Colonel vs Major — Rank, Salary, Duties & Difference Explained (Indian Army 2025)
Colonel vs Major — Rank, Salary, Duties & Difference Explained (Indian Army 2025)
If you’re wondering who is higher between Colonel and Major, what are their ranks in the Indian Army, or how they differ in power, salary, and insignia — this article gives you a clear and factual breakdown of Colonel vs Major in the Indian Army.
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Quick Answer — Who is Higher?
Colonel is higher than Major in the Indian Army hierarchy. A Colonel commands a full battalion, while a Major is a mid-level officer assisting in command operations.
Ranks of Indian Army (From Lowest to Highest)
| Commissioned Officer Ranks | Position in Hierarchy |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 1 (Lowest) |
| Captain | 2 |
| Major | 3 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 4 |
| Colonel | 5 |
| Brigadier | 6 |
| Major General | 7 |
| Lieutenant General | 8 |
| General (Chief of Army Staff) | 9 (Highest) |
Colonel vs Major — Key Differences
| Criteria | Major | Colonel |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Position | Below Lieutenant Colonel | Above Lieutenant Colonel |
| Hierarchy | 3rd level Commissioned Officer | 5th level Commissioned Officer |
| Insignia | Golden Oak Leaf | Two Stars with National Emblem |
| Typical Command | Company (120–150 soldiers) | Battalion (600–1000 soldiers) |
| Experience Required | 6–13 years of service | 15–20 years of service |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 11 | Level 13 |
| Basic Pay | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹1.2 – ₹1.8 Lakh/month | ₹1.8 – ₹2.5 Lakh/month |
| Command Role | Assists in operations, tactical planning | Overall commander of a battalion |
Colonel or Major — Which Rank is Higher in India?
In the Indian Army hierarchy, Colonel is senior to Major. A Colonel commands larger units, holds more administrative and operational authority, and earns a higher salary.
Colonel vs Major General — Rank Comparison
The Major General is much senior to a Colonel. While a Colonel commands a battalion, a Major General commands a division — comprising multiple brigades. So, in hierarchy: Major General > Brigadier > Colonel > Lieutenant Colonel > Major.
Colonel Major Rank Insignia (Indian Army)
- Major Insignia: A golden oak leaf.
- Colonel Insignia: Two stars and the Ashoka emblem above them.
The insignia appears on shoulder straps and helps identify the officer’s rank visually during parades or field operations.
Major vs Lieutenant — Which is Senior?
A Major is senior to a Lieutenant. A Lieutenant is the first commissioned rank, while a Major has 6–13 years of service and holds company-level command authority.
Eligibility & Promotion Path in Indian Army
| Rank | Minimum Service (Approx.) | Promotion Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | On commissioning | Through NDA, CDS, or OTA |
| Captain | 2 years | Time-scale promotion |
| Major | 6 years | Time-scale promotion |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years | Selection basis |
| Colonel | 15 years | Selection basis |
| Brigadier & above | 20+ years | Highly selective |
Salary Difference — Colonel vs Major (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major | Level 11 | ₹67,700 | ₹1.2 – ₹1.8 lakh/month |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 | ₹1.8 – ₹2.5 lakh/month |
Colonel vs Major — Duties in Brief
- Major: Leads a company, assists in planning missions, and supervises captains and lieutenants.
- Colonel: Commands a battalion, responsible for strategic execution, logistics, discipline, and administration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Colonel or Major — Who is higher?
Colonel is higher than Major. A Colonel commands a battalion; a Major commands a company.
Q2: What is the salary of a Major in the Indian Army?
A Major earns around ₹1.2 to ₹1.8 lakh per month, depending on location, service years, and allowances.
Q3: What is the salary of a Colonel in the Indian Army?
A Colonel earns approximately ₹1.8 to ₹2.5 lakh per month, including DA, HRA, and military service pay.
Q4: Who commands a battalion — Colonel or Major?
A Colonel commands a battalion, while a Major assists in its operational management.
Q5: What comes after Colonel in Indian Army?
After Colonel, the next ranks are Brigadier → Major General → Lieutenant General → General.
Q6: Is Major a gazetted officer?
Yes, all commissioned officers (Lieutenant and above) in the Indian Army are Group A Gazetted Officers.
Conclusion
In summary, between Colonel vs Major, the Colonel is senior, commands larger formations, and earns a higher pay scale. The Major plays a crucial tactical role, bridging junior officers and higher command. Both are pillars of leadership in the Indian Army, contributing to India’s defense strength.
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