The National Security Guard (NSG) commandos are elite special forces personnel in India, entrusted with the critical task of counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and maintaining national security. Often referred to as the “Black Cats,” NSG commandos undergo rigorous training in weapons handling, close combat, bomb disposal, and tactical operations to prepare for high-risk missions. Their role is pivotal in protecting the country from terror threats, safeguarding key installations, and conducting rapid response actions during emergencies. Known for their precision, bravery, and discipline, NSG commandos represent the pinnacle of India’s counter-terrorism efforts. NSG Commando salary is a highly discussed topic.
Regarding salary, NSG commandos receive competitive pay packages that reflect their specialized skills and high-risk responsibilities. Their salary varies based on rank, experience, and years of service but generally includes a basic pay, special duty allowances, and risk allowances. Additionally, NSG personnel benefit from government perks such as medical facilities, housing, and pension schemes. The lucrative salary, combined with the honor and prestige of serving in one of India’s most elite forces, makes the NSG commando role highly sought after among aspiring defense personnel.
What is NSG Commando Salary?
The average NSG commando salary in India ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, depending on rank and experience. This includes base pay, special allowances, risk and hardship pay, and deputation benefits. Senior positions and longer service duration lead to significantly higher monthly earnings.
NSG Commando Salary Structure by Rank
Here is the rank-wise salary of NSG Commandos in India as of 2024–2025, including base pay, grade pay (where applicable), and estimated gross salary after allowances like risk, field, and special forces pay.
1. Commando (Constable/GD)
- Role: Entry-level operative, supports missions under senior supervision
- Basic Pay: ₹21,700 – ₹69,100
- Total Salary (with allowances): ₹45,000 – ₹85,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹40,000 – ₹75,000
2. Head Constable
- Role: Senior to commando, performs tactical duties, minor leadership
- Total Salary: ₹55,000 – ₹95,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹48,000 – ₹85,000
3. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
- Role: Supervises a small team, assists in field ops
- Total Salary: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹55,000 – ₹90,000
4. Sub-Inspector (SI)
- Role: Leads tactical teams, coordinates missions
- Total Salary: ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹65,000 – ₹1,10,000
5. Inspector
- Role: Senior field commander, operational planner
- Total Salary: ₹85,000 – ₹1,40,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹80,000 – ₹1,30,000
6. Assistant Commandant / DSP
- Role: Officer rank, manages larger operations and teams
- Total Salary: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,60,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹95,000 – ₹1,50,000
7. Commandant
- Role: Heads major NSG units, involved in training and ops strategy
- Total Salary: ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,85,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,75,000
8. Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Role: Oversees multiple NSG wings or regions
- Total Salary: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹1,40,000 – ₹1,90,000
9. Inspector General (IG)
- Role: High-ranking officer, responsible for zones/strategy
- Total Salary: ₹1,90,000 – ₹2,40,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,30,000
10. Director General (DG NSG)
- Role: Topmost officer in NSG, strategic and national-level decision-making
- Fixed Salary: ₹2,25,000/month + perks
- In-Hand: ₹2,25,000+
Salary for Lower Ranks
Below is the salary of lower ranks:
1. Constable / Sepoy Level
- Basic Pay: ₹21,700 – ₹69,100
- Total Salary (with allowances): ₹45,000 – ₹85,000/month
- In-Hand Salary: ₹40,000 – ₹75,000
- Role: Entry-level commando, performs frontline duties in high-risk operations. Works under direct supervision of senior officers.
2. Head Constable
- Basic Pay: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
- Total Salary: ₹55,000 – ₹95,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹48,000 – ₹85,000
- Role: Senior among commandos, responsible for small task executions, minor team responsibilities, logistics, and support.
3. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
- Basic Pay: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
- Total Salary: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹55,000 – ₹90,000
- Role: Supervises commando teams during field missions; coordinates operations with SIs and maintains discipline.
4. Sub-Inspector (SI)
- Basic Pay: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- Total Salary: ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹65,000 – ₹1,10,000
- Role: Leads assault teams, executes mission plans, directly engages in anti-terror ops, and reports to Inspectors.
5. Inspector
- Basic Pay: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
- Total Salary: ₹85,000 – ₹1,40,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹80,000 – ₹1,30,000
- Role: Senior field commander, operational planner, team trainer, and supervisor of multiple squads.
6. Assistant Commandant
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Total Salary: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,60,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹95,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Role: Junior officer rank, supervises large units, oversees tactical operations, logistics, and administrative responsibilities.
7. Deputy Commandant and Above
- Basic Pay (Deputy Commandant): ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
- Total Salary: ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,90,000/month
- In-Hand: ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,75,000
- Role: Leads entire battalions, involved in mission design, national security planning, and manages officer training and ops coordination.
Higher ranks like Commandant, DIG, IG, and DG NSG receive salaries ranging from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,25,000+ per month, depending on their grade and seniority.
NSG Commando Salary: Other Benefits
NSG (National Security Guard) commandos are among the most elite and highly trained special forces in India. Due to the high-risk nature of their operations, they receive a wide range of perks, allowances, and welfare benefits over and above their regular salary. Here is a detailed breakdown:
1. Risk and Hardship Allowance
- NSG commandos receive a Risk & Hardship allowance due to the nature of their dangerous assignments (counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, etc.).
- Amount: ₹15,000 to ₹35,000/month depending on their posting and threat level.
2. Special Forces Allowance
- This allowance is exclusive to elite units like NSG, Para SF, and MARCOS.
- Amount: 15% to 35% of basic pay
- Purpose: Recognizes the intensive training, operational risk, and physical fitness required.
3. Free Accommodation
- NSG commandos are provided government housing or quarters in secured areas.
- The accommodation is usually well-maintained, in high-security complexes near NSG hubs (e.g., Manesar, Delhi, Mumbai).
4. Free Rations and Mess Facilities
- Daily meals, including during training and deployment, are provided free of cost.
- The mess facilities are of high standard due to their physical demands and health requirements.
5. Comprehensive Medical Facilities
- Commandos and their families receive free medical care in government or empanelled private hospitals.
- They also have access to specialized psychological counselling and rehabilitation if required.
6. Free Travel and Transport Allowance
- NSG personnel are entitled to free rail and air travel for official duties.
- Transport allowances are also provided when traveling between postings or during long-term deployments.
7. Leave and Holiday Benefits
- NSG commandos are eligible for:
- Casual Leave
- Earned Leave
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Additional Compensatory Offs may be provided after special operations or extended deployments.
8. Uniform and Kit Allowance
- NSG commandos receive regular allowance for maintaining their specialized gear:
- Bulletproof vests
- Combat uniforms
- Tactical helmets and gloves
- High-end weapon kits and accessories
9. Children’s Education Assistance
- NSG personnel get financial support for children’s school and higher education.
- Many top Kendriya Vidyalayas and Army Public Schools are reserved or prioritized for them.
10. Retirement Benefits and Pension
- Upon retirement or completion of deputation, commandos are eligible for:
- Pension
- Gratuity
- Leave encashment
- If they were deputed from other forces (CRPF, Army, etc.), they continue receiving parent force benefits.
11. Insurance and Death Benefits
- NSG commandos are covered under high-value group insurance policies.
- In case of death in the line of duty, families receive:
- Ex-Gratia compensation (₹25–50 lakh or more)
- Martyr status, if applicable
- Full pension and priority benefits for dependents
12. Gallantry Awards and Incentives
- Eligible for medals such as:
- Shaurya Chakra
- President’s Police Medal for Gallantry
- Cash awards and promotions are also granted for exceptional service or bravery in the field.
13. Post-Service Opportunities
- Many retired NSG commandos are hired as:
- Security consultants
- VIP protection specialists
- Private security heads in corporations
- Trainers in paramilitary academies
NSG Commando Rank Wise Salary Table
| Benefit | Details |
| Risk & Hardship Allowance | ₹15K–₹35K/month |
| Special Forces Allowance | 15–35% of basic pay |
| Free Housing | Provided in secured NSG campuses |
| Free Ration & Meals | Standard meals, nutrition-optimized |
| Free Medical Care | For commando and family |
| Travel Allowances | Free rail/air for duty |
| Uniform Kit | Annual allowance + high-tech gear |
| Education Support | For children’s schooling and college |
| Retirement Benefits | Pension, gratuity, leave encashment |
| Insurance & Death Compensation | ₹25–50+ lakh; full benefits for families |
| Gallantry Awards | Medals, cash rewards, career fast-tracking |
| Post-Service Jobs | Security, training, corporate roles |
NSG Commando Career Growth
Here are 10 possibilities of career growth of NSG commandos in the Indian Army:
- Specialized Promotions: NSG commandos, due to their elite training and operational expertise, often qualify for faster promotions within the Indian Army or paramilitary forces.
- Higher Salary Brackets: As they rise in rank, the NSG commando salary per month can significantly increase, especially with added allowances like risk pay, special duty pay, and field allowances.
- Leadership Opportunities: Experienced NSG commandos may be appointed as instructors, training future special forces, enhancing their status and the salary of NSG commando at senior levels.
- Overseas Assignments: NSG personnel may be deployed for international counter-terrorism collaborations or UN peacekeeping missions, which further boosts NSG commando salary and exposure.
- Transition to Intelligence Services: With their tactical expertise, many NSG commandos move into roles in intelligence agencies like RAW or IB, leading to career advancement and higher compensation.
- Recognition and Awards: Distinguished service may lead to gallantry awards and medals, improving both career standing and NSG commando salary per month through service benefits.
- Post-Retirement Roles: Retired NSG commandos are often recruited as security advisors or heads of private security firms, offering a lucrative second career.
- Increased Allowances with Experience: As years of service accumulate, so do the allowances—boosting the salary of NSG commando along with housing, education, and medical perks.
- Opportunities in Central Forces: Commandos can be promoted to senior roles in other forces like CRPF, BSF, or SPG, with corresponding increases in NSG commando salary and responsibilities.
- Prestige and Network Growth: A career in the NSG opens doors to top-tier professional networks, offering long-term career growth beyond the Indian Army, including roles in defense consultancy and training.
How to Become an NSG Commando
Here are five key steps to become an NSG Commando in India:
- Join the Indian Armed Forces or Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF): To be eligible for the NSG, you must first serve in the Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, or other CAPFs, typically with a minimum of 2–5 years of service.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be volunteers, physically fit, under 35 years of age, and have a clean service record to be considered for NSG selection.
- Undergo the Selection Process: Eligible candidates go through the NSG selection test, which includes rigorous physical, psychological, and endurance assessments to shortlist the best.
- Complete NSG Training at Manesar: Selected personnel undergo intensive training at the NSG Training Centre in Manesar, Haryana, focusing on counter-terrorism, close combat, explosives handling, and hostage rescue operations.
- Serve as a Black Cat Commando: After successfully completing training, the candidate is inducted into the NSG as a Black Cat Commando, ready for high-risk, specialized missions across India.
Benefits of being an NSG Commando
1. Prestige and National Honor
One of the most significant benefits of being an NSG Commando is the immense honor and national pride associated with the role. Often referred to as the “Black Cats,” NSG commandos are part of India’s most elite counter-terrorism force. Selection into the NSG is incredibly competitive and reserved for only the best personnel from the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Serving in such a prestigious unit not only earns national respect but also brings a sense of personal accomplishment and duty. NSG commandos are called upon during the most high-risk situations, such as hostage rescue, bomb disposal, and neutralizing terror threats—making them national heroes.
2. Attractive Salary and Financial Perks
The NSG commando salary is a major benefit, reflecting the specialized skills, intense training, and life-risking duties involved in the role. The NSG commando salary per month can range between ₹80,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on rank, years of service, and mission involvement. In addition to the base salary, NSG personnel receive various allowances such as Risk and Hardship Allowance, Special Forces Allowance, Field Area Allowance, and more. They are also eligible for deputation pay if selected from the Indian Army or CAPFs. These financial rewards ensure that NSG commandos are compensated fairly for their commitment and the risks they face.
3. Advanced Training and Skill Development
Another major advantage of being an NSG commando is access to world-class combat and tactical training. NSG commandos are trained in close-quarter combat, bomb defusal, marksmanship, tactical driving, parachuting, and urban warfare. This advanced training not only enhances their operational capabilities but also opens up a wide array of career opportunities post-service. Many retired commandos go on to become high-level security consultants, trainers, or even serve in international peacekeeping and anti-terrorism roles. The skills acquired while serving in the NSG are both prestigious and marketable globally.
4. Comprehensive Family and Welfare Benefits
NSG commandos enjoy comprehensive welfare benefits that extend to their families. These include free or subsidized housing, medical treatment, life insurance, children’s education support, and retirement pensions. Given the high-risk nature of their job, the Indian government ensures that their families are well-supported in terms of security, education, and healthcare. This comprehensive support system adds a strong layer of financial and emotional security, making the role of an NSG commando more sustainable over the long term.
5. Career Growth and Post-Retirement Opportunities
Being an NSG commando can greatly accelerate one’s career growth within the armed forces and related security sectors. Successful tenure in the NSG often leads to promotions, leadership roles, and even transition opportunities to intelligence services like RAW or IB. Post-retirement, many commandos are recruited into high-paying private security firms, government advisory roles, or as trainers in elite military academies. This makes the NSG experience not only prestigious but also beneficial for long-term career development.
Conclusion
The NSG commando salary reflects the high level of training, risk, and responsibility these elite soldiers undertake as part of India’s premier counter-terrorism force. Selected from the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, NSG commandos are rewarded with competitive monthly pay, which includes basic salary, special allowances, risk pay, and additional perks like accommodation, medical benefits, and insurance. The salary of NSG commando increases with experience, rank, and the number of successful operations completed, making it both financially and professionally rewarding.
Serving as an NSG commando is not just about monetary compensation, but also about prestige and national service. However, the attractive NSG commando salary acts as a strong incentive for soldiers in the Indian Army and other forces to aspire for this role. With opportunities for career advancement, specialized roles, and post-retirement benefits, the salary of NSG commando is part of a comprehensive package that honors the bravery and commitment of these highly trained operatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the average salary of NSG commando per month?
As of 2025, the gross monthly NSG commando salary typically ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹200,000, depending on rank, experience, and deployment.
What does the salary of NSG commando include?
The salary of NSG commando comprises base pay (aligned with Indian Army/CAPF), plus allowances such as Special Forces, Risk & Hardship, Field Area, DA, HRA, Transport, and Uniform allowances
How much does an entry-level NSG commando earn per month during training?
During NSG training, recruits receive a stipend of ₹18,000/month. Upon successful completion, their NSG commando salary per month jumps to ₹40,000–₹85,000, depending on rank.
How does rank affect NSG commando salary per month?
Rank plays a major role. For example, Constables earn ₹25,000–₹40,000 base, Head Constables ₹35,000–₹50,000, ASI ₹40,000–₹60,000, SI ₹50,000–₹70,000, Inspectors ₹60,000–₹80,000, while higher ranks like Assistant Commandant and above exceed ₹100,000/month
Do Indian Army personnel receive additional benefits when deputed to NSG?
Yes. Indian Army and CAPF personnel deputed to NSG get deputation allowances, enhanced NSG commando salary, plus exclusive benefits such as free housing, medical coverage for family, pension, and children’s education support.