Army Day 2026: Know Your Army from Command, Control to Rank Badges

Army Day is a proud occasion for every Indian. This day is dedicated to honouring the courage and discipline of the Indian Army. It also serves as a moment to recognise the sacrifices made by the Army.   

Apart from the parades and celebrations, Army Day also provides an opportunity for citizens to understand how the Army functions ranging from its command structure and control system to the ranks.

As Army Day 2026 is being celebrated on 15 January, knowing how the Indian Army is organised helps us to appreciate not just its strength on the borders but also the strong system that keeps it operational in any situation.

Army Day Parade 2026

Watch the live coverage of the #ArmyDay Parade being held in Jaipur from 09:00 AM onwards on 15 January 2026 on YouTube channel of the Indian Army.

Click on the link belowhttps://t.co/ke0jpXUPsX

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 14, 2026

 

Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of #AssamRifles and all ranks of Assam Rifles Extend greetings and best wishes to all ranks of Indian Army on the occasion of #ArmyDay.#assamrifles #sentinelsofnortheast #freindsofnortheastpeople #gallantsoldiers @HMOIndia… pic.twitter.com/11dWYA5j4f

— The Assam Rifles (@official_dgar) January 15, 2026

Army Day 2026: Theme

According to the Indian Army News website, the Indian Army has chosen the 2026 theme as the “Year of Networking & Data Centricity” which is a strategic theme that will be focusing on strengthening digital integration, real-time decision-making, and networked operations across forces. 

Further, this theme reflects the Army leadership’s emphasis on transforming how information flows in the field.

READ| Indian Army Day 2026: Check Date, Theme, History, and Significance 

What is the History of Army Day?

The history of Army Day is closely linked with India’s journey after independence.

If we talk about pre pre-independence era, then the Indian Army was commanded by British officers. After independence in 1947, India began restructuring its armed forces to reflect national leadership and identity. This transition reached a milestone when General K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief on 15 January 1949.

The PIB mentions: “Every year, 15 January is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.”

“The Indian Army originated from armies of the East India Company which later became the British Indian Army and the Princely States Army, and after independence in 1947, merged into the National Army of India,” it adds.

That is why 15 January was chosen as Army Day. 

Army Day 2026: List of Army Command and Controls

The Indian Army has very well defined functions through a well-defined command and control structure. This helps in ensuring discipline, quick decision making and efficiency. 

Army Commands

According to the Indian Army website, the Army is divided into seven operational commands. Each command is headed by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).

Here are the 7 commands of Indian Army: 

• Northern Command

• Western Command

• Eastern Command 

• Southern Command 

• Central Command 

• South Western Command 

• Army Training Command (ARTRAC)

Indian Army Command and Control Structure

Source: Indian Army Website

At the top of the Indian Army’s hierarchy is the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a General who advises the Government of India on military matters.

Below the COAS:

• Commands are divided into six operational commands which are: North, South, East, West, Central and South West. Moreover, it has one other subsection of ARTRAC. 

• The 6 Commands are divided into Corps

• Corps are divided into Divisions

• Divisions into Brigades

• Brigades into Battalions

• Battalions into Companies 

• Companies into Platoons, and Sections

This layered structure helps to ensure that the orders flow smoothly and the efficiency is maintained throughout. 

In conclusion, Army Day 2026 is more than a ceremonial event as it also serves as a reminder of the discipline, organisation, and sacrifice that protect India every day.

READ| Important Days in January 2026