Indian Army Ranks and Salary Per Month – The Indian Army, known for its discipline, bravery, and dedication, offers not just a prestigious career but also a structured pay scale. Understanding the Indian Army ranks and salary structure is essential for aspirants and the general public alike. The salary varies depending on rank, experience, and years of service.
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Overview of Army Salary Structure
The army salary is governed by the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which streamlined the pay levels and introduced various allowances. Soldiers and officers also receive perks like free ration, clothing, medical facilities, and pension benefits, which add significant value beyond the base army salary per month.
Indian Army Ranks and Salary Per Month (2025)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Estimated In-hand Salary (₹/Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sepoy (Soldier - GD) | Level 3 | 21,700 | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Lance Naik | Level 3 | 21,700 | 26,000 – 32,000 |
| Naik | Level 4 | 25,500 | 30,000 – 35,000 |
| Havildar | Level 5 | 29,200 | 35,000 – 40,000 |
| Naib Subedar | Level 6 | 35,400 | 45,000 – 50,000 |
| Subedar | Level 7 | 44,900 | 50,000 – 55,000 |
| Subedar Major | Level 8 | 47,600 | 60,000 – 65,000 |
| Lieutenant (Officer) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 68,000 – 75,000 |
| Captain | Level 10B | 61,300 | 75,000 – 85,000 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 | 85,000 – 95,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 | 1.2 – 1.3 Lakh |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 | 1.3 – 1.4 Lakh |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 | 1.4 – 1.5 Lakh |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 | 1.5 – 1.6 Lakh |
| Lieutenant General | Level 15 | 1,82,200 | 1.8 – 2 Lakh |
| Chief of Army Staff | Apex | 2,50,000 | Fixed |
» Sepoy (Soldier - GD) Salary Per Month
The Sepoy is the backbone of the Indian Army, performing duties in both combat and non-combat roles. They are responsible for field operations, security duties, and physical upkeep of their unit.
Basic Pay: ₹21,700 | In-hand: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000/month
» Lance Naik Salary Per Month
A Lance Naik supervises 3–4 soldiers and supports Naiks and Havildars. They assist in executing commands and maintaining internal discipline.
Basic Pay: ₹21,700 | In-hand: ₹26,000 – ₹32,000/month
» Naik Salary Per Month
Naiks lead a small section (8–10 soldiers) and carry out operational commands. They are responsible for training new recruits.
Basic Pay: ₹25,500 | In-hand: ₹30,000 – ₹35,000/month
» Havildar Salary Per Month
The Havildar is a key non-commissioned officer who leads larger teams. They have administrative and tactical roles.
Basic Pay: ₹29,200 | In-hand: ₹35,000 – ₹40,000/month
» Naib Subedar Salary Per Month
Naib Subedars are junior commissioned officers who lead platoons and handle logistics. They mentor soldiers and act as a communication link with officers.
Basic Pay: ₹35,400 | In-hand: ₹45,000 – ₹50,000/month
» Subedar Salary Per Month
Subedars supervise training, enforce discipline, and maintain operational readiness of their units.
Basic Pay: ₹44,900 | In-hand: ₹50,000 – ₹55,000/month
» Subedar Major Salary Per Month
Subedar Majors are the most senior JCOs. They advise commanding officers and lead ceremonial duties.
Basic Pay: ₹47,600 | In-hand: ₹60,000 – ₹65,000/month
» Lieutenant Salary Per Month
A Lieutenant leads a platoon and is responsible for the overall management of men and missions.
Basic Pay: ₹56,100 | In-hand: ₹68,000 – ₹75,000/month
» Captain Salary Per Month
A Captain commands a company and oversees training and execution of tactical orders.
Basic Pay: ₹61,300 | In-hand: ₹75,000 – ₹85,000/month
» Major Salary Per Month
Majors lead operations and staff roles at the battalion level. They are key decision-makers.
Basic Pay: ₹69,400 | In-hand: ₹85,000 – ₹95,000/month
» Lieutenant Colonel Salary Per Month
A Lieutenant Colonel commands a battalion or serves in top planning roles.
Basic Pay: ₹1,21,200 | In-hand: ₹1.2 – ₹1.3 Lakh/month
» Colonel Salary Per Month
Colonels are responsible for leading regiments and formulating policies.
Basic Pay: ₹1,30,600 | In-hand: ₹1.3 – ₹1.4 Lakh/month
» Brigadier Salary Per Month
A Brigadier commands a brigade and coordinates large-scale military actions.
Basic Pay: ₹1,39,600 | In-hand: ₹1.4 – ₹1.5 Lakh/month
» Major General Salary Per Month
Major Generals lead divisions and have a crucial role in national military strategy.
Basic Pay: ₹1,44,200 | In-hand: ₹1.5 – ₹1.6 Lakh/month
» Lieutenant General Salary Per Month
Lieutenant Generals command corps and oversee strategic operations across sectors.
Basic Pay: ₹1,82,200 | In-hand: ₹1.8 – ₹2 Lakh/month
» General (Chief of Army Staff) Salary Per Month
The General leads the entire Indian Army. Responsible for all policies, operations, and defense strategy.
Fixed Salary: ₹2,50,000 per month
Army Soldier Salary Per Month
The salary of Indian Army soldier per month (General Duty or GD) starts from ₹21,700 basic pay. With allowances such as risk/hardship, field area, and travel, the Indian Army salary GD can range from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 depending on location and tenure.
Army Officer Salary: Entry-Level to Senior Officers
An army officer salary begins with the rank of Lieutenant, offering a substantial in-hand salary along with benefits like housing, canteen privileges, and medical care.
Indian Army Major Salary Per Month
A Major in the Indian Army falls under Pay Level 11, with a basic pay of ₹69,400. The Indian Army Major salary per month, including allowances, usually ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹95,000. With more seniority and deployments, the take-home pay can increase further.
Salary Indian Army Ranks: Additional Allowances
- High Altitude Allowance: ₹3,400 – ₹25,000
- Siachen Allowance: ₹42,500
- Field Area Allowance: ₹6,000 – ₹16,900
- Uniform Allowance: ₹20,000 annually
- Transport Allowance: ₹3,600 – ₹7,200
Army Salary Slip
The Army Salary Slip is issued monthly to each soldier or officer. It includes details of basic pay, grade pay, allowances, deductions (like provident fund, income tax), and the net salary credited. Personnel can access their salary slips through the official Army portal using their service credentials.
Conclusion
The Indian Army ranks and salary structure reflects the responsibility and risk associated with each role. From a sepoy’s salary to a general’s pay, the army provides a well-defined and rewarding compensation system. Alongside the monetary benefits, the pride of serving the nation and the lifestyle provided by the armed forces makes the Indian Army a prestigious career path.
Sources : Indian Army
