Defence Ranks & Pay Levels Summary
The 7th CPC consolidated defence pay scales into a unified Pay Matrix ranging from Level 3 (Sepoy / Aircraftsman) up to Level 18 (COAS / CDS). Military Service Pay (MSP) is paid in addition to the Basic Pay.
| Pay Level |
Rank (Army / Navy / Air Force) |
Entry Basic Pay (₹) |
Military Service Pay (MSP) |
| Level 3 |
Sepoy / Seaman II / Aircraftsman |
₹21,700 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 4 |
Naik / Lance Naik / Leading Seaman / Corporal |
₹25,500 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 5 |
Havildar / Petty Officer / Sergeant |
₹29,200 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 6 |
Naib Subedar / Chief Petty Officer / Junior Warrant Officer |
₹35,400 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 7 |
Subedar / Master Chief Petty Officer II / Warrant Officer |
₹44,900 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 8 |
Subedar Major / Master Chief Petty Officer I / Master Warrant Officer |
₹47,600 |
₹5,200 / month |
| Level 10 |
Lieutenant / Sub Lieutenant / Flying Officer |
₹56,100 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 10B |
Captain / Lieutenant (Navy) / Flight Lieutenant |
₹61,300 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 11 |
Major / Lieutenant Commander / Squadron Leader |
₹69,400 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 12A |
Lieutenant Colonel / Commander / Wing Commander |
₹1,21,200 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 13 |
Colonel / Captain (Navy) / Group Captain |
₹1,30,600 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 13A |
Brigadier / Commodore / Air Commodore |
₹1,39,600 |
₹15,500 / month |
| Level 14 |
Major General / Rear Admiral / Air Vice Marshal |
₹1,44,200 |
Nil (Above Brig) |
| Level 15 |
Lieutenant General / Vice Admiral / Air Marshal |
₹1,82,200 |
Nil |
| Level 16 |
VCOAS / Army Commander / Equivalent Navy & IAF |
₹2,05,400 |
Nil |
| Level 17 & 18 |
COAS / Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) |
₹2,25,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
Nil |
Military Service Pay (MSP) Rates
MSP is a dedicated monthly allowance paid to defence personnel due to operational hardship and service risks:
- Commissioned Officers (up to Brigadier): ₹15,500 / month
- JCOs & Other Ranks (ORs): ₹5,200 / month
- Military Nursing Service (MNS): ₹10,800 / month
Key Features of the 7th CPC Defence Pay Matrix
The Defence Pay Matrix was notified under the Army Pay Rules 2017, Navy Pay Rules 2017, and Air Force Pay Rules 2017 following recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission. Key highlights include:
- Annual Increments: 3% annual compound growth on Basic Pay across all cells within a level.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Calculated on (Basic Pay + MSP + Group X Pay) to ensure full inflation coverage for soldiers and officers.
- Group X Trade Pay: Technical tradesmen in JCO/OR cadres receive an additional Group X pay of ₹3,600 per month.
