General (COAS) Salary 2026 — Indian Army Pay & Allowances
Complete salary breakdown for General (COAS) (Admiral (CNS) / Air Chief Marshal (CAS)) — Pay Level 18, Officer
Entry Pay
₹2,50,000
MSP
₹15,500
Total (Basic+MSP)
₹2,65,500
8th CPC (Est.)
₹5,09,760
Army: General (COAS) | Navy: Admiral (CNS) | Air Force: Air Chief Marshal (CAS)
Last Updated: April 2026
General (COAS) Pay Matrix — All 1 Increments (Level 18)
| Cell | Basic Pay (₹) | Basic + MSP | 8th CPC (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(Entry) | ₹2,50,000 | ₹2,65,500 | ₹5,09,760 |
Each row ≈ 3% annual increment. MSP: ₹15,500 (Officer). View civilian Level 18 →
General (COAS) In-Hand Salary Calculator
City Category
NPS
Earnings
Deductions
Net In-Hand (Monthly)
₹4,79,700
8th CPC Projected
₹5,84,582
+22%
DA & HRA calculated on Basic + MSP. Excludes ECHS, income tax, minor deductions. Defence Pay Matrix →
8th CPC Salary Projection for General (COAS)
| Component | 7th CPC | 8th CPC (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,80,000 |
| MSP | ₹15,500 | ₹29,760 |
| DA | 60% (₹1,59,300) | 0% (reset) |
| HRA (X-city) | ₹79,650 | ₹1,22,342 |
| Gross (approx) | ₹5,06,250 | ₹6,35,558 |
| NPS (10%) | ₹26,550 | ₹50,976 |
| Net In-Hand | ₹4,79,700 | ₹5,84,582 |
| Increase | +₹1,04,882 (+22%) | |
Entry pay, X-city, NPS deducted. MSP also revised at 1.92×. Learn about fitment factor →
About General (COAS) in the Indian Army
The General is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) — the professional head of the Indian Army and a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. The COAS commands the entire Indian Army of 1.4 million active personnel, advises the government on military matters, and is responsible for national defence strategy, force modernization, and operational readiness. Only one officer holds this rank at any given time. The COAS also serves as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee on rotation with Navy and Air Force chiefs.
Entry / Promotion
Appointed by the Government of India, typically the senior-most Lt General. Fixed tenure of 3 years or until age 62, whichever is earlier.
Typical Experience
38+ years of commissioned service
Promotion
Terminal rank — the highest military rank in the Indian Army
Next Rank
Highest rank
Lt General (HAG) vs General (COAS) — Salary Comparison
| Aspect | Lt General (HAG) | General (COAS) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | 15 | 18 |
| Entry Pay | ₹1,82,200 | ₹2,50,000 |
| MSP | ₹15,500 | ₹15,500 |
| Total (Basic+MSP) | ₹1,97,700 | ₹2,65,500 |
| In-Hand (X-city) | ₹3,57,660 | ₹4,79,700 |
| Category | Officer | Officer |
General (COAS) — Frequently Asked Questions
Advertisement
Other Government Salary Calculators
Calculate individual components, allowances, and deductions
Pay Matrix
All Levels & Pay Scales
8th CPC Matrix
Projected Salary Table
Fitment Factor
8th CPC Factor Calculator
CPC Salary
7th & 8th Pay Calc
Current DA Rate
DA Rate & Calculator
DA Arrears
Calculate Arrears
HRA Rates
X / Y / Z City Class
Transport (TA)
Allowances by Level
LTC Guide
Leave Travel Concession
PF Calculator
EPF / GPF Growth
NPS Calculator
Pension Planner
Income Tax
Old vs New Regime
CGHS Guide
Ward Entitlement
Defence Pay
Army, Navy & Air Force
Defence Pension
OROP & Service Pension
Leave Rules
CL, EL, CCL & Encashment
MACP Calculator
Career Progression Pay
Gratuity
Govt & Private Sector
Commuted Pension
Lump Sum & Restoration
EL Encashment
Leave Balance & Retirement
State Pay Matrix
Rajasthan, WB, Karnataka...
CTC Calculator
Private Sector Take-Home
Salary Slip
Generate & Download PDF