CDS Salary 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Earnings & Career Growth

CDS full form means the Combined Defence Services Exam. The range of CDS salary is from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2,50,000 per month. The starting CDS officer salary during training is Rs 56,100. Along with the CDS salary, the candidates get a lot of perks and allowances for the CDS Candidates. The high salary and the benefits motivate several candidates to join CDS and serve the nation. CDS salary 2025 is calculated as follows: basic pay + grade Pay + allowance + other benefits.

Candidates who want to be in different defence sectors should clear the CDS exam 2025 (Combined Defence Services exam). The candidates undergo rigorous rounds to be selected for the different military academies.

CDS Salary 2025 Overview

Every year, numerous candidates are recruited for various positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They undergo intensive training to become skilled officers dedicated to serving the nation.

Aspirants preparing for the CDS Exam 2025 should have a clear understanding of the different CDS posts and their monthly salaries.

Category	Details
Name of the Exam	Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam
Commonly Known As	CDS Examination
Conducting Authority	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Frequency of Exam	Twice a Year
CDS Training Period Salary	₹56,100
CDS Officer Salary	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
Salary Composition	Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowances + Other Benefits
Mode of Exam	Offline
Stages of Exam	Written Examination, SSB Interview (5 Days)

UPSC CDS Salary Structure 2025

The CDS salary per month is determined based on rank, experience, and responsibilities, ensuring fair compensation. The structured pay scale offers transparency and a clear path for salary growth, allowing personnel to receive appropriate remuneration based on their position and duties.

The salary for each CDS post varies according to the level of responsibility, skills required, and seniority. The pay structure is well-defined, allowing officers to understand their in-hand salary and career progression.

Rank	Pay Scale	Approximate In-Hand Salary	Pay Matrix Level
Lieutenant	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500	₹68,000	Level 10
Captain	₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900	₹75,000	Level 10B
Major	₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200	₹1,00,000	Level 11
Lieutenant Colonel	₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400	₹1,12,000	Level 12A
Colonel	₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900	₹1,30,000	Level 13
Brigadier	₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600	₹2,00,000	Level 13A
Major General	₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200	₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000	Level 14
Lieutenant General	₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100	–	Level 15
HAG + Scale	₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400	–	Level 16
VCOAS/Army Cdr/Lieutenant General (NFSG)	₹2,25,000 (Fixed)	–	Level 17
COAS (Chief of Army Staff)	₹2,50,000 (Fixed)	–	Level 18

This structured salary framework ensures that CDS officers receive competitive pay based on their rank and responsibilities, motivating them to advance in their careers.

CDS Salary – Formula for Salary Calculation

In 2025, the salary of a CDS officer will range from ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 per month. The salary structure consists of three main components: basic salary, allowances, and deductions.

• Basic salary is a fixed amount based on the officer’s rank and position. It also includes grade pay, which varies according to the officer’s pay level.
• Allowances are additional payments provided to cover various expenses such as housing, medical needs, and travel.
• Deductions include tax deductions and contributions to pension funds.

Total salary is calculated using the formula:
Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowances + Other Benefits

CDS Salary: Allowances and Reimbursements

Officers serving in the defence forces receive a variety of allowances and benefits in addition to their salary. These allowances are provided to support their living conditions, compensate for challenging postings, and ensure their well-being. The allowances vary based on factors such as rank, posting location, and specific job responsibilities. The table below outlines some of the key allowances provided to CDS officers.

Allowance	Eligibility	Amount
Qualification Grant	Personnel eligible under the Higher Qualification Incentive (HQI)	To be issued by MoD
Flying Allowance	Army Aviators (Pilots) from Lieutenant rank and above in Level 10	₹25,000 per month
Dearness Allowance	Same as applicable to civilian personnel	As per government regulations
Kit Maintenance Allowance	Granted with the newly introduced dress allowance	₹20,000 per year
Field Area Allowance	Officers posted in field areas (varies by rank and location)	₹6,300 – ₹16,900 per month
High Altitude Allowance	Officers in Level 10 and above	₹3,400 – ₹25,000 per month
Siachen Allowance	Personnel posted in Siachen	₹42,500 per month
Uniform Allowance	Given under the revised dress code	₹20,000 per year
Transport Allowance	Based on city category and pay level	₹3,600 – ₹15,750 per month + DA
Children Education Allowance	For up to two children from Nursery to Class 12	₹2,250 per month
House Rent Allowance	For officers without government accommodation	10-30% of Basic Pay
Special Forces Allowance	Officers assigned to Special Forces units	₹1,200 per month
Parachute Pay	Officers in active parachute battalions/regiments	₹9,000 per month
Free Ration	Officers serving in field and peace postings	Entitled to free ration

Travel Allowance Guidelines

• Higher TPTA cities include Patna, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kozhikode, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Greater Mumbai, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, and Chennai.
• Travel allowance is applicable only for complete calendar months covered by leave.
• Officers in Level 14 and above, entitled to official car use, can either avail the car facility or opt for a Transport Allowance of ₹15,750 per month + DA.
• The allowance applies to personnel who do not receive government-provided transport.

These allowances contribute to the overall compensation of CDS officers, ensuring financial security and supporting them in their roles.

CDS Training Period Salary vs CDS General Salary

Salary Component	Training Period	General
Basic Pay	Fixed Stipend: 56,100 per month	Ranges from INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500 per month
Pay Level	Level 10	Depends on the rank and pay level of the officer
Allowances	–	Grade pay, Allowances (housing, medical, and travel), and other benefits.
Commission Service	Not considered as a commission service	Considered a Commission service only after the training is completed

CDS Promotion Policy

The promotion structure in the armed forces for candidates selected through the CDS exam follows a well-defined hierarchy. Officers receive promotions based on time-scale advancements and, in some cases, selection criteria. Below is an overview of the promotion policies for different branches.

CDS Promotion Policy – IMA & INA

Rank	Promotion Criteria
Lieutenant	Upon completion of training
Captain	After 2 years of commissioned service
Major	After 6 years of commissioned service
Lieutenant Colonel	After 13 years of commissioned service
Colonel (TS)	After 26 years of commissioned service
Colonel	After 15 years of commissioned service
Brigadier	After 23 years of commissioned service
Major General	After 25 years of commissioned service
Lieutenant General	After 28 years of commissioned service
General	No fixed time scale

CDS Promotion Policy – AFA

Rank	Promotion Criteria	Basic Pay
Flying Officer	On Commission	₹56,100
Flight Lieutenant	After 2 years of commissioned service	₹61,200
Squadron Leader	After 6 years of commissioned service	₹69,400
Wing Commander	After 13 years of commissioned service	₹1,16,700
Group Captain	After 26 years of commissioned service	₹1,25,700
Air Commodore	By Selection	₹1,34,400
Air Vice Marshal	By Selection	₹1,44,200
Air Chief Marshal (HAG Scale)	By Selection	₹1,82,200
Air Chief Marshal (Apex Scale)	By Selection	₹2,05,400
Air Chief Marshal	By Selection	₹2,50,000

CDS Promotion Policy – OTA

Rank	Promotion Criteria
Captain	After 2 years of commissioned service
Major	After 6 years of commissioned service
Lieutenant Colonel	After 13 years of commissioned service

This structured promotion policy ensures career progression and increased responsibilities at each stage of service.

CDS Pecuniary Benefits

Officers chosen for CDS 2025 are entitled to financial support in the event of a tragic incident occurring during their service. This includes the following provisions:

• If an officer dies while on duty, their nearest relative (Next of Kin) will receive a one-time ex-gratia payment of Rs 12.5 lakh.

• Additionally, the Next of Kin will benefit from a monthly ex-gratia payment of Rs 9000.

• It’s important to note that the ex-gratia payment to the Cadet (Direct) or their Next of Kin is provided on an ex-gratia basis and should not be viewed as a replacement for any pension benefits.

• Furthermore, both the monthly ex-gratia and the ex-gratia awarded for disability will qualify for dearness relief at the applicable rates.

CDS Salary: Allowances and Benefits 2025

All eligible candidates will receive a base CDS salary along with various perks, allowances, and benefits associated with the position. The following outlines the perks and allowances included in the CDS salary:

• Qualification Grant: This has been eliminated as a separate allowance. Instead, eligible employees will be subject to the newly introduced Higher Qualification Incentive (HQI), with the official order from the Ministry of Defence still pending.

• Dearness Allowance: This will be provided at the same rates and under the same conditions that apply to civilian officers, updated periodically.

• Kit Maintenance Allowance: This has been integrated into the new Dress Allowance, which amounts to Rs 20,000 per year.

• Flying Allowances.

Rank	Pay Level	Fixed Allowance	Risk and Hardship Matrix
Lieutenant and above	Level 10 and above	Rs 25,000/- p.m.	R1H1

Allowance Overview

• eUniform Allowance: This has been integrated into the newly introduced Dress Allowance, set at Rs. 20,000/- annually.
• Free Rations: Available in both Peace and Field Areas.
• Transport Allowance (TPTA)

Pay Level	Higher TPTA Cities (Rs. Per month)	Other Places (Rs. Per month)
9 and above	Rs. 7200 + DA thereon	Rs. 3600 + DA thereon

• Officers at Pay Level 14 and above, who have access to an official vehicle, may opt for either the official car or receive TPTA of Rs. 15,750 + DA monthly.
• The allowance is not applicable for any calendar month(s) fully covered by leave.
• Service personnel with physical disabilities will continue to receive a double rate, with a minimum of Rs. 2250 + DA monthly.

Children Education Allowances

• Rs. 2250/- per month for each of the two eldest surviving children, covering education from nursery through 12th grade.
• Reimbursement occurs once a year after the conclusion of the financial year.
• A certificate from the institution’s head confirming the child’s attendance in the previous academic year is required.

CDS Salary – Additional Benefits 2025

Members of the armed forces receive various extra benefits beyond their CDS salary and standard allowances. The additional perks are outlined below.

Here’s a concise overview of the advantages available to CDS officers in table format:

Benefit Category	Description
Leave and Travel Allowance	Navy, Army, and Air Force officers are entitled to 60 days of annual leave and 20 days of casual leave each year.
	CDS officers can also encash up to 10 days of their Annual Leave, along with a Leave Travel Concession for up to 60 days throughout their career to help with travel costs.
Additional Benefits	Officers and their families enjoy perks such as complimentary medical care, a group insurance plan, subsidized housing, access to canteen services, a group housing initiative, and family support programs.

CDS Careers & Growth

The CDS officers get timely promotions for their service as their experience increases, along with their CDS officer salary. Let’s look at their CDS career growth over the years.

CDS Ranks	Time duration
Lieutenant	After training
Captain	2 years of commissioned service
Major	6 years of commissioned service
Lieutenant Colonel	13 years of commissioned service
Colonel	15 years of commissioned service
Colonel (TS)	26 years of commissioned service
Major General	25 years of commissioned service
Brigadier	23 years of commissioned service
Lieutenant General	28 years of commissioned service
General	No restrictions
Lieutenant	Only after completion of the training

• The salary increment is as per the ranks discussed in the previous sections.
• The allowances and perks are allocated as per the ranks and posts.

CDS Salary: Retirement Benefits

According to the existing regulations of UPSC Combined Defence Services, retired officers are entitled to receive pension, gratuity, and casualty pension. The benefits available to these officers include:

• Pension: A consistent pension is granted to retired officers.
• Gratuity: Officers are also entitled to the gratuity they accrued during their service.
• Casualty Pension: In the event of an accident, a casualty pension is available.

CDS Salary – Military Service Pay (MSP)

Military Service Pay (MSP) is an essential component of the salary structure for officers in the Indian Armed Forces. It was introduced by the 6th Pay Commission and later revised under the 7th Pay Commission. MSP is granted to officers holding ranks from Lieutenant to Brigadier as an additional financial benefit.

Key Points About Military Service Pay (MSP) in CDS

• Officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier receive a fixed MSP of ₹15,500 per month.
• MSP is exclusively provided to specific ranks, including Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier.
• The concept of MSP was first introduced by the 6th Pay Commission to enhance financial incentives for military personnel.
• The 7th Pay Commission extended the MSP to all ranks up to and including Brigadiers and their equivalents.

CDS Scholarships

Scholarships for the Indian Military Academy (IMA)

1. Parshurambhau Patwardhan Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for cadets hailing from Maharashtra or Karnataka. It offers financial assistance of up to Rs. 500 annually throughout the cadet’s tenure at IMA, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
2. Need-Based Scholarships: A range of need-based scholarships is available to assist cadets who require financial support. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the burden of tuition fees and other related costs, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent deserving candidates from pursuing their dreams.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are granted to those who excel academically and perform well in the Combined Defence Services examination. They typically cover tuition fees and provide stipends to help with living expenses.

The primary goal of these scholarships is to support and motivate talented individuals in their journey at the Indian Military Academy.

Conclusion

The monthly salary for officers who are chosen via the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam varies between INR 56,100 and INR 2,50,000, influenced by their rank and length of service. While in training, candidates earn a stipend of INR 56,100 each month. Beyond the basic salary, officers benefit from a range of allowances and perks, including Dearness Allowance, Flying Allowance, and High Altitude Allowance. This extensive compensation package not only makes a career in the armed forces financially attractive but also enhances its prestige.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)