When aspirants think about joining the National Defence Academy (NDA), their first thoughts often revolve around honor, discipline, and serving the nation. But another common question is: “What is the NDA salary per month in India?” Understanding the salary structure, training stipend, and career growth opportunities helps candidates prepare with realistic expectations and motivation.
At Warriors Defence Academy, we’ve trained over 55,000 students and achieved 6000+ NDA & SSB selections. Along with exam preparation, we believe in giving aspirants a clear picture of the NDA salary, allowances, and long-term benefits that come with being an officer.
Candidates who clear the written test and SSB interview join the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, for three years of training. During this period, cadets do not receive a full salary but are entitled to a stipend once they enter the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Naval Academy.
Stipend Amount: ₹56,100 per month (as per 7th Pay Commission)
This is the same for cadets joining Army, Navy, or Air Force wings after completing their NDA training.
👉 Many aspirants worry about the financial aspect, but the training stipend ensures a stable start even before you’re commissioned as an officer.
After completing training, candidates are commissioned as officers in their respective services. The NDA officer salary per month varies by rank:
Rank | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
---|---|
Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 per month |
Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 per month |
Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 per month |
Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 per month |
Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 per month |
Major General | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 per month |
Lieutenant General / HAG | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 per month |
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | ₹2,50,000 fixed |
Apart from the basic pay, officers also receive allowances that significantly increase their in-hand salary.
In addition to salary, NDA officers are entitled to several allowances:
Dearness Allowance (DA): Adjusted with inflation.
Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month.
Field Area Allowance: ₹25,000 – ₹42,500 depending on posting.
High Altitude Allowance: ₹3,400 – ₹25,000.
Flying Allowance (Air Force): ₹25,000 per month.
Transport Allowance: ₹7,200 – ₹20,000.
These benefits make the NDA salary per month in India very competitive compared to other government jobs.
The NDA selection rate is low because lakhs of candidates compete for limited seats, but those who succeed not only get the pride of serving the nation but also enjoy:
Financial stability with attractive pay and allowances.
Career growth with promotions and higher ranks.
Prestige and honor as a commissioned officer.
Pension and retirement benefits ensuring lifelong security.
At Warriors Defence Academy, we ensure aspirants understand both the challenges and the rewards. When you know the NDA salary structure and perks, your motivation to push harder multiplies.
The NDA exam is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India. On average:
5–6 lakh candidates apply every year.
Only about 7,000–8,000 qualify the written exam.
Finally, 300–400 cadets get selected after the SSB interview.
This means the NDA selection rate is less than 1%. That’s why proper guidance, discipline, and strategy are essential.
👉 With a proven track record of 6000+ selections, WDA gives you the best chance to crack this tough competition.
One of the most asked queries is about the WDA Lucknow fee structure. While the fee depends on the course (NDA, CDS, SSB, Foundation programs), Warriors Defence Academy ensures affordability without compromising quality.
What you get at WDA:
Comprehensive syllabus coverage with mock tests.
Daily physical training for GTO and medical fitness.
India’s largest GTO ground for real-time practice.
Retired officers as mentors for SSB guidance.
Motivational sessions by decorated officers.
WDA’s fee is structured to provide maximum value so that aspirants get holistic NDA preparation under one roof.
Exciting news for NDA aspirants – new batches at Warriors Defence Academy start from 6th October 2025. If you’re serious about your preparation, this is the right time to join and train with India’s leading NDA coaching institute.
Yes, 700 marks is excellent. With cut-offs usually around 340–400, scoring 700+ gives you a very high chance of clearing the written exam and proceeding to the SSB.
Both are prestigious but different. NDA is for a career in Armed Forces, while IIT is for engineering and technology. Which is better depends on your career goals.
Yes, 400 is considered safe as it usually matches the cut-off range. But final selection depends on SSB interview and medical fitness.
No, NDA 2 is open for both boys and girls. Since 2021, girls can also apply, but the exam is not exclusive to them.
The NDA salary per month in India is not just about numbers—it reflects the respect, responsibility, and rewards that come with being an officer. From a stipend of ₹56,100 during training to a COAS salary of ₹2.5 lakh per month, the growth is remarkable.
But reaching there is not easy. With the low NDA selection rate, only focused training and the right mentorship can help you succeed.
That’s why thousands of aspirants choose Warriors Defence Academy (WDA) every year. With 55,000+ students trained, 6000+ selections, India’s largest GTO ground, and expert faculty, we give you the tools to crack NDA.
👉 New batches start from 6th October 2025. Join WDA today and take the first step toward your NDA dream.
Author: Warriors Defence Academy