Pak Army Ranks and Salary 2026 with Badges (New Pay Scale)
The Pakistan Army has a structured hierarchy in which each rank carries specific responsibilities, insignia (badges), and financial benefits. Following the Budget 2025-26, the salaries of Pakistan Army personnel have been significantly revised, with a 50% Special Allowance for Officers and a 20% increase for Soldiers/JCOs.
Below is the complete guide to Pak Army Ranks, their visual Badges (Insignia), and the latest estimated monthly salary packages.
Commissioned Officers Ranks & Salary 2026
Commissioned officers are the leaders of the Army, starting from Second Lieutenant up to General. Their recruitment is through the PMA Long Course or DSSC/Graduates Courses.
| Rank | Insignia (Badge) | BPS Scale | Est. Monthly Salary (2026) |
| Second Lieutenant | One Pip (Star) | BPS-17 | Rs. 75,000 – 85,000 |
| Lieutenant | Two Pips (Stars) | BPS-17 | Rs. 85,000 – 95,000 |
| Captain | Three Pips (Stars) | BPS-17/18 | Rs. 100,000 – 120,000 |
| Major | One Crescent & Star | BPS-18 | Rs. 140,000 – 160,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | One Pip + Crescent & Star | BPS-19 | Rs. 180,000 – 210,000 |
| Colonel | Two Pips + Crescent & Star | BPS-19/20 | Rs. 220,000 – 250,000 |
| Brigadier | Three Pips + Crescent & Star (One Spot) | BPS-20 | Rs. 260,000 – 300,000 |
| Major General | Crossed Sword & Baton + One Pip | BPS-21 | Rs. 350,000+ |
| Lieutenant General | Crossed Sword & Baton + Crescent/Star | BPS-22 | Rs. 450,000+ |
| General (COAS/CJCSC) | Crossed Sword & Baton + Crescent/Star + Pip | Apex Scale | Rs. 600,000+ |
Note: The salaries mentioned above include the Basic Pay, Medical Allowance, House Rent (if applicable), and the new Special Ad-hoc Relief Allowances. Officers serving in “Hard Areas” (like Siachen or Waziristan) receive an additional Hard Area Allowance (approx. 30-50% of basic pay).
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) Ranks & Salary
JCOs are the bridge between the Officers and the Soldiers. They are experienced leaders promoted from the soldier ranks.
| Rank | Insignia (Shoulder Stripe) | BPS Scale | Est. Monthly Salary (2026) |
| Naib Subedar | One Pip on Red/Green Stripe | BPS-13/14 | Rs. 65,000 – 75,000 |
| Subedar | Two Pips on Red/Green Stripe | BPS-15 | Rs. 75,000 – 85,000 |
| Subedar Major | Crescent & Star on Red/Green Stripe | BPS-16 | Rs. 90,000 – 105,000 |
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) & Soldiers
These are the backbone of the Army. Their ranks are displayed on the Arm Sleeves (Chevrons).
| Rank | Insignia (Arm Badge) | BPS Scale | Est. Monthly Salary (2026) |
| Sepoy (Soldier) | No Badge (Plain Uniform) | BPS-05/07 | Rs. 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Lance Naik | One V-Shaped Stripe (Chevron) | BPS-08 | Rs. 45,000 – 52,000 |
| Naik | Two V-Shaped Stripes | BPS-09 | Rs. 48,000 – 55,000 |
| Havildar | Three V-Shaped Stripes | BPS-11 | Rs. 55,000 – 65,000 |
New Salary Update 2025-2026 (The 50% Hike)
In the Federal Budget passed in June 2025, the government acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces with specific increments:
-
Officers: Received a 50% Special Ad-hoc Relief Allowance on their running basic pay.
-
Soldiers & JCOs: Received a 20% Increase in their allowances to cope with inflation.
-
Pensioners: Retired army personnel received a 15% increase in net pension.
Perks & Facilities (Beyond Salary)
The salary is just one part of the package. The real value comes from the facilities:
Free Medical: Complete coverage at CMH/MH for self and family (Parents/Spouse/Children).
Housing: Furnished accommodation in Cantonments (Askari Colonies).
Ration: Monthly free ration allowance (Atta, Ghee, Sugar, Rice, etc.).
Travel: 50% Discount on Railway and Air Tickets.
Children’s Education: Low fees at Army Public Schools (APS) and quota seats in NUST/NUMS.
Post-Retirement: Membership in DHA and Askari Housing Schemes, along with a lifetime pension.
Pak Army Ranks with BPS Scale
| Rank | BPS Scale |
|---|---|
| Field Marshal | Apex Scale |
| General | Apex Scale |
| Lieutenant General | BPS-22 |
| Major General | BPS-21 |
| Brigadier | BPS-20 |
| Colonel | BPS-19 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | BPS-18 |
| Major | BPS-18 |
| Captain | BPS-17 |
| Lieutenant | BPS-17 |
| 2nd Lieutenant | BPS-17 |
| Subedar-Major | BPS-16 |
| Subedar | BPS-15 |
| Naib Subedar | BPS-13/14 |
| Battalion Havaldar Major | BPS-11/9 |
| Company Havaldar Major | BPS-11/9 |
| Havaldar | BPS-7/8 |
| Naik | BPS-7/6 |
| Lance Naik | BPS-6 |
| Soldier (Sepoy) | BPS-5 |
Badges of the Pak Army
Badges & Uniforms Explained
Pips: These are star-shaped badges.
1 Pip = 2nd Lt
2 Pips = Lieutenant
3 Pips = Captain
Crescent & Star: This represents higher command (Field Officers).
Major = Just the Crescent & Star.
Lt Col = Crescent & Star + 1 Pip.
Crossed Sword & Baton: Only worn by General Officers (Generals).
Khaki Uniform: The standard everyday dress.
Camouflage (CCD): The combat dress used in field areas; badges are usually worn on the chest in this uniform.
| Rank | Badge Description |
| Field Marshal | National Emblem + Crossed Swords & Baton + Wreath |
| General | National Emblem + Crossed Swords & Baton |
| Lieutenant General | National Emblem + ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Major General | National Emblem + ⭐⭐ |
| Brigadier | National Emblem + ⭐ |
| Colonel | National Emblem |
| Lieutenant Colonel | National Emblem + Two Crowns |
| Major | National Emblem + Crown |
| Captain | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lieutenant | ⭐⭐ |
| Second Lieutenant | ⭐ |
| Subedar Major | Star & Wreath |
| Subedar | Star |
| Naib Subedar | Single Stripe |
| Havildar | Three Chevrons |
| Naik | Two Chevrons |
| Lance Naik | One Chevron |
| Sepoy (Soldier) | No Insignia |
Army Test Online
FAQS
Q: What is the starting salary of a Second Lieutenant in 2026?
A: The starting salary is approximately Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 85,000, excluding the value of free housing and medical.
Q: What is the salary of a Captain in Pak Army?
A: A Captain usually earns between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 120,000, depending on their service length and allowances.
Q: Does the Army pay for housing?
A: Yes, officers are provided government housing or a “House Rent Allowance” (45% of basic pay) if no house is available.
Q: What is the retirement age for a Major?
A: A Major typically retires after 18-20 years of service or at the age of 44-45 years if not promoted to Lt Colonel.
Q: Is there a salary difference between Medical Corps (Doctors) and Regular Officers?
A: Yes, Army Doctors (AMC) receive a “Non-Practicing Allowance” (Health Allowance), which makes their salary slightly higher than regular infantry officers.
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