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Joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the National Defence Academy (NDA) is a dream for many young aspirants. With the 7th Pay Commission, NDA salary and benefits have improved significantly.
From the training period to high-ranking officer positions, cadets receive attractive salaries, allowances, and perks. Let’s explore NDA salary details, including stipend, rank-wise pay scale, and additional benefits.
NDA Salary Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy Exam |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Purpose | Selection for Army, Navy & Air Force wings of NDA & Indian Naval Academy Course |
| Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Selection Process | Written Test + SSB Interview |
| Educational Eligibility | Class 12 pass |
| NDA Starting Salary | INR 56,100 per month |
NDA Stipend During Training
📌 Stipend for Cadet Training at IMA (Indian Military Academy)
- INR 56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10)
- Training is not considered commissioned service
- Arrears for admissible allowances will be paid after training
Rank-Wise NDA Salary
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary (INR per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Lt.) | Level 10 | 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
| Captain (Capt.) | Level 10B | 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
| Major (Maj.) | Level 11 | 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) | Level 12A | 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
| Colonel (Col.) | Level 13 | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier (Brig.) | Level 13A | 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 |
| Major General (Maj. Gen.) | Level 14 | 1,44,200 - 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (Lt. Gen.) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 - 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 - 2,24,400 |
| Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) / Army Commander / Lt. Gen (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (Fixed) |
📌 Military Service Pay (MSP):
- Fixed MSP for Lieutenant to Brigadier: INR 15,500 per month
NDA Allowances & Perks
In addition to salary, NDA officers receive various allowances and benefits, which vary based on rank and posting.
Key Allowances for NDA Officers
| Allowance Type | Amount (INR per month) |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per government rules |
| Para Allowance | 10,500 |
| Para Jump Instructor Allowance | 10,500 |
| Project Allowance | 3,400 |
| Special Forces Allowance | 25,000 |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-I) | 3,000 |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-II) | 4,500 |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | Included in Dress Allowance (INR 20,000 per year) |
Field Area Allowance (Based on Rank & Location)
| Rank | Level | High Altitude Field Area (HAFA) | Field Area Allowance | Modified Field Area Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lt. & Above | Level 10+ | 16,900 | 10,500 | 6,300 |
High Altitude Allowance
| Rank | Level | Category I | Category II | Category III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lt. & Above | Level 10+ | 3,400 | 5,300 | 25,000 |
📌 Siachen Allowance: INR 42,500 per month
Additional Perks for NDA Officers
✅ Free Rations for Defence Officers in Field Areas
✅ Ration Money Allowance (RMA) for officers in Peace Areas
✅ Transport Allowance (TPTA) based on city category
Transport Allowance (TPTA)
| Pay Level | Higher TPTA Cities (INR/month) | Other Places (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 9 & Above | 7,200 + DA | 3,600 + DA |
📌 Flying Allowance:
- Army Aviators (Pilots) in Army Aviation Corps get INR 25,000 per month
📌 Children Education Allowance:
- INR 2,250 per month per child (Max: 2 children)
- Applicable from Nursery to Class 12
📌 Disability Benefits:
- Physically disabled personnel get double Transport Allowance (TPTA) (Minimum INR 2,250 + DA)
📌 Government Transport:
- Officers using official cars can either avail the service or opt for TPTA (INR 15,750 + DA)
NDA Promotions Policy
Promotions in Army, Navy, and Air Force depend on performance and years of service.
| Army | Navy | Air Force | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Sub Lieutenant | Flying Officer | On Commissioning |
| Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant | After 2 years |
| Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader | After 6 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander | After 13 years |
| Colonel (Selection) | Captain (Selection) | Group Captain (Selection) | On Selection |
| Colonel (Time Scale) | Captain (Time Scale) | Group Captain (Time Scale) | After 26 years |
| 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 Retirement Benefits
✅ Pension
✅ Gratuity
✅ Casualty Pensionary Awards
These benefits are given as per the latest government rules.
NDA Leave Policy
Leave for NDA officers is granted as per government norms and may change from time to time.
Final Thoughts
✅ NDA officers enjoy a competitive salary along with numerous perks & allowances.
✅ Promotions are based on experience & performance.
✅ Additional benefits like pension, gratuity, and free rations add to the overall compensation.
If you dream of serving the nation, the NDA offers an excellent career path with financial stability and growth opportunities. 🚀
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