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According to the official notification UPSC released, aspirants, preparing to join the Combined Defence Services (CDS) as Lieutenants can expect a monthly pay ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. The officer’s rank discusses the salary structure, which gradually increases with an increase in rank. The training period salary for officers in the Army, Navy, or similar positions is a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month.
CDS Salary Structure 2024
The salary structure for candidates selected through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination reflects the esteemed nature of their roles in safeguarding the nation’s security and interests. Here’s a concise breakdown of the CDS salary structure for 2024:
- Basic Pay: The basic pay for CDS officers varies based on their rank, years of service, and the branch they serve in (Army, Navy, or Air Force). It serves as the foundation of their salary.
- Grade Pay: Officers may also receive grade pay, determined by their rank, which is added to their basic pay to calculate total salary.
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Military Service Pay is an additional allowance granted to officers, compensating for the hardships and risks associated with military service. It varies based on rank and is a fixed amount per month.
- Allowances: In addition to basic pay and MSP, officers are entitled to various allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Medical Allowance, among others. These allowances cover expenses related to accommodation, transportation, and medical needs.
- Promotions and Increments: CDS officers have opportunities for career advancement through promotions and increments based on their performance, qualifications, and years of service. With each promotion, officers receive higher pay and allowances.
- Training Stipend: During the training period at institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA), candidates receive a fixed stipend equivalent to the starting CDS salary, as per the 7th CPC guidelines.
CDS Salary per Month
56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month. Allowances: In addition to basic pay, CDS officers receive various allowances such as DA, High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance and others.
CDS Salary Per Month | |
Name of the Exam | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS exam) |
Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
CDS 2024 Salary | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
CDS Salary Calculation Formula | Basic pay + grade Pay + allowance + other benefits |
Mode of Exam | Offline |
Stages of Exam | Written Exam SSB Interview (5 days) |
Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Read More: CDS Age Limit
CDS Salary 2024 Post-wise
Only eligible and competent individuals will be hired as officers in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy through the CDS Exam 2024 recruiting procedure. There are two steps to the CDS 2024 selection procedure. View CDS officer salaries by post in the table below:
CDS Ranks | Levels | Pay in Rupees | Military Service Pay |
Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 | Rs 15,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | Rs 61,300 – Rs 1,93,900 | Rs 15,500 |
Major | Level 11 | Rs 69,400 – Rs 2,07,200 | Rs 15,500 |
Lt Colonel | Level 12 A | Rs 1,21,200 – Rs 2,12,400 | Rs 15,500 |
Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600 – Rs 2,15,900 | Rs 15,500 |
Lieutenant General | Level 15 | Rs 1,82,200 – Rs 2,24,100 | – |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – Rs 2,24,400 | – |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000 (fixed) | – |
COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000 (fixed) | – |
Read More: CDS Eligibility Criteria
CDS Pay Scale
The grade pay varies depending on the CDS officers’ ranks. In addition to their CDS 2024 salary, Indian Defence Service officers with the rank of Lieutenant through Brigadier get a fixed sum known as Military Service Pay for the duration of their service. Cadets are also given a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 while they are undergoing training at the Academy.
Read More: CDS Previous Year Question Papers
Method of CDS Salary 2024 Calculation
The monthly pay for CDS officers in 2024 is between Rs 56,100 to Rs 2, 50,000. Various advantages and benefits are also theirs to enjoy in accordance with their ranks. Below is a description of the CDS salary calculation formula:
Method of CDS 2024 Salary Calculation Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowance + Other benefits
Read More: CDS Exam Pattern
CDS Perks and Allowances
Candidates who pass the CDS exam and are hired as officers are eligible for a variety of benefits and compensation. The following list includes a few of these allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): The CDS salary for 2024 includes a DA that is equivalent to that for civilian employees.
- Dress Allowance: Awarded in the sum of Rs. 20,000 annually.
- Transport Allowance: CDS officers are eligible to receive the TA whether they utilise the office or their own vehicle.
- Aviation Corps members are eligible for flying allowances. For officers with the rank of Lieutenant and higher, the FA is Rs 25,000 per month.
- Posting/Location – In addition to the basic CDS income, officers also get a Field Area, High Altitude, and Siachen Allowance according to where they are posted.
CDS Perks & Allowances | ||
Allowance | Eligibility | Amount |
Qualification Grant | Employees governed according to the newly proposed Higher Qualification Incentive (HQI) | Order is yet to be issued by MoD |
Flying Allowance | Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps, i.e., Lieutenant and above rank in level 10 | Rs. 25,000 per month |
Dearness Allowance | Same conditions as applicable to civilian personnel | Same rate applies to civilian personnel from time to time |
Kit Maintenance Allowance | Combined with the newly proposed dress | Rs. 20,000 per year |
Field Area Allowance | Officers posted to Field Areas depending upon rank and area of posting | Lieutenant and above ranks with level 10 and above are eligible for the following allowances:
|
High Altitude Allowance | Officers for Level 10 and above |
|
Siachen Allowance | Candidates posted to Siachen | Rs. 42,500 per month |
Uniform Allowance | Newly proposed dress allowance | Rs. 20,000 per year |
Transport Allowance | Varies depending on the city of the officer as per pay level 9 |
|
Children Education Allowance | Allowance is given only for the two eldest children only from Nursery up to Class 12th | Rs. 2250 per month |
House Rent Allowance | To officers not provided Govt. Accommodation | 10-30% of Basic Pay Pay Band + Grade Pay + MSP |
Special Forces Allowance | Officers posted in Special Forces | Rs. 1200 / per month |
Parachute Pay | Officers Posted in Active Parachute BNs/Regt | Rs. 9000/ per month |
Free Ration | Officers serving in field areas & peace | Entitled to free ration |
Read More: CDS Syllabus
CDS Promotion List
Career growth of IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA has been discussed in below table:-
Career growth in CDS IMA and INA
CDS Promotion Policy – IMA & INA | |
Ranks | Time Scale |
Lieutenant | After completing training |
Captain | 2 years of commissioned service |
Major | 6 years of commissioned service |
Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years of commissioned service |
Colonel (TS) | 26 years of commissioned service |
Colonel | 15 years of commissioned service |
Brigadier | 23 years of commissioned service |
Major General | 25 years of commissioned service |
Lieutenant General | 28 years of commissioned service |
General | No restrictions |
Career growth in CDS AFA:
CDS Promotion Policy -AFA | ||
CDS Rank – AFA | Promotion by Time scale | Basic Pay |
Flying Officer | On Commission | Rs. 56,100/- |
Flight Lieutenant | 2 Years of commissioned service | Rs. 61,200/- |
Squadron Leader | 6 years of commissioned service | Rs. 69,400/- |
Wing Commander | 13 years of commissioned service | Rs. 1,16,700/- |
Group Captain | 26 years of commissioned service | Rs. 1,25,700/- |
Air Commodore | – | Rs. 1,34,400/- |
Air Vice Marshal | – | Rs. 1,44,200/- |
Air Chief Marshal HAG Scale | – | Rs. 1,82,200/- |
Air Chief Marshal Apex Scale | – | Rs. 2,05,400/- |
Air Chief Marshal | – | Rs. 2,50,000/- |
Career growth in CDS OTA
CDS Promotion Policy – OTA | |
CDS Rank – OTA | Promotion by Time scale |
Captain | On completion of 2 years of commissioned service |
Major | On completion of 6 years of commissioned service. |
Lieutenant Colonel | On completion of 13 years of commissioned service. |