CDS Salary 2026 starts at Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix for newly commissioned officers (Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer), with a basic pay of around ₹56,100 per month, plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 and various allowances. During training at the academies, cadets receive a fixed stipend equivalent to this basic pay level.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opens doors to commissioned officer roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering a rewarding career with structured pay progression, extensive allowances, and long-term benefits.
CDS Salary Overview Table
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Training Academies | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) |
| Starting Rank after CDS | Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer (service-specific) |
| Pay Level (Starting) | Pay Level 10 (7th Pay Commission) |
| Basic Pay (Lieutenant) | ₹56,100 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month during training at IMA/OTA/INA/AFA |
| Approx Starting Gross Salary | Basic + MSP + DA ≈ ₹95,000–₹1,00,000+ per month depending on DA and allowances |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
CDS Salary During Training
All cadets selected through CDS and joining IMA, OTA, INA, or AFA receive a fixed monthly training stipend of ₹56,100, equivalent to the basic pay of a Lieutenant at Level 10.
This stipend is paid for the entire duration of pre-commission training and usually does not include DA, HRA, or other allowances.
Training is residential and fully regimented, with facilities like food, accommodation, and uniforms provided by the academies as per rules.
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IMA Dehradun (Army) – Stipend ₹56,100 per month during training.
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INA Ezhimala (Navy) – Same stipend as IMA; sea-service career afterwards.
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AFA Dundigal (Air Force) – Same training stipend, with additional flying allowances only after commissioning.
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OTA Chennai / Gaya (Short Service Commission) – Same ₹56,100 stipend during training.
CDS Salary After Commission – Rank-Wise Salary Structure
After successful training and commissioning, officers join at Level 10 and progress through time-bound and selection-based promotions. Pay scales align across the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the 7th CPC, with variations mainly in branch-specific allowances.
Rank-Wise Pay Table (Approximate, aligned across services):
| Rank (Equivalent) | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain / Lieutenant / Flight Lieutenant | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major / Lieutenant Commander / Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel / Commander / Wing Commander | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel / Captain / Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier / Commodore / Air Commodore | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General / Rear Admiral / Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General / Vice Admiral / Air Marshal (HAG) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| Army/Navy/Air Force Commanders, CDS | Apex | Fixed higher scales |
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Entry-level (Lieutenant equivalent): Starts at ₹56,100 basic + MSP ₹15,500.
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Mid-level ranks: Promotions every few years increase basic pay, allowances, and responsibilities.
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Senior ranks: Higher levels bring substantial pay jumps, command perks, and leadership roles.
CDS Pay Scale under 7th Pay Commission
Newly commissioned officers start at Pay Level 10 with basic pay ₹56,100. They receive a fixed Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month from Lieutenant to Brigadier. Gross pay includes Basic Pay + MSP + DA + other allowances like HRA/Field/Flying, etc.
| Component | Amount (₹/month) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 56,100 | Level 10 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | 15,500 | Fixed for Lieutenant to Brigadier |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Variable (e.g., 50% of Basic) | Changes with DA rate |
| Other Allowances | Variable | Field, HRA, transport, etc. |
CDS Officer In-Hand Salary
In-hand salary = Basic Pay + MSP + DA (currently around 50% or as revised) + allowances – deductions (tax, PF, insurance, mess fees).
For a newly commissioned Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant/Flying Officer:
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Gross often ranges from ₹70,000–₹90,000+ per month (or higher in field/high-altitude/flying postings).
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Take-home is lower after deductions but offset by subsidised housing, medical, canteen, and mess facilities, boosting overall value.
CDS Allowances & Extra Benefits
Allowances significantly enhance earnings:
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Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 fixed (up to Brigadier level).
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Dearness Allowance (DA): Percentage of basic + MSP, revised biannually for inflation.
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Transport Allowance: Based on city/posting; service vehicles often provided.
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Flying Allowance: For Air Force pilots and certain aviation roles (up to ₹25,000+).
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High Altitude / Siachen Allowance: Extra for extreme postings.
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Field Area / Counterinsurgency Allowance: For operational zones.
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Uniform Allowance: For uniforms and maintenance.
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Other: Technical, submarine, island, instructional, etc., as per branch/posting.
CDS Officer Facilities & Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond cash, officers enjoy:
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Subsidised or free accommodation in secure cantonments.
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Comprehensive medical care for self and family via military hospitals.
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CSD canteen access for discounted goods (vehicles, electronics, essentials).
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Group insurance with high coverage at low premiums.
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Leave Travel Concession (LTC), annual/casual leave.
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Education support for children via good schools and welfare schemes.
Promotion & Career Growth After CDS
Officers start as Lieutenant equivalents and advance via:
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Time-scale promotions (e.g., to Captain after ~2–4 years).
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Selection-based for higher ranks.
Outstanding performers can reach senior leadership, including Chiefs of Services or Chief of Defence Staff, with apex pay and prestige.
Pension & Retirement Benefits
After minimum qualifying service (typically 20 years for a full pension):
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Monthly pension based on last drawn basic + MSP (and elements of allowances).
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Gratuity, leave encashment, and family pension.
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Ex-servicemen benefits: ECHS medical, CSD access, resettlement, and job reservations.
CDS Officer Job Profile
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Army: Lead troops, operations, training, and logistics in diverse terrains.
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Navy: Manage ships, submarines, and aviation; focus on maritime strategy.
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Air Force: Flying, technical, ground duties; air defence and operations.
The role demands leadership, discipline, and commitment, with high responsibility and adventure.
