Why major general is below lieutenant general Army ranks explained by NDA coaching in UP Shield Defence Academy
Military ranks can be confusing—especially when it seems like the naming order doesn’t match the actual hierarchy. One of the most commonly misunderstood examples is this: Why major general is below lieutenant general. It sounds contradictory, right? You’d think a “major” outranks a “lieutenant,” but that’s not the case in army ranks.
Let’s clear the confusion today. If you’re preparing for the NDA and dream of serving the nation in uniform, this clarity is essential. Shield Defence Academy in UP explains everything you need to know.
Understanding the Rank Structure in the Indian Army
The Indian Army follows a structured and historic ranking system, inherited from British military traditions. Here’s a basic list of officer ranks, from the lowest to the highest:
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier
Major General
Lieutenant General
General
Field Marshal (honorary)
Clearly, major general is below lieutenant general, despite what the titles might suggest. But why?
Why Major General Is Below Lieutenant General?
Here comes the real question — why major general is below lieutenant general, even though “major” seems like a higher rank than “lieutenant”? The answer lies in military history and tradition.
Historical Roots of Military Titles
Back in the day, armies were commanded by a “Captain General.” The officer who served directly under him was the “Lieutenant General” — literally, the one who took charge in the captain’s absence. Below him was the “Sergeant Major General.”
Over time, the titles evolved. The “Captain” part was dropped, and so was “Sergeant” from “Sergeant Major General.” What remained was:
General
Lieutenant General
Major General
So yes, the reason why major general is below lieutenant general is all about history, not logic in naming.
British Influence on Indian Army Ranks
Since the Indian Army was built on British foundations, we inherited this naming system directly. The structure wasn’t changed post-independence to maintain consistency and coordination with allied forces globally.
Meaning of ‘Lieutenant’ in Rank Titles
In military terms, a “lieutenant” is someone who acts in place of a higher officer. So, a lieutenant general means someone acting on behalf of a general. Meanwhile, major general simply means the second-in-command to the lieutenant general.
Strange? Yes. Logical? Historically, absolutely.
Functional Differences Between the Ranks
Let’s talk about responsibilities to further understand why major general is below lieutenant general.
1. Troops Commanded
Major General: Leads a Division (~10,000 to 15,000 soldiers).
Lieutenant General: Commands a Corps (comprising two or more divisions, ~30,000 to 60,000 troops).
2. Level of Strategic Control
Major Generals are involved in field operations and tactical-level strategies.
Lieutenant Generals deal with corps-level command, strategic-level planning, and policy decisions.
How to Identify a Major General vs Lieutenant General
Insignia Difference
Major General: Crossed baton and sword with a single star.
Lieutenant General: Crossed baton and sword with the national emblem.
Recognizing insignia is crucial for NDA aspirants—Shield Defence Academy trains cadets to identify and respect each rank correctly.
Why This Matters for NDA Cadets
Understanding why major general is below lieutenant general is not just a matter of trivia—it’s a must-have for serious defence aspirants.
In NDA written exams, questions about rank structure are common. In SSB interviews, displaying accurate knowledge of military hierarchy shows officer-like qualities.
How Shield Defence Academy Explains It Differently
At Shield Defence Academy, NDA aspirants are trained to understand ranks, roles, and responsibilities through:
Visual learning: Charts and rank badges
Mock interviews: Real-life simulation of SSB interviews
History sessions: Deep dive into military traditions
Parade practice: Real-time application of rank awareness
By the end of training, the logic of why major general is below lieutenant general becomes second nature.
Real-Life Example: Rank in Action
Take the example of Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi — serving as Vice Chief of the Indian Army in 2025. His command stretches across multiple divisions and critical decisions. A Major General, while prestigious, commands a single division and reports to a Lieutenant General.
This real-world chain of command perfectly illustrates why major general is below lieutenant general in function, authority, and structure.
Global Perspective on Ranks
Most NATO countries, the UK, and even the US Army follow the same hierarchy. This helps allied forces coordinate without confusion.
So, the Indian Army’s structure is not unique — it’s part of a globally respected system.
Common Myths Busted
Myth 1: Major is always above lieutenant.
Truth: In general terminology, yes. But in combined ranks like “major general” and “lieutenant general,” history changes the meaning.
Myth 2: The rank order is flawed.
Truth: It follows centuries-old traditions. It might be confusing but is far from incorrect.
This understanding helps NDA aspirants perform better in both written tests and SSB interviews.
NDA Written and SSB: Where This Appears
Written Exam
General Knowledge: Match ranks with insignia
English: Comprehension based on military structures
GAT: Questions on responsibilities of officer ranks
SSB Interview
Situation reaction: Respecting ranks in responses
Group tasks: Obeying instructions from higher ranks
Personal interview: Questions on rank awareness
Knowing why major general is below lieutenant general gives you an edge over others.
Benefits of Knowing This Hierarchy
Builds leadership mindset
Helps in effective communication
Prepares for academy life
Demonstrates commitment to becoming an officer
Shield Defence Academy ensures that this foundational knowledge is deeply ingrained.
Conclusion
Military ranks are more than just titles. They represent centuries of structure, discipline, and respect. Now that you know why major general is below lieutenant general, you’ve taken one more step toward understanding the life you’re about to lead as an NDA aspirant.
In the world of defence, knowledge is power—and power comes with rank. With the right coaching, like at Shield Defence Academy in UP, you’re already on the right path.
