Nepal Army Commissioned Officer Ranks
Explore the hierarchy and responsibilities of commissioned officers in the Nepal Army, from Officer Cadet to General.
COAS महारथी (प्रधानसेनापती)
The highest rank in the Nepal Army, equivalent to a four-star general. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) commands the entire military force and reports directly to the President of Nepal.
Responsibilities
Strategic leadership of the entire Nepal Army and ultimate authority on military matters.
Lieutenant General (रथी)
Three-star general rank. Usually commands a corps or serves as the Chief of General Staff.
Responsibilities
Corps command and high-level strategic planning.
Major General (उप रथी)
Two-star general rank. Typically commands a division or serves as head of a major military department.
Responsibilities
Division command and departmental leadership.
Brigadier General (सहायक रथी)
One-star general rank. Usually commands a brigade or serves as a director of a military department.
Responsibilities
Brigade command and departmental direction.
Colonel (महासेनानी)
Senior field-grade officer rank. Typically commands a regiment or serves as a senior staff officer.
Responsibilities
Regimental command and senior staff duties.
Lieutenant Colonel (प्रमुख सेनानी)
Field-grade officer rank. Usually commands a battalion or serves as a staff officer at higher headquarters.
Responsibilities
Battalion command and staff planning.
Major (सेनानी)
Field-grade officer rank. Typically serves as a battalion executive officer, operations officer, or staff officer.
Responsibilities
Battalion operations and staff coordination.
Captain (सह-सेनानी)
Company-grade officer rank. Usually commands a company or serves as a staff officer at battalion level.
Responsibilities
Company command and battalion staff duties.
Lieutenant (उप सेनानी)
Junior officer rank. Typically serves as a platoon leader or assistant staff officer.
Responsibilities
Platoon leadership and assistant staff duties.
Second Lieutenant (सहायक सेनानी)
Entry-level commissioned officer rank. Usually serves as a platoon leader under supervision or as an assistant staff officer.
Responsibilities
Junior platoon leadership and basic officer duties.
Officer Cadet (अधिकृत क्याडेट)
Pre-commissioned rank for officer trainees at the Nepali Military Academy. Not yet a commissioned officer but in training to become one.
Responsibilities
Training, learning military skills, and preparing for commissioning as an officer.
Officer Career Progression
Training & Education
Nepal Army officers begin their careers at the Nepali Military Academy, followed by specialized training. Throughout their service, they attend various courses including the Army Command and Staff College for field-grade officers and the Army War College for senior officers.
Promotion Timeline
Officers typically spend 3-4 years as Lieutenants, 4-5 years as Captains, 5-6 years as Majors, and 4-5 years as Lieutenant Colonels. Promotion to Colonel and above is highly competitive and based on merit, performance, and available vacancies.