The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by UPSC, has released notification which provides aspiring candidates with the opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Apart from offering a prestigious career, the CDS roles come with attractive salary packages, allowances, and benefits. Below are the details about the salary structure for candidates joining various academies through CDS 2025:
1. Stipend During Training
- Stipend Amount: Cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) are entitled to a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during their training period.
- Duration: The stipend is applicable from the start of training until commissioning.
2. Salary Post-Commissioning
Once candidates complete their training, they are commissioned as officers in the armed forces. Below is the rank-wise salary structure:
| Rank | Pay Level (As per 7th CPC) | Pay Scale (₹) | Military Service Pay (MSP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant/Flying Officer | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹15,500 |
| Captain/Lieutenant/Lieutenant Flying Officer | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | ₹15,500 |
| Major/Lieutenant Commander/Squadron Leader | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | ₹15,500 |
| Lieutenant Colonel/Commander/Wing Commander | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | Not Applicable |
| Colonel/Captain (IN)/Group Captain | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | Not Applicable |
3. Allowances and Perks
Officers are entitled to various allowances in addition to their salary:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised periodically as per government rules.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Based on posting location.
- Flying Allowance: For Air Force officers engaged in flying duties.
- High-Altitude Allowance: For officers posted in high-altitude or remote areas.
- Uniform Allowance: Annual provision for maintaining service uniforms.
- Field Area Allowance: Applicable for postings in active field areas.
4. Other Benefits
- Free Accommodation: Officers and their families are provided with accommodation or house rent allowance (HRA).
- Canteen Services: Subsidized goods through CSD (Canteen Stores Department).
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare for officers and their dependents.
- Retirement Benefits: Pension, gratuity, and other post-retirement perks.