Military Service Pay is a special pay given to defence personnel as recognition of unique service conditions. As per 7th CPC: Officers get ₹15,500 per month, JCOs and Other Ranks get ₹5,200 per month. MSP is paid over basic pay and is included in the Dearness Allowance calculation. It compensates for risks, hardships, and non-family posting conditions.

X-Group pay is given to Air Force airmen in technical trades. As per 7th CPC, X-Group pay is ₹6,200 per month. Y-Group pay for non-technical trades is ₹5,200 per month. This is in addition to basic pay and MSP. X-Group trades include Air Traffic Control, Electronics, Mechanical, and other technical branches.

Army Sepoy approximate in-hand: Basic Pay (Level 3): ₹21,700. Military Service Pay: ₹5,200. DA at current rate on Basic+MSP. Ration Money: ₹96.75/day. Washing Allowance: ₹200/month. HRA not given if govt accommodation provided. Gross in peace station: approximately ₹35,000–₹40,000. Field/CI postings attract significant additional allowances.

CAPF personnel get: Basic Pay as per 7th CPC. DA. HRA based on city. Risk and Hardship Allowance: ₹5,400 to ₹17,000 depending on deployment. Ration Money Allowance. Kit Maintenance Allowance. Counter Insurgency Allowance for anti-Naxal and border operations. High Altitude Allowance for postings above 9,000 feet.

Yes, DA for defence is calculated on (Basic Pay + MSP). This differs from civilians where DA is only on basic. For a Sepoy with Basic ₹21,700 and MSP ₹5,200, DA at 50% = 50% × ₹26,900 = ₹13,450. This makes effective DA slightly higher than civilian counterparts at the same basic pay level.

For 20 years or more service: 50% of last pay drawn. Minimum qualifying service for pension: 15 years for JCOs/ORs, 20 years for officers. ECHS provides free medical care post-retirement. Family pension is 30% of last pay. Disability pension is additionally payable for service-attributable disability.