Field marshal (India)

Field marshal (abbreviated as FM) is a five–star officer rank and the highest attainable rank in the Indian Army. Field marshal ranks immediately above general, but is not in use in the army's current structure. Awarded only twice, field marshal is a rank bestowed on generals for ceremonial purposes or during times of war.

Field Marshal
Flag of the Field Marshal
Shoulder insignia
Star insignia of Field Marshal
Country India
Service branch Indian Army
AbbreviationFM
RankFive star
Formation26 January 1950
Next higher rankNone
Next lower rankGeneral
Equivalent ranks

Sam Manekshaw was the first field marshal of the Indian Army, and was promoted on 1 January 1973. The second was Kodandera M. Cariappa, who was promoted to the rank on 15 January 1986.

Field marshal is equivalent to admiral of the fleet in the Indian Navy and Marshal of the Indian Air Force. There has never been an admiral of the fleet in the Indian Navy. Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh is the only officer to hold an equivalent rank to the Indian Army's two field marshals.

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