UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) Salary 2026
The National Defence Academy exam selects candidates for cadet training (Army, Navy, Air Force), with a ₹56,100 monthly stipend during the final training year. On commissioning as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer, officers are at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) ₹15,500. Pay follows the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Defence); in-hand pay across posts ranges from ₹56,100 (training) – ₹1,00,000 per month depending on the post, pay level and city.
UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) post-wise salary
Entry basic pay and approximate in-hand salary for each UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet training stipend (final year)fixed stipend; 3-year NDA + academy 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 | ₹90,000–1,00,000 |
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 travel concessions
- defence pension and gratuity
UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) salary — FAQs
What is the in-hand salary for UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) 2026?
The in-hand salary for UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) ranges from ₹56,100 (training) – ₹1,00,000 per month depending on the post, pay level and city (which sets the HRA slab). The National Defence Academy exam selects candidates for cadet training (Army, Navy, Air Force), with a ₹56,100 monthly stipend during the final training year. On commissioning as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer, officers are at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) ₹15,500.
What is the pay scale / pay level for UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy)?
UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) 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 NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) jobs?
On top of basic pay, UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) 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 NDA notification and service pay rules. In-hand varies with service, rank, posting and the current DA rate.
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