It is the first (and only) automatic promotion given to cohorts of new entrants after they have been confirmed into service. For NSmen, this will occur on the promotion cycle immediately after their confirmation date. For ladies, and non-NSmen, this will occur on the second promotion cycle after their confirmation date. Promotion cycles are in April and October of each year.

Subsequent promotions after the cohort promotion no longer follow a fixed time-in-grade structure.