The starting salary of a PARA SF Commando in India is approximately ₹85,000 per month for newly commissioned officers and around ₹45,00 for sepoy rank personnels, as per the 7th Pay Commission.
If there’s one Regiment of the Indian Army that stands for unmatched courage, relentless training, and elite missions, it’s the Parachute Regiment aka Para Commando. They are Known for their iconic maroon berets, lightning-fast response, and nerve-testing operations, these warriors don’t just serve — they lead from the frontlines.
For defence aspirants, the Balidan badge is more than a symbol — it’s a dream. But before diving into this demanding journey, one important aspect everyone wants to know is: “What is the salary of a Para Commando in India?”
In this guide, you’ll get an in-depth breakdown of:
- The basic Para Commando salary structure
- In-hand pay
- Allowances and perks
- Career growth
- Risk and hardship benefits
- And other FAQs
Let’s jump into the life (and income) of India’s most elite warriors.
📌 Who Are Para Commandos?
Para (Special Forces), also known as Para SF, are a part of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment. These commandos are handpicked through a grueling selection process and trained for specialized missions including:
- Counter-terrorism
- Hostage rescue
- Reconnaissance
- Cross-border operations
Para SF commandos operate in some of the most dangerous terrains — from snowy mountaintops to jungle warfare zones.
💸 Para Commando Salary: Basic Pay Structure
The base salary of a Para SF Commando is determined by their rank and grade as per the 7th Pay Commission.
The base salary of Para SF Commandos is determined by rank, experience, and time in service. Here’s a breakdown depicting the salary structure:
| Category | Rank | Salary Range (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Sepoy (Entry-Level) | Sepoy | ₹21,700 – ₹30,000 (with allowances) |
| Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) | Lance Naik | ₹21,700 – ₹25,500 |
| Naik | ₹21,700 – ₹25,500 | |
| Havildar | ₹29,200 | |
| Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) | Naib Subedar | ₹35,400 |
| Subedar | ₹44,900 | |
| Subedar Major | ₹47,600 | |
| Commissioned Officers | Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 | |
| Major General | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 | |
| Lieutenant General | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 | |
| General (COAS) | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
This structured pay scale ensures that as personnel ascend the ranks, their base salary
📝 Note: These are base pays. Para Commandos receive additional allowances that significantly boost their in-hand salary.
💰 In-Hand Salary of Para SF Commandos
A Sepoy-level Para SF Commando typically receives an in-hand salary of around ₹45,000 to ₹65,000 per month, depending on location, mission profile, and risk allowances.
For officers, the in-hand salary ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month.
🎖️ Special Allowances for Para Commandos
Being part of the Special Forces comes with high-risk, high-reward scenarios — and the Indian Army compensates accordingly.
Here’s a list of allowances and perks that enhance the salary of Para SF Commandos:
✅ 1. Para Allowance
- ₹10,500/month (Non-officer ranks)
- ₹17,300/month (Officers)
✅ 2. High Altitude Allowance
- ₹5,600 to ₹25,000/month (Depending on altitude)
✅ 3. Field Area Allowance
- ₹4,200 to ₹16,900/month
✅ 4. Counter-Insurgency Allowance
- ₹6,300 to ₹16,900/month
✅ 5. Special Forces Allowance
- Special Forces Allowance in the Para SF ranges between ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 per month, depending on the operational risk and deployment. For instance, a Para SF Sepoy with a basic salary of ₹21,700 and a Special Forces Allowance of ₹25,000 can earn a monthly in-hand salary of approximately ₹46,700—excluding other additional military allowances and perks.
✅ 6. Uniform Allowance
- ₹20,000/year
✅ 7. Transport Allowance
- ₹3,600 – ₹7,200 + DA
✅ 8. Risk and Hardship Allowance
- ₹6,000 – ₹25,000/month depending on location and mission
🪖 What Happens During Probation?
To become a Para Commando, one must undergo one of the toughest probation periods in military history.
- Duration: 90 days to 180 days
- Success Rate: Less than 15% make it through
- Physical Stress: 50+ km marches, sleepless nights, tactical survival
Even during this period, soldiers continue to receive their regular Army pay (basic + DA + grade pay).
🧠 Did You Know?
Candidates from all Army branches can volunteer for Para SF. Officers often get inducted through the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Officers Training Academy (OTA).
✈️ Life After Joining Para SF
Once selected, commandos are posted in active zones — Kashmir, Northeast, or border regions — and are routinely rotated for operations.
✨ Key Benefits:
- Faster Promotions due to operational experience
- Foreign Missions (UN Peacekeeping, Special Assignments)
- Post-Retirement Opportunities in NSG, Intelligence Agencies
- Lifetime Respect and public admiration
🧭 How to Join Para Special Forces?
There are 2 primary routes:
1. Direct Volunteering
- Army soldiers can volunteer during early years of service.
- They undergo 3–6 months probation and psychological evaluation.
2. Officer Route
👨🎓 Who Should Aim for Para SF?
Para Commandos are not for the faint-hearted. This path demands:
- Extreme physical fitness
- Mental resilience
- Zero fear of death
- High patriotism and team loyalty
If you’re an aspirant dreaming to serve India with grit and glory — this is your calling.
📚 Real Stories: Gallantry and Grit
Here are a few names every defence aspirant should know:
🔸 Naib Subedar Chandra Shekhar
- Martyred in a high-risk J&K op
- Awarded Shaurya Chakra
🔸 Captain Pawan Kumar
- Killed in action during Pampore encounter
- Awarded Shaurya Chakra posthumously
🔸 Major Mohit Sharma
- Ashoka Chakra awardee
- Fought terrorists in Kupwara, J&K
These are more than names — they are inspiration in uniform.
💼 Post-Retirement Life of a Para SF Commando
Even after retiring, Para SF Commandos are in high demand:
- NSG (Black Cats)
- RAW & Intelligence Bureau
- Corporate Security Roles
- Private Military Contractors
- Motivational Speakers & Trainers
📑 FAQs on Para Commando Salary
Q1. What is the in-hand salary of a Para Commando in India?
Around ₹45,000–₹65,000/month for jawans; ₹85,000–₹1.2 lakh/month for officers.
Q2. Do Para Commandos get extra allowance?
Yes. They receive Para Allowance, Risk Allowance, Field Allowance, and more.
Q3. What is the Para Allowance in Indian Army?
Ranges from ₹10,500 to ₹17,300 depending on the rank.
Q4. Is there danger allowance in Para SF?
Yes. Risk & Hardship Allowance ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
Q5. Are Para SF paid more than regular soldiers?
Yes. Due to elite status and mission profile, their net pay is significantly higher.
🏁 Final Words: Is Para Commando Salary Worth the Risk?
The answer is simple: Absolutely.
While the salary and perks are attractive, it’s the pride, the honor, and the rare brotherhood that truly makes this journey worthwhile. The Indian Para SF isn’t just a unit — it’s a legacy.
If you’re a defence aspirant, now’s the time to aim higher. The maroon beret waits for those brave enough to earn it.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Salute to all who dare to be elite.
