What is the Rank Structure & Promotion in Indian Army

• Victor
• 30th March 2022
• Indian Army
• 0 Comments

The Indian Army holds more than 1.4 million, with 1,223 thousand personnel below officers’ ranks and the rest at higher ranks according to the rank structures. And with such significant numbers, the Indian Army is the third-largest army in the world. 

In this article, we will share with you the rank structure of the Indian Army and the promotions that have been made in the fields. These promotions are based on each officer’s years of reckonable service in the Indian Army. 

Rank Structure and Promotions in Indian Army 

1. Acting Promotions in Peace and Field Concession Areas 

a. Substantive Promotion 

The officers capable of this type of promotion is upto Lieutenant Colonel, and the officers must have a rank of Colonel and above. 

b. Local Promotion

The local promotions are made in DSR Para 88 to the officers at local ranks only. 

Required Years of Commissioned Officers for Promotion 

Rank of Promotion Made in The Army	Commissioned Officer’s Total Minimum Service	Remarks
Captain	1 year	–
Major	4 years	3 years in Field.
Lieutenant Colonel	7 years	With minimum service of one years in the rank of substantive Major.
Colonel	8 years & 6 months	With minimum service of two years in the rank (s) of Major and above.
Brigadier	12 years	With minimum service of three years in rank(s) of Lt. Col and above.
Major General	20 years	–
Lieutenant General	25 years	–

READ MORE: Indian Army Ranks and Salary [Salary by Rank]

Required Commissioned Service Years for Substantive Promotion 

Rank	Major Arms/Service	Vet Officers	MF	SL
Captain	2	1	2	2
Major	6	7	6	6
Lieutenant Colonel	13	17	13	13
Colonel (TS)	26	–	26	26
Colonel (Selection)	15	15	15	15
Brigadier	23(22)*	–	–	–
Major General	25(24)*	–	–	–
Lieutenant General	28	–	–	–
General	No restriction	–	–	–