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
Upcoming Event
CDS  Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025

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.

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

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

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Understanding Gender and Law
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Human Rights Law and Criminal Justice
Via LMS Law College, Imphal
Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Library Science
Via Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan Girls' College, Kolkata
MPSE 001 India and World Politics Challenges and Opportunities in 21st Century
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Roadmap for Patent Creation
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Swayam
 211 courses
Edx
 198 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses
Udemy
 63 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Magister Jurisdiction
4 minMar 18, 2023 16:03 PM IST
GMAT Exam Dates 2025: City Wise Test Schedule in India
13 minDec 31, 2024 03:12 AM IST

Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

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:

  1. 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).

  2. 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 .

  3. 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

View All
Back to top