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 Apr 23, 2025 05:06 PM IST | #CDS

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.

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 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.

CDS Salary 2025 - Formula for salary calculation

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:

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. 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

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 ?

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !!

For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:

For 2025 cds 2;-

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

    • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

    • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

    • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .
  4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

    • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for OTA .

You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .

for details,visit the below link ;-

Careers360

https://competition.careers360.com

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria


Thanks for asking

hello,

yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.

For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):

Government Colleges:

Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.

Cons: May have limited course options or placements.

Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.

Private Colleges:

Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.

Cons: Higher fees.

Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.

2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:

Reputable Institutes:

Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.

Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.

Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.

Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.

Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.

Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:

Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.

Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.

Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:

Time Management:

Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.

Study Groups:

Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.

Online Resources:

Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.

Physical Training:

Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.

4. Important Notes:

  • NDA/CDS Exams:

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Multiple Attempts:

You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.

BA Courses:

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.

Hello Kanchan,

You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:

  • CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)

  • CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)

    Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

Since your graduation will be completed next year (2025) , you can apply in your final year , but you need to submit proof of graduation before the final selection .


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.


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.

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