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

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

Edited By Sneha Vinod | Updated on Jul 16, 2024 04:51 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.

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.

7. When will the CDS 1 2025 notification be released?

CDS 1 2025 notification was released on December 11, 2024.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

No, completing your college through dummy or non-regular means will not necessarily result in a negative impression during your SSB interview or screening process.

The SSB (Service Selection Board) assesses candidates based on various qualities such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and personality. While the mode of completing your college education may be considered, it is not the sole determining factor.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Focus on the Fundamentals: Ensure you have a strong understanding of the core subjects related to your degree. The SSB assesses your knowledge and problem-solving skills, not just the mode of study.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Highlight any extracurricular activities, internships, or projects you've undertaken during your college years. These can demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
  • Confidence and Communication: Project confidence and effective communication skills during the SSB process. Your ability to express yourself clearly and confidently is crucial.
  • Honesty and Integrity: Be honest about your educational background and any relevant experiences. The SSB values integrity and transparency.

While completing your college through dummy or non-regular means may raise questions, it is not an automatic disqualification. If you can demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and potential, you can still successfully clear the SSB and be considered for selection.

It's important to focus on developing the qualities and skills that are valued by the SSB. By showcasing your abilities and potential, you can overcome any initial concerns related to your mode of education.

Hello aspirant,

On August 23, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission made the NDA 2 2024 admit card available on its official website, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. The timeframe for editing NDA 2 2024 application forms was open until June 11, 2024. On June 5, 2024, the NDA rectification window opened. On June 4, 2024, the commission closed the NDA 2 2024 application form. On May 15, 2024, the UPSC NDA 2 2024 application form became available. Those who wish to take the NDA 2 2024 exam must confirm that they meet the requirements before applying. September 1, 2024 is the planned date of the UPSC NDA 2 exam.

To know complete information about admit card and exam you can visit our site by clicking on the link given below.

https://competition-careers360-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/competition.careers360.com/exams/nda/amp?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17249903789211&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fcompetition.careers360.com%2Fexams%2Fnda

Thank you

Hello there,

Yes, you can apply for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) after completing your graduation in 2027, based on your date of birth, 29th November 2003. Here’s how your eligibility works out:

Eligibility Criteria for CDS IMA:

  1. Age Limit: For IMA, the candidate should be between 19 and 24 years old at the time of course commencement. Since you were born on 29th November 2003, you will be within the eligible age range for several years after your graduation.

  2. Educational Qualification: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required. Since you will complete your graduation in 2027, you will meet this qualification.

  3. Application Timing: The CDS exam is conducted twice a year. Depending on the exam you apply for, your eligibility will be determined by your age at the time of the course commencement, typically a few months after the exam.

    Example Timeline:

If you apply for the CDS exam in 2027, the courses would typically start in 2028, and you would be 24 or under, fitting within the age limit.

Conclusion:

You are eligible to apply for the CDS exam for IMA as long as you apply before you turn 24. Make sure to check the specific age cutoff for the exact year you plan to apply.

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 your eligibility for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, we need to consider the age criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the exam.

For the CDS exam, the age criteria generally are as follows:

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) : Candidates should be between 19 to 24 years old.
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) : Candidates should be between 19 to 24 years old.
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) : Candidates should be between 19 to 24 years old.
  4. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) : Candidates should be between 19 to 25 years old.

Your date of birth is 29th November 2003. By March 2027, you will be 23 years and 4 months old. This means you fall within the eligible age range for all branches (IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA) for the CDS exam.

Given that you will complete your course in March 2027, you should be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in 2027, provided you meet other criteria such as nationality, marital status, and educational qualifications. Make sure to check the official CDS notification for any updates or changes in the eligibility criteria closer to the exam date.


Hello aspirant,
The upper age limit for CDS IMA is 24 years. Since you are currently 21 years 3 months old, you have 2 years and 9 months left to appear for the CDS IMA exam. This means you can attempt the exam 3 more times before reaching the age limit.

However, please note that this is just a general estimate and the actual number of attempts may vary depending on the specific notification released by the UPSC for the CDS exam in 2025. It is always advisable to refer to the official notification for accurate information regarding the age limit and number of attempts allowed.

I hope this information helps you.

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