After completing NDA training and being commissioned as a Lieutenant, the starting salary is ₹56,100 per month as basic pay, plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/month, Dearness Allowance, and other allowances. The total in-hand salary ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month depending on the posting. Here is the complete NDA salary breakdown for 2026.
NDA Salary 2026 — At a Glance
| Component | Amount (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Lieutenant) | ₹56,100 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~50% of Basic + MSP (revised every 6 months) |
| HRA (if government accommodation unavailable) | 8–24% of Basic Pay |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 |
| Field Area Allowance (where applicable) | ₹6,300 – ₹25,000 |
| Approximate Total In-Hand | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
NDA Rank-Wise Salary 2026
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) | MSP | Approx. Total In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 | ₹15,500 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,35,000 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 | ₹15,500 | ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,55,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 | ₹15,500 | ₹1,75,000 – ₹2,20,000 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 | ₹15,500 | ₹1,90,000 – ₹2,40,000 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 | ₹15,500 | ₹2,10,000 – ₹2,70,000 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | — | ₹2,20,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Lieutenant General | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 | — | ₹2,80,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| General | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 (fixed) | — | ₹3,50,000+ |
Key Allowances & Perks for NDA Officers
1. Military Service Pay (MSP)
₹15,500 per month for all officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier — a recognition of the unique nature of military service. Fully eligible for DA.
2. Dearness Allowance (DA)
Revised twice a year (January and July). Currently around 50% of Basic Pay + MSP — significantly boosting total salary.
3. Non-Monetary Benefits
- Free accommodation (government quarters at posting)
- Free medical care for officer and family at Military Hospitals
- Education allowance for children (up to Class 12)
- CSD access — subsidised groceries, electronics, and vehicles
- Generous leave — 60 days annual leave
- Pension after 20 years under OROP scheme
- LTC (Leave Travel Concession)
NDA Stipend During Training
During the 3-year NDA training at Khadakwasla, cadets receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100. The same stipend continues during pre-commissioning training at IMA (Army), INS Mandovi (Navy), or AFA Hyderabad (Air Force).
NDA vs Other Defence Exam Salaries
| Exam | Entry Rank | Basic Pay | MSP | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | Lieutenant | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹80k–₹1.2L |
| CDS (IMA) | Lieutenant | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹80k–₹1.2L |
| AFCAT (Flying) | Flying Officer | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹1.0L–₹1.5L + Flying Allowance |
Start your journey towards a defence career with NDA coaching in Chandigarh at NCA Academy. We also offer CDS coaching in Chandigarh and AFCAT coaching in Chandigarh.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Salary 2026
Q: What is the salary after NDA selection?
Basic ₹56,100 + MSP ₹15,500 + DA + allowances. Total in-hand: ₹80,000–₹1,20,000/month.
Q: What is the stipend during NDA training?
₹56,100 per month stipend during 3-year training at NDA Khadakwasla.
Q: What is Military Service Pay?
₹15,500/month extra pay for all officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier.
Q: Do NDA officers get free accommodation?
Yes — free government quarters. If unavailable, HRA is paid instead.
Q: What is Army Colonel’s salary from NDA?
Basic ₹1,30,600 + MSP + DA. Total exceeds ₹2,00,000/month.
The Salary is Excellent — Now Focus on Getting There
The NDA salary and career package is one of India’s best — but first you have to earn it. Find the best NDA coaching in India to maximise your selection chances, check the NDA Exam Date 2026 to plan backwards, and verify the NDA Eligibility 2026 requirements today.
Earn This Salary — Start Preparing with the Right Coaching
Those impressive pay scales are within reach with the right preparation. Find out which coaching institute gives you the best shot at clearing NDA in our complete NDA Coaching in India 2026 guide. Also see the NDA Notification 2026 for upcoming vacancies and NDA Exam Date 2026 to start your countdown.
nnnFor the latest official updates, notifications and exam schedules, refer to the UPSC official website.
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