Which one of the following statements is correct?
The rank of Second Lieutenant has been abolished
Understanding Indian Army Ranks
The question asks us to identify the correct statement among the given options regarding the structure and ranks within the Indian Army.
Let's carefully examine each statement to determine its accuracy.
Analysis of Each Statement
-
Statement 1: The rank of Second Lieutenant has been abolished
Historically, Second Lieutenant was the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Indian Army, as in many other armies. However, this rank was abolished in the Indian Army in 1968. New officers commissioned from academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA) are now commissioned as Lieutenants.
Based on historical facts, this statement is correct.
-
Statement 2: The Chief of Army Staff carries the rank of Field Marshal
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is the professional head of the Indian Army. The standard rank for the COAS is General, which is a four-star rank.
Field Marshal is a five-star honorary rank, which is a ceremonial position higher than a General. It has been conferred only twice in the history of the Indian Army (to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa). The Chief of Army Staff does not automatically hold the rank of Field Marshal.
Based on the standard rank structure, this statement is incorrect.
-
Statement 3: All officers posted to Andaman and Nicobar Islands wear the ranks of the Indian Navy
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's only tri-service theatre command, integrating personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Officers posted to integrated commands like ANC retain their original service ranks and uniforms. They do not adopt the ranks of a single service like the Indian Navy just because they are posted there.
Based on the structure of integrated commands, this statement is incorrect.
-
Statement 4: The rank of Major General is higher than the rank of Lieutenant General
In the hierarchical structure of the Indian Army's commissioned officer ranks, the order of senior ranks from lower to higher is typically:
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
- Field Marshal (Honorary)
According to this hierarchy, the rank of Lieutenant General is higher than the rank of Major General.
Based on the rank hierarchy, this statement is incorrect.
Conclusion
Upon evaluating each statement, we find that only the statement regarding the abolition of the Second Lieutenant rank is factually correct.
Therefore, the correct statement is: The rank of Second Lieutenant has been abolished.
| Rank | Hierarchy Relative to Others | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | Lower than Lieutenant | Abolished in 1968 in the Indian Army |
| Lieutenant | Higher than (former) Second Lieutenant | Current entry rank for commissioned officers |
| Major General | Lower than Lieutenant General | A two-star rank |
| Lieutenant General | Higher than Major General, lower than General | A three-star rank |
| General | Higher than Lieutenant General, lower than Field Marshal | Four-star rank, held by COAS |
| Field Marshal | Highest (Honorary) | Five-star honorary rank, above General |
Revision Table: Key Facts on Indian Army Ranks
| Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant Rank | Abolished in 1968. Officers now start as Lieutenants. |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | Holds the rank of General (a four-star rank). |
| Field Marshal | An honorary, five-star rank above General. Not the standard rank for COAS. |
| Integrated Commands (e.g., ANC) | Officers from Army, Navy, Air Force retain their original service ranks when posted. |
| Major General vs. Lieutenant General | Lieutenant General is a higher rank than Major General. |
Additional Information: Structure of Commissioned Ranks
The commissioned officer ranks in the Indian Army follow a specific hierarchy, broadly categorised into junior, field, and general officers. Understanding this structure is crucial for questions about military ranks.
- Junior Officers: Lieutenant, Captain
- Field Officers: Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier
- General Officers: Major General, Lieutenant General, General
The rank of Field Marshal is an honorary rank conferred for exceptional service, not a regular position in the hierarchy.
Integrated commands like the Andaman and Nicobar Command represent a modern approach to military structure, combining forces from different services for better coordination, but personnel maintain their parent service identity regarding ranks and uniforms.
Similar Questions
- Which one of the following statements. about the Wassenaar Arrangement is not correct?
Which of the following is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure ?
Which one of the following is a Peacetime Gallantry Award?
The Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is located at which one of the following places?
The rank of Captain of the Indian Navy is equivalent to which one of the following?
Which one of the following statements is correct in relation to the Indian Air Force?
The rank of Major General in the Indian Army is equivalent to:
Who is the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee?
Which one of the following is not an Air Defence Missile system?
Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is _________.
Important Questions from Defence
The recent largest ever coastal defence exercise is conducted by the Indian Navy is named as:
In which of the following places is the headquarters of Eastern Command of Indian Army located?
The Indian Navy and Russian Navy commenced the 11 th edition of bilateral maritime exercise called ______ 2020.
In November 2020, Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene class submarine ________ was launched at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock.
A system of rules that takes effect when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of justice is called ________.
