The Indian Air Force (IAF) is a crucial part of India’s defence, tasked with protecting airspace and supporting ground operations with advanced aircraft and technology. It features a hierarchical rank system, with each rank holding specific responsibilities and salaries. This article by Target Defence Academy on Indian Airforce Rank and Salary provides an overview of the IAF’s rank structure and salary framework for those considering a career in this field or wanting to understand its organization.

Overview
In the Indian Air Force, salary depends primarily on the rank of the officer, their years of service, and the specific branch or job posting they hold within the force.
Rank Structure in Indian Air Force
The structure of the Indian Air Force ranks is based on that of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom. Indian Air Forces are one of the three wings of Indian Defence Forces besides the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The rank structure of the IAF is organized into three primary classifications: Airmen, Warrant Officers, and Officers which are mentioned below in detail:
1. Airmen
- Aircraftsman (AC)
- Leading Aircraftsman (LAC)
- Corporal
- Sergeant
2. Warrant Officers
- Junior Warrant Officer (JWO)
- Warrant Officer (WO)
- Master Warrant Officer (MWO)
3. Air Force Officers
- Flying Officer
- Flying Lieutenant
- Squadron Leader
- Commander
- Captain
- Commodore
- Vice Marshal
- Marshal HAG Scale
- Indian Air Force Officer under HAG+ Scale
- VACS or Airforce Commander or Air Marshal (NFSG)
- Chief of Air Force Staff
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Salary Structure in the Indian Airforce
The Indian Air Force salary structure follows the 7th Pay Commission, with officers starting at ₹56,100 as Flying Officers. Salaries increase with rank, reaching up to ₹2,50,000 for Air Chief Marshal, plus allowances like MSP, HRA, and Flying Allowance.
Airmen Salary:
Post & Rank | Salary |
---|---|
Aircraftsman (AC) | Rs 21700 – 69100 |
Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) | Rs 21700 – 69100 |
Corporal | Rs 25500 – 81100 |
Sergeant | Rs 29200 – 92300 |
Warrant Officers Salary:
Post & Rank | Salary |
---|---|
Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) | Rs 35400 – 112,400 |
Warrant Officer (WO) | Rs 39500 – 131100 |
Master Warrant Officer (MWO) | Rs 45000 – 142400 |
Air Force Officers Salary:
Air Force Officers Post, Pay Level, and Salary | ||
Posts & Rank | Pay Level | NDA Salary |
Flying Officer | Level 10 | Rs 56100-177500 |
Flying Lieutenant | Level 10B | RS 61300-193900 |
Squadron Leader | Level 11 | Rs 69400-207200 |
Commander | Level 12A | Rs 121200-212400 |
Captain | Level 13 | Rs 130600-215900 |
Commodore | Level 13A | Rs 139600-217600 |
Vice Marshal | Level 14 | Rs 144200-218200 |
Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | Rs 182200-224100 |
Indian Air Force Officer under HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | Rs 205400-224400 |
VACS or Airforce Commander or Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 225000 |
CAS or Chief of Air Force Staff | Level 18 | Rs 225000 |
Extra Benefits Besides Basic Pay
Below are some perks given to Air Force Officers during the service period.
- Military Services Pay (MSP): Rs 15,500 / per month
- Flying
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Technical
- Field Area
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Children Education Allowance (CEA)
Summary
In conclusion, the remuneration for officers of the Indian Airforce is competitive based on rank. Officers receive various benefits, including allowances, pension schemes, and healthcare services. May your hard work and dedication at Target Defence Academy lead you to great success in serving the nation! We hope this information ‘Indian Airforce Rank and Salary’ will definitely boost your knowledge.