NDA and CDS 2026 Salary, Training Stipend and Exam Day Guide
Understand NDA and CDS 2026 exam dates, officer salary, training stipend, rank-wise pay, allowances, deductions and exam day requirements.
AC Team
The UPSC NDA 2 and CDS 2 exams are scheduled for Sunday, 13 September 2026. Candidates can download their e-admit cards from the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
Along with exam preparation, many candidates and parents want to know one key detail: how much does a defence officer earn? A new officer starts with a fixed pay package, and the amount grows with rank, service years and posting.
New lieutenant salary can reach ₹1.31 lakh
After completing training, NDA and CDS candidates join as a Lieutenant in the Army. The equivalent ranks apply in the Navy and Air Force. A Lieutenant is placed at Pay Level 10.
Based on 60% Dearness Allowance and 30% metro city House Rent Allowance, the monthly gross salary may look like this:
| Salary component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic pay | ₹56,100 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 |
| Dearness Allowance at 60% | ₹42,960 |
| House Rent Allowance in a metro city | ₹16,830 |
| Estimated gross salary | ₹1,31,390 |
This is a gross figure before transport allowance, field area allowance and other special payments. It is also before deductions such as National Pension System contributions, Army Group Insurance and mess charges. The monthly take-home pay may be around ₹1.15 lakh to ₹1.20 lakh in a metro city, depending on the officer’s posting and deductions.
Why Military Service Pay matters
Military Service Pay, or MSP, adds ₹15,500 to the salary of eligible officers up to the rank of Brigadier. MSP also counts when the government calculates Dearness Allowance and pension.
For example, the 60% DA in this estimate applies to ₹71,600. This is the total of ₹56,100 basic pay and ₹15,500 MSP. MSP does not count for House Rent Allowance or the annual increment. Salary rules can feel like a maths test before the actual exam, so checking each component matters.
Training stipend before commissioning
Candidates do not receive the full officer salary from the first day at the academy. During training, they receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month. Dearness Allowance and other regular allowances are not added to this stipend.
NDA cadets spend three years at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla. They then complete one year at the relevant service academy before commissioning. CDS candidates join the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy, based on their selection.
Salary rises with each officer rank
Promotion brings a clear rise in basic pay. The starting basic pay for key ranks is listed below:
| Rank | Pay level | Starting basic pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 10 | ₹56,100 |
| Captain | 10B | ₹61,300 |
| Major | 11 | ₹69,400 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 12A | ₹1,21,200 |
| Colonel | 13 | ₹1,30,600 |
MSP, DA, HRA and other allowances are added as per the rules for the rank and posting. A Lieutenant Colonel in a metro city may cross ₹2 lakh in monthly gross pay when the applicable allowances are included.
What to carry on NDA and CDS exam day
Keep the exam day simple. Carry these items:
- A printed copy of the UPSC e-admit card
- A valid photo identity card
- Only the items allowed in the exam instructions
Reach the centre well before the reporting time. Entry closes 30 minutes before each shift, according to the exam instructions. NDA candidates appear for Mathematics and the General Ability Test. CDS candidates should check their admit card for the papers assigned to them.
Important points about the salary estimate
The ₹1.31 lakh figure is an example based on 60% DA and metro HRA. Your actual pay can change due to the city, posting, rank, allowances, deductions and future changes in DA rates. Field, flying, technical and other special allowances may increase the gross amount.
Before relying on a salary figure, check the latest UPSC notice, defence pay matrix and government orders on DA and HRA. Official rules are more useful than a forwarded message with ten exclamation marks.
Common questions
When are NDA 2 and CDS 2 2026 exams held?
Both exams are scheduled for Sunday, 13 September 2026. Candidates should download and print the e-admit card from the UPSC website.
What is the starting basic pay of an Army Lieutenant?
The starting basic pay is ₹56,100 under Pay Level 10. Eligible officers also receive ₹15,500 MSP, along with DA and other applicable allowances.
Do NDA cadets receive money during training?
Yes. The training stipend is ₹56,100 per month. Regular DA and other allowances are not added during this period.
What rank does a candidate receive after NDA or CDS?
After completing the required training, candidates receive a commission as a Lieutenant or the equivalent rank in the Navy or Air Force.
Sources: UPSC NDA II and CDS II 2026 notices and e-admit card information, the 7th Pay Commission defence pay matrix, Military Service Pay orders, and current DA and HRA orders. Candidates should confirm all details on the official UPSC website.
