Indian Army’s Pipping Ceremony: A Timeless Tradition of Memory

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A Ceremony of Rank, Reverence, and Relationships: Inside the Indian Army’s Pipping Tradition

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, July 23, 2025 — The Indian Army is known for its iron discipline, steely professionalism, and rich traditions. But few customs speak to the heart as powerfully as the pipping ceremony — a moment of immense pride, humility, and emotion when an officer is officially promoted in rank.

Major General (Retired) Manoj Tiwari recently shared a post on LinkedIn that struck a chord with veterans, serving officers, and civilians alike, reminding the world why the pipping ceremony is more than just a ritual — it’s a celebration of bonds that go beyond the battlefield.

“A very unique tradition in the Indian Army is the pipping ceremony on being promoted (which is not automatic and is based on deep selection)… The person who pips you is someone with the right and privilege to do so — family, friend, superior, subordinate, religious teacher… someone you deeply value,” wrote Maj Gen Tiwari.

A Tradition Steeped in Meaning

In the pipping ceremony, the newly promoted officer is “pipped” — their new rank insignia is placed on their uniform by someone they hold close. This could be a family member, a commanding officer, a junior who has served shoulder-to-shoulder, or even a religious mentor.

While the methodology varies based on regimental traditions or location of posting (such as field vs peace stations), one element remains universal: the person placing the rank must have earned that right through trust, respect, and shared service.

“Human relationships in the Armed Forces matter more than anywhere else. Sacrificing our lives for each other, if required in battle, is the norm — not the exception. Nothing can match that sentiment,” Tiwari added.

Stories That Stir the Soul

The LinkedIn post sparked an outpouring of heartfelt responses, with many officers and family members recalling their own cherished pipping moments.

Maj Gen (Retd) Balraj Mehta shared, “My pipping to Maj Gen was done by my father — on his hospital bed, one day before he passed away.”

Abhinav Mathur, a management professional and son of a senior officer, added, “When my father was promoted to Brigadier, he had the youngest and the senior-most officer of his unit, as well as the junior-most and the Regimental Medical Officer, pip him.”

Brigadier (Retd) Sunil Kumar praised the emotional depth of the ceremony: “That is really an excellent and exceptional gesture towards your Buddy. We all know how valuable a buddy is. Kudos to you, Tiger…”

Jyoti Bagaria, another commenter, beautifully captured the ethos: “A tradition that reflects the soul of the forces — where honour, connection, and sacrifice walk hand in hand. Truly moving.”

Not Just a Ceremony, But a Covenant

Promotion in the armed forces is not merely a matter of seniority. “Deep selection” — a rigorous evaluation of merit, leadership, and conduct — determines who advances to higher ranks. That makes the pipping moment even more significant.

In many cases, it’s not the highest-ranking person but “the one who’s stood by you through thick and thin” who gets the honour of pinning those stars — making the ceremony a mirror of the soldier’s personal journey.

As Major General Tiwari put it, “On my last promotion, I was pipped by my first buddy.”

More Than Metal on the Shoulder

In a world where career milestones are often marked with cake and applause, the Indian Army’s pipping ceremony stands apart — solemn, sacred, and seared into memory. It is not merely about rank, but about recognition, trust, legacy, and the human stories that carry forward the ethos of the olive green.

In every badge pinned, there’s a history of shared hardship. In every salute exchanged, a lifetime of service and sacrifice.

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