HowIndiaEarns

Army Officer, Permanent Commission vs Assistant Commandant

Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.

Pay level

Level 10 + MSPPay Level 10

Starting in-hand

₹1,15,000 pay + allowances₹92,000–₹1,02,000 in-hand

Group

Group A (Gazetted)Group A (Gazetted)

Exam

UPSC CDSUPSC CAPF

Qualification

GraduateGraduate

Age limit

19–2420–25

Field work

highhigh

Stress (1–5)

44

Transfers

all indiaall india

First promotion

Captain (2 years, time-scale)Deputy Commandant (6–10 years, varies by force)

Choose Army Officer, Permanent Commission if…

  • ✓ Permanent commission with pension
  • ✓ Command of troops in your early twenties
  • ✓ Structured career with courses and time-scale promotions up to Lieutenant Colonel

Choose Assistant Commandant if…

  • ✓ Direct entry as a gazetted officer with command of troops
  • ✓ Adventure and operational experience
  • ✓ Allowances in field areas add to pay