NDA (National Defence Academy) Salary & Job Profile
Updated 2026During the training period at the Service Academies (such as the IMA), cadets are entitled to a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month. Upon the successful completion of training and subsequent commissioning as an officer, the salary structure is governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission. The officers are positioned in the first cell of Level 10 of the pay matrix. This initial pay is Rs. 56,100, which can increase up to Rs. 1,77,500 based on promotions and increments throughout their service tenure.
The NDA exam is not for a traditional civil service post but for entry into the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Upon successful completion of training, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The training for the 158th NDA course and 120th INAC is scheduled to begin in July 2027. The pay scale for these officers is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission, with the starting stipend during the training period set at Rs. 56,100/- per month. Upon commissioning, the officers are placed in the first cell of Level 10 of the Pay Matrix, with the scale ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500.
