Joining the Indian Navy is not only about reputation and adventure, but also a solid, well-structured compensation package. This article offers a detailed observation of the new Agniveer Yojana, along with Indian Navy Ranks and Salary, payroll, and benefits for both officers and sailors.
Indian Navy Ranks and Salary
Under the 7th Pay Commission, Indian Navy officers are classified in pay levels and receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month up to the rank of Commodore. Here’s the rank-wise structure:
Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range (₹) | MSP (₹) |
Sub Lieutenant | 10 | 56,100–1,77,500 | 15,500 |
Lieutenant | 10B | 61,300–1,93,900 | 15,500 |
Lieutenant Commander | 11 | 69,400–2,07,200 | 15,500 |
Commander | 12A | 1,21,200–2,12,400 | 15,500 |
Captain | 13 | 1,30,600–2,15,900 | 15,500 |
Commodore | 13A | 1,39,600–2,17,600 | — |
Rear Admiral | 14 | 1,44,200–2,18,200 | — |
Vice Admiral | 15 | 1,82,200–2,24,100 | — |
Va & Eq ranks | 16–18 | 2,05,400–2,50,000 | — |
At the topmost level, the Chief of Naval Staff draws ₹2,50,000/month—placing naval officers among India’s top-paid government employees

Allowances & Perks
Beyond base pay, Navy personnel enjoy a wide range of allowances, which significantly boost take-home salary:
- MSP: ₹15,500/month (officers)
- DA: ~38% of basic pay, subject to inflation
- HRA: ₹7,000–60,000 depending on location
- Travel Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Special Duty Allowances, Medical and CSD benefits, insurance schemes

Sailor Ranks & Pay Bands
Enlisted sailors (SSR/MR/AA) follow pay levels 3–8, with Basic Pay ranging from ₹21,700 to ₹1,51,100 and MSP set at ₹5,200. Here are some typical entries:
- Seaman II / I: Level 3 – ₹21,700–69,100 + MSP ₹5,200
- Leading Seaman: Level 4 – ₹25,500–81,100
- Petty Officer: Level 5 – ₹29,200–92,300
- Chief Petty Officer: Level 6 – ₹35,400–1,12,400
Higher supervisory ranks (MCPO) fall in levels 7–8, earning ₹44,900–1,51,100.
Agniveer Scheme for 4-Year Enlistment
Under the new Agniveer scheme:
- Starting customized salary begins at ₹30,000/month.
- Monthly in-hand nets ₹21,000, with ₹9,000/month directed to a corpus (matched by govt.)
- After four years, the total corpus returns approx. ₹10 lakh as Seva Nidhi package
Annual hikes increase the package each year, up to ₹40,000 gross by year 4.
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In-Hand Salary Example
A Sub Lieutenant posted in a metro city might receive:
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100
- DA (38%): ₹21,318
- HRA: ₹15,000–20,000
- MSP: ₹15,500
- Other Allowances: ₹5,000–10,000
Rough in-hand total: ₹1.1–1.2 lakh/month.
Career Growth & Benefits
- Regular promotions with increased pay levels.
- Financial security: pension, life insurance, healthcare for families, subsidised housing, travel concessions
- Specialized allowances: combat duty, hardship postings, submarine/aircrew premiums.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy offers a rewarding remuneration framework:
- Transparent pay scales (officers & sailors)
- Handsome allowances and long-term benefits
- New Agniveer entry with corpus package
- Clear promotion ladder and lucrative in-hand salary
This makes naval service both prestigious and financially secure. A great career awaits those ready to serve on the seas!
FAQs for Indian Navy Ranks and Salary
Ans. The officer ranks are:
Sub-Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
Commodore
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral
Chief of Naval Staff
Ans. A sub-lieutenant earns almost a base salary. ₹56,100/month (level 10), except allowances.
Ans. Allowances include:
DA (Dearness Allowance)
MSP (₹15,500 for officers)
Uniform Allowance
Hard Area / Sea Going Allowance
Flying / Submarine / Diving Allowances (role-specific)
Ans. Yes. Non-officer (sailor) ranks include:
Seaman
Leading Seaman
Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
MCPO I & II (Master Chief Petty Officers)
Ans. Starting in-hand salary is around ₹21,700/month (Level 3), with various allowances.