Colonel vs Brigadier – Rank, Salary, Power, and Promotion in Indian Army
Colonel vs Brigadier in Indian Army — Rank, Salary, Promotion & Power (2025)
When it comes to the Indian Army ranks, many people often wonder: Who is higher — Colonel or Brigadier? In this blog, we’ll clearly explain Colonel vs Brigadier rank difference, Brigadier salary, promotion period from Colonel to Brigadier, and even details like how many Brigadiers are there in the Indian Army. Let’s decode it step-by-step for 2025.
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Colonel vs Brigadier — Overview
The Colonel and Brigadier are both senior commissioned ranks in the Indian Army, but they differ in responsibilities, authority, and command size. A Colonel typically commands a battalion, while a Brigadier commands a brigade — a larger formation.
| Feature | Colonel | Brigadier |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Position | Below Brigadier, above Lieutenant Colonel | Above Colonel, below Major General |
| Command Level | Commands a Battalion (approx. 800–1000 troops) | Commands a Brigade (approx. 3,000–5,000 troops) |
| Insignia | National emblem with two five-pointed stars | National emblem with three five-pointed stars in a triangular formation |
| Promotion From | Promoted from Lieutenant Colonel after ~16–18 years | Promoted from Colonel after ~26–28 years |
| Category | Field Officer | General Officer |
| Approx. Salary (2025) | ₹1.30 lakh – ₹1.40 lakh per month | ₹1.44 lakh – ₹2.18 lakh per month |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 13 | Level 13A |
Who is Higher — Colonel or Brigadier?
In the Indian Army hierarchy, the Brigadier is senior to Colonel. A Brigadier holds a higher rank, commands larger troops, and often has strategic and administrative authority beyond the regimental level. Thus, Brigadier > Colonel.
Colonel to Brigadier Promotion Time Period
The promotion from Colonel to Brigadier in the Indian Army usually takes place after approximately 26–28 years of total commissioned service. The promotion depends on:
- Annual Confidential Reports (ACR)
- Performance in command and staff postings
- Availability of vacancies
- Promotion Board review
Ranks of Indian Army — Full Hierarchy (Commissioned Officers)
| Rank | Category | Command Role |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Junior Commissioned Officer | Platoon |
| Captain | Junior Commissioned Officer | Company |
| Major | Field Officer | Company/Battalion |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Field Officer | Second-in-Command |
| Colonel | Field Officer | Battalion Commander |
| Brigadier | General Officer | Brigade Commander |
| Major General | General Officer | Division Commander |
| Lieutenant General | General Officer | Corps Commander |
| General (COAS) | General Officer | Army Chief |
Brigadier vs Major General
The Major General is senior to Brigadier. While a Brigadier commands a Brigade, a Major General commands a Division, which consists of multiple brigades. Hence, Major General > Brigadier > Colonel.
Brigadier vs Lieutenant General
In the hierarchy, the Lieutenant General is far senior to the Brigadier. Lieutenant Generals usually command entire Corps (multiple divisions) and hold crucial strategic responsibilities. They are among the top-ranking officers just below the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Brigadier Salary in Indian Army (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 | ₹1.4 – ₹1.6 lakh/month |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 | ₹1.5 – ₹2.1 lakh/month |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹2 – ₹2.25 lakh/month |
How Many Brigadiers Are There in Indian Army?
As per latest estimates, there are around 900 to 1,100 Brigadiers serving in the Indian Army across various commands and formations. However, the exact number may vary depending on operational requirements and reorganization within the Army.
List of Brigadiers in Indian Army (Notable Names)
- Brigadier Mohammad Usman — “Lion of Nowshera” (1948 Indo-Pak War Hero)
- Brigadier Rajinder Singh — First recipient of Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous)
- Brigadier Hoshiar Singh — 1962 Sino-Indian War hero
- Brigadier Pritam Singh — “Hero of Poonch” (1947–48 War)
Colonel vs Brigadier — Key Difference Summary
| Criteria | Colonel | Brigadier |
|---|---|---|
| Command | Battalion | Brigade |
| Hierarchy | Below Brigadier | Above Colonel |
| Pay Level | 13 | 13A |
| Salary Range | ₹1.4 lakh/month | ₹1.5–2.1 lakh/month |
| Insignia | Emblem + 2 stars | Emblem + 3 stars (triangle) |
| Promotion Time | 16–18 years service | 26–28 years service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is higher — Colonel or Brigadier?
Brigadier is higher in rank than Colonel.
Q2: What is the Brigadier salary in Indian Army?
The Brigadier salary ranges between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.1 lakh per month, depending on years of service and allowances.
Q3: How long does it take to get promoted from Colonel to Brigadier?
Usually, it takes about 26–28 years of service to be promoted from Colonel to Brigadier.
Q4: How many Brigadiers are there in the Indian Army?
There are approximately 900–1,100 Brigadiers in active service.
Q5: Who is senior — Brigadier or Major General?
Major General is senior to Brigadier.
Q6: What is the Colonel rank salary in Indian Army?
Colonel earns around ₹1.4 lakh per month (Level 13).
Conclusion
In short, the Brigadier is higher in rank than a Colonel in the Indian Army. A Brigadier commands multiple battalions (a brigade), while a Colonel commands one battalion. Promotion from Colonel to Brigadier is based on seniority, merit, and availability of posts, usually after around 26–28 years of service. Both ranks are pillars of leadership, discipline, and strategic execution within the Indian Army.
