The UPSC has released the notification for the NDA 1 Exam 2025, providing a remarkable opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). A career in the Indian Armed Forces not only brings the honor of serving the nation but also comes with an impressive salary package. This article delves into the NDA Salary 2025, detailing the basic pay, monthly earnings, allowances, and additional benefits offered to those serving in the Armed Forces.
NDA Salary 2025
After passing the NDA Exam, cadets will do mandatory training, during which they are paid a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100 per month at Pay Matrix Level 10 as per the Seventh Pay Commission. This stipend is provided during the three-year training period. After successful completion of training, NDA officers are eligible for various allowances, such as dearness allowance (DA), uniform allowance, and transport allowance.
As they advance in their career, the highest monthly salary for NDA officers can reach up to Rs 2,50,000 for the coveted post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS). For complete details of NDA salary in 2025, including rank-wise pay scale, allowances, and additional benefits, read on for more details.
NDA Salary During Training Period
After successfully clearing the NDA exam, candidates are provided with a stipend during their training at the National Defence Academy. Aspiring officers receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100, which corresponds to the starting salary at Level 10, instead of the full pay for commissioned officers.
This stipend applies to cadets across different Service Academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA). Upon completing the three-year training program, cadets are commissioned as officers. Although the rank structures in the Army, Air Force, and Navy are similar, each branch has its own unique titles and designations for its officers.
| Type of Stipend | Stipend Amount | Pay Level |
| Fixed Stipend | Rs 56,100/-p.m. | Starting pay in Level 10 |
NDA Salary 2025: After Training
After completing their training, NDA officers receive a salary ranging from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 depending on their rank and level within the pay matrix. After clearing the three stages of the NDA Selection Process, students are selected for the National Defence Academy. This pay scale reflects the responsibilities and duties associated with various positions in the armed forces.
The NDA salary structure is in line with the training and responsibilities of cadets and officers. The stipend for cadets is a reasonable amount that is sufficient to cover their expenses during their training period. This pay scale for officers is competitive and it increases with their rank and years of service.
NDA Salary 2025: Pay Scale and Allowances
The highest monthly salary for NDA officers can reach Rs 2,50,000 for the distinguished role of Chief of Army Staff (COAS). For a detailed breakdown of the NDA salary in 2025, including pay scales based on rank, allowances, and other benefits, please refer to the information below. Check the table for the NDA salary details according to different rank structures-
| NDA Rank | NDA Salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant to Major | Lt: Level 10 (Rs. 56,100- Rs. 1,77,500) Captain: Level 10 B (61,300-1,93,900) Major: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200) |
| Lieutenant Colonel to Major General | Lt Col: Level 12A (1,21,200 2,12,400) Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900) Brig: Level 13A (Rs. 1,39,600-2,17,600) Major General – Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200) |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 (Rs. 1, 82, 200- Rs. 2,24,100) |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 (Rs. 2,05,400 – Rs. 2,24,400) |
| Vice Chief of Army Staff/Army Commander/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 (Rs. 2,25,000) (fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff | Level 18 (Rs. 2,50,000) (fixed) |
NDA Salary for Officers and Naval Cadets
(a) After graduating from the National Defence Academy, Naval Cadets are selected for the Executive Branch of the Navy. They receive one year of training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, after which they are promoted to Sub Lieutenants.
(b) Candidates selected for the Naval Academy under the (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) join as Cadets for a four-year B.Tech course based on Naval requirements. After completing the course, they receive a B.Tech degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
NDA Officer Salary for Air Force Cadet
(a) Air Force Cadets receive flying training for 1½ years. They get a provisional commission as Flying Officers after 1 year. After six months, they become permanent commissioned officers on probation for one year.
(b) Air Force Ground Duties Branch Cadets receive specialized training for 1 year. They get a provisional commission as Flying Officers after 1 year. Then, they become permanent commissioned officers on probation for one year.
NDA Salary 2025: Other allowance
NDA officers receive various allowances as part of their compensation package. These include the Dearness Allowance, which helps offset inflation and rising living costs. Additionally, they receive a Para Allowance, which is designated for those in airborne units, and a Special Forces Allowance for personnel involved in specialized operations. For those who serve as Para Jump Instructors, there is a dedicated allowance to recognize their expertise and responsibilities.
The Project Allowance is provided for officers involved in specific projects or assignments, while the Para Reserve Allowance applies to those on standby for airborne operations. Furthermore, technical officers are compensated with Technical Allowances, categorized into Tier-I and Tier-II, based on their specific roles and expertise. Given below are the other allowances provided to NDA Personnel –
| Allowances to NDA Officers | Amount Payable |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance | Admissible at the same rates and under the same conditions as are applicable to civilian personnel from time to time. |
| Kit Maintenance Allowances | INR 20,000/- Annually with Dress Allowances |
| Para Allowance | Rs 10,500/- Per Month |
| Special Forces Allowance | Rs 25,000/- Per Month |
| Para Jump Instructor Allowance | Rs 10,500/- Per Month |
| Project Allowance | Rs 3,400/- Per Month |
| Para Reserve Allowance | Rs 2,625/- Per Month |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-I) | Rs 3,000/- Per Month |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-II) | Rs 4,500/- Per Month |
Field Area Allowances: Officers also get the Field Area Allowance depending on the area of posting. These are:-
| NDA Field Area Allowances | |
| Highly Active Field Area Allowance – HAFA | Rs 16,900/- pm |
| Field Area Allowance – FD Area | Rs 10,500/- pm |
| Modified Field Area Allowance – Mod FD Area | Rs 6,300/- pm |
High Altitude Allowances
Candidates who will be posted in Siachen are given Siachen Allowance amounting to Rs 42,500/- per month. Officers who are posted to high-altitude regions like Siachen will get the following allowances –
| NDA High Altitude Allowances | |
| Category-I | Rs 3,400/- Per Month |
| Category-II | Rs 5,300/- Per Month |
| Category-III | Rs 25,000/- Per Month |
NDA Transport Allowance (TPTA)
The NDA Salary also includes the NDA transport allowance that is provided to the NDA cadets.
| Level | Higher TPTA Cities | Other Places |
|---|---|---|
| 9 and Above | Rs. 7200/ Rs + DA thereon (Per month) | Rs. 3600/Rs + DA thereon (Per month) |
NDA Children Education Allowance
NDA Hostel Subsidy
NDA Salary: In Case of Disablement
(i) Monthly Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 9,000/- per month.
(ii)Ex-gratia disability award @ Rs. 16200/- per month will also be payable in addition to 100% of disability during the period of disablement subject to prorate reduction in case the degree of disablement is less than 100%.
(iii) Constant Attendant Allowance (CCA) @ Rs 6750/- per month for 100% disabled on the recommendation of Invaliding Medical Board (IBM).
NDA Salary 2025: In Case of Death
(i) Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 12.5 lakhs to the NoK.
(ii) The Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 9000/- per month to the NoK.
(iii) The Ex-gratia awards to Cadets (Direct) / NoK, shall be sanctioned purely on the ex-gratia basis and the same shall not be treated as pension for any purpose.
NDA Job Profile
After the candidate gets selected by clearing the NDA exam, the candidates are given preliminary training both Academic and Physical for a period of 3 years at the National Defence Academy which is an Inter-Service Institution.
The training during the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings i.e. Air Force, Army and Navy. After the completion of the training, all the cadets will be awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi as under:-
(a) Army Cadets: B.Sc/ B.Sc (Computer)/ B.A
(b) Naval Cadets: B. Tech Degree
(c) Air Force Cadets: B. Tech Degree/ B.Sc/B.Sc (Computer)
NDA Salary 2025 Insurance Policy
The Army Group Insurance Fund offers a Rs. 15 lakh insurance cover for cadets upon payment of a non-refundable premium of Rs. 7,200 for a period of 3 years from the date of joining pre-commission training.
- Cadets who are relegated will pay an additional premium of Rs. 1,355 per relegated term.
- Cadets invalidated by IMB due to disability will receive Rs. 15 lakhs for 100% disability, proportionately reduced to Rs. 3 lakhs for 20% disability.
- Lady/Gentlemen Cadets receiving a stipend during pre-commission training are insured for Rs. 1 crore, similar to regular Army officers.
NDA Promotion Opportunities
Aspirants who want to serve the country can go through the list to know the NDA promotions given to Officers in the Air Force, Army, and Navy based on their performance and years of service.
| Minimum Service Required for Promotion | Indian Army | Indian Navy | Indian Air Force |
|---|---|---|---|
| On being Commissioned | Lieutenant | Sub Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
| After 2 years of service | Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant |
| After 6 years of service | Major | Lt Commander | Squadron Leader |
| 13 years of service | Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
| On Selection | Colonel (Selection) | Captain (Selection) | Group Captain (Selection) |
| 26 years of service | Colonel (Time Scale) | Captain (Time Scale) | Group Captain (Time Scale) |
| On Selection | 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 |
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