Colonel vs Lieutenant Colonel in Indian Army — Rank, Salary, Insignia & Difference (2025)
Colonel vs Lieutenant Colonel — Rank, Salary, Insignia, Duties & Difference Explained (Indian Army 2025)
If you’ve ever wondered who is higher between Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel, what is the Lieutenant Colonel salary in India, or how these two ranks fit into the Indian Army hierarchy — this complete guide explains everything clearly. Let’s understand the difference between Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army with salary, rank insignia, and promotion path.
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Ranks of Indian Army from Lowest to Highest (2025)
Here’s a list of Indian Army ranks in order from the lowest to the highest (Commissioned Officers only):
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General (Chief of Army Staff)
Colonel vs Lieutenant Colonel — Key Difference
| Feature | Lieutenant Colonel | Colonel |
|---|---|---|
| Position in Rank Hierarchy | Below Colonel, above Major | Above Lieutenant Colonel, below Brigadier |
| Typical Command | Deputy Commanding Officer or Battalion 2IC (Second-in-Command) | Commanding Officer (CO) of a battalion or regiment |
| Promotion Time | After ~13 years of service | After ~15-16 years of service |
| Insignia | National emblem over two five-pointed stars | National emblem over two five-pointed stars and a red-coloured gorget patch with golden braid |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 12A | Level 13 |
| Basic Pay | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Approx. Monthly Salary (2025) | ₹1.8 lakh – ₹2 lakh (with allowances) | ₹2 lakh – ₹2.3 lakh (with allowances) |
| Who is Higher? | Junior to Colonel | Senior to Lieutenant Colonel |
Lieutenant Colonel Salary in Indian Army (2025)
The Lieutenant Colonel salary in India depends on rank, service length, and allowances. Below is an overview:
| Component | Details (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹1,21,200 |
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | ₹40,000+ |
| MSP (Military Service Pay) | ₹15,500 |
| HRA / Field Area Allowance | ₹30,000–₹45,000 |
| Total In-hand Salary | ₹1.8 – ₹2.1 lakh/month |
Colonel Salary in Indian Army (2025)
The Colonel salary in Indian Army is slightly higher due to seniority and higher pay level.
| Component | Details (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹1,30,600 |
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | ₹43,000+ |
| MSP (Military Service Pay) | ₹15,500 |
| Field / HRA Allowance | ₹35,000–₹50,000 |
| Total In-hand Salary | ₹2.0 – ₹2.3 lakh/month |
Indian Army Ranks in World Context
The Indian Army’s rank structure is similar to that of other Commonwealth nations like the UK. In global equivalence:
- Lieutenant Colonel (India) ≈ Lieutenant Colonel (US/UK)
- Colonel (India) ≈ Full Colonel (US/UK)
Thus, Indian Army officers enjoy the same respect and command level internationally as their counterparts in major armies worldwide.
Promotion Path in Indian Army Officer Ranks
| Rank | Years of Service (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 0–2 years |
| Captain | 2–6 years |
| Major | 6–13 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13–15 years |
| Colonel | 15–20 years |
| Brigadier | 20–25 years |
Youngest Colonel in Indian Army
The youngest Colonel in Indian Army ever promoted was around 34 years old — officers with exceptional service records or from specialized branches like the Para Special Forces may achieve this feat earlier than average.
At a Glance — Colonel vs Lieutenant Colonel
| Criteria | Lieutenant Colonel | Colonel |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Junior to Colonel | Senior to Lt. Colonel |
| Command Role | Second-in-command | Commanding Officer |
| Pay Level | 12A | 13 |
| Salary Range | ₹1.8 – ₹2.0 lakh | ₹2.0 – ₹2.3 lakh |
| Stars/Insignia | Emblem + 2 stars | Emblem + 2 stars + red gorget patches |
| Promotion After | 13 years | 15–16 years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is higher — Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel?
Colonel is senior to Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army hierarchy.
Q2: What is Lieutenant Colonel salary in India?
The Lieutenant Colonel salary ranges between ₹1.8 to ₹2 lakh per month including allowances (2025).
Q3: What is Colonel salary in Indian Army?
The Colonel salary ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹2.3 lakh per month with allowances.
Q4: How many years does it take to become a Colonel?
It usually takes around 15–16 years of service to reach the rank of Colonel.
Q5: What is the insignia difference between Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel?
Lieutenant Colonel wears the National emblem over two stars; Colonel adds a red gorget patch with golden braid.
Conclusion
To summarize, both Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel are prestigious senior ranks in the Indian Army. A Lieutenant Colonel usually acts as the Second-in-Command of a battalion, while a Colonel commands the entire unit. The Colonel enjoys higher pay, authority, and responsibility. Both ranks symbolize leadership, discipline, and commitment to the nation.
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