Colonel (India)

The Indian Army has followed British Army rank system since its independence from British Empire in 1947. However, the crown in the rank insignia has been replaced with the Ashoka Lion, which symbolizes the sovereignty of Government of India.

Equivalency
Rank	Colonel
NATO Equivalent	OF-5
Uniform Insignia

Colonel in Indian Army is equivalent to Captain in Indian Navy and Group Captain in Indian Air Force. Like other armies, this rank is higher than Lieutenant Colonel and lower than a Brigadier.

Indian Officer Ranks
Rank	Field Marshal (5 Star)	General (4 Star)	Lieutenant General (3 Star)	Major General (2 Star)	Brigadier (1 Star)	Colonel	Lieutenant Colonel	Major	Captain	Lieutenant	2nd Lieutenant
NATO Equivalent	OF-10	OF-9	OF-8	OF-7	OF-6	OF-5	OF-4	OF-3	OF-2	OF-1	OF-1
Uniform Insignia