The salary details for 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 salary details 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.