Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS 2025 exam should be aware of the salary structure for 2025. Along with the respect that comes with joining the CDS, the salary, allowances, and extra benefits are major factors that attract candidates. Every year, around 1.5 to 2 lakh students take part in the CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams. In this article, we will delve into all these aspects, including the CDS Salary 2025, Pay scale, In-Hand Salary, Structure, and Allowances, as well as the pecuniary benefits associated with the CDS.
CDS Salary 2025
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will soon share important information about CDS salary for 2025. Once selected, candidates will start working as Lieutenant with a pay scale ranging from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 per month after completing the training. The salary varies based on the rank as higher ranks come with higher pay scales, pay levels and overall pay. Along with the salary, candidates will also get various allowances. For more detailed information about CDS salary, continue reading the full article.
CDS Salary During Training Period
After clearing the SSB interview, candidates proceed to undergo training at prestigious institutes like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS pay structure is based on factors like rank, experience, and job responsibilities, ensuring that candidates are compensated fairly. During the training period, they receive a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 as per the 7th CPC guidelines. As candidates progress through the ranks, their salary and benefits also increase with each promotion.
CDS Salary & Pay Scale of Officers in Army/Air Force/Navy 2025
Salary and grade pay for CDS officers in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy play a vital role in attracting and retaining skilled personnel who wish to serve in the armed forces. The compensation package is carefully structured based on factors such as rank, responsibilities and length of service. For a detailed breakdown of the rank-wise pay structure for CDS 1 2025, check the table below.
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100-1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | Rs 61,300-1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | Rs 69,400-2,07,200 |
| Lt Colonel | Level 12A | Rs 1,21,200-2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600-2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | Rs 1,39,600-2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200-2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | Rs 1,82,200-2,24,100 |
| HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army CDR/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Military Service Pay (MSP)
Military Service Pay (MSP) is an additional amount included in the salary of officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
- For officers holding the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier, the MSP is a fixed amount of INR 15,500 per month.
- MSP is granted to officers ranked from Lieutenant to Brigadier, which includes ranks like Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier.
- The introduction of MSP for the Indian Armed Forces was recommended by the 6th Pay Commission.
- The 7th Pay Commission extended MSP to all ranks up to and including Brigadiers and their equivalents.
UPSC CDS Allowances & Perks for IMA/INA/OTA/AFA
| Allowances | Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Allowance | Pilots in Level 10 & above pay scale get Rs 25,000 per month as a flying allowance |
| Dearness Allowance | Same rates as applicable to civilian personnel |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | Rs 20,000 annually |
| Highly Active Field Area Allowance | Rs 16,900 pm |
| Field Area Allowance | Rs 10,500 pm |
| Modified Field Area Allowance | Rs 6,300 pm |
| High Altitude Allowance | Category-I – Rs 3,400 pm Category-II – Rs 5,300 pm Category-III – Rs 25,000 pm |
| Siachen Allowance | Rs. 42,500 pm |
| Uniform allowance | Rs. 20,000 pm |
| Free Ration | Officers in Peace & Filed Areas get Free ration. |
| Transport Allowance (TPTA) | Higher TPTA Cities: Rs 7200 + DA pm Other Places: Rs 3600 +DA pm |
| Children’s Education Allowance (CEA) | Rs. 2250 pm per child for only the eldest two surviving CEA is applicable from kids’ Nursery to 12th class |
CDS Promotion Policy
Promotion opportunities vary across different branches of the armed forces. Each force has its own unique promotion policies that are based on the rank, experience, and performance of officers. Below, we provide an overview of the promotion policies for officers recruited in the Indian Army, Navy, Officer Training Academy (OTA), and Air Force.
Indian Army: Promotion Policy
The UPSC CDS job roles vary depending on the specific post. Cadets who successfully complete their training will start with the rank of Lieutenant. They can then qualify for promotions based on their years of service, seniority, and job performance. Here are details on UPSC CDS Career Growth & Promotion Criteria.
| Rank | Promotion Criteria |
| Lieutenant | After completing training |
| Captain | 2 years of commissioned service |
| Major | 6 years of commissioned service |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years of commissioned service |
| Colonel (Time Scale) | 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 restriction |
Indian Air Force: Promotion Policy
Candidates can check the Promotion Criteria of different ranks in Indian Airforce in the table given below –
| Rank | Promotion Criteria |
| Flying Officer | On Commission |
| Flight Lieutenant | 2 Years of commissioned service |
| Squadron Leader | 6 years of commissioned service |
| Wing Commander | 13 years of commissioned service |
| Group Captain | 26 years of commissioned service |
| Group Captain (Select) | Selection |
| Air Commodore | Selection |
| Air Vice Marshal | Selection |
| Air Marshal | Selection |
| Air Chief Marshal | Selection |
Officers Training Academy (OTA): Promotion Policy
Male and Female candidates who are granted the Short Service Commission by the OTA are eligible for the following promotion avenues:
| Rank | Years of Commissioned Service |
|---|---|
| Captain | 2 years |
| Major | 6 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years |
CDS Pecuniary Benefits
Officers selected in CDS 2025 are provided monetary benefits in case they suffer an unfortunate event during service, which includes the following:
- In case of death during service, the nearest relative (NOK) will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 12.5 lakh.
- Along with this, a monthly ex-gratia payment of Rs 9000 will also be made to the NOK.
- The ex-gratia award to Cadet (Direct)/NOK will be granted on ex-gratia basis only; it cannot be considered as a substitute for any kind of pension.
- Both the monthly ex-gratia and the ex-gratia under disability award will be eligible for dearness relief at appropriate rates.
CDS Retirement Benefits
As per the current rules of UPSC CDS, pension, gratuity and casualty pension will be admissible to retired officers. Under UPSC CDS, retired officers receive the following benefits:
- Pension: Retired officers receive the benefit of regular pension.
- Gratuity: Gratuity earned during service is also given.
- Casualty Pension: Casualty pension is provided in case of an accidental event.
CDS Scholarships
There are various scholarships available for cadets joining the Indian Military Academy:
Parshurambhau Patwardhan Scholarship
This scholarship is only for cadets from Maharashtra or Karnataka. During the attendance period of the cadet, it may be awarded a scholarship up to Rs 500 per year, provided the cadet is satisfactory in academic progress. Cadets receiving this scholarship will not be eligible for other government financial aid.
Colonel Kendall Frank Memorial Scholarship
The annual amount of this scholarship is Rs 360 and is awarded to a deserving Maratha cadet who must be the son of an ex-serviceman.
This scholarship is in addition to other government financial aid.
| CDS 2 Exam Related Useful Links | |
| CDS Notification | CDS Syllabus |
| CDS Exam Pattern | CDS Eligibility Criteria |
| CDS Previous Year Papers | CDS SSB Procedure |
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