Havildar was the equivalent rank to Sergeant in the British Indian Army, next above Naik. The cavalry equivalent was Daffadar. Like a British sergeant, a Havildar wore three rank chevrons.

{{Havildars also have appointment ranks. Based on seniority and merit Havildars can also be given extra appointments for which they recieve an appointment pay. The first appointment is the rank of Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) who assists the Quarter Master in managing the company stores. The rank insignia is 3 chevrons with an Ashoka lion emblem on top of it. Above this comes the Company Havildar Major (CHM) who is the senior most NCO in a Company. The rank insignia was an Ashoka Emblem worn in a leather strap tied on the right wrist. Above this rank there were the ranks of Regimental Quarter Master Havildar (RQMH) and Regimental Havildar Major (RHM). The last two ranks are now not used in majority of units, the duties being taken up by the Naib Subedar Quarter Master and Subedar Adjutant (both JCOs).}}