What is the salary of a commissioned doctor in the Indian Army?

Serving as a commissioned doctor in the Indian Army is one of the most respected and rewarding careers in India. Not only do doctors get the opportunity to serve the nation and treat soldiers in varied terrains and critical conditions, but they are also well-compensated for their service. From base salary to a wide range of allowances and benefits, the remuneration of Army Medical Corps officers is structured to offer both financial stability and personal growth.

Introduction to Army Medical Corps (AMC)

Commissioned doctors in the Indian Army are part of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). They are recruited through short service or permanent commission, and their ranks are equivalent to those in other branches of the army. From the moment they are commissioned as Captains, they enjoy a well-defined pay structure and career path.

Salary Structure: Rank-Wise Breakdown

The salary of a commissioned doctor is mainly based on rank, which increases with experience and service duration. These ranks follow the 7th Pay Commission guidelines. Here is the approximate salary structure per month:

• Captain: ₹52,700 – ₹80,900
• Major: ₹56,100 – ₹94,300
• Lieutenant Colonel: ₹73,800 – ₹1,11,300
• Colonel: ₹86,300 – ₹1,39,200
• Brigadier: ₹1,08,500 – ₹1,54,900
• Major General: ₹1,28,900 – ₹1,79,900
• Lieutenant General: ₹1,76,000 – ₹1,89,600
• General (Chief of Army Staff): ₹2,50,000 (Fixed)

The initial rank offered is usually Captain for new recruits. As time progresses and experience is gained, promotions follow, leading to higher pay and responsibility.

Annual Earnings

Based on the monthly figures, here’s what the annual gross salary (basic pay only) would roughly amount to:

• Captain: ₹6.3 – ₹9.7 lakhs per annum
• Major: ₹6.7 – ₹11.3 lakhs per annum
• Lieutenant Colonel: ₹8.8 – ₹13.3 lakhs per annum
• Colonel: ₹10.4 – ₹16.7 lakhs per annum
• Brigadier: ₹13 – ₹18.5 lakhs per annum
• Major General: ₹15.5 – ₹21.5 lakhs per annum
• Lieutenant General: ₹21+ lakhs per annum
• General: ₹30 lakhs per annum (Fixed, including perks)

These figures exclude allowances and benefits, which significantly increase the net take-home.

Allowances and Perks

One of the most attractive aspects of being a commissioned doctor in the Indian Army is the additional perks and allowances, many of which are location and role-dependent:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) – Adjusted regularly to match inflation.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) – Varies from 8% to 24% depending on location.
• High Altitude Allowance – For postings in remote or challenging areas.
• Field Area Allowance – For duties in operational zones.
• Ration Allowance – Free rations or monetary equivalent.
• Travel and Transport Allowance – For official and personal travel.
• Uniform Allowance – To maintain and purchase uniforms.
• Postgraduate Qualification Allowance – For specialists and those with higher degrees.
• Children’s Education Allowance – For dependent children's school and college education.
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC) – Travel allowance during official leaves.
• Medical Facilities – Free treatment for self and dependents at military hospitals.
• Subsidized Canteen (CSD) Access – Goods at discounted prices.
• Pension (for Permanent Commission) – Lifelong pension after retirement.

In-Hand Salary

The in-hand salary can vary greatly based on location, duties, and allowances. A newly commissioned Captain may receive anywhere between ₹75,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month. This increases with rank and years of service.

Career Growth and Promotions

Here’s a general promotion timeline for commissioned doctors in the Indian Army:

• Captain – On commissioning
• Major – After 4 years
• Lieutenant Colonel – After 11 years
• Colonel – After 15 years
• Brigadier – After 22-23 years
• Major General and above – Based on merit and vacancies

The medical officers are eligible for study leaves, overseas postings, and advanced training programs during their career.

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