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Subedar-major
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Subedar Major
Indian and Pakistani insignia
Country
Service branch Indian Army
 Pakistan Army
Rank groupJunior commissioned officer
Next higher rankLieutenant (Indian Army)
Second Lieutenant (Pakistan Army)
Next lower rankSubedar
Equivalent ranksRisaldar major

Subedar-major (Hindustani: सूबेदार मेजर; صوبیدار میجر) is the senior-most rank of junior commissioned officer in the Indian and Pakistani Armies, formerly known as the Viceroy's commissioned officer in the British Indian Army.[1]

History

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Rank insignia for Subedar Major.

During the British Raj, subedar-major was the highest rank natives could achieve.

On 28 October 1817, the position was introduced by the East India Company (EIC) in the Native infantry of the Bengal Army, one of the three EIC's Presidency armies. The Madras Army adopted this rank on 2 February 1819.[2] In 1825, the Bengal native cavalry established the equivalent rank of risaldar-major, which was soon adopted by the Presidency armies of Bombay and Madras.[3] Both ranks would serve as a representative of their people to British officers, but could also command independent companies resp.[clarification needed] troops of irregular regiments.

Under British rule, in the British Indian Army a subedar-major wore the crown of a full major, a tradition which has continued with slight variation after independence. Subedar-major or risaldar-major equated to a British major and subedar or risaldar to captain, although junior to all British officers.[4]

Post independence

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After independence, which came in 1947 with the Partition of India, the former British Indian Army was divided between India and Pakistan.

Indian Army

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In the Indian Army, subedar major (SM) is junior to a lieutenant who is a commissioned officer. They possess a high amount of experience and are referred to as SM Sahab. An SM can lead a single unit or a headquarters that has troops under its command. Many times, they have been given honorary ranks[5] such as Hon. Lieutenant and Hon. Captain, as a mark of respect for their exceptional service record. The subedar majors and other Junior Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army are equivalent to Group-B gazetted officers in India.[6]

Sub Maj from the Bihar Regiment

The subedar major ranks now use Ashoka lions with a Gold National Emblem with a red-gold-red stripe below. These stripes separate subedar-majors from full commissioned majors.[7]

Subedar major within the Indian Army is considered as the chief advisor of the commanding officer, responsible for advising him in critical service matters. Any incident which is affecting the unit administration, security, or morale of troops is reported by him, to the Commanding Officer. He is responsible for the security of troops, civilians, soldiers of other corps and services, posted in the unit, and troops who have come on outstation assignment to his unit. He also ensures the maintenance of unit & regiment traditions, ethos and customs, the upkeep, and the maintenance of religious places within the battalion.[8]

The subedar major is also the unit or regiment cashier who handles all cash transactions. He is also responsible for the welfare of all his junior JCOs as well as NCOs and ORs.[9] A unit's subedar major also acts as a mentor to young commissioned officers as well as soldiers and is responsible for maintaining the collective discipline of the unit.[10]

Central Armed Police Forces (India)

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In the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India—excluding the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)—the designation of Subedar Major is used as a senior-most rank among subordinate officers. It is positioned above Inspector and below Assistant Commandant in the hierarchy. While not uniformly applied across all CAPFs, the rank is recognized in forces such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB, primarily for administrative and ceremonial purposes.

Pakistan Army

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Similar to other Commonwealth countries, Pakistan Army inherited its rank structure from the British Empire. Sergeant major is now the highest JCO/OR rank in the Pakistan Army, its equivalent to NATO OR-9 rank, with a wreathed star and crescent with green and red. These stripes separate subedar-majors from full commissioned majors.[11] It is also known by other names such as subedar major or risaldar major. Battalion subedar-major (BSM), on the other hand, is an appointment within a regiment. A battalion subedar-major is responsible for advising the unit officers on matters pertaining to enlisted ranks. He is also responsible for maintaining enlisted ranks discipline.

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the rank still holds significance in Pakistan Army culture, as the sergeant major in a battalion is regarded as an advocate for the enlisted ranks. Officers usually refer to senior enlisted ranks like battalion sergeant major as 'Sahab', which translates to Sir or 'Staff', as terms of respect.

Military colleges like College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Military College of Signals, Military College of Engineers, Pakistan Military Academy and Army Medical College also use battalion sergeant major as a cadet appointment reserved for senior year students.[12]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Subedar-major, also known as Subedar Major, is the highest-ranking (JCO) in the , serving as the senior-most non-commissioned leader within a or and acting as the principal advisor to the on matters of welfare, , , and regimental traditions. This rank, equivalent to Risaldar Major in and armoured units, is typically held by seasoned soldiers promoted based on merit and long service, often after rising through the ranks of Naib Subedar and . Originating in the as the senior Viceroy's Commissioned Officer (VCO)—a position established in to allow native soldiers to achieve high roles while remaining subordinate to British officers—the Subedar-major served as the right-hand man to the unit commander, providing counsel on all unit-related issues and embodying the bridge between enlisted personnel and officers. Following India's independence in 1947, the VCO system was restructured into the JCO cadre, with the Subedar-major retaining its core responsibilities but gaining enhanced status equivalent to (Gazetted) in the civil services hierarchy. The rank's consists of a placed above a broad red and gold stripe on the shoulder epaulette, distinguishing it from commissioned officer badges while symbolizing its authoritative yet advisory nature. In contemporary practice, Subedar-majors play a pivotal role in unit administration, training oversight, and , often participating in operational planning and representing the voice of Other Ranks (ORs) to higher command. Recent reforms, including the 2025 introduction of Command Subedar Major positions across the Army's seven commands—modeled after Western senior enlisted structures—have elevated select Subedar-majors to advise corps-level commanders on JCO and OR policies, welfare, and training, with tenures of up to three years. This evolution underscores the rank's enduring importance in fostering cohesion and operational effectiveness within the , a force comprising over 1.45 million active personnel as of 2025.

Overview

Definition and Etymology

The subedar-major is the senior-most rank among junior commissioned officers (JCOs) in the Indian and Pakistani Armies, serving as a bridge between non-commissioned officers and full commissioned s. Historically, in the , this rank was known as a Viceroy's commissioned officer (VCO), a status granted to senior Indian soldiers who held limited commissioning authority distinct from British warrant officers. The term "subedar-major" derives from the Persian word subahdār, meaning "holder of a province" or "provincial governor," where subah refers to a Mughal administrative province and dār denotes possession or authority. This title originated in the Mughal Empire, where a subahdar governed a subah with both civil and military responsibilities, and was later adapted by the British for native Indian officers in their colonial armies, evolving from Mughal military traditions to denote high-ranking indigenous leadership roles. In the current hierarchy, the ranks above the and naib subedar but below commissioned officers such as , forming the apex of the JCO cadre. Unlike non-commissioned officers (NCOs) like the , who lack formal commissioning, subedar-majors hold a warrant-like status with presidential commissioning in , classifying them as Group B gazetted officers entitled to certain administrative and disciplinary powers.

Role and Responsibilities

The subedar-major, as the senior-most (JCO) in a or equivalent unit, primarily advises the on critical aspects of welfare, , , and adherence to regimental traditions. This advisory role involves providing ground-level insights into unit dynamics, enabling informed decision-making to foster cohesion and operational effectiveness. Acting as a vital intermediary between commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, the subedar-major facilitates communication, relays concerns from the ranks, and helps resolve issues that could impact unit performance. Among specific duties, the subedar-major oversees regimental funds and cash transactions, including management of the Regimental Treasure Chest for payments to other ranks, maintenance of imprest accounts, and quarterly audits to ensure financial integrity for unit welfare. They preserve unit history and traditions by safeguarding customs, ethos, and ceremonial practices, while enforcing dress codes and standards to uphold regimental pride. Additionally, they mentor junior JCOs, serving as through personal influence and guidance on and conduct. In battalions, the subedar-major functions as the senior enlisted advisor, supervising all JCOs, presiding over their and club, and maintaining direct oversight of enlisted welfare to prevent lapses in or morale. In combat scenarios during the colonial era of the , subedar-majors could assume command roles, such as leading units in emergencies when British officers were unavailable, and coordinated logistics for native troops, drawing on their experience to sustain operations. This transitioned in post-independence forces to a focus on advisory support, though they retain the capacity to assume temporary command roles when required to maintain unit integrity under duress. Subedar-majors with exemplary long service are eligible for honorary promotions to or ranks, conferring privileges such as the right to receive salutes from troops and enhanced ceremonial status upon retirement. These honorary commissions recognize sustained contributions to unit leadership and are awarded selectively to honor their pivotal role in the regimental system.

History

Origins in the Armies

The rank of subedar-major was established on 28 October 1817 in the by the , marking the creation of a senior native officer position to enhance command structures within the . This innovation followed earlier experiments with native leadership roles and aimed to formalize promotions for experienced sepoys, providing a pathway beyond traditional subordinate positions. The role drew inspiration from the Mughal-era , a provincial and military , adapting indigenous administrative traditions to the Company's hybrid military framework. Adoption of the subedar-major rank extended to the on 2 February 1819, where it similarly served as the pinnacle of native commissions, with defined selection criteria, pay scales, and allowances equivalent to those of a British company-grade such as a or . For units, an analogous rank, risaldar-major, was introduced in the Native on 1 January 1825 to parallel the structure, and it was subsequently implemented in the Bombay and Madras formations by the late 1820s. These ranks functioned as a critical bridge between British commanding and the ranks, facilitating communication, discipline, and operational efficiency in diverse regiments while limiting native authority to advisory and supervisory capacities below European commissions. In the early decades of the , the subedar-major position played a pivotal role in maintaining order amid regional unrest, particularly in the aftermath of the 1806 , where native discontent had erupted into open rebellion against Company policies. By offering elevated status, pay, and responsibilities to loyal long-serving natives, the rank incentivized allegiance and helped suppress subsequent disturbances, such as those during the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818), underscoring the Company's strategy to integrate indigenous leadership for stability up to the transfer of control to the British Crown in 1858.

Development in the British Indian Army

Following the Indian Revolt of 1857, the British Crown assumed direct administration of India through the Government of India Act 1858, prompting significant reforms in the Indian Army to prevent future uprisings and integrate loyal native elements more securely under British oversight. The rank of subedar-major was formalized as the senior-most Viceroy's Commissioned Officer (VCO), with commissions issued directly by the Viceroy rather than the East India Company, marking a shift from pre-revolt native officer structures. This apex VCO position, typically held by experienced Indian soldiers in their late 40s or older, was equivalent to a British major in terms of pay scale, protocol, and advisory responsibilities to British commanding officers, though always junior in overall command hierarchy to even the lowest British commissioned officer. By 1861, the creation of separate Staff Corps for the Bengal, Bombay, and Madras armies further structured VCO roles, emphasizing their function as intermediaries between British officers and Indian troops to ensure discipline and operational efficiency. The insignia for subedar-majors evolved to reflect their elevated status within the VCO cadre during the period. Under the 1901 Dress Regulations, the rank was denoted by three pips on the shoulder, signifying seniority among native officers. By the 1913 Dress Regulations, this changed to a single , mirroring the British major's insignia and underscoring the rank's symbolic alignment with imperial authority, a design retained through the 1931 regulations and adapted post-1935 with the addition of a red-yellow-red ribbon band during wartime expansions. This emblem, introduced amid broader standardizations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighted the subedar-major's role as a bridge between colonial command and Indian soldiery, often worn on tunics during active service. During (1914–1918) and (1939–1945), subedar-majors led platoons and companies in overseas theaters, earning gallantry recognition through awards like the (IOM), the highest pre-1947 decoration for Indian other ranks and VCOs. For instance, Makhmad Anwar of the 15th Regiment, who joined in 1918 and served in and Burma before , was posthumously awarded the IOM in 1947 for refusing Japanese coercion as a after the 1942 , exemplifying the rank's valor in maintaining loyalty amid extreme duress. Subedar-majors participated in suppressing civil unrest, such as the 1919 Punjab disturbances, where senior Indian officers like Rissaldar-Major (cavalry equivalent) Fazal Dad Khan volunteered units for in on April 10 amid protests against the and leader deportations. In World War II's (1942–1945), subedar-majors advised on tactics and led and Regiment units through grueling advances, contributing to Allied victories like the capture of and the formal Japanese surrender in 1945. By the 1930s, however, recruitment into VCO ranks, including subedar-majors, began declining due to accelerated Indianization policies under the and subsequent expansions, which prioritized King's Commissioned Indian Officers (KCIOs) for full command roles, reducing VCO appointments from thousands pre-World War I to a supplementary cadre by 1947 as over 8,500 Indian KCIOs were commissioned.

Post-Independence Usage

In the Indian Army

In the modern , the subedar-major rank has been retained post-independence as the senior-most position among Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), serving as a critical link between commissioned officers and other ranks. Under the 7th Central Pay Commission, subedar-majors are placed at pay level 8, with a basic pay starting at ₹47,600 per month, which, including pay of ₹5,200 and other allowances, approximates an in-hand of around ₹65,000 as of 2025. Selection to this rank typically occurs through departmental promotion processes, including exams and assessments, from serving subedars who have demonstrated and long-term service, often after 20-25 years in the force. Subedar-majors function primarily as battalion-level advisors to commanding officers on matters affecting sepoys, including , , welfare, and operational readiness, drawing on their extensive field experience to bridge gaps in unit cohesion. In combat scenarios, they have played pivotal roles in leading assaults and coordinating troops; for instance, during the in 1999, Subedar Nirmal Singh of the 8 led his unit in repelling Pakistani counterattacks on Tiger Hill, contributing to the successful capture of key positions despite heavy casualties. Training for subedar-majors includes mandatory courses at institutions like the Junior Leaders Academy in , focusing on advanced , operational tactics, and over periods such as four-week specialized programs. Perks encompass comprehensive benefits, including lifelong pensions ranging from ₹55,000 to ₹65,000 monthly after 25+ years of service, free medical care under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for personnel and families, subsidized family quarters, and access to canteen facilities. Additionally, subedar-majors with 28 or more years of exemplary service may receive honorary commissions, such as Honorary or , recognizing their contributions without altering pay or duties. In 2025, the introduced Command Subedar Major positions across its seven commands, modeled after Western senior enlisted advisor roles. Select subedar-majors are appointed to these posts for tenures of up to three years, advising corps-level commanders on policies, welfare, and training for JCOs and other ranks. The first such appointment was Ojit Singh for Northern Command, enhancing the rank's strategic influence. The introduction of the in 2022 has integrated short-service pathways for entry-level recruits, allowing select Agniveers to transition into regular service and potentially advance to JCO ranks like subedar-major through merit-based absorption and promotions, though the rank itself remains unchanged with no abolitions reported as of 2025.

In the

Following the partition of British in 1947, the retained the rank of Subedar-major as the senior-most position among Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs). This rank is equivalent to the OR-9 grade, comparable to a in Western armies. The Subedar-major acts as the primary advisor to the battalion on enlisted personnel issues, including discipline, welfare, training, and operational readiness. In and armoured units, the parallel rank is Risaldar-major, and promotions to Subedar-major frequently draw from experienced Risaldar-majors based on merit, , and selection boards. Subedar-majors have been integral to the Army's operations in key conflicts, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947–1948, 1965, 1971, and the 1999 conflict, as well as sustained high-altitude deployments along the since the 1980s. These personnel have demonstrated leadership in harsh environments, such as Siachen's extreme conditions, where they oversee , morale, and combat effectiveness for troops at elevations over 6,000 meters. Gallantry awards underscore their contributions in high-risk engagements. Within the Pakistan Army's structure, the Subedar-major holds Basic Pay Scale (BPS)-16, with total monthly emoluments, including allowances for housing, medical care, and rations, exceeding PKR 100,000 as of 2025. Promotions to this rank involve advanced training at institutions like the for leadership courses, alongside specialized instruction at regimental centers to prepare for advisory and administrative duties. Distinct to the , regimental life for Subedar-majors incorporates Islamic traditions, with daily prayers, religious instruction, and faith-based motivation integrated into unit ethos and ceremonies to foster and resilience. The system does not provide honorary commissions to retiring Subedar-majors, unlike practices in some other forces. Personnel in this rank qualify for pensions and additional benefits like medical coverage upon .

In Indian Central Armed Police Forces

In the Indian Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Subedar-major rank represents the pinnacle of subordinate officer positions within organizations such as the (CRPF), (BSF), (ITBP), and (SSB). Positioned immediately above and below , it functions as a bridge between non-gazetted ranks and gazetted officers, emphasizing leadership in non-combatized security roles. Established post-1947 amid the reorganization of paramilitary structures for internal security and border management, the rank supports the CAPFs' mandate under the Ministry of Home Affairs to handle , counter-terrorism, and frontier defense without the full military combat orientation of the Indian Army. Subedar-majors in CAPFs oversee company-sized units during operational deployments, focusing on counter-insurgency missions in conflict zones like Naxal-affected regions in , where they coordinate patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to threats. In border-guarding roles, particularly with the BSF and ITBP, they lead routine and anti-infiltration operations along international frontiers, ensuring compliance with protocols for terrain-specific challenges such as high-altitude or riverine borders. Beyond field duties, they serve as key advisors to commanding officers on recruit induction, weapons handling training, and , fostering unit cohesion and operational efficiency in prolonged deployments. For instance, in the CRPF's anti-Naxal operations, Subedar-majors often act as on-ground coordinators for joint exercises with , emphasizing and alongside security enforcement. Promotion to Subedar-major occurs through merit-based selection from serving or Sub-Inspectors, evaluated by departmental promotion boards that assess seniority, annual performance appraisals, and vacancy availability, typically requiring 15-18 years of service in the general duty cadre. Once promoted, personnel receive remuneration under Pay Level 8 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (basic pay ranging from ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100), aligning closely with equivalent ranks in forces while incorporating CAPF-specific allowances for hazardous duties. Specialized training post-promotion is imparted at force-dedicated institutions, such as the CRPF Academy at Group Centre Kadarpur for tactical and administrative skills, or the BSF Academy in Tekanpur for border-specific modules including anti-smuggling tactics and high-altitude . Notable contributions by Subedar-majors highlight their operational impact; during the 1962 , early ITBP units under subordinate officers provided essential border support and reconnaissance, aiding the overall defense posture in the eastern sector. By 2025, the rank's scope has broadened with the induction of women into combatized roles across CAPFs, enabling female Subedar-majors to command mixed or all-women battalions in internal security tasks, as part of ongoing recruitment drives targeting 4,000 additional women personnel.

Insignia and Equivalents

Rank Insignia

The rank insignia for the Subedar-major in the features the , consisting of three Ashoka lions atop a capital, embroidered in gold and worn on the shoulder epaulettes, with the emblem placed above a broad red-gold-red stripe. This design was adopted in the post-independence era around 1950, replacing the colonial British crown to symbolize national sovereignty. In the , the Subedar-major's insignia comprises a wreathed emblem on a green background with red facings on the collar and cuffs. Retained since the 1947 partition, this configuration incorporates Islamic motifs aligned with Pakistan's national symbols, distinguishing it from pre-partition British designs while maintaining continuity in the warrant officer . Variations of the Subedar-major insignia appear in India's (CAPF), mirroring the Indian Army's use of the without any crown elements, but incorporating force-specific badges for distinction. For instance, in the (BSF), it features the emblem with a blue-red ribbon, while in the (CRPF), it includes the emblem with a stripe and blue-white elements. These adaptations ensure uniformity with the armed forces while reflecting operational identities. Historically, during the period from 1864 to 1947, the Subedar-major (then a Viceroy's Commissioned Officer rank) was denoted by a surmounting a crossed sword and baton on the shoulder straps, a pattern formalized in the mid-19th century dress regulations. Post-World War II adjustments in the late 1940s began transitioning these symbols to preparatory independence motifs, fully evolving into republican emblems by 1950 to eliminate colonial associations.

Equivalent Ranks

The subedar-major rank aligns with the OR-9 grade, corresponding to senior positions such as class 1 in British and armies, including the or roles. In the United States , it equates to E-8 or E-9 enlisted grades, particularly or in advisory or senior enlisted advisory capacities during joint operations or training roles. This equivalence emphasizes the subedar-major's role as a high-level advisor and disciplinarian without full . Historically, during the British colonial period, the subedar-major held protocol equivalence to a major for ceremonial and social purposes within the , though it remained subordinate in operational command to commissioned officers. Post-1947 , the rank has been restructured to align more closely with categories in forces, reflecting a shift toward standardized senior enlisted structures. In terms of pay and status, the subedar-major in the is classified as a gazetted , granting administrative and pension benefits comparable to junior grades, while contrasting with the purely enlisted E-8/E-9 pay scales in the U.S. system that lack gazetted status. In the , the subedar-major mirrors the British Army's in and advisory stature, positioned at the apex of junior commissioned ranks with equivalent basic pay structures under Basic Pay Scale 16. Distinct from full commissioned ranks, the subedar-major does not exercise independent command over units but enjoys officer-like privileges, including access to separate Junior Commissioned Officers' messes, dedicated family quarters, and authorized second-class air-conditioned rail travel. These distinctions underscore its hybrid position bridging enlisted and officer hierarchies across militaries.

References

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