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Candidates joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) are welcomed by the Joint Training Team, marking the beginning of their journey into the military services. After the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the NDA salary and perks have seen significant updates. Those who pass the NDA and Naval Academy exams and join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force are entitled to attractive salaries and benefits.
During the training phase, NDA salary benefits are provided to the cadets. They receive a monthly allowance of INR 56,100 for the duration of their training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or other service academies. After completing their training, the NDA officer salary is set at the first cell of Level 10. This article outlines the NDA salary structure 2024, including allowances, perks, and benefits available to NDA cadets during and after training.
NDA Salary Structure 2024
NDA trainees receive a monthly stipend of INR 56,100 for the entire three-year training period, which starts at Level 10 of the pay matrix. Upon successful completion of their training, their initial salary remains INR 56,100 per month, with potential increases up to INR 2,50,000 depending on rank, tenure, and inclusive of allowances such as DA, MSP, Grade Pay, HRA, and Transport Allowance.
Additional allowances like High Altitude Allowance, Counter Insurgency Allowance, and Field Area Allowance are given based on the posting and service conditions. The highest salary of NDA officer can reach INR 2,50,000, typically for those attaining the rank of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) through promotions. The Military Service Pay (MSP), set at INR 15,500 per month, compensates for the unique challenges of military service.
Also Check: NDA Full Form
NDA Training Period Salary 2024
Selected candidates undergo a three-year training period at the National Defence Academy, where they receive salary benefits. The NDA stipend during the training period is fixed as shown in the table below:
| Fixed Stipend | Stipend Amount | Pay Level |
| Stipend during training at IMA | INR 56,100 per month | Level 10 |
Upon successful commissioning, the salary after NDA is fixed at the first cell of Level 10 in the pay matrix, and the training period is not considered as commissioned service.
Rank-Wise NDA Salary Structure 2024
After completing training, the starting NDA officer salary is INR 56,100. Below is a breakdown of the NDA salary per month after the 7th Pay Commission, according to various ranks:
| Rank | Pay Level | NDA Salary per Month |
| During Training | Level 10 | INR 56,100 |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | INR 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | INR 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | INR 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | INR 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | INR 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | INR 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | INR 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lt. General HAG Scale | Level 15 | INR 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | INR 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG) | Level 17 | INR 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | INR 2,50,000 (fixed) |
The NDA ki salary and benefits ensure that cadets are well-compensated for their service to the nation, with significant opportunities for growth and advancement in the military hierarchy. Keep in mind that the NDA post and salary can vary significantly based on rank, tenure, and additional allowances.
Also Check: How to Join NDA After 12th
NDA Salary 2024: Perks and Allowances
Candidates selected through the NDA exam will receive various perks, allowances, and benefits in addition to the NDA salary. Below is a detailed breakdown of the perks, allowances, and other benefits provided to NDA officers.
NDA Allowances
The following are the allowances offered to NDA officers:
| Allowance | Amount | Details |
| Dearness Allowance | As per civilian personnel rates | Applicable under the same conditions as civilian employees. |
| Para Allowance | Rs 10,500/- per month | Provided to qualified personnel. |
| Para Reserve Allowance | Rs 2,625/- per month | Allocated to those in the reserve category. |
| Para Jump Instructor | Rs 10,500/- per month | For instructors in parachuting. |
| Project Allowance | Rs 3,400/- per month | For officers working on specific projects. |
| Special Forces Allowance | Rs 25,000/- per month | Given to officers in special forces. |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-I) | Rs 3,000/- per month | For officers with technical qualifications. |
| Technical Allowance (Tier-II) | Rs 4,500/- per month | For officers with advanced technical qualifications. |
| Flying Allowance | Rs 25,000/- per month | For Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps. |
Field Area Allowances
Officers posted in field areas receive additional allowances based on their rank and location.
| Level | Highly Active Field Area Allowance | Field Area Allowance | Modified Field Area Allowance |
| Officers | Rs 16,900/- per month | Rs 10,500/- per month | Rs 6,300/- per month |
High Altitude Allowance
| Level | Category I | Category II | Category III |
| Officers | Rs 3,400/- per month | Rs 5,300/- per month | Rs 25,000/- per month |
Counter Insurgency Allowance
| Level | Peace Area | Field Area | Modified Field Area |
| Officers | Rs 10,500/- per month | Rs 16,900/- per month | Rs 13,013/- per month |
Also Check: Can I Give NDA After Class 11?
Transport Allowance (TPTA)
Transport allowance varies based on the posting location.
| Pay Level | Higher TPTA Cities | Other Places |
| Officers | Rs. 7200 + DA per month | Rs. 3600 + DA per month |
Other Allowances
In addition to the NDA officer salary, other benefits include:
| Allowance | Amount | Details |
| Siachen Allowance | Rs 42,500/- per month | For officers serving in Siachen. |
| Uniform Allowance | Rs 20,000/- per year | To cover the cost of uniforms. |
| Ration in Kind | Provided | Available in both peace and field areas. |
| Children Education Allowance | Rs 2,250/- per month per child | Applicable for two eldest surviving children from Nursery to 12th Class. |
| Hostel Subsidy | Rs 6,750/- per month per child | For two eldest surviving children from Nursery to 12th Class. |
NDA Salary 2024 for Disablement and Death
In unfortunate cases of disablement or death, the following provisions are made:
| Condition | Benefit |
| Disablement | Rs. 9,000/- per month as Ex-gratia and Rs. 16,200/- per month as a disability award. |
| Death | Rs. 12.5 lakhs Ex-gratia to the Next of Kin (NoK) and Rs. 9,000/- per month to NoK. |
Insurance Policies
The Army Group Insurance Fund provides coverage to cadets:
- Insurance Cover: Rs. 15 lakh with a one-time non-refundable premium of Rs. 7,200/-.
- Invalidation due to Disability: Rs. 15 lakh for 100% disability, proportionately reduced for lower disability levels.
- Stipend Insurance: Cadets receiving stipends are insured for Rs. 1 crore.
Do Check: How to Join Indian Army
NDA Salary 2024 Promotion and Career Growth
NDA officers have clear paths for career advancement and promotions:
| Army | Navy | Air Force | Service for Promotion |
| Lieutenant | Sub Lieutenant | Flying Officer | On Commission |
| Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant | 02 Years |
| Major | Lt. Commander | Squadron Leader | 06 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander | 13 years |
| Colonel (Selection) | Captain (Selection) | Group Captain (Selection) | On Selection |
| Colonel (Time Scale) | Captain (Time Scale) | Group Captain (Time Scale) | 26 years |
| 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 | On Selection |
FAQs on NDA Salary Structure 2024
What is the NDA salary in 2024?
The NDA salary per month starts at Rs 56,100 in pay level 10. This is the initial salary after NDA training.
What is the highest salary of an NDA officer?
The highest salary of an NDA officer can go up to Rs 2,50,000 per month, which is the salary for the rank of Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
What allowances are included with the NDA salary?
Along with the NDA salary, officers receive various allowances such as dearness allowance, uniform allowance, and transport allowance. These allowances enhance the overall NDA officer salary.
How long is the NDA training period?
The NDA training period lasts for three years, during which candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force undergo extensive training at the National Defence Academy.
Does NDA provide a salary during training?
Yes, during the NDA training period, cadets receive a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month as their nda ki salary.
Can NDA cadets marry during training?
No, only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to join NDA. Cadets are not allowed to marry during training. If a cadet marries during training, they will be dismissed and must repay the expenses incurred by the government.
What does the NDA training involve over three years?
The three-year NDA training includes education in courses like B.Sc. and B.A., as well as physical training and participation in various sports, all of which prepare cadets for their future roles and enhance their nda officer salary prospects.
Do NDA officers receive a Dearness Allowance?
Yes, NDA officers are entitled to a dearness allowance as part of their salary structure, similar to what is offered to civilian employees.
What are the benefits of clearing the NDA exam?
Clearing the NDA exam offers benefits like free medical services, education, financial assistance, and advanced technical training in various military and vocational subjects, all of which contribute to a better salary after NDA.
