In a significant recognition of the dedicated service of its personnel, the Indian Army has granted honorary ranks to a large number of Honorary Lieutenants and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) on the occasion of Independence Day 2026.
According to a Draft Gazette of India (Extraordinary) issued by the Army Branch, the President has approved the conferment of honorary ranks on eligible personnel on retirement. The honorary promotions have been granted under Para 179 of the Regulations for the Army, 1987.
Honorary Captain Rank Conferred
The Gazette includes personnel from several important arms and corps of the Indian Army. Under the Armoured Corps, several serving Honorary Lieutenants have been granted the honorary rank of Captain on retirement.
The list includes personnel such as Jaswinder Singh, Kuldip Singh, Pramod Kumar, R. Muruga Perumal, Sanjay Kumar, Suresh Babu and Unnikrishnan P.V., among others.
The Gazette also covers personnel from the Regiment of Artillery, with Subedars Major and other eligible JCOs receiving honorary ranks.
Recognition Across Army Arms and Corps
The honorary appointments extend beyond the Armoured Corps and Artillery. The Gazette lists personnel associated with formations including Army Air Defence, Army Aviation Corps and the Madras Engineer Group, reflecting the broad scope of the recognition.
Such honorary ranks represent the Indian Army’s tradition of acknowledging long and distinguished service by JCOs and other personnel at the time of retirement.
Significance of Honorary Military Ranks
Honorary promotions on retirement are an important part of the Indian Army’s institutional tradition. They recognise the experience, leadership and contribution of personnel who have spent decades serving the nation.
The announcement comes ahead of Independence Day 2026, adding significance to the recognition of these veterans as they conclude their military careers.
The complete list of personnel and their service details is contained in the official Gazette notification issued by the Army Branch.