30-second read. Written by a grade 3 student

India’s next Chief of Army Staff (COAS ) will be Lt General Manoj Mukund Naravane. India has the world’s second largest army – China has the largest.

Lt General Naravane will take over from General Bipin Rawat, who retires on December 31.

How is India’s Chief of Staff Chosen?

The Chief is chosen by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). The Prime Minister is the Chairman of this committee, which also consists of the Home Minister. The Army chief can serve for three years in the office, or till the age of 62, whichever is earlier.

The post of Chief of Army Staff was created in 1955, when it replaced the post of Commander-in-Chief – which was created by the British who ruled India then. The Commander-in-Chief at that time was the supreme commander of the British Indian Army