How Much Does An Indian Army Lieutenant Make? (With Perks)

Updated 20 March 2023

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Serving your country is a matter of pride and honour. While there are different ranks in the Indian Army, new officers get commissioned as lieutenants. If you have a passion for serving your nation, it is important to understand the role of a lieutenant in the Indian Army and the salary they earn. In this article, we answer “How much does an Indian Army lieutenant make?”, explore their typical roles, the perks and allowances, the reason for becoming a lieutenant and understand the different routes of joining the Indian Army at this rank.

How Much Does An Indian Army Lieutenant Make?

How much does an Indian Army lieutenant makes can be explained as follows, the pay of an Indian Army lieutenant ranges from ₹56,100-₹1,77,500 and they receive a grade pay of ₹5,400. With experience and after completing a prescribed number of years at the lieutenant level, their pay band and grade increase. They also receive a military service pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month. The central pay commission of India (CPC) determines the salary structure of lieutenants. These professionals are on level 10 in the pay matrix defined by the CPC.

The exact salary depends upon various factors, such as the area of posting and the risk environment. Lieutenants may receive allowances above their annual salary. Also, based on the cost of living and inflation rate, a lieutenant salary may increase every year.

Allowances Of A Lieutenant

Some perks and allowances a lieutenant receives are:

Dearness allowance (DA): All army officers receive a fixed DA to offset the effect of inflation. The GOI revises the dearness allowance every three months based on the inflation rate.
Kit maintenance allowance (KMA): A lieutenant receives a KMA or clothing allowance. It is a fixed amount they receive every month to maintain their official uniform.
Highly active field area allowance (HAFA): Lieutenants posted in field areas receive a fixed HAFA every month.
Field area allowance (FAA): All level 10 and above army officers posted in field areas receive a fixed FAA every month.
Modified field area allowance (MFAA): Modified field areas are those areas where the defence forces deploy troops to support combat troops in an operational role. Lieutenants working in such areas are eligible to receive a fixed MFAA every month.
High altitude allowance: Lieutenants posted in high altitude areas receive a fixed HAA allowance every month until they remain posted at that location.
Siachen glacier allowance: All lieutenants working in Siachen glaciers receive a fixed Siachen glacier allowance every month.
Flying allowance army officer: Lieutenants serving as Army Aviators (Pilots) receive a monthly flying pay allowance.
Children education allowance: Lieutenants are eligible to receive a fixed amount every month for studies of their two eldest surviving children. This allowance is admissible from nursery to grade 12.

Perks And Benefits Of A Lieutenant

Apart from the above allowances, an Indian army lieutenant receives many perks and benefits, including:

Group insurance
Free ration
Canteen facilities
Air and rail travel concession
Furnished government accommodations
Free medical facility for self and family members
Pension at 50% of the last drawn pay
Death cum retirement gratuity
Resettlement opportunities after retirement
MBA programmes after retirement

Reasons For Becoming A Lieutenant In The Indian Army

Here are a few reasons that can motivate you to become a lieutenant in the Indian Army:

Job security: As you are a part of the defence forces, you work for the government of India (GOI). Usually, government jobs offer high job security and there is no fear of losing the job or getting unprecedented pay cuts.
Various facilities: After becoming a lieutenant, you and your family can enjoy many benefits and facilities offered to army personnel. From free schooling to access to canteen facilities and free medical check-ups, your job provides many benefits.
Respectful job: Working for a country's defence forces is a matter of pride and honour. It makes people respect you and your job because you save the entire country from potential enemies.
Post-retirement facilities: From providing top leadership roles in reputed positions to receiving a pension, the GOI ensures you live your post-retirement life without difficulties.
High salary: Lieutenants receive a good salary, which increases with their experience. Also, lieutenants receive many additional perks and allowances.

Job Responsibilities Of A Lieutenant

Apart from protecting the company from enemies, a lieutenant performs many day-to-day activities. Some of their typical job responsibilities are:

Take care of documentation of the troop, family welfare and hygienic environment
Train army troops for operational purposes
Train and motivate the troops for a professional course
Lead the troop in different formation levels and professional sports competitions on battalion
Ensure maintenance and readiness of equipment and weapons used during the war
Go on special operations like patrolling and ambush with army troops

How To Become An Indian Army Lieutenant?

Using different routes, you can join the Indian Army as a lieutenant. These routes are:

1. Clear the NDA examination

The first route to join the Indian Army is clearing the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is a national level examination and requires a candidate to complete their 10+2 in any stream before appearing for the exam. Candidates who do not wish to appear for an exam may prefer other methods to join the Indian Army.

2. 10+2 technical entry scheme (TES)

After completing your 10+2 in science and getting a minimum of 70% in physics, chemistry and maths, you can be a part of the Indian Army through the technical entry scheme. After completing a technical course that lasts five years, you can join directly as a lieutenant. Only male candidates are eligible for this route.

3. University entry scheme (UES)

Apart from the technical entry scheme, there is another route to become a lieutenant. Under the UES, candidates in the final year of their engineering course can enroll for permanent commission. The Indian Army can also hire engineering students from campus after the students complete their service selection board (SSB) interview and pass a mandatory medical test.

4. Short service commission (SSC) technical entry

Candidates who qualify for the SSC exam can serve in the Indian Army for a short duration of time when compared to the permanent commission. You require an engineering, architecture or MSc computer degree for this route. The training of these professionals takes place in the officer's training academy (OTA) and both males and females are eligible to apply. When you join through this route, you can serve for a maximum of ten years.

5. Judge advocate general (JAG) scheme

The JAG scheme is for law graduates. Candidates with any degree in the law recognised by the Bar Council of India can apply through this scheme. Both males and females are eligible to apply for this short service commission.

6. Indian military academy (IMA)

The UPSC conducts the Combined Defence Service (CDS) examination for graduate candidates for recruitment in the Indian military academy. After clearing the SSB interview, you join the IMA and complete your training to become a lieutenant. Only male candidates are eligible.

7. NCC special entry scheme

Unmarried males and females are eligible to apply for a grant of short service commission in the Indian Army. Candidates with NCC "C" certificate and those who served for a minimum of two to three years in the senior division of NCC are eligible for this route. Also, candidates require a minimum of a "B" grade in the "C" Certificate Exam of NCC. Those who fulfil these requirements appear for the SSB interview and after they clear both the stages, these candidates appear for a medical examination. Upon passing this medical examination, candidates go for pre-commission training at OTA.

8. Technical graduate course (TGC) education

Candidates with Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) in the first or second division in any stream are eligible to apply for this route. These officers hired through the TGC education undergo training for one year at IMA before becoming a lieutenant. Only unmarried male candidates can apply.

9. TGC

Unmarried males with an engineering degree or those pursuing their final year of engineering can apply via this route. The candidates are first shortlisted based on cut-offs of each engineering discipline and selected candidates appear in two stages of the SSB interview. Those who clear both stages undergo a medical examination. On clearing this medical test, these candidates join the IMA and complete their training before becoming lieutenant.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

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