Rank structure in Defence
The Defence Services Exam (NDA/CDS) is a recruitment exam for officers in the Indian Armed Forces’ three branches: Army, Air Force, and Navy. The exam administered by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC)
After passing the UPSC Exam, students have numerous chances in the Indian Armed Forces. They will go through cadet training in the Army, Air Force, and Navy before being commissioned as officers in one of the three branches of the military.
Candidates appearing for the Defence exam must be well aware of the rank structure of the military which has been listed below in this article.
Posts under the Defence Services Exam (NDA/CDS)
After passing the Exam, an officer’s career in the Indian Armed Forces begins with the Lieutenant (Army) Sub Lieutenant (Navy) Flying Officer position. Following then, it’s a steady ascent to the top based on the officer’s performance.
The hierarchy of all three branches of the military is as follows:
| 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 |
*Note: Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet, and Marshal of the Air Force are 5-star ranks that are only granted upon a privileged few for great service on the battlefield.
Kodandera Madappa Cariappa and Sam Manekshaw are the only two Army officers to have received the title of Field Marshal.
Arjan Singh has acquired the rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force. The Admiral of the Fleet rank has not yet been conferred.
For more such articles you may contact Nimbus Defence Academy