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CDS Salary 2024, Salary In Hand, Structure and Allownces

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:

  • Highly Active Field Area Allowance: Rs. 16,900 per month
  • Field Area Allowance: Rs. 10,500 per month
  • Modified Field Area Allowance: Rs. 6,300 per month
High Altitude Allowance Officers for Level 10 and above
  • CAT I – Rs. 3,400 per month
  • CAT II – Rs. 5,300 per month
  • CAT III – Rs. 25,000 per month
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
  • Higher TPTA cities: Rs. 7200 + DA per month
  • Officers of NDA in Pay Level 14 and above: Rs. 15,750 + DA per month
  • Officers working in level 9 or above: Rs. 3600 + DA per month
  • Physically disabled service personnel: Rs. 2,250/ + Dearness Allowances
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.

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FAQs

What is the highest salary in CDS?

The highest salary in CDS of the Colonel Pay Scale is around Rs 1,30,600/ to 2,15,900/ Per month.

What is the salary of a CDS officer?

The salary of a CDS officer comes under Level 10B and the Pay scale is Rs 61,300-1,93,900.

Which rank is given after CDS?

After successful completion of training, candidates selected through NDA and CDS exams are given the rank of Lieutenant.

Is CDS a good job?

Officers who perform exceptionally well have a fair chance of getting higher promotions to the air ranks of Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal, Air Marshal, and Air Chief marshal.

Can I join IAS after CDS?

If one fulfils the aforementioned eligibility criteria then one can appear for both exams, but if you qualify you cannot join both, you have to choose either one of the two.

Is CDS a permanent job?

Candidates will be enrolled under the Army Act as Gentlemen Cadets. On successful completion of training gentlemen cadets are granted permanent commission in the rank of Lt subject to being medically fit in SHAPE – I.

About the Author

I, Sakshi Gupta, am a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. My objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. I strive to make my content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!

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