Pakistan Army Ranks and Salary

Pakistan Army Ranks, Salary and Scale

In Pakistan Army, ranks are followed by the procedures as it is being followed by the Britishers. Pakistan Army Ranks have been initiated by using Khaki uniform because it seems combat uniform. In British government, Officers were made by growing from lower ranks.

In Pakistan, commissioned Officers are to be promoted just after six months of training. Pakistan Army Ranks were introduced on the formation of Royal Air Force in 1918 A.D. Personnel are divided into three main categories: Officers, JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers), and NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) or Soldiers. Normally, at the lower level, personnel are awarded Grade-1 to Grade-16.

Uniform & Insignia: Pakistan Army Ranks are dressed at the shoulders or arms. While the uniform is mostly the same, ranks are categorized on qualification and service. Currently, ranks are placed on the chest with insignia, or at the shoulders when wearing the Khaki uniform.

The lowest rank is Sepahi (Sepoy) and the highest rank is Field Marshal. The Chief of Army Staff commands the overall force, providing direction to all categories. Salary and expected pay scales are provided for each rank to give a clear idea of the financial structure for NCOs, JCOs, and Officers.

Retiring officials can rejoin as civilians in various departments, such as the Atomic Energy Commission. The maximum age to join is 45 years. Pakistan Army is globally recognized as one of the best forces in the world, leading among the Pak Forces including the Navy and Air Force.

Understanding Structure

Overview of Pakistan Army Ranks in Order

Military ranks form the backbone of organizational structure in Pakistan Army. They define authority, responsibility, and the chain of command.

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13 Ranks Commissioned Officers

Leading with strategic vision and command authority.

🎖️
3 Ranks Junior Officers

Bridging the gap between officers and soldiers.

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4 Ranks Non-Commissioned

Forming the backbone and maintaining discipline.

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2 Ranks Soldiers

The foundation, serving from Sepoy to Lance Naik.

Complete Pakistan Army Rank Structure

Officers
JCOs
NCOs
Soldiers

Pakistan Army Ranks of Officers Chart

Pakistan Army Ranks Heirarchy of officers

11
Field Marshal Field Marshal
InsigniaCrossed batons surrounded by laurel wreath.
RoleHonorary lifetime rank awarded for exceptional military leadership.
Pay ScaleBPS: Apex - Honorary.
10
General General
InsigniaCrossed sword & baton, crown, and crescent star.
RoleCommands the entire Army (COAS) or CJCSC.
Monthly PayBPS: Apex - PKR 450,000+.
9
Lt General Lieutenant General
InsigniaCrossed sword & baton, and crescent star.
RoleCommands a Corps (approx. 20,000-50,000 troops).
Monthly PayBPS: 22 - PKR 380,000+.
8
Major General Major General
InsigniaCrossed sword & baton, and a crown.
RoleCommands a Division (approx. 15,000 troops).
Monthly PayBPS: 21 - PKR 320,000+.
7
Brigadier Brigadier
InsigniaThree crowns and crescent star.
RoleCommands a Brigade and manages staff operations.
Monthly PayBPS: 20 - PKR 270,000+.
6
Colonel Colonel
InsigniaTwo crowns and crescent star.
RoleSenior staff officer advising high-level command.
Monthly PayBPS: 19 - PKR 220,000+.
5
Lt Colonel Lieutenant Colonel
InsigniaA crown and crescent star.
RoleCommands a Battalion (approx. 1,000 soldiers).
Monthly PayBPS: 19 - PKR 180,000+.
4
Major Major
InsigniaCrescent and star.
RoleSenior officer; typically serves as a Company Commander.
Monthly PayBPS: 18 - PKR 140,000+.
3
Captain Captain
InsigniaThree crowns.
RoleLeads a Company of 100+ soldiers in the field.
Monthly PayBPS: 18 - PKR 100,000+.
2
Lieutenant Lieutenant
InsigniaTwo crowns.
RoleExecutive officer of a platoon or company staff.
Monthly PayBPS: 17 - PKR 65,000+.
1
Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
InsigniaA single crown.
RoleJunior officer leading a Platoon of 30 soldiers.
Monthly PayBPS: 17 - PKR 50,000+.

Pakistan Army Ranks Heirarchy as per level

Level: Strategic
Strategic Command and Policy Makers Supreme Command Authority
General, Lt General, Maj General
Level: Command
Senior Officers Formation and unit commanders
Brigadier, Colonel, Lt Colonel
Level: Field
Field Officers Company and platoon leadership
Major, Captain, Lieutenant, 2nd Lt
Level: JCOs
Junior Commissioned Officers Bridge between officers and troops
Subedar Major, Subedar, Naib Subedar
Level: NCOs
Non-Commissioned Officers Section and team leaders
Havildar Major, Havildar, Naik, L/Naik
Level: Foundation
Soldiers Core strength of the army
Sepoy, Military Police, Clerk, Driver, Mechanic, Cook

Pakistan Army Ranks (JCOs, NCOs, and Sepoy)

Pakistan Army JCOs, NCOs, and Sepoy Ranks Insignia Chart

Junior Commissioned Officers

Subedar Major Subedar Major
Scale & Pay BPS: 16 | PKR 85,000 - 90,000 Role Highest JCO rank; advisor to the unit CO.
JCO-3 Level
Subedar Subedar
Scale & Pay BPS: 15 | PKR 65,000 - 75,000 Role Oversees company administration.
JCO-2 Level
Naib Subedar Naib Subedar
Scale & Pay BPS: 14 | PKR 55,000 - 62,000 Role Entry JCO; manages platoon logistics.
JCO-1 Level

Non Commissioned Officers

Havildar Havildar
Scale & Pay BPS: 11-13 | PKR 45,000 - 55,000 Role Senior NCO in charge of a section.
Naik Naik
Scale & Pay BPS: 9-10 | PKR 35,000 - 42,000 Role NCO acting as a team leader.
Lance Naik Lance Naik
Scale & Pay BPS: 8 | PKR 30,000 - 35,000 Role Junior leader at the squad level.

Sepoy

🎖️ Sepoy
Scale & Pay BPS: 7 | PKR 25,000 - 30,000 Role Foundation of the army; basic soldiering duties.

Appointment Ranks

Pakistan Army Appointment Ranks Insignia Chart

Pay, Allowances & Benefits

A comprehensive breakdown of the financial structure and additional perks provided to Pakistan Army personnel, ensuring a secure future for soldiers and their families.

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Basic Pay

Competitive core salary structured according to the Revised Basic Pay Scales (BPS) of the Government, incremented annually.

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Allowances

Comprehensive monthly support including House Rent, Medical, Conveyance, and Special Area/Hardship allowances.

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Benefits

Unmatched perks including specialized healthcare (CMH), child education support, and guaranteed housing schemes post-retirement.

Commissioned Officers

Rank Basic Pay Scale Salary (PKR)
Field MarshalApexHonorary (Wartime)
GeneralApex450,000+
Lieutenant General22380,000 – 420,000
Major General21320,000 – 370,000
Brigadier20270,000 – 310,000
Colonel19220,000 – 260,000
Lieutenant Colonel19180,000 – 210,000
Major18140,000 – 170,000
Captain18100,000 – 140,000
Lieutenant1775,000 – 95,000
Second Lieutenant1760,000 – 70,000

Junior Commissioned Officers

Rank Basic Pay Scale Salary (PKR)
Subedar Major1685,000 – 100,000
Subedar1565,000 – 80,000
Naib Subedar1455,000 – 62,000

Non Commissioned Officers

Rank Basic Pay Scale Salary (PKR)
Havildar8-1144,000 – 48,000
Naik740,000 – 42,000
Lance Naik638,000 – 40,000

Soldiers (GD & Other Trades)

Rank Basic Pay Scale Salary (PKR)
Soldier (General Duty)1-434,000 – 37,000
Soldier Clerk11-1337,000 – 45,000
Soldier Driver434,000 – 40,000
Soldier Cook1-533,000 – 60,000
Technician (EME Corps)1-734,000 – 55,000
Note: Salary figures are approximate and may vary based on service length, special duties, and current government pay scale revisions. Contact official sources for exact figures.

Pakistan Military Ranks, Salary and How to Join Pakistan Military Forces

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pakistan Army Ranks

The highest rank is General. However, in Pakistan Army Ranks, the Field Marshal rank is a five-star honorary rank, which has only been held by Ayub Khan.
In Pakistan Army Ranks, the JCO ranks include Naib Subedar (BPS-14), Subedar (BPS-15), and Subedar Major (BPS-16).
A Major General is a two-star rank. Their insignia features two stars and a crossed baton and saber.
No, a Sepoy is an "Other Rank" (OR). The NCO ranks start from Lance Naik up to Havildar.
In the Pakistan Army, a Captain is typically BPS-17, while a Major is categorized under BPS-18.
Yes, soldiers can apply for commission through the PMA Long Course or In-Service Commission if they meet the criteria.
The starting salary for a Second Lieutenant (BPS-17) ranges from PKR 60,000 to 75,000, excluding additional allowances.
A Brigadier (one-star rank) wears an insignia consisting of one star and the national emblem (Crescent and Star) over a crossed baton and saber.
The highest-ranking officer is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who holds the four-star rank of General.
A Havildar is a senior NCO who commands a section of soldiers and assists in platoon-level training and discipline.
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