The Integrated Battle Group (IBG) is a concept for a self-contained, agile, combined-arms combat formation within the Indian Army. The concept emerged from four restructuring studies initiated under former Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. Its creation was driven by the need to solve the problem of delayed mobilization, which was critically exposed during Operation Parakram in 2001-2002.
An IBG is roughly brigade-sized, comprising over 5,000 troops and 12 to 13 units, and is commanded by an officer of Major General rank. It works by integrating all necessary combat and support elements—including infantry, artillery, armour, engineers, signals, and a field hospital—into a single unit. This structure allows the IBG to be deployed for operations within 48 hours of receiving orders, significantly reducing the mobilization time compared to a full corps. The composition is flexible and tailored to the specific terrain, task, and threat.
The IBG concept is closely connected to the Cold Start Doctrine, which aimed to enable swift, limited offensive operations to a shallow depth to avoid nuclear escalation. The first IBGs are being carved out of the XVII Mountain Strike Corps (MSC), which is oriented towards the China front. The concept was test-bedded in the IX Corps and during Exercise HimVijay in 2019. The first IBGs are planned for operationalisation by July 1, 2026, as part of a wider Army restructuring that also includes raising Rudra brigades and Divyastra batteries. The full rollout across the Army is planned for completion by 2029.