CDS Salary 2025 - Check UPSC CDS Pay Scale, Promotions, Benefits

CDS Salary 2025 - Check UPSC CDS Pay Scale, Promotions, Benefits

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:12 PM IST | #CDS
Ongoing Event
CDS  Application Date : 28 May' 2025 - 17 Jun' 2025

The UPSC released the 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.

This Story also Contains
  1. CDS Salary - Overview
  2. CDS Salary 2025 – Posts Wise Salaries
  3. CDS Salary 2025 - Pay Scale
  4. CDS Salary 2025 - Allowances
  5. CDS 2025 - Rank and Promotion
CDS Salary 2025 - Check UPSC CDS Pay Scale, Promotions, Benefits
CDS Salary 2025 - Check UPSC CDS Pay Scale, Promotions, Benefits

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).

CDS Salary - Overview

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)

CDS Salary 2025 – Posts Wise Salaries

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 Post Wise Salary 2025

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)

-

CDS Salary 2025 - Pay Scale

The CDS salaries pay has been 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.

CDS Salary 2025 - Formula for salary calculation

The CDS officers' salary 2025 ranges 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:

CDS 2025 salary calculation formula

Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowance + Other benefits

CDS Salary 2025 - Allowances

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. 25,000.

  • 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

CDS 2025 - Rank and Promotion

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.

CDS ranks and promotions

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different stages of the CDS exam?

Combined Defence Services exam has two stages - written exam and SSB interview.

2. Is the CDS exam held online or offline?

UPSC CDS written exam is held in offline mode.

3. What is the minimum age to apply for the CDS exam 2025?

The minimum age to apply for the CDS 2025 exam is 19 years.

4. What is the application fee for the CDS form?

The CDS application form 2025 fee is Rs 100 for general category applicants.

5. What is the CDS 2025 officer salary during training?

During training, CDS cadets are given a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month.

6. What is the CDS salary 2025 of a lieutenant?

The salary of CDS 2025 lieutenant is between Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



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