Colonel vs Captain — Rank, Salary, Stars, Duties & Difference (Indian Army 2025)
Colonel vs Captain — Rank, Salary, Stars, Duties & Difference Explained (Indian Army 2025)
If you’ve ever wondered who is higher between Colonel and Captain, what is the Army rank list from lowest to highest, or how much a Lieutenant Colonel salary in India is — you’re at the right place. This detailed guide compares Colonel vs Captain in the Indian Army ranks, with duties, insignia, and salary details — updated for 2025.
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Ranks of Indian Army — From Lowest to Highest (Commissioned Officers)
| Rank | Insignia | Approx. Service Period to Achieve |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Two five-pointed stars | 0–2 years |
| Captain | Three five-pointed stars | 2–6 years |
| Major | National emblem | 6–13 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Emblem + one star | 13–15 years |
| Colonel | Emblem + two stars | 15–20 years |
| Brigadier | Emblem + three stars | 20–25 years |
| Major General | Crossed sword and baton + emblem | 25–30 years |
| Lieutenant General | Crossed sword and baton + emblem + star | 30–35 years |
| General (Army Chief) | Crossed sword, baton, and star within wreath | 35+ years |
Colonel vs Captain — Key Difference
| Feature | Captain | Colonel |
|---|---|---|
| Position in Hierarchy | Junior Commissioned Officer (2nd or 3rd rank) | Senior Commissioned Officer (5th rank) |
| Experience | 2–6 years of service | 15–20 years of service |
| Command Role | Commands a company (approx. 120 soldiers) | Commands a battalion (approx. 800 soldiers) |
| Insignia | Three stars | National emblem + two stars |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 10B | Level 13 |
| Basic Pay | ₹61,300 | ₹1,30,600 |
| Approx. Monthly Salary | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,70,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Promotion Path | Lieutenant → Captain → Major | Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier |
Who is Higher — Colonel or Captain?
In the Indian Army ranks hierarchy, a Colonel is far senior to a Captain. A Captain is a junior commissioned officer, while a Colonel is a senior commissioned officer commanding a full battalion. So when it comes to Colonel vs Captain — the Colonel is higher in both rank and authority.
Captain vs Lieutenant — Who is Higher?
A Captain is higher than a Lieutenant. After completing about 2 years of service, a Lieutenant is promoted to Captain. Hence, the order goes: Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel.
Captain and Lieutenant Colonel — Which is Higher?
A Lieutenant Colonel is higher than a Captain. A Lieutenant Colonel commands multiple companies and plays a key role in operational planning and training under a Colonel’s supervision.
Lieutenant Colonel Salary in Indian Army (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 | ₹1,60,000 – ₹1,75,000 / month |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,00,000 / month |
Youngest Colonel in Indian Army
The youngest Colonel in Indian Army title has been held by officers who achieved the rank through exceptional gallantry and merit-based promotion, often before the age of 36. These are rare cases where officers display extraordinary leadership in operations and receive accelerated promotion through Army Selection Boards.
Indian Army Ranks in World Comparison
The Indian Army ranks are globally comparable to many world armies:
- Indian Captain ≈ US Army Captain
- Indian Colonel ≈ US Army Colonel
- Indian Lieutenant Colonel ≈ US Army Lieutenant Colonel
Globally, the Colonel rank represents a highly respected senior position, often one step below Brigadier or equivalent ranks such as Group Captain in the Air Force.
At a Glance — Colonel vs Captain Comparison Table
| Criteria | Captain | Colonel |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Type | Junior Officer | Senior Officer |
| Insignia | Three Stars | Emblem + Two Stars |
| Hierarchy Level | Below Major | Above Lieutenant Colonel |
| Average Age | 25–30 years | 38–45 years |
| Command | Company (~120 soldiers) | Battalion (~800 soldiers) |
| Approx. Salary | ₹85K – ₹1L/month | ₹1.8L – ₹2L/month |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is higher — Colonel or Captain?
A: Colonel is much higher in rank than Captain. Colonel commands a battalion, while Captain commands a company.
Q2: What is the salary of a Colonel in Indian Army?
A: A Colonel earns around ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,00,000 per month including allowances (as per 7th CPC).
Q3: Captain and Lieutenant — who is higher?
A: A Captain is senior to a Lieutenant.
Q4: What is Lieutenant Colonel salary?
A: A Lieutenant Colonel earns approximately ₹1.6 – ₹1.75 lakh per month with allowances.
Q5: Who is the youngest Colonel in Indian Army?
A: The youngest Colonels are officers who earned accelerated promotions for exceptional leadership or gallantry, often below age 36.
Conclusion
In the Indian Army rank list, a Colonel is far senior to a Captain. A Captain leads a company, while a Colonel commands an entire battalion. Understanding the ranks of Indian Army from lowest to highest helps appreciate the discipline, years of service, and dedication behind each promotion. So when comparing Colonel vs Captain — the answer is clear: Colonel is higher in rank, responsibility, and pay scale.
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