List of Indian Chief of Army Staff

The  Chief of Army Staff or COAS is the leader of the armed forces of the Indian Army. The COAS is also the chairman of the Indian Army Board. The chief is generally the top-ranking officer of an Indian Army unless the chief and vice chief of defence are army officers. In the Indian Army, the position of COAS is always controlled by a full general (4 star General Office Rank In Indian Army). The general of an Indian Army staff is responsible for managing and directing the Army staff of the Armed force acting as staff chief executive. Securing the senior officer position in an Indian Army, the chief of Army staff is a military advisor to the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Defence. 

General Manoj Mukund Naravane, present COAS of the Indian Army, took the position in an Indian Army on December 31, 2019. The answer to the question of who was the first chief of the Indian Army after independence is General Sir Robert Mcgregor Macdonald Lockhart. 

Who is Regarded As the First Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army After Independence?

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was the first Indian commander in chief of the Indian Army, replacing British Commanding General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher after India became independent of Great Britain.

Chief of Army Staff Office

In 1748, the post of commander in chief was introduced to nominate the commander of all forces of the East India Company. The commander in chief became the supreme commander of the British Indian Army after 1857. The commander in chief was also the leader of the military forces of British India including the Royal Indian Army and Royal Indian Air Force. The Commander in Chief also had a close connection with the office of the Viceroy of India.

After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the posit Commander in Chief was split into Commander in Chief of the Indian Army, the Commander in Chief of Pakistan Army, and Commander in Chief of British Forces of India and Pakistan. During Independence, the head of the Indian Army was designated as Commander in Chief of Indian Army,  Commander in Chief of the Pakistan Army, and Commander in Chief of British Force in India and Pakistan. During Independence, the head of the Indian Army was nominated as “Commander-in-Chief Indian Army”. The previous designation of Commander-in-Chief Indian Army” is changed to “Chief of the Army Staff” and “Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army on March 1, 1948. Through C-in -C (Change in Designation) Act, 1955, the designation again changed to Chief of Army Staff 

The COAS office resides at the South Block of the Central Secretariat at Raisina Hill, New Delhi. The chief of Army staff retains a tenure of three years in the office or to attaining the retirement age of 62, whichever is earlier.

COAS Thrust Areas

• Ensure exceptional operational skills to meet present and emerging challenges.

• Prepare for the weapons and equipment at the earliest.

• Develop the required capacities and infrastructure with special consideration on Northern and North East Borders.

• Promote interservice joint manship at all stages in letter and spirit.

• Promote Human Resource Development.

• Enhancing the quality and living conditions of all ranks with special consideration on soldiers

• Promote the climate of an organization based on mutual respect and companionship among all ranks.

• Ensure required welfare measures for Veer NARIS and ex-employees

10 COAS Commandments for Troops in Counter Insurgency Operations

• No Molestation

• No Rape

• No Misuse results in death or maiming

• Only fear of God, Encourage Dharma

• Respect Human Rights

• No interference in the Civil Administration such as a land dispute or quarrels

• Willingly performing civil action with innovations

• Proficient in military unit/ company strategy in counter-insurgency operations,

• No military Disrespect

• Enhance media interaction techniques (Ensure to use ‘force-multiplier rather than ‘force-degrader’).

List of Indian Chief of Army Staff 1947-2021-Tabular Form

Check the complete list of Indian Chief of Army staff 1947-2021 below:

Note: From 1947-1948, the post of Indian Army Chief was known as the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army whereas from 1948 - 1955, the position was known as Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army. Since 1955, the post of Indian Army Chief is known as the Chief of Army Staff.