Do you also wonder how to become a brigadier in the Indian Army? Young defence aspirants, who are desirous of joining the Indian Army, often come up with such fascinating questions. First of all, the post of Brigadier is a highly senior officer rank, and to achieve such a rank, you will have to gain decades of experience in the Indian Army. In this article, Centurion Defence Academy will help you understand the complete selection process for a brigadier in the Indian Army. After going through this article, you will also be able to learn about the hierarchy of Indian Army officers and the perks and benefits offered to them. Read on to learn more about how to become a brigadier in the Indian Army.

Ways to Become a Brigadier in the Indian Army

• Becoming a Brigadier in the Indian Army is a significant achievement that requires dedication, experience, and a proven track record of leadership and service.
• To become a brigadier, defence aspirants usually start by joining the Indian Army as permanent commissioned officers.
• One can do so by qualifying through various entry modes, such as NDA, CDS, TES, or any other such entries that offer permanent commission.
• After joining, officers progress through various ranks, starting from Lieutenant and gradually moving up through Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel ranks.
• The appointment of a brigadier is on a selection basis, subject to fulfillment of the requisite service conditions of the Indian Army.

Brigadier in the Indian Army

Officer Ranks in the Indian Army

In the Indian Army, different ranks come with various responsibilities and pay scales. A Brigadier is a senior officer ranked at Level 13A. They receive a monthly pay scale between Rs. 1,39,600 and Rs. 2,17,600. Additionally, they get a fixed Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month. Further, they are also entitled to various perks and benefits provided to officers.

Now, there are officers both above and below a Brigadier in the hierarchy. Above a Brigadier, there are officers like Field Marshal (which is more of a ceremonial rank), General, Lieutenant General, and Major General. These officers hold higher ranks and often have more significant responsibilities within the military structure.

Below a Brigadier, there are officers like Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Captain, and Lieutenant. These officers have lesser seniority and responsibilities compared to a Brigadier but play crucial roles in various military operations.

Throughout an officer’s career, how well they perform is incredibly important. They need to consistently excel in their duties, show strong leadership qualities, perform well in training programs, and receive positive feedback from their seniors. This continuous demonstration of excellence helps in their progression through the ranks and contributes to their success in the armed forces.

Promotion to the rank of Brigadier

The promotion to the rank of Brigadier involves a selection process conducted by a promotion board comprising senior officers. This board reviews the service records, performance evaluations, qualifications, and potential of eligible Colonels aspiring for promotion to the rank of Brigadier. Officers aspiring for promotion to Brigadier need to exhibit strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking, decision-making skills, and the capacity to command larger units or formations effectively. The promotion to Brigadier is based on a combination of merit, service record, leadership potential, and recommendations from superiors. Successful officers are chosen based on their overall suitability for higher responsibilities at the Brigadier rank.

Once selected, officers are promoted to the rank of Brigadier and assume responsibilities at that level, overseeing larger units or command areas. In the Indian Army, promotions are typically governed by a system that combines both time-based and selection-based criteria. The promotion process is designed to ensure that deserving officers and soldiers progress through the ranks based on a combination of their tenure in service, performance, merit, and potential.

Time Scale Promotion:

Time-scale promotion is based on the time an individual spends in a particular rank or position. There are predefined periods set for each rank, and if an officer or soldier meets the minimum service duration criteria for that rank, they become eligible for promotion. This type of promotion is automatic and doesn’t require a selection board evaluation. It rewards individuals for their service tenure and dedication to the Army. For example, let’s consider the promotion of an officer from Lieutenant to Captain in the Indian Army on completion of 2 years.

Selection-Based Promotion:

Selection-based promotions involve a competitive process where officers are evaluated based on their performance, qualifications, leadership capabilities, skills, and potential for assuming higher responsibilities. Selection boards consisting of senior officers assess officers’ performance records, recommendations, training, and overall suitability for higher ranks.

For instance, an officer aiming for promotion from Colonel to Brigadier might undergo a selection board review. The board would evaluate various aspects of the officer’s career, including their performance in missions, training courses completed, leadership abilities, and recommendations from superiors. Based on this comprehensive assessment, the board decides whether the officer is qualified and suitable for promotion to the rank of Brigadier.

NDA provides a golden opportunity to become a Brigadier

The conclusion is that one cannot become a brigadier in the Indian Army directly. It is a process, and it starts once you join the Indian Army as an officer. Then, you spend decades of your life in service and go through various promotional phases before becoming a brigadier. The NDA exam provides a golden opportunity to become an officer in the Indian Army and get the rank of brigadier. If you want to know more about the NDA exam or want to prepare under the best guidance, Centurion Defence Academy stands out as the best NDA coaching in India. For more details regarding NDA courses or admission queries, contact us at +91 9795977776.