Army plans to cut out brigadier rank, open direct route for colonels to become generals

New Delhi: The Indian Army is considering a major restructuring of its officer hierarchy by proposing the removal of the brigadier rank. Under the proposed system, colonels could be promoted directly to major generals, reducing one level in the existing promotion chain.

The move is aimed at addressing delays in career progression caused by the limited availability of senior positions. It could also affect the Navy and Air Force, where commodore and air commodore hold ranks equivalent to brigadier.

Army is preparing to formally submit the recommendation to the 8th Central Pay Commission through the defence ministry. The proposal is expected to be finalized within this month or the next, the New Indian Express reported.

Why the Army wants to scrap brigadier rank

The proposal seeks to address the difference in career progression between military officers and their civilian counterparts. An Army officer takes around 32 to 33 years to reach Pay Level 14, associated with the rank of major general. Officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service can reach the same pay level within 16 to 18 years.

The difference is largely linked to the Army’s pyramid-shaped rank structure, where the number of available posts decreases sharply at senior levels. A cadre restructuring proposal shows that 86 per cent of officer positions are at Lieutenant colonel level or below. colonels account for 10.5 per cent of posts, brigadiers 2.5 per cent and major generals just 0.8 per cent.

By comparison, more than 26 per cent of IPS officers are in the senior administrative grade and above, against around 1 per cent of Army officers in the corresponding senior category.

The proposal argues that the Army has nine ranks compared with six designations in the civil services. It identifies brigadier, rather than lieutenant colonel, for abolition to reduce one stage in the promotion structure.

How would the proposed structure work?

If accepted, major generals would be responsible for commanding both brigades and divisions. The proposal also recommends making major general the minimum retirement rank for regular officers.

The change would require a review of command appointments across the three services. The Navy and Air Force could also face corresponding changes because their commodore and air commodore ranks are equivalent to brigadier.

Impact on Army’s combat restructuring

The proposal comes amid changes in the Army’s combat formations. In July, the force activated its first five integrated battle groups (IBGs) and a fire support group, with six major generals appointed to command them.

Each IBG comprises around 5,000 troops, making it larger than a traditional brigade but smaller than a division. The formations are part of the Army’s efforts to reorganise its combat units.

The Army’s new all-arms Rudra brigades, however, continue to be commanded by brigadiers. Each formation has approximately 3,000 troops. This means the proposed abolition would also require the Army to examine how existing command responsibilities are distributed.

The idea was first considered in 2018 during a cadre restructuring study ordered by then Army chief General Bipin Rawat. At the time, the Army described it as a proposal, while several veterans questioned the need to remove a rank traditionally responsible for commanding brigades.

The current exercise marks a formal attempt to place the recommendation before the pay commission.

The 8th Central Pay Commission, headed by justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, was constituted in November 2025. It is expected to submit its report to the Centre by May 2027, with its recommendations potentially implemented from November 2027.

The abolition of the brigadier rank is not yet approved. The final decision will depend on the commission’s recommendations and the government’s approval.