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The UPSC releases details regarding the CDS 2025 salary in the official notification. Those who join the CDS as Lieutenants can earn a CDS 2025 salary between Rs. 56,100 and Rs. 1,77,500 a month. The CDS salary 2025 varies according to the officer's rank. The compensation is increased with the status of the officer. Employees are entitled to extra perks and remuneration connected with the posting area in addition to the CDS 2025 salary.
The total CDS salary 2025 consists of basic pay + grade Pay + allowance + other benefits. Candidates attempting the CDS exam can refer to the material below for more details about the CDS salary 2025. The CDS exam 2025 is conducted in two stages - the CDS written exam and the SSB interview. Candidates who clear all the stages are made to join different courses across the three Indian Defence Services (IMA, INA, AFA and OTA).
Name of the exam | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS exam) |
Official website | upsc.gov.in |
Commonly known as | CDS examination |
Conducting authority | Union Public Service Commission |
Frequency of exam | Twice a year |
CDS 2025 salary | Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
CDS salary composition | Basic pay + grade Pay + allowance + other benefits |
Mode of exam | Offline |
Stages of exam | Written Exam SSB Interview (5 days) |
Through the CDS exam 2025 recruitment process, only eligible and qualified candidates will be recruited as officers in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. The CDS 2025 selection process will be carried out in two stages. Check the post wise salaries of CDS officers in the table below:
CDS Ranks | Levels | Pay in Rupees | Military Service Pay |
Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 - Rs 1,77,500 | Rs 15,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | Rs 61,300 - Rs 1,93,900 | Rs 15,500 |
Major | Level 11 | Rs 69,400 - Rs 2,07,200 | Rs 15,500 |
Lt Colonel | Level 12 A | Rs 1,21,200 - Rs 2,12,400 | Rs 15,500 |
Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600 - Rs 2,15,900 | Rs 15,500 |
Brigadier | Level 13 A | Rs 1,39,600 - Rs 2,17,600 | Rs 15,500 |
Major General | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200 - Rs 2,18,200 | - |
Lieutenant General | Level 15 | Rs 1,82,200 - Rs 2,24,100 | - |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – Rs 2,24,400 | - |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000 (fixed) | - |
COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000 (fixed) | - |
The CDS salaries pay was mentioned in the official CDS 2025 notification for all different ranks. The grade pay varies according to the ranks of the CDS officers. Indian Defence Service officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier get a fixed amount, Military Service Pay during their entire service period along with CDS 2025 salary. Also, cadets are also paid a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 per month, during the training period in the Academy.
The CDS officers' salary 2025 will range from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2,50,000 per month. They are also entitled to numerous perks and benefits as per their ranks. The CDS salary calculation formula is mentioned below:
Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowance + Other benefits
Candidates who are recruited as officers through the CDS exam are entitled to numerous perks and allowances. Some of these allowances are mentioned below:
Dearness Allowance - CDS salary 2025 includes a DA which is the same as that applicable to civilians
Dress Allowance - It is received annually in the amount of Rs. 20,000.
Transport Allowance - CDS officers can either use the office or their own vehicle and receive the TA allowance
Flying Allowances - Aviation Corps are entitled to a flying allowance. The FA amount is Rs 25,000 per month for Lieutenants and higher rank officers
Posting/ Location - Officers receive a Field Area, High Altitude and Siachen Allowance as per their place of posting over and above the basic CDS salary
After the initial CDS 2025 training, the cadets are inducted to the rank of Lieutenant and slowly make their way upwards. Check the table below for rank and promotion criteria.
Rank | Promotion Criteria |
Lieutenant | After the training |
Captain | 2 years service |
Major | 6 years of service |
Lieutenant Colonel | 13 years of service |
Colonel (TS) | 26 years of service |
Colonel | 15 years of service |
Brigadier | 23 years of service |
Major General | 25 years of service |
Lieutenant General | 28 years of service |
General | No restrictions |
Combined Defence Services exam has two stages - written exam and SSB interview.
UPSC CDS written exam is held in offline mode.
The minimum age to apply for the CDS 2025 exam is 19 years.
The CDS application form 2025 fee is Rs 100 for general category applicants.
During training, CDS cadets are given a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month.
The salary of CDS 2025 lieutenant is between Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month.
CDS 1 2025 notification was released on December 11, 2024.
Counselling Date:22 January,2025 - 17 February,2025
To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:
Age Criteria for CDS Exam
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years
- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years
- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years
Your Age in 2027
- Born in 2003
- Age in 2027: 24 years
Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.
Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.
Hello,
To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.
Age Criteria for IMA through CDS
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences
For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.
Your Cas
Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.
Graduation Completion: July 2028.
You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.
Exam Timeline
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September
CDS Exam Attempts Available:
CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.
CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.
Total Attempts:
You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.
Hello
You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.
Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.
Hope this helps you .
Thank you
Hello Swastika,
Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
: For the
Indian Army
wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).
Age Limit
: Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the
Indian Army
wing, the age limit is typically
19 to 24 years
.
SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.
Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the
Indian Army
wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hello aspirant,
The CDS 1 & 2 exam 2025 notification dates have already been released by the authority. Applications for CDS 1 2025 must be submitted by December 31, 2024. The date of the 2025 CDS 1 exam is April 13, 2025.
On December 11, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published the notification for NDA 1 2025. From December 11 until December 31, 2024, NDA 1 application form 2025 will be accessible. On April 13, 2025, the NDA 1 2025 written test will take place.
Both the exams will be conducted on April 13, 2025.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
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