Category Archives: Appraisal System

Seniority or Merit – The Dilemma of Higher Military Appointments

Posted on February 27, 2026 by sword

For decades, the established convention in India for appointing the Chief of Army Staff and other apex military positions was straightforward: the senior-most eligible officer was elevated. Critics often dismissed this system as mechanical or overly rigid. Yet it rested … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, COAS, Democracy, Higher Defence Management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Politicisation of the Armed Forces: Examining the Claims

Posted on October 24, 2025 by sword

A lot has been spoken and written about the politicisation of the Armed Forces in the recent past. The latest is a recent article in Deccan Herald by AVS Namboodiri which claims that in the recent past—presumably during the tenure of the current NDA … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Civil Military Relations, COAS, Democracy, Higher Defence Management, Military, National Issues, Politics, Promotion System | Leave a comment

Mind Over Merit

Posted on January 11, 2025 by sword

In a recent piece in The Print, Gen Panag discusses the recent government decision to adopt a ‘merit based’ approach over ‘seniority based’ on the promotion of Lt Gens, and opines it is a move in the right direction. He also … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Higher Defence Management, Military, Promotion System, Reforms | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

ACR 360

Posted on November 5, 2011 by sword

Improving the internal health of the Army was a key challenge identified for himself by the present chief when he assumed office two years back. How far has he been able to address the problem remains to be seen in … Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, COAS, Military, Reforms | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Pull of the Lanyard

Posted on April 13, 2011 by sword

Regimental spirit wins wars. But does it have any rôle to play in deciding who reaps benefits and privileges? Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Military, Promotion System, Regimental spirit, Values, Welfare | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Posted on June 4, 2010 by sword

As scandal after scandal involving senior army officers surface, there is urgent need for systemic reforms. Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Media, Military, Ponderings, Promotion System, Reforms, Values | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Mandalisation of the Army

Posted on April 7, 2010 by sword

The ills of pro rata system for promotion. Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Military, Ponderings, Promotion System, Reforms | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Challenges Before the New Army Chief

Posted on April 2, 2010 by sword

Some facets other than modernisation that are vie for urgent attention of the new army chief. Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Military, Ponderings, Reforms, Shortage of officers, Values | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments