subedar

Subedar is a senior non-commissioned officer rank used in the Indian Army and in several South Asian forces. Historically part of the British Indian Army, the rank remains in contemporary service as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). A Subedar sits above Havildar and below Subedar Major in the JCO tier and functions as a senior leader within infantry or other arms. In practice, Subedars may hold company-level or battalion-level staff appointments, supervise soldiers, and provide mentorship, discipline, and technical guidance to units, while advising commissioned officers.

Promotion to Subedar is earned from the rank of Havildar after meeting time-in-service requirements, merit, and selection board decisions. Subedars are addressed by their rank and surname, and their duties include administration, training, safety, and welfare of soldiers, and maintaining standards across units. The Subedar Major is the most senior JCO and often holds battalion- or formation-level responsibilities.

The rank is widely used in the Indian Army and in other South Asian forces, with variations in insignia and exact duties. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, similar ranks exist with comparable leadership and training roles. Overall, Subedar serves as a bridge between the ranks of enlisted soldiers and commissioned officers, bringing experience and continuity to military units.