UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Salary 2026
The Combined Defence Services Exam commissions officers into the Army (IMA/OTA), Navy (INA) and Air Force (AFA). After training, officers are commissioned as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 basic) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500. Pay follows the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Defence); in-hand pay across posts ranges from ₹56,100 (training) – ₹90,000+ per month depending on the post, pay level and city.
UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) post-wise salary
Entry basic pay and approximate in-hand salary for each UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) post. In-hand figures include typical allowances and assume a metro / higher-HRA city; smaller-city pay is a little lower.
| Post | Pay level | Basic pay | In-hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training stipend (Gentlemen / Women Cadets)fixed stipend during training | Level 10 (stipend) | ₹56,100 | ₹56,100 |
| Commissioned — Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officerplus MSP ₹15,500; plus DA, field/flying allowances | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹70,000–90,000+ |
Allowances & benefits
The in-hand salary is basic pay plus these allowances:
- Military Service Pay (MSP) — ₹15,500/month
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Field Area / High-Altitude Allowance
- Flying Allowance (Air Force) / Sea-going Allowance (Navy)
Career growth & perks
- Officer's mess and accommodation
- CSD canteen facilities
- ECHS defence medical scheme
- subsidised rail/air travel concessions
- defence pension and gratuity
UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) salary — FAQs
What is the in-hand salary for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2026?
The in-hand salary for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) ranges from ₹56,100 (training) – ₹90,000+ per month depending on the post, pay level and city (which sets the HRA slab). The Combined Defence Services Exam commissions officers into the Army (IMA/OTA), Navy (INA) and Air Force (AFA). After training, officers are commissioned as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 basic) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500.
What is the pay scale / pay level for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services)?
UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) posts are paid under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Defence). The post-wise pay levels and entry basic pay are listed in the table above.
What allowances are paid in UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) jobs?
On top of basic pay, UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) employees receive Military Service Pay (MSP) — ₹15,500/month, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Field Area / High-Altitude Allowance and more. These allowances are what make the in-hand salary higher than the basic pay.
Indicative; confirm on the official UPSC CDS notification and service pay rules. In-hand varies with service, rank, posting (field/peace) and the current DA rate.
Good salary, secure job — first you have to clear the exam.
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