (Based on merit and availability)

• Major General (DG MNS) (Top-most rank, very selective)

Indian Army Salary & Pay Scale (2025 Updated)

The salary in the Indian Army varies based on rank, experience, and allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), Military Service Pay (MSP), and Hardship Allowances.

Rank Pay Level Basic Salary (₹)

Lieutenant Level 10 ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500

Captain Level 10B ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900

Major Level 11 ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200

Lieutenant Colonel Level 12A ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400

Colonel Level 13 ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900

Brigadier Level 13A ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600

Major General Level 14 ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200

Lieutenant General Level 15 ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100

General (COAS) Level 18 ₹2,50,000 (Fixed)

MNS Officer Salary Structure

MNS Rank Pay Level Basic Salary (₹)

Lieutenant Level 10 ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500

Captain Level 10B ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900

Major Level 11 ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200

Lieutenant Colonel Level 12A ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400

Colonel Level 13 ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900

Brigadier Level 13A ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600

Major General (DG MNS) Level 14 ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200

• Indian Army Ranks and Insignia

• Indian Army Officer Salary 2025

• Military Nursing Service (MNS) Salary & Ranks

• Indian Army Promotion Structure

• How to become an MNS Officer?

• Indian Army Pay Scale & Allowances

Final Thoughts

The Indian Army offers excellent career growth, salary, and benefits. The Military Nursing Service (MNS) is an exclusive opportunity for female candidates to serve in the armed forces as nursing officers.

Would you like detailed information on MNS Exam Preparation, SSB Interview Tips, or Army Career Paths? 🚀

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