UPSC NDA Salary & Career Growth 2025 - Army/Navy/Air Force Salary Structure & Rank

UPSC NDA Salary & Career Growth 2025 - Army/Navy/Air Force Salary Structure & Rank

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Jul 12, 2024 12:10 PM IST | #NDA
Ongoing Event
NDA  Application Date : 11 Dec' 2024 - 31 Dec' 2024

Candidates looking to join branches of the Indian Military, such as the Indian Army, Navy, or Indian Air Force, will benefit from knowing details about the position, such as a detailed NDA salary 2025. Candidates who successfully clear every stage of the UPSC NDA exam will be recruited and receive, on top of a prestigious career, the NDA salary.

This Story also Contains
  1. NDA Salary 2025 As Per 7th Pay Commission - Post-wise NDA Officer Salary
  2. What is NDA?
  3. NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025
UPSC NDA Salary & Career Growth 2025 - Army/Navy/Air Force Salary Structure & Rank
UPSC NDA Salary & Career Growth 2025 - Army/Navy/Air Force Salary Structure & Rank

The NDA is a popular exam held twice yearly with the intention of recruiting candidates for these posts. Even during the cadet training that comes after the NDA 2025, candidates will be receiving an NDA stipend. The 7th Pay Commission prescribed some changes to the NDA & NA Salary.

After clearing the NDA 2025, candidates go through a training period lasting 4 years. After completing the 4 years of training, candidates are entitled to a handsome salary which ranges from Rs. 56,100- Rs. 1,77,500/- at the start and grows along with promotions. In this article, we will share all the information related to the NDA salary 2025, the scope of growth, NDA posts, etc.

Other NDA-related articles that candidates may find helpful:

NDA Salary 2025 As Per 7th Pay Commission - Post-wise NDA Officer Salary

UPSC NDA Salary (In-Hand)

In the following table, candidates can check the NDA salary structure.

Rank-Wise NDA Salary Structure and Rank Pay

NDA Rank

NDA Salary

Lieutenant to Major

  • Lt: Level 10 (Rs. 56,100- Rs. 1,77,500)

  • Captain: Level 10 B (61,300-1,93,900)

  • Major: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200)

Lieutenant Colonel to Major General

  • Lt Col: Level 12A (1,21,200 2,12,400)

  • Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900)

  • Brig: Level 13A (Rs. 1,39,600-2,17,600)

  • Major General - Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200)

Lieutenant General HAG Scale

Level 15 (Rs. 1, 82, 200- Rs. 2,24,100)

HAG+ Scale

Level 16 (Rs. 2,05,400 – Rs. 2,24,400)

Vice Chief of Army Staff/Army Commander/ Lieutenant General (NFSG)

Level 17 (Rs. 2,25,000) (fixed)

Chief of Army Staff

Level 18 (Rs. 2,50,000) (fixed)


NDA Grades Pay 2025 (Rank-wise)

Rank

Grade Pay (in Rupees)

Lieutenant

Rs. 5,400/-

Captain

Rs. 6,100/-

Major

Rs. 6,600/-

Lieutenant Colonel

Rs. 8,000/-

Colonel

Rs. 8,700/-

Brigadier

Rs. 8,900/-

Major General

Rs. 10,000/-

Apart from the UPSC NDA salary 2025, candidates are also entitled to various allowances:

  • DA & TA (Dearness Allowances/Transport allowance)

  • Highly Active Field Area Allowance (As per the post)

  • Uniform allowance

  • Compensatory Modified Field Area Allowance (As per post)

  • Compensatory Field Area (As per post)

  • Kit Maintenance Allowances

  • Para Allowance

  • Special Forces Allowance

  • Para Jump Instructor Allowance

  • Project Allowance

  • Para Reserve Allowance

  • Technical Allowance (Tier-I)

  • Technical Allowance (Tier-II)

Quick Links

Field Area Allowances

Highly Active Field Area Allowance – HAFA

Rs 16,900/- pm

Field Area Allowance – FD Area

Rs 10,500/- pm

Modified Field Area Allowance – Mod FD Area

Rs 6,300/- pm

High Altitude Allowances

Candidates posted in Siachen will be to Siachen Allowance amounting to Rs 42,500/- per month. NDA officers who are posted to high altitude regions will benefit from the following allowances –

Category-I

Rs 3,400/- Per Month

Category-II

Rs 5,300/- Per Month

Category-III

Rs 25,000/- Per Month

Transport Allowance (TPTA)

Level 9 and Above

Rs. 7200/ Rs + DA thereon (Per month)

Rs. 3600/Rs + DA thereon (Per month)

Flying Allowances

The Pilots or Army Aviators in Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance at a rate of Rs 25,000/ per month.

NDA – Other Allowances

Children Education Allowance – CEA

Rs. 2250 Per Month Per Child for two eldest surviving. This allowance is admissible from Nursery to class 12th.

Hostel Subsidy

Rs. 6,750/- per month per child for two eldest surviving only (admissible from Nursery to class 12th).

Ration

In Field Area and Peace Area to all Defense officers every month

Also read

NDA – Promotion Opportunities and Career Growth

Minimum Service Required for Promotion

Indian Army

Indian Navy

Indian Air Force

On being Commissioned

Lieutenant

Sub Lieutenant

Flying Officer

After 2 years of service

Captain

Lieutenant

Flight Lieutenant

After 6 years of service

Major

Lt Commander

Squadron Leader

13 years of service

Lieutenant Colonel

Commander

Wing Commander

On Selection

Colonel(Selection)

Captain (Selection)

Group Captain (Selection)

26 years of service

Colonel (Time Scale)

Captain (Time Scale)

Group Captain (Time Scale)

On Selection

Brigadier

Commodore

Air Commodore

On Selection

Major General

Rear Admiral

Air Vice-Marshal

On Selection

Lieutenant General

Vice Admiral

Air Marshal

On Selection

General

Admiral

Air Chief Marshal

What is NDA?

NDA (National Defence Academy) is a national-level exam conducted by UPSC twice a year. Candidates qualifying for the NDA exam are selected for training at the National Defence Academy. After completing their training, they will be recruited on the post of Lieutenant in Army, Sub-Lieutenant in Navy/Flying Officer in the Indian Air force.

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025

The NDA 2025 eligibility criteria for both male and female candidates between the age group 16.5-19.5 years who have completed their 10+2 can apply for NDA. More details about the UPSC NDA eligibility criteria can be checked in the official notification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do NDA students get paid?

Yes, during their training time they are paid Rs. 15600 as a stipend.

2. What are the monthly fees of NDA?

There is no monthly fee for NDA, the cost is borne by the Commission itself.

3. Is NDA a good career option?

Yes, it is a great career option if you qualify it. It is one of the most competitive exams in India.

4. Is NDA better than IIT?

There is no comparison between NDA and IIT. They both have different career options, growth opportunities and field of work. However, qualifying both the exams requires a lot of effort, labour and abilities.

5. Is NCERT enough for NDA?

Yes, NCERT are the best study materials for any government exam, be it UPSC IAS or NDA etc.

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Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

Hello,

Here are the key points regarding your situation:

  • Correction Window : Typically, correction windows are provided for making amendments, but these windows often have limitations on what can be edited.
  • Caste Certificate Details : Errors related to caste certificate numbers or details may require you to submit a correction request along with proper documentation.
  • Contact Authorities : It's advisable to contact the relevant authority (like the exam body or organization managing the NDA) immediately to clarify the process for correction.
  • Supporting Documents : Be ready to submit your original caste certificate or any necessary verification documents for validation.

Hope it helps !

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

Yes, students from the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) stream are eligible to apply for the Navy wing of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Unlike the Army and Air Force wings, which require candidates to have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level, the Navy wing does not have this prerequisite.


Eligibility Criteria for NDA Navy Wing:

  • Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects.

  • Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of application.

  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.

Important Considerations:

  • Physics Proficiency: A strong understanding of Physics is essential, as it forms the basis for various naval operations, including navigation and weapon systems.

  • Entrance Examination: The NDA entrance exam consists of a written test with sections on Mathematics, General Ability Test (GAT), and English. While Mathematics is not mandatory for the Navy wing, excelling in the GAT and English sections is crucial.

  • Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards set by the NDA.

By focusing on these areas, PCB students can enhance their prospects of joining the Indian Navy through the NDA.

Hi,

Yes, PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) students can apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, but only for the Army Wing . For the Navy and Air Force Wings , it's mandatory to have studied Mathematics in your 10+2 education

Hello aspirant,

Passing the 10+2 board exam with mathematics and physics as subjects is one of the main prerequisites for NDA. Because the Army and Air Force wings of NDA require mathematics for technical comprehension and problem-solving skills that are essential in these branches of the military, PCB students are prevented from applying straight to these wings.
However, mathematics is not a required subject for the Navy wing of the NDA to take the entrance exam. This gives PCB students the chance to use NDA to fulfill their desire of enlisting in the Indian Navy.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

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