Defence Officer through NDA vs Navy Officer, Executive Branch
Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.
Pay level
Level 10 + MSPLevel 10 + MSP
Starting in-hand
₹1,15,000 pay + allowances₹1,15,000 pay + allowances
Group
Group A (Gazetted)Group A (Gazetted)
Exam
UPSC NDAUPSC CDS
Qualification
12th passGraduate
Age limit
16–1919–24
Field work
highhigh
Stress (1–5)
44
Transfers
all indiaall india
First promotion
Captain (2 years, time-scale)Lieutenant (About 2 years, time-scale)
Choose Defence Officer through NDA if…
- ✓ Become an officer by about 22 with a degree and no fees
- ✓ Early responsibility for people and equipment
- ✓ Pay, housing and medical cover from the day of commissioning
Choose Navy Officer, Executive Branch if…
- ✓ Technical, well-equipped service with foreign port visits
- ✓ Postings mostly at coastal cities
- ✓ Permanent commission with pension