CDS Salary & Job Profile
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
UPSC CDS posts carry Stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training; on commissioning as Lieutenant, Pay Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500, plus Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance.
Posts and pay
Officer entry to the Indian Military Academy Dehradun, the Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, the Air Force Academy Hyderabad and the Officers' Training Academy Chennai.
Allowances
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance | Revised twice a year as a percentage of basic pay |
| House Rent Allowance | Depends on the class of the posting city (X, Y or Z) |
| Transport Allowance | As per city classification and pay level |
| Other benefits | Official accommodation or lease, medical cover, provident fund, pension under NPS or UPS, and leave travel concession |
Because HRA and Transport Allowance are city-linked, two officers on identical basic pay take home noticeably different amounts — a metro posting pays more in allowances than a district posting, though the district posting usually comes with official accommodation and a vehicle.
Career progression
Promotion follows time scales fixed for the service, moving through Junior Time Scale, Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade, Selection Grade and above. The pay matrix levels rather than the entry salary are what make these posts competitive over a career.