The VCOs themselves succeeded the so-called native officers holding a commission from the Governor General.
Under the British, there was a clear colonial context, with the VCOs being the highest ranks an Indian could attain.
In 1905, a special form of a king’s Commission in His Majesty’s Native Land Forces was instituted.
From 1917, in the midst of World War I, Indians 'with good family background' became eligible to study at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and earn a commission as King's Commissioned Indian Officer (KCIO).
Every year a list of eligible JCOs is drawn up and honorary commissions awarded to them.