Havildar or havaldar (Hindustani: हविलदार or हवलदार (Brahmic), حوالدار (Arabic)) is a rank in the Indian and Pakistani armies, equivalent to sergeant.

[1] "Havildar" is a Persian word in origin and means "person in charge", or more loosely "chief", from the Arabic حواله ("charge", "responsibility") and the Persian دار (dâr, "holder").

Historically, a havildar was a senior commander, being in charge of a fort during the times of the Mughal Empire.

It was used as the equivalent of a sergeant in the British Raj, which has led to its current usage.

[3] However, havildars are now promoted directly to junior commissioned officer rank, as the duties of these historical appointments are now carried out by JCOs.