Colonel vs Sergeant — Rank, Salary, and Hierarchy in Indian Army 2025
Colonel vs Sergeant — Rank, Role, Salary, and Hierarchy in the Indian Army (2025)
If you’ve ever wondered who is higher — Colonel or Sergeant, what their ranks in the Indian Army are, or how military ranks in order work, this guide breaks it all down clearly. We’ll also cover ranks of Indian Army from lowest to highest, Colonel salary in India, and where these officers stand in the Army rank list.
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What is the Rank of Colonel and Sergeant?
- Colonel: A senior commissioned officer in the Indian Army, ranking above Lieutenant Colonel and below Brigadier.
- Sergeant: A non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank, senior to Corporal but junior to Subedar in Indian terms.
Simply put — the Colonel is a high-ranking commissioned officer who commands units of around 800–1,000 soldiers, whereas a Sergeant is an experienced non-commissioned leader who trains and supervises small teams or sections.
Colonel vs Sergeant — Key Differences
| Feature | Colonel | Sergeant |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Category | Commissioned Officer | Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) |
| Position in Hierarchy | Above Lieutenant Colonel, below Brigadier | Above Corporal, below Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) |
| Command Level | Commands a battalion or regiment | Leads a small section or squad |
| Reports To | Brigadier / General Officer | Lieutenant / Captain |
| Stars/Insignia | National emblem over two five-pointed stars | Three chevrons (V-shaped stripes) |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 13 | Level 6 (approx.) |
| Monthly Salary (Approx.) | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Nature of Role | Strategic and Commanding | Tactical and Supervisory |
Indian Army Ranks — From Lowest to Highest (2025)
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| Commissioned Officers | Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lieutenant General → General → Field Marshal |
| Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) | Naib Subedar → Subedar → Subedar Major |
| Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) | Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar → Sergeant (equivalent term in Air Force) |
| Soldiers | Sepoy (lowest rank) |
Indian Army Ranks in World Context
In international comparison, the Colonel in the Indian Army is equivalent to:
- Full Colonel in the U.S. Army
- Group Captain in the Indian Air Force
- Captain in the Indian Navy
While a Sergeant corresponds to a mid-level NCO rank globally, responsible for ground-level leadership and discipline.
Colonel Salary in Indian Army (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | ₹1.5 – ₹2.3 lakh/month (including allowances) |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹1.8 – ₹2.5 lakh/month (with allowances) |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 | ₹2 – ₹2.7 lakh/month |
Allowances include Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance (DA), High Altitude Allowance, and Transport Allowance.
Army Officer Ranks India — Quick Hierarchy
To understand where Colonel and Sergeant fit in the Army rank list:
- Officers: Lieutenant to General (Colonel is mid-senior level)
- JCOs: Senior soldiers who act as a bridge between officers and NCOs
- NCOs: Sergeants, Havildars — manage troops on the ground
Colonel vs Sergeant — At a Glance
| Criteria | Colonel | Sergeant |
|---|---|---|
| Rank Type | Commissioned Officer | Non-Commissioned Officer |
| Role | Command and Strategy | Training and Discipline |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹1.8–₹2.5 lakh/month | ₹40,000–₹60,000/month |
| Hierarchy Level | Mid–Senior Command | Ground Supervision |
| Reports To | Brigadier or General | Junior Officer (Lt/Captain) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is higher, Colonel or Sergeant?
Colonel is much higher than Sergeant. The Colonel is a senior commissioned officer, while Sergeant is a non-commissioned rank.
Q2: What is the salary of a Colonel in the Indian Army?
A Colonel’s salary ranges between ₹1.8 to ₹2.5 lakh per month with all allowances.
Q3: What are the ranks of Indian Army from lowest to highest?
The ranks are: Sepoy → Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar → Naib Subedar → Subedar → Subedar Major → Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lt Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lt General → General → Field Marshal.
Q4: What does a Sergeant do in the Indian Army?
A Sergeant is responsible for training, discipline, and direct supervision of soldiers in a unit.
Q5: Which is a higher post — Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel?
Colonel is higher than Lieutenant Colonel.
Conclusion
To sum up, Colonel and Sergeant are vastly different ranks in the Indian Army’s hierarchy. While the Colonel leads at the command and strategic level as a senior officer, the Sergeant leads on the ground, ensuring discipline and training among troops. Both are vital to maintaining the Indian Army’s structure and efficiency.
