
Indian Army Salary 2025: The Indian Army Salary 2025 is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission, which provides a structured pay scale for different ranks. The salary varies according to rank, experience, and location of posting. A soldier’s basic pay starts from around ₹21,700 per month, while officers earn a higher pay level that can go up to ₹2,50,000 per month for senior ranks. Along with basic pay, army personnel receive several allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and special field or hardship allowances. The salary package ensures financial stability and reflects the nation’s respect for their service and dedication.
The Indian Army's salary structure is based on grade pay, determined by factors such as the officer's class, category, and pay band. This calculation follows the regulations established by the 7th Pay Commission, which oversees the compensation for various posts in the Indian Army.
In addition to the basic monthly Indian Army Salary, officers are eligible for a range of allowances and perks contributing to their overall remuneration package. Every year, many qualified individuals seek to join the prestigious Indian Army by clearing exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF, etc. In addition to honour and respect, they are attracted by the competitive Indian Army salaries and various perks, including Canteen Facility, transportation allowances, and flying allowances. You can find the monthly Indian Army salaries for different ranks in the article below.The Indian Army Salary underwent revisions following the implementation of the 7th pay commission. The salary for Indian Army personnel varies based on their ranks, with different levels of pay attributed to each position. The rank-wise Indian Army Salary 2025 is provided below in the table -
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Indian Army Rank Wise Salary 2025 |
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| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (INR) | Approx. Monthly Salary (INR) (With Allowances) |
| Sepoy (Soldier) | Level 3 | ₹21,700 - ₹69,100 | ₹30,000 - ₹45,000 |
| Lance Naik | Level 4 | ₹25,500 - ₹81,100 | ₹40,000 - ₹60,000 |
| Naik | Level 5 | ₹29,200 - ₹92,300 | ₹45,000 - ₹65,000 |
| Havildar | Level 6 | ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400 | ₹55,000 - ₹75,000 |
| Naib Subedar | Level 6A | ₹41,800 - ₹1,32,000 | ₹65,000 - ₹85,000 |
| Subedar | Level 7 | ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 | ₹70,000 - ₹1,00,000 |
| Subedar Major | Level 8 | ₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100 | ₹75,000 - ₹1,10,000 |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,25,000 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 - ₹1,93,900 | ₹1,10,000 - ₹1,40,000 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 - ₹2,07,200 | ₹1,25,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 - ₹2,12,400 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹1,75,000 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 - ₹2,15,900 | ₹1,60,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 - ₹2,17,600 | ₹1,80,000 - ₹2,20,000 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 - ₹2,18,200 | ₹1,90,000 - ₹2,30,000 |
| Lieutenant General | HAG Scale | ₹1,82,200 - ₹2,24,100 | ₹2,50,000 - ₹2,75,000 |
| Chief of Army Staff (General) | Apex Scale | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) | ₹3,00,000+ |
The pay for commissioned officers starts at Pay Level 10 and reflects the demands of the officer cadre. The Indian Army salary by rank 2025 for officers is highly competitive.
Salary of Lieutenant in the Indian Army per month: A newly commissioned Lieutenant starts at Pay Level 10 with a Basic Pay of ₹56,100. Including Military Service Pay (MSP of ₹15,500) and Dearness Allowance (DA), the initial in-hand salary of a Lieutenant in Indian Army per month is typically between ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,25,000.
In Hand Salary of Captain in Indian Army: A Captain, upon promotion to Pay Level 10B, sees a starting Basic Pay of ₹61,300. The salary of a Captain in Indian Army, including all allowances, ranges from ₹1,10,000 to ₹1,40,000 per month.
As officers gain seniority and command higher formations, their pay scale increases significantly.
Major Rank Salary in Indian Army: A Major (Level 11) earns a Basic Pay starting at ₹69,400, resulting in a monthly salary of ₹1,25,000 to ₹1,50,000.
Colonel Salary in Indian Army: A Colonel (Level 13) has a Basic Pay starting at ₹1,30,600. The in hand salary of a Colonel in Indian Army ranges from ₹1,60,000 to ₹2,00,000.
Brigadier Salary in Indian Army: A Brigadier (Level 13A) is a key rank with a Basic Pay starting at ₹1,39,600. The brigadier salary in Indian Army is between ₹1,80,000 and ₹2,20,000 per month.
The highest ranks in the Army are placed on special scales with fixed pays.
Lieutenant General Salary per month: Officers at the rank of Lieutenant General are placed on the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) scale, with Basic Pay from ₹1,82,200. The salary of Lt General in Indian Army is approximately ₹2,50,000 to ₹2,75,000 per month.
What is the salary of Chief of Army Staff (General): The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is placed on the Apex Scale, receiving a fixed Basic Pay of ₹2,50,000. Their total emoluments exceed ₹3,00,000+ per month.
The ranks of Sepoy, Naik, and Havildar are grouped under Other Ranks (ORs), while Naib Subedar, Subedar, and Subedar Major constitute Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs).
Army GD Salary / Salary of Indian Army Soldier per month: A Sepoy (Army GD) starts at Pay Level 3 with a Basic Pay of ₹21,700. The starting in-hand soldier salary per month is generally between ₹30,000 and ₹45,000 including all allowances.
Havildar Salary: A Havildar is in Pay Level 6, with an estimated in-hand salary between ₹55,000 and ₹75,000.
JCO Salary in Indian Army per month: JCOs (Level 6A to 8) have a basic pay range of ₹41,800 to ₹47,600+. The Subedar Major salary is the highest among JCOs, with total monthly earnings ranging from ₹75,000 to over ₹1,10,000.
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Indian Army Soldier Salary (GD, Sepoy, Naik, Havildar, JCO) |
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Rank Category |
Starting Basic Pay (INR) |
Salary After 5 Years (Approx. INR) |
Retirement Benefits |
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Sepoy (GD) / Lance Naik |
₹21,700 - ₹25,500 |
₹35,000 - ₹40,000/month |
Lifelong Pension, Gratuity, Healthcare |
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Naik / Havildar |
₹29,200 - ₹35,400 |
Increments based on 3% annual raise on Basic Pay |
Lifelong Pension, Gratuity, Healthcare |
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JCOs (Naib Subedar to Subedar Major) |
₹41,800 - ₹47,600+ |
Consistent Pay Matrix increments |
Lifelong Pension, Gratuity, Healthcare |
Combined with the fundamental Indian Army salary, officers are eligible for various allowances and benefits that substantially enhance their total income. These additional allowances and benefits can vary based on rank, location, and specific circumstances. Here is an overview of the standard allowances and benefits accessible to Indian Army officers:
Dearness Allowance (DA): Designed to counteract inflation, this allowance complements the basic salary to help officers maintain their purchasing power.
Military Service Pay (MSP): Awarded as compensation for the demands and nature of military service, MSP adds to the overall remuneration.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): Given to officers to cover accommodation costs, this allowance varies based on location and rank.
Transport Allowance: Intended to provide commuting expenses, this allowance supports officers in meeting their travel requirements.
The army salary structure is highly transparent, with monthly pay slips detailing all components, including earnings, allowances, and mandatory deductions.
The Indian Army pay level directly links the rank to a specific cell in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. This matrix defines the starting Basic Pay and the annual increments.
Annual Increment: All personnel receive a 3% annual increment on their Basic Pay, moving them horizontally across the Pay Matrix within their assigned Pay Level.
Promotion Increment: After promotion, personnel move to a higher Pay Level, resulting in a substantial increase in pay and emoluments.
A typical monthly pay slip (or a monthly payment statement) includes:
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Salary Slip Components |
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Component Type |
Examples |
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Earnings |
Basic Pay, MSP, DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Field/High Altitude Allowances. |
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Deductions |
Income Tax, Provident Fund (PF) contributions, Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF), and mandated deductions. |
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In-Hand Salary |
Total Earnings minus Total Deductions, which is the amount credited to the bank account. |