Introduction
The Pakistan Army is one of the most respected and disciplined military forces in the world. Every year, thousands of young Pakistanis dream of wearing the green uniform and serving their country with pride. But before joining the Pakistan Army, it’s important to understand the army soldier ranks, their structure, and the responsibilities each rank carries.
This article provides a detailed, SEO-friendly guide to Pakistan Army ranks, including commissioned officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Whether you are a student preparing for recruitment or simply curious about the hierarchy, this guide will help you understand how ranks progress in the Pakistan Army.
Overview of Pakistan Army Ranks
The rank structure of the Pakistan Army is based on the British Army system, inherited after independence in 1947. The hierarchy is divided into three main categories:
- Commissioned Officers (COs)
- Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)
- Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) & Soldiers
Each level carries its own authority, pay scale (BPS), and responsibilities.
Commissioned Officer Ranks in Pakistan Army
Commissioned Officers are the leaders of the Pakistan Army. They command troops, make strategic decisions, and represent Pakistan in both national and international missions.
Below is the list of Pakistan Army Commissioned Officer Ranks from highest to lowest:
| Rank | Insignia | BPS / Scale | Star Level | Description |
| Field Marshal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Apex Scale | 5-Star | The highest rank, rarely awarded. Given for exceptional wartime leadership (e.g., General Ayub Khan). |
| General | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Apex Scale | 4-Star | Chief of Army Staff (COAS); leads the entire Pakistan Army. |
| Lieutenant General | ⭐⭐⭐ | BPS-22 | 3-Star | Commands a Corps; senior leadership position. |
| Major General | ⭐⭐ | BPS-21 | 2-Star | Commands a Division; high-ranking general. |
| Brigadier | ⭐ | BPS-20 | 1-Star | Leads a brigade; senior field commander. |
| Colonel | – | BPS-19 | – | Heads a regiment or department. |
| Lieutenant Colonel | – | BPS-19 | – | Commands a battalion and manages operations. |
| Major | – | BPS-18 | – | Staff officer or battalion second-in-command. |
| Captain | – | BPS-17 | – | Commands a company or platoon. |
| Lieutenant | – | BPS-17 | – | Junior officer rank; assists in command duties. |
| Second Lieutenant | – | BPS-17 | – | Entry-level officer; leads soldiers directly in the field. |
Fun Fact:
Every new officer in the Pakistan Army begins their career as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul.
Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Ranks in Pakistan Army
The JCOs act as a bridge between officers and soldiers. They are highly experienced and respected for their service and leadership.
| Rank | Abbreviation | BPS | Description |
| Subedar Major | Sbd-Maj | BPS-16 | Senior-most JCO; assists officers and leads units. |
| Subedar | Sbd | BPS-15 | Handles discipline, training, and daily operations of soldiers. |
| Naib Subedar | Nb-Sbd | BPS-13 or 14 | Entry-level JCO; first promotion from NCO ranks. |
Note: Promotions in JCO ranks are based on experience, service record, and training performance.
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Soldiers
These ranks represent the foundation of the Pakistan Army. Soldiers and NCOs are the backbone of operations — from training and fieldwork to national defense.
| Rank | Abbreviation | BPS | Description |
| Battalion Havildar Major | BHM | BPS-11 or 9 | Senior-most NCO in a battalion; responsible for discipline. |
| Company Havildar Major | CHM | BPS-11 or 9 | Manages company-level operations and orders. |
| Havildar | Hvl | BPS-9 or 11 | Leads a small team; equivalent to a sergeant. |
| Naik | Nk | BPS-8 or 9 | Assists Havildar in field duties. |
| Lance Naik | L/Nk | BPS-7 or 8 | Promoted soldier; assists section commander. |
| Soldier (Sepoy) | – | BPS-7 | Entry-level position in the army. Responsible for frontline duties. |
Army Pay Grades and Promotions
The Pakistan Army uses the Basic Pay Scale (BPS) system to determine salaries. Promotions depend on performance, service years, and successful completion of training courses.
Promotion Flow Example:
- Soldier → Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar
- Havildar → Naib Subedar → Subedar → Subedar Major
- After exceptional service or officer training → Commissioned Officer
Promotions in officer ranks follow merit, leadership ability, and educational background.
How to Join the Pakistan Army
Many students in Pakistan dream of joining the army and serving their nation with honor. There are several ways to join based on your education:
| Education Level | Entry Route | Rank |
| Matric / Intermediate | Soldier Recruitment | Soldier (Sepoy) |
| Intermediate | PMA Long Course | Second Lieutenant |
| Graduation / Masters | Short Service Commission (SSC) | Captain |
| Technical Degree (Engineering, IT, Medical) | Technical Cadet Course (TCC) | Lieutenant |
Pro Tip:
Stay updated on official announcements via Join Pakistan Army – Official Website.
Comparison of Pakistan Army Ranks with Navy and Air Force
| Rank Type | Army | Air Force | Navy |
| Entry Officer | Second Lieutenant | Pilot Officer | Midshipman |
| Mid-Level | Captain / Major | Flight Lieutenant / Squadron Leader | Lieutenant / Lieutenant Commander |
| Senior Officer | Colonel / Brigadier | Group Captain / Air Commodore | Captain / Commodore |
| Top Rank | General | Air Chief Marshal | Admiral |
This comparison shows how each branch maintains similar authority levels despite different titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ranks of an army soldier?
In the Pakistan Army, soldier ranks are divided into three main categories: Commissioned Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
Here’s a breakdown of the soldier ranks (from lowest to highest):
- Sepoy (Private)
- Lance Naik
- Naik
- Havildar
- Naib Subedar (JCO)
- Subedar (JCO)
- Subedar Major (Senior JCO)
These ranks represent the foundation of the Pakistan Army, where soldiers serve in various roles, from combat duties to leadership positions within platoons and companies.
What are Pak Army ranks in order?
The Pakistan Army ranks follow a structured system similar to the British military model. Below is the complete order from lowest to highest:
Enlisted (Non-Commissioned Officers & Soldiers):
- Sepoy
- Lance Naik
- Naik
- Havildar
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs):
5. Naib Subedar
6. Subedar
7. Subedar Major
Commissioned Officers:
8. Second Lieutenant
9. Lieutenant
10. Captain
11. Major
12. Lieutenant Colonel
13. Colonel
14. Brigadier
15. Major General
16. Lieutenant General
17. General
18. Field Marshal (honorary rank)
This hierarchy maintains discipline, leadership structure, and command flow within the Pakistan Army.
What is 3 stars in Pakistan Army?
A 3-star officer in the Pakistan Army holds the rank of Lieutenant General.
- This is one of the highest positions in the military hierarchy.
- A Lieutenant General typically commands a Corps, oversees major operations, or serves in senior administrative or strategic roles.
- They wear three stars on their uniform insignia, symbolizing their high authority and responsibility.
What is rank 7 in the army?
The 7th rank in the Pakistan Army (when counting from the lowest) is Subedar Major.
- This is the highest Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) rank.
- A Subedar Major acts as a bridge between officers and enlisted soldiers.
- They are known for their experience, leadership, and discipline, often serving as mentors for younger soldiers.
🇵🇰 Final Thoughts
The Pakistan Army rank structure reflects discipline, respect, and merit — values that define every soldier and officer serving under the green flag. From Soldier to General, every rank contributes to the defense and pride of the nation.
For students and youth inspired by this noble profession, understanding Army Soldier Ranks in Pakistan is the first step toward your dream of wearing the proud uniform.
Whether you join as a soldier or an officer, your commitment to Pakistan makes you part of something greater — a Mazboot Pakistan.