Ranks and Salary Structure of the Indian Army

The salary of the Indian Army is determined according to their ranks and experience. It consists of a range of allowances, perks and benefits that come with the monthly salary. The salary grade pay of the officers and soldiers in the Indian Army depends on the official's category, division or class and the pay band. 

With the introduction of the 7th Pay Commission, comprehending the salary structure of the Indian Army has become convenient.

Navigate through this article to learn about the ranks and salary of the Indian Army structure, the benefits they receive for themselves and their families and other allowances

The Indian Army has a hierarchical rank structure consisting of Army officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and other personnel. Within the Indian Armed Forces, the use of ranks is crucial. Below is the importance of ranks and salary in an Army’s life:

• The rank insignia of the Indian Army varies depending on the type of uniform a soldier wears. It helps in distinguishing a soldier's rank easily.

• Depending on the rank structure of the Army, officials can deploy authority and responsibility to the respective soldiers.

• A rank structure is crucial to identify the hierarchy of the force. Their insignia distinguishes individuals within the military formations.

• A soldier’s military rank in the Indian Army doesn't only determine their level of responsibility but also their pay scale.

• As the rank of a soldier increases, pay grade follows. However, with that, their responsibilities also increase.

• These military ranks display on a soldier’s uniform through a series of symbols, including chevrons, stars, stripes, and bars.

• The salary structure and the benefits that soldiers receive attract a lot of qualified individuals to this job role.

• Besides the salary, members of the Indian Army can enjoy multiple benefits and allowances. Accordingly, family members of a soldier in the Indian Army also enjoy several benefits.

The Indian Army has a well-defined rank that includes Commissioned, Non-Commissioned and Junior Commissioned Officers. Each designation carries specific roles and responsibilities which the soldiers must perform. 

These ranks define the hierarchy and command structure highlighting our Nation's defence and security. Below is the rank structure of the Indian Army:

1. Commissioned Officers

In the Army, Commissioned officers come in leadership positions. As authoritative members of the Army, these officers are responsible for leading and commanding the force. Below are their ranks and the insignia they display:

• Field Marshal: A Field Marshal wears a National Emblem, placed on a crossed sword and baton in a lotus blossom garland.
• General: A General must wear an insignia highlighting a crossed sword and baton, containing a star and the National Emblem.
• Lieutenant General: A Lieutenant General must wear an insignia highlighting a crossed sword and baton focusing on the National Emblem.
• Major General: A Major General must wear an insignia that displays five stars above a crossed baton and sabre.
• Brigadier: A Brigadier is entitled to wear an insignia highlighting three stars in a triangle form and the National Emblem displayed above them.
• Colonel: A Colonel must wear an insignia highlighting two stars and the National Emblem placed on it.
• Lieutenant Colonel: A Lieutenant General must wear an insignia highlighting one Star and the National Emblem placed on it.
• Major: A Major must wear an insignia highlighting the National Emblem.
• Captain: A Captain must wear an insignia that displays three stars in a line.
• Lieutenant: A Lieutenant must wear an insignia displaying two stars in a line.

2. Junior Commissioned Officers

A military rank below Lieutenant and above Havildar, Junior Commissioned Officers hold responsible positions in the troop. JCOs have technical expertise and hold several privileges. Below are their ranks along with insignia:

• Subedar Major: A Subedar Major wears an insignia highlighting a gold National Emblem with a stripe.
• Subedar: A Subedar wears an insignia that displays two gold stars aligned in line with a stripe.
• Naib Subedar: A Naib Subedar wears an insignia that displays one gold star with a stripe.

3. Non-Commissioned Officers/ Other Officers

Non-commissioned officers are crucial units in the Indian Army. They serve as the principal advisor to Commanders and hold ranks and authoritative designations in the Army. NCOs are responsible for planning and leading unit activities, enhancing the mental and physical being of soldiers. 

They are also concerned with advising and implementing commander policies, army training and maintaining discipline in the troops. Below are their ranks and insignia:

• Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH): A CQMH wears an insignia highlighting three Strips and Ashoka Chakra.
• Havildar: A Havildar wears an insignia that displays three rank chevrons.
• Naik: A Naik wears an insignia that displays two rank chevrons.
• Lance Naik: Lance Naik wears an insignia that highlights single-rank chevrons.
• Sepoy: A Sepoy wears an insignia that displays a plain shoulder badge.

After the 7th Pay Commission, the salary of soldiers in the Indian Army was revised. The 7^th Pay Commission calculates the salary of the Indian Army by rank, following the rules and regulations formulated by them. These rules and regulations apply to various positions within the Indian Army. 

Below is a list of the ranks and salaries of the Indian Army:

• Chief of Army Staff: The salary of the Chief of Army Staff (Level 18) is ₹250000 (fixed)
• VCOAS/ Army Cadre/ Lieutenant General (NEGS): The salary of these army officials (Level 17) is ₹225000 (fixed).
• Lieutenant General: The salary of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army (Level 15) is between ₹182200 to ₹224100.
• Major General: The salary of Major General (Level 14) is between ₹144200 to ₹218200
• Brigadier: The salary of Brigadier (Level 13) is between ₹139600 to ₹217600
• Colonel: The salary of a Colonel in the Indian Army (Level 13) is between ₹130600 to ₹215900
• Lieutenant Colonel: The salary of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army (Level 12) is between ₹121200 to ₹212400
• Major: The salary of a Major in the Indian Army (Level 11) is between ₹69400 to ₹207200
• Captain: The salary of a Captain in the Indian Army (Level 10B) is between ₹61300 to ₹193900
• Lieutenant: The salary of a Lieutenant in the Indian Army (Level 10) is between ₹56100 to ₹177500
• Subedar General: The salary of a General in the Indian Army (Subedar Level 8) is ₹34800
• Subedar: A Subedar’s salary (Level 7) is ₹34800
• Naib Subedar: Salary of Naib Subedar (Level      6) is₹34800
• Havildar: Salary of Havildar (Level 5) is ₹34800
• Naik: Salary of Naik (Level 4) is ₹20200
• Lance Naik: The salary of Lance Naik (Level 3) is ₹20200
• Sepoy: The salary of Sepoy (Level 3) is ₹20200

The highest salary in the Indian Army is that of a Chief of Army Staff or Lieutenant General; they receive ₹250000. 

For those who wish to learn the per month salary of soldiers in the Indian Army, the pay scale for the Army is between ₹21700 to ₹250000, after the 7th Pay Commission. The basic salary includes a major portion, ranging between 35% and 50%, of the total compensation for government workers, including Army personnel. 

The approximate Indian Army salary in hand, along with grade pay and service pay for various designations, is as follows:

• Lieutenant: In-Hand: ₹68000 | Grade Pay: ₹5400 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Captain: In-Hand: ₹75000 | Grade Pay: ₹6100 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Major: In-Hand: ₹100000 | Grade Pay: ₹6600 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Lieutenant Colonel: In-Hand: ₹112000 | Grade Pay: ₹8000 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Colonel: In-Hand: ₹130000 | Grade Pay: ₹8700 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Brigadier: In-Hand: NA | Grade Pay: ₹8900 | Service Pay: ₹6000
• Major General: In-Hand: NA| Grade Pay: ₹10000 | Service Pay: NA
• Lieutenant General: In-Hand: NA| Grade Pay: NA| Service Pay: NA
• Havildar: In-Hand: ₹40000 | Grade Pay: ₹2800 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Lance Naik: In-Hand: ₹30000 | Grade Pay: ₹2000 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Naib Subedar: In-Hand: ₹45000| Grade Pay: ₹4200 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Naik: In-Hand: ₹35000 | Grade Pay: ₹2400 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Sepoy: In-Hand: ₹25000 | Grade Pay: ₹18000 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Subedar: In-Hand: ₹50000 | Grade Pay: ₹4600 | Service Pay: ₹2000
• Subedar Major: In-Hand: ₹65000 | Grade Pay: ₹4800 | Service Pay: ₹2000

Furthermore, the Indian Army GD’s salary per month (General Duty) ranges from ₹25000 to ₹30000 (Level 3 pay scale).

Besides the basic salary, Army personnel and their family members receive several perks and allowances that significantly contribute to their overall earnings. These allowances vary depending on location, rank, and specific circumstances. 

Below are some common allowances and facilities for soldiers of the Indian Army:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): 46%

• Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15500 (From Lieutenant Post to Brigadier)

• Transportation Allowance: ₹3600 +DA to ₹7200 +DA

• Field Area Allowance: ₹10500

• Counterinsurgency: ₹6300

• Uniform Allowances: ₹20000 per year

• Parachute Pay: ₹1200

• High Altitude Allowance: ₹5300

• Siachen: ₹42500 per month

• Special Forces: ₹9000

• Flying Pay: ₹25000

• Kit Maintenance Allowance: ₹400 per month

Clubbing all the allowances, an Indian Army personnel receives approximately ₹80000 per month. It includes military service pay, tech pay, basic pay, da, grade pay, house rent allowance and transport allowance. However, these rates are not fixed and are subject to change.

Apart from these, an Army personnel also receives the following benefits:

• Leaves

  • Casual Leave of 20 days

  • Sick Leave on the recommendation of medical authorities

  • Encash Leave up to 300 days of the last pay drawn

  • Study Leave of up to 2 years with full pay and all benefits

• Pension and Retirement Benefits

  • Lifelong pension

  • Death cum retirement gratuity and foreign postings

  • Medical facilities post-retirement

• Travel and Accommodation

  • One additional free conveyance or LTC per year to self-visit hometown/SPR or elected Place of Residence where the soldier's family stay. The conveyance is available from field duty in case an Army personnel is not staying with family.

  • Fully furnished accommodation facility for single Army officers at duty station with a nominal fee.

  • Free conveyance of carrying personal effects while on postings with maximum limits: Level 10 & above – 6000 Kgs.

• Insurance

  • Army Officers will receive ₹75 lakhs insurance coverage from Army Group Insurance on payment of a monthly premium.

  • Army personnel will also receive advance payments from the AGI Fund for the purchase of computers and two-wheelers.

  • An Army personnel can draw a maximum of 90% balance at credit from AGI Fund for higher education or marriage of children.

  • Army officers will receive a refund of the amount accumulated in the AGI Savings Fund.

• Canteen

  • All types of Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are available at a concessional rate

  • Two/Four wheelers on concessional rates

  • Electronic items on concessional pricing

  • Liquor on concessional rates as per entitlement

  • After repatriation, availability of a canteen facility with liquor if an Army personnel served the Nation for five years and more

• Other Benefits

Some of the additional benefits Army officers receive are as follows:

• Army officers receive Grant to Officers for enhancing their academic qualifications while serving in Army 

• Talented Army officers can participate in Army sports and activities at various levels.

•  Army officials are eligible to apply to dwelling units from Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) after they complete ten years and more service in Army 

• Apart from these, Army personnel also receives medical facilities for free

• For retired Army personnel, they can enjoy an ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS) facility. Retiring officers need to pay an amount to join this scheme. The amount is ₹120000 for officers, ₹67000 for junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and ₹30000 for jawans. The scheme is available for all ex-servicemen, including those from the Army,

• Army personnel continue to get a pension for a lifetime after serving for a minimum number of years. Those below the officer rank must serve for 15 years to qualify for a pension scheme. However, for officers, the service period must be at least 20 years

• All defence personnel are entitled to club membership. They are part of reputed clubs across the country and are invited during special events and programmes

Besides these perks and benefits, the family members of the Indian Army receive several other facilities. Below is a list of benefits for the family members of Indian Army personnel:

Accommodation Facilities

Family members of Army Officers receive accommodation facilities as and when required:

• When no married accommodation is available, the Army Officers can keep their family at their Selected Place of Residence (SPR)/hometown and claim House Rent Allowance as applicable. 

• Families can be shifted to separate family accommodation (SFAccn) which is available in peace regions.

Medical Facilities

• Free hospitals and medical facilities for dependent family members in the Army are available throughout India.

• Healthcare facilities, including hospitalisation for serious cases and emergencies, are provided for serving Army personnel and their family members. 

• For areas without specialist healthcare facilities, healthcare expenses incurred elsewhere are reimbursed by the Indian government.

• Spouses, parents and children of Army personnel receive ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS), which is subject to income, age and marital status. 

• Moreover, children of Army officers with a permanent disability who cannot earn a living are covered in this scheme, irrespective of age. Minor siblings of the ex-servicemen are also covered up to 18 years of age.

Travel Concessions

Army officers receive multiple travel concessions in case their family members need them, which include:

• Army personnel receive (LTC) or free conveyance every alternate year for themselves and dependent family members to arrive at their home town away from the duty area. It also applies if a family member or an Army personnel wants to go anywhere in India. They and their family members can travel every alternate year in Economy class through Air India.

• They receive six 40% concession vouchers (Form ‘D') to visit anywhere in India through the Indian Railways network.

• They also get a free conveyance to the dependent family members so that the member can join the Army at a duty station for the first time and also on further postings. 

Education and Scholarships

The following are the education and scholarship facilities that an Army personnel enjoys:

• Admission of children to Army Public school, Kendriya Vidyalaya and other Private schools in the Military station.

• Children of Army officers will also get reservations for getting admission in professional institutes and colleges under State Government

• Children of Army officers will receive scholarships from Army Regimental Fund and Education Scholarship Scheme for Army Personnel

• Children will receive admission to several Professional Colleges. It applies to Army officers who have completed ten years of service in the Army. The colleges and professional institutes include:

  • Army Institute of Technology, Pune
  • Army College of Medical Science, Delhi Cantonment
  • Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
  • Army College of Dental Science, Secunderabad
  • Army Institute of Management, Kolkata
  • Army Institute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida
  • Army Institute of Fashion Design, Bangalore
  • Army College of Nursing, Jalandhar
  • Army Institute of Nursing, Guwahati
  • Army Institute of Higher Education, Pathankot
  • Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Bangalore
  • Army Institute of Law, Mohali, Chandigarh
  • Army Centre of Education, Pachmarhi
  • Army Institute of Education, Greater Noida

Other Allowances

Some other allowances that family members of Army personnel enjoy are as follows:

• Wives of Army personnel receive grants for enhancing their academic qualifications.

• Children of Army officials can participate in Army sports at various levels.

• Army officials will also receive low-cost loans as and when required

• Spouses, family members and dependents of Army officers continue to receive pensions even after the death of the pensioner. However, it is subject to age and income parameters. The pension is capped at 30% of the last drawn salary in such cases.

Being a soldier serving the Nation is quite a challenging task. The life of a soldier in the Indian Army is full of hardships. They function even during festivities, in the hardest of terrains and harshest of weather conditions. They undergo strict physical training that allows them to fight against external aggression immediately. This requires higher compensation.

This sums up our discussion on the ranks and salary of the Indian Army. Now you know all about their rank-wise functions and how they perform them. Remember, male and female cadets also receive a stipend of ₹56100 per month during their training period in service academies, i.e., at Officers Training Academy and Indian Military Academy.