Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
NDA Salary: Joining the armed forces has always been a dream come true for the majority of youths. After the 7th Pay Commission, NDA salary has witnessed many changes. Candidates joining Indian Army, Navy and Air Force through National Defence Academy & Naval Academy exam are offered attractive payscale and allowances. The benefits related to NDA 2025 salary start during the training period. The stipend given to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service academies i.e. during training period at IMA is INR 56,100 for NDA exam. After the successful training, the NDA salary of the Officer Commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. Â In this article, we have discussed in detail NDA salary, allowances, perks and other benefits given to the cadets.
Q: Â What is NDA salary per month?
NDA salary per month is INR 56,100 during the training period. After joining NDA, candidates get the starting salary. Over the time, the NDA salary increases based on the experience and performance. NDA salary per month for Lieutenant is between INR 56,100-1,77,500. The highest NDA salary for Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff. The month-wise NDA salary is given below:
- Captain: INR 61,300-1,93,900
- Major: INR 6,94,00-2,07,200
- Lieutenant Colonel: INR 1,21,200-2,12,400
Q: Â What is the highest NDA salary of an Officer?
Q: Â What is the salary after graduating from NDA?
Q: Â What is the salary of candidates selected through NDA exam?
NDA Salary
Aspirants who wish to join the Army, Navy or Air Force must be curious about knowing NDA salary, allowances, perks, and many more. The table below highlights NDA salary for different ranks and levels.
Overview of NDA Salary
The overview of NDA salary is given below.
Parameters |
Details |
---|---|
Name of the Exam |
National Defence Academy Exam |
Exam Conducting Body |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Purpose for NDA exam |
To select eligible candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course |
Mode |
Offline |
Number of Times |
Twice a Year |
Selection Stages |
Written Test and SSB Interview |
Educational Eligibility |
Class 12 pass |
NDA Starting Salary |
INR 56,100 per month |
NDA Stipend During Training PeriodÂ
Stipend for cadet training of Army Officers and equivalent ranks in Air Force and Navy is given below.
Training Stipend-NDA | Stipend Amount (In INR) |
---|---|
Stipend to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service Academies i.e. during the training period at IMA. |
56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10) |
The period of training will not be treated as commissioned service and arrears on account of admissible allowances (as applicable) for the training period will be paid to cadets.
Also Read:
Rank-Wise NDA Salary
The rank-wise salary of cadets are given below:
Ranks | NDA salary (In INR) |
---|---|
Lt to Maj |
Lt: Level 10 (56,100-1,77,500) Capt: Level10 B (61,300-1,93,900) Maj: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200) |
Lt Col to Maj Gen |
Lt Col: Level 12A (1,21,200-2,12,400) Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900) Brig: Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600) Maj Gen - Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200) |
Lt Gen to HAG Scale |
Level 15 (1, 82, 200-2,24,100) |
HAG+Scale |
Level 16 (2,05,400-2,24,400) |
VCOAS/ArmyCdr/Lt Gen (NFSG) |
Level 17 (2,25,000) (fixed) |
COAS |
Level 18 (2,50,000) (fixed) |
Military Service Pay given to the officer is given below:
Military Service Pay(MSP) to the officers from the rank of Lt to Brig  |
INR 15,500 pm (fixed) |
Also Read:
NDA Selection Process | NDA Vacancies |
NDA Preparation Tips | NDA Books |
NDA Pattern | NDA Syllabus |
Q: Â Who earns more- NDA officer or IAS officer?
The NDA Cadets receive a fixed stipend of INR 56,100 per month during the training duration. An IAS Officer may earn between INR 56,100 and INR 2,50,000 annually as salary.
Q: Â What is grade pay of NDA Officers?
NDA grade pay depend on the post to which they are selected. NDA salary is based on the 10th pay scale as per 7th pay commission. NDA grade pay for different posts is given below.
NDA Rank | NDA Grade Pay (in INR) |
---|---|
Captain | 6,100 |
Major | 6,600 |
Lieutenant | 5,400 |
Lieutenant Colonel | 8,000 |
Brigadier | 8,900 |
Colonel | 8,700 |
Major General | 10,000 |
Q: Â What is the insurance policy of NDA officers?
The insurance policy given to NDA officers is given below:
- Army Group Insurance Fund is a compulsory contributory group scheme, which provides insurance cover for INR 15 Lacs on payment of one time non-refundable premium of INR 6,400 for 3 years paid from the date of joining NDA till completion of training
- In case of relegation, an additional premium of INR 1,160 per relegated term will be paid immediately on occurrence
- For those who are invalided out from NDA by IMB on account of disability and not entitled to any pension will be provided INR 7.5 Lacs for 100 per cent disability
- This will be reduced to INR 1.5 Lacs for 20 per cent disability
- For less than 20 per cent disability, only an Ex-Gratia Grant of INR 50,000 for initial year of training and INR 1 Lacs during the last year of training will be paid.
- At IMA, at the time of stipend, the Gentlemen cadets are provided insurance cover of INR 75 Lacs with a monthly contribution of INR 5,000 (with effect from October 1, 2016 as per maint AGI scheme as application to regular officers).
- Those who are invalidated out from IMA by IMB on account of disability and not entitled to any pension will be provided INR 25 Lakhs for 100 per cent disability.
- This will be reduced to INR 5 Lacs for 20 per cent disability.
- For less than 20 per cent disability, only an Ex-Gratia amount of INR 50,000 for initial year of training and INR 1 Lacs during the last year of training will be paid.
Q: Â What are the monetary benefits given to NDA Officers in case of mishap?
The monetary benefits given to NDA Officers in case of mishap are given below:
In case of disability
- Monthly Ex-gratia amount of INR 9,000 per month.
- Ex-gratia disability award of INR 16,200 per month
- Constant Attendant Allowance (CCA of INR 6, 750 per month for 100 per cent disable on the recommendation of Invaliding Medical Board (IBM).
In case of death
- Ex-gratia amount of INR 12.5 Lacs to the NoK.
- The Ex-gratia amount of INR 9,000 per month to the NoK.
- The Ex-gratia awards to Cadets (Direct)/NoK, will be sanctioned purely on ex-gratia basis and the same should not be treated as pension for any purpose.
NDA Salary: Allowances & Perks
Along with NDA salary, candidates are also entitled to various allowances and benefits. Allowances offered to candidates are given below:
- Uniform Allowance
- As per the post-Compensatory Field Area Allowance
- As per the post, Compensatory Modified Field Area Allowance
- Dearness and Transport Allowance (DA/TA)
- Para Allowance
- Para jump instructor Allowance
- Para Reserve Allowance
- Technical Allowance Tier 1
- Technical Allowance Tier 2
- Special Forces Allowance
- Children's Education Allowance
- Hostel Subsidy
Candidates can check the amount and details of perks and allowances included in NDA salary below:
Type | Details |
---|---|
Dearness Allowance |
Admissible at the same rates and under the same conditions as applied to the civilian personnel from time to time |
Para Allowance |
INR 10,500 per month |
Para Jump Instructor Allowance |
INR 10,500 per month |
Project Allowance |
INR 3,400 per month |
Special Forces Allowance |
INR 25,000 per month |
Technical Allowance (Tier-I) |
INR 3,000 per month |
Technical Allowance (Tier-II) |
INR 4,500 per month |
Kit maintenance Allowance |
Subsumed into the newly proposed Dress Allowance of INR 20,000 per year |
Depending upon rank and area of posting, officer posted to Field Areas will be eligible for the following Field Area allces.
Rank |
Level |
HAFA |
Fd Area Allce |
Mod Fd Area Allce |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lt & above |
Level 10 and above |
16, 900 (R1H2) |
10, 500 (R2H2) |
6,300 (60% of R2H2) |
High Altitude Allowance
Rank | Level | CAT I (PM) | CAT II (PM) | CAT III (PM) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lt & above |
Level 10 and above |
3,400 (R3H2) |
5,300 (R3H1) |
25,000 (R1H1) |
Siachen Allowance: INRÂ 42,500 per month
Free Rations
- Continue in Fd Area to all Defence Officers
- Defence officers posted in peace area to get Ration Money Allce (RMA) every month
Transport Allce (TPTA):
Pay Level |
Higher TPTA Cities (Rs per month) |
Other Places (INR Per month) |
---|---|---|
9 and above |
INR 7, 200 + DA thereon |
INR 3,600 + DA thereon |
Flying Allowances:
The Army Aviators (Pilots) in Lt and above for Level 10 and above serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance of INR 25,000 (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix).
Important Points
- Higher Tpt Cities (UA) are Hyderabad, Patna, Delhi, Ahmadabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Indore, Greater Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Kolkata.
- The allowance will not be admissible to those service personnel who have been provided with the facility of Government transport.
- Officers in Pay Level 14 and above, who are entitled to use official car, will have the option to avail official car facility or to draw the TPTA at the rate of INR 15,750+DA thereon.
- The allowance will not be admissible for the calendar months wholly covered by leave.
- Physically disabled service personnel will continue to be paid at double rate, subject to a minimum of INR 2,250 + DA
Children Education Allowance: INRÂ 2, 250 per month will be given for per child for two eldest surviving only. This allowance is admissible from Nursery to Class 12. In the case of allowances specific to Defence Forces, the rates of these allowances will be enhanced by 25 per cent automatically each time. The Dearness Allowance payable on the revised pay band goes up by 50 per cent.
Also Read:
NDA Pattern | NDA Syllabus |
NDA Notification | NDA Recruitment |
What is the promotional policy of NDA Officers?
Candidates can check below the promotions given to Army, Navy and Air Force based on their performance and years of service.
Army | Navy | Air Force | Selection criteria |
---|---|---|---|
Lieutenant |
Sub Lieutenant |
Flying Officer |
On being Commissioned |
Captain |
Lieutenant |
Flight Lieutenant |
After 2 years of service |
Major |
Lt  Commander |
Squadron Leader |
After 6 years of service |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Commander |
Wing Commander |
13 years of service |
Colonel(Selection) |
Captain (Selection) |
Group Captain (Selection) |
On Selection |
Colonel (Time Scale) |
Captain (Time Scale) |
Group Captain (Time Scale) |
26 years of service |
Brigadier |
Commodore |
Air Commodore |
On Selection |
Major General |
Rear Admiral |
Air Vice Marshal |
On Selection |
Lieutenant General |
Vice Admiral |
Air Marshal |
On Selection |
General |
Admiral |
Air Chief Marshal |
On Selection |
NDA Salary: Retirement Benefits
Pension, gratuity and casualty pensionary award will be given in accordance with the rules in force from time to time.
NDA Leave Policy
Leave will be admissible in accordance with the rules in force from time to time
Q: Â What are the ranks given to the candidates on successful commissioning?
Q: Â Are there any allowances along with the NDA salary?
Q: Â What is the field area allowances offered to NDA Officers?
Based upon rank and area of posting, the officer will be posted to field areas and will receive the following field area allowances, as shared below:
Level | Highly Active Field Area Allowance | Field Area Allowance | Modified Field Area Allowance |
Officers | INR 16,900 pm | INR 10,500 pm | INR 6,300 pm |
Q: Â What is the insurance policy given to the selected cadets in NDA?
What is Training Period at NDA?
After training at NDA, candidates are sent to the respective defence academies. The details are shared below:
Army Cadets
-
After the Army Cadets pass out from NDA, they go to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Cadets to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Air Force cadets and Ground Duty-Non Tech streams to Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, and Air Force cadets of Ground Duty–Tech stream to Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru
-
At the IMA Army Cadets are known as Gentlemen Cadets and are given arduous military training which is for one year and it is aimed at turning them into officers capable of leading infantry Subunits. After the Cadets have successfully completed the training as Gentlemen Cadets they are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lt subject to being medically fit in "SHAPE" one
Naval Cadets
-
On passing out from the NDA, Naval cadets are selected for the Executive Branch of the Navy, and are also given further training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala for one year and, on successful completion of the training, they are promoted to the rank of Sub Lieutenants
-
Candidates who are selected for the Naval Academy under (Class 12 Cadet Entry Scheme) are inducted as Cadets for four year B Tech course in Applied Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (for Engineering Branch including Naval Architect specialization) or Electronics & Communication Engineering (for Electrical Branch) as per Naval requirements. After the candidates complete the course they are awarded B Tech Degree by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Air Force Cadets
-
Air Force Cadets receive flying training for a period of 1½ years. However, at the end of one year of successful training, they are given provisional commission in the rank of Flying Officer. After the Air Force Cadets successfully complete further training of six months they are absorbed as permanent commissioned officers on probation for a period of one year
-
Air Force Ground Duties Branch Cadets receive streamwise specialist training for one year. After the successful completion of training, they are given a provisional commission in the rank of Flying Officer. They are further absorbed as permanent commissioned officers on probation of one year
Read More:
AFCAT Salary | CDS Salary |
Q: Â What is the cost of training of NDA Officers?
The cadet's cost of training includes accommodation, boarding, medical treatment books, uniforms, etc. All these costs are borne by the Government. During the training, the personal expenses are borne by family. The private expenses generally account to not more than 3000 per month. Even in cases where the parents are not able to provide the expenses of the cadets, the government provides the financial assistance of INR 1000 per month for the period of training. The financial assistance is provided to only those candidates whose parents' income is less than INR 21,000 per month. Cadets whose parent's income is more than INR 21,000 per month are not liable for financial assistance.
If the cadet's brother or any cadet who is being provided help by parents and guardians and even he is simultaneously undergoing training at NDA, IMA, OTA, and corresponding training establishment in the Navy and Air Force, then both of them are eligible for financial assistance by the government. Candidates who are finally selected for training at the Academy are required to deposit the following amount.
Cost of Training | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Pocket allowance for 5 months @INR 3000.00 per month | 15000 |
For items of clothing and equipment | 21831 |
Army Group Insurance Fund | 7200 |
Clothing items required at the time of joining | 8681 |
Incidental Expenditure during 1st Semester | 7138 |
Total | 59850 |
Out of the total amount, the following amount is refunded to candidates in the event of financial aid being sanctioned to them.
Refund | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Pocket allowance for five months INR 2000 at INR 400.00 per month (Corresponding to Govt. Financial Assistance) | 2000 |
For items of clothing and equipment approximately | 13935 |
Q: Â What is the transport allowance offered to NDA officers?
The transport allowance offered to NDA Officers is given below.
Pay Level | Higher TPTA Cities (Rs. Per month) | Other Places (Rs. Per month) |
Officers | INR 7200+DA thereon | INR 3600+DA thereon |
Q: Â What is the current NDA salary during the entire duration of training in Service academies?
NDA salary during the entire duration of training is INR 56,100. Candidates starting salary during the training period and in the initial phase of their job. Over time, the post and salary of NDA officers keep increasing based on their performance and experience. The NDA salary per month for the Lieutenant post ranges from INR 56,100 to 1,77,500, while the highest salary for NDA Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff.
Q: Â How much will the NDA salary be fixed after the successful training of the Officer Commissioned?
NDA salary to be fixed after the successful training of the Officer Commissioned is given below.
NDA Salary After 7th Pay Commission | ||
NDA Posts | NDA Pay Scale | NDA Pay Level |
Stipend during training at IMA | 56,100 | Level 10 |
Lieutenant | 56,100 -1,77,500 | Level 10 |
Captain | 61,300- 1,93,900 | Level 10 B |
Major | 69,400-2,07,200 | Level 11 |
Lieutenant Colonel | 1,21,200-2,12,400 | Level 12A |
Colonel | 1,30,600-2,15,900 | Level 13 |
Brigadier | 1,39,600-2,17,600 | Level 13A |
Major General | 1,44,200-2,18,200 | Level 14 |
LT General HAG Scale | 1,82,200-2,24,100 | Level 15 |
HAG + Scale | 2,05,400-2,24,400 | Level 16 |
VCOAS/Army CDr/Lt Gen (NFSG) | 2,25,000 (fixed) | Level 17 |
COAS | 2,50,000 (fixed) | Level 18 |
NDA selection process
NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam of NDA comprises two subjects-Maths and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates who qualify the written exam by securing the desired cut off marks are called for SSB Interview. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on the written exam and SSB interview. Selection of candidates is done based on merit-cum-preference.
Q: Â What is NDA selection process?
NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates need to secure qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. Qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secure in the written exam and SSB interview. Final allocation is done based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The written exam of NDA is conducted for 900 marks. The sectional cutoff marks for the written exam is 25 per cent. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) whereas Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
Q: Â What is NDA syllabus?
Q: Â What is NDA selection process for SSB interview?
The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process- stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are:
(a) Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT
(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted
over four days.
The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There are no separate weightage for each test. The mks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the test. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decision of the Board. All these have equal weightage.
The various tests of IO, GTO and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of Officer Like Qualities and their trainability in a candidate. Accordingly candidates are recommended or not recommended at the SSB.
Q: Â What is NDA selection process for written exam?
NDA Salary FAQs
Candidates can check below NDA salary FAQs. By going through the FAQs candidates can know about the increment, perks, allowances, benefits, rank-wise salaries, etc.
Q: Â How many students apply for NDA exam and qualify it?
Q: Â What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?
Q: Â What is the criteria to give NDA exam?
Q: Â What is NDA selection process?
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
NDA Exam
Student Forum
Answered 15 hours ago
In the NDA (National Defence Academy) written exam, the General Science section is part of the overall paper, which includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The weightage of General Science is divided as follows:
- Physics: Typically, questions from Physics hold the largest weightage in
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, after passing the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, you can obtain a degree, but this depends on the branch you join and the training you undergo.
For Army Cadets: Upon completing training at the NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), you are awarded a BSc (for Science stream) or BA (for
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hii, The NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam 2024 is conducted by UPSC twice annually for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA 1 2024 notification will be released on 20th December 2023, and the exam is scheduled for 21st April 2024. Candidates aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, unmarried
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, if you have *BiPC* (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) subjects in your 12th, you are *not eligible* to appear for the *NDA exam*. The *National Defence Academy (NDA)* exam requires candidates to have studied *Mathematics* as one of their subjects in Class 12 or equivalent.Â
The eligibility criteri
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
The *National Defence Academy (NDA)* exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), allows candidates to appear for it a limited number of times. As per the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam:
- *Age Limit:* For NDA, candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Mathematics is very important if you want to ace the NDA exam. We all know, that it is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams to appear for. Also, qualifying for the NDA exam has a lot to do with your accuracy and time management. If you work hard and practice the important topics thoroughly
Answered a week ago
The NDA exam has two stages - written examination and SSB Interview.
The exam consists of 900 marks, of which 300 marks are for Mathematics paper and 600 marks are for the General Aptitude Test (GAT). It is one of the most difficult exams in India. The SSB interview requires a lot of practice and de
Answered 2 weeks ago
Combined Defence Service Examination (CDS) National Defence Academy Examination (NDA) Short Service Commission Examination (Technical) Joint Advocate General (JAG) SCWW.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
NDA syllabus PDF is provided on this page. The syllabus PDF comprises the important topics related to the exam. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and start preparing for the exam. With good practice, candidates can ace the exam.Â
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, if you're writing your WAEC and NECO in 2025, you are likely to be eligible for NDA 2025 exam. So let's talk about the eligibility criterias which are, you must me an Indian and your age must be 16.5 to 19.5 years. You must have passed your 12th with PCM. So in order to apply, you need to fill
H
Contributor-Level 10
Weightage of general Science each subject in nda written exam