CDS Salary 2025: Pay Scale, Promotions, Benefits & Training Stipend!

CDS Salary 2025: Check out the latest updates on CDS salary for the year 2025. According to the official notification by UPSC, candidates who join the Combined Defence Services (CDS) as Lieutenants can expect a monthly pay ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. This salary structure varies based on the officer's rank. The salary gradually increases with increase in ranks. The CDS training period salary for officers in the Army, Navy or similar positions is a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. Explore the intricate details of CDS salaries including allowances, compensations and perks associated with different posting locations.

Check More details on the CDS Eligibility Criteria.

CDS Salary 2025 Overview

Candidates wanting to learn about CDS salary should know that in 2025, CDS officer salary will be determined by their rank. With each rank, the salary of CDS officers will rise. ​The salary of​​ CDS officers​​ is structured​​ as follows:​

• Training Stipend: The starting salary for CDS officers is the training stipend, which is INR 56,100 per month. This is the same for all categories, including OTA.
• Basic Pay: After the training period, officers are commissioned and receive a basic pay that varies depending on their designation and academy. For example, candidates who join CDS as a Lieutenant get a pay of Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month.
• Allowances: In addition to basic pay, CDS officers receive various allowances such as DA, High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance and others. The amount of the salary will vary depending on the designation and academy of the officers.

The CDS salary of officers in 2025 is a competitive package that includes several benefits, making it an attractive career option for many.

CDS Pay Scale & Post-Wise Salary

The CDS salary is determined by the CDS pay scale, which decides the range of pay and growth potential depending on factors such as rank, experience, and tasks. This thorough framework describes the payment system used to compensate CDS personnel for their services. It assures fair pay based on job profile and post.

The Post-Wise Salary specifies the exact salary associated with distinct CDS posts. Every job post is compensated differently based on factors such as seniority, skill requirements and the level of responsibility associated with the post. The CDS salary structure is transparent and clear, allowing individuals to understand their earnings in their respective roles.

Check More details of the UPSC CDS Syllabus here.

CDS Training Period Salary vs CDS General Salary

The CDS Training Period salary is the stipend received by individuals during their training period, whereas the CDS General Salary is the salary received by individuals once their training is over and they join regular duty with the CDS. Individuals become eligible for the general salary offered to employees based on the CDS pay scale after successfully completing their training and transitioning into active duty. The CDS general salary is often greater than the training period salary and is decided by criteria such as rank, experience and duties related to the specific CDS post.

Check Details on the UPSC CDS Books Here.

CDS Salary 2025 - Perks and Allowances

The candidates serving in the defence forces are entitled to numerous perks and benefits in the form of allowances. Aspirants can have a look at the following allowances.

Note: The candidates must note that some of the above-given allowances may not be applicable and can be subject to posting location, rank, etc. Candidates can check the in depth details on about the allowances and perks offered by the government in the Committee of Allowances Report.

Instructions Regarding Travel Allowance

Candidates should check out these important instructions regarding travel allowance in CDS Salary here:

• Higher TPTA Cities (UA) are Patna, Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Surat, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kozhikode, Indore, Nagpur, Pune, Greater Mumbai, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Chennai.
• The allowance is admissible for the calendar months wholly covered by leave.
• The TPTA allowance is admissible to those service personnel of CDS who have been provided with the facility of Government transport.
• Officers of CDS in Pay Level 14 and above, who are entitled to use an official car, have the option to avail official car facility or to draw the TPTA of Rs 15,750/ +DA thereon.

Click Here to Know More About CDS Exam Pattern.

CDS Salary - Military Service Pay (MSP)

Military Service Pay (MSP) is a component of the salary of officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Here is what the search results say about MSP in CDS:

• MSP is a fixed amount of INR 15,500 per month for officers in the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier
• MSP is granted only to limited officers, ranking from Lieutenant to Brigadier (Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier)
• The 6th Pay Commission introduced MSP for the Indian Armed Forces
• The 7th Pay Commission recommended an MSP for all ranks up to and inclusive of Brigadiers and their equivalents.

CDS Salary - Additional Benefits 2025

Officers of the armed forces are entitled to certain additional benefits apart from CDS Salary and other allowances, the additional perks are listed below.

CDS Salary - Formula for Salary Calculation

In 2025, the monthly CDS Officer Salary will range between Rs 56,100 and Rs 2,50,000. The CDS salary is generally divided into three components: basic salary, allowances, and deductions. The basic salary is the fixed portion of the salary that is determined by the CDS officer's rank and position. The grade pay is also included in the basic salary and is determined by the officer's pay level. Allowances are another component of the CDS salary that are paid to officers to cover various expenses such as housing, medical, and travel. Salary deductions include tax deductions and contributions to pension funds. To calculate the CDS salary, use the formula below. 

Total Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + Allowance + Other benefits

Check More Details of the CDS Selection Process here.

CDS Job Profile - Officer Promotions and Career Growth 2025

In order to have a better understanding of the hierarchy and career growth in the military, the candidates can have a look at the ranks from entry to the apex for each wing of the armed force below.

Career Growth in CDS IMA and INA:

Selected candidates are appointed as cadets initially at the Indian Naval Academy. The cadets are commissioned in the rank of Sub-Lieutenant after the successful completion of 18 months of training.

Career growth in CDS AFA:

Grant of Group Captain (select) and higher ranks are only by selection. Officers who perform exceptionally well have a fair chance of getting higher promotions to the air ranks of Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal, Air Marshal, and Air Chief marshal. Candidates can check the promotion time scale along with the CDS Salary for each rank in AFA.

Career growth in CDS OTA:

Candidates selected in OTA are enrolled as gentlemen/Lady Cadets. They undergo a training period of 49 weeks. On successful completion of training, Gentlemen/Lady Cadets are granted Short Service Commission in the rank of Lieutenant (SSCOs). Candidates in OTA are eligible for CDS promotion in the following ranks-

Hopefully, this article on the UPSC CDS Salary & Job Profile 2025 was useful for all the CDS aspirants. To enjoy the above-mentioned perks along with the reputation of being military personnel, the aspirants need to work hard. To increase your chances of selection, you can download the Testbook App.