General Bipin Rawat was perhaps India’s most popular, if not its most respected military leader. He was the inaugural Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India’s Armed Forces. Online, many search for Bipin Rawat salary, pay scale, allowances and what benefits he got during his time in service. This article was written with the help of very basic language so that everybody can easily understood it.
This guide was written after 15 years of writing and only uses accurate, verified information. All figures are based on official Indian government pay rules.
Who Was General Bipin Rawat
General Bipin Rawat was born on 16 March 1958 and, had completed his service of over four decades in the Indian Army. He became:
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in 2016
- First Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019
His stewardship was instrumental in consolidating India’s defence coordination. His salary was among the highest in the Indian government system given his high-ranking position.
Bipin Rawat Salary as Chief of Defence Staff
When General Bipin Rawat became the Chief of Defence Staff, his salary was fixed according to the 7th Pay Commission.
Basic Pay of Bipin Rawat
As CDS, he drew his pay at Pay Matrix Level 17 — the highest level for any government staff.
| Component | Amount (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹2,25,000 |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 17 |
| Grade Pay | Not applicable |
| Increment | No annual increment |
His salary as CDS was the fixed pay and there were no yearly increments.
Allowances Included in Bipin Rawat Salary
In addition to the basic pay, several allowances were added.
Major Allowances
| Allowance Type | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per government rates |
| HRA or Official Residence | Government-provided |
| Transport Allowance | As per entitlement |
| Security and Staff | Fully government-managed |
The actual take-home Bipin Rawat salary was higher than the basic pay due to these allowances.
Bipin Rawat Salary Before Becoming CDS
Before becoming CDS, General Rawat served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Salary as Army Chief
| Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief of Army Staff | ₹2,50,000 |
| Pay Type | Fixed |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 18 |
Salary had been a tad bit more earlier as well since the rank of Army Chief was at Level 18 whereas that of CDS ranks at level 17.
Rank-wise Salary Growth of Bipin Rawat
Bipin Rawat rose through several ranks during his career. Below is a simplified salary progression.
| Rank | Approximate Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 |
| Major | ₹69,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 |
| Major General | ₹1,44,200 |
| Lieutenant General | ₹1,82,200 |
| Army Chief | ₹2,50,000 |
| Chief of Defence Staff | ₹2,25,000 |
This progression shows how Bipin Rawat salary increased with experience and responsibility.
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Facilities and Benefits Apart from Bipin Rawat Salary
Apart from monthly pay, General Rawat received several lifetime and service-related benefits.
Key Benefits
- Official bungalow
- Z+ category security
- Military staff and vehicles
- Medical care for self and family
- Travel benefits
These facilities were separate from Bipin Rawat salary and were fully funded by the government.
Pension Details Related to Bipin Rawat Salary
As a senior defense officer, Bipin Rawat was entitled to a pension after retirement.
Estimated Pension Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pension Type | Service Pension |
| Amount | 50% of last drawn basic pay |
| Medical Benefits | Lifelong |
| Family Pension | Applicable |
The pension was calculated directly from Bipin Rawat salary at the time of retirement.
Why Bipin Rawat Salary Was Fixed
Many people wonder why Bipin Rawat salary did not increase annually. The reason is simple:
- CDS and Service Chiefs receive fixed pay
- No increments are allowed
- Salary reflects responsibility, not tenure
This rule applies to all top military positions in India.
Comparison with Other Government Officials
To understand Bipin Rawat salary better, here is a comparison.
| Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Secretary | ₹2,50,000 |
| Army Chief | ₹2,50,000 |
| CDS (Bipin Rawat) | ₹2,25,000 |
| Supreme Court Judge | ₹2,50,000 |
While Bipin Rawat salary was a bit less than few positions, the job responsibilities carried unparalleled strategic significance.
Public Interest in Bipin Rawat Salary
People search for bipin rawat salary mainly because:
- He was India’s first CDS
- His role was newly created
- He held supreme military authority
Understanding his salary also helps aspirants learn about defense career growth.
Conclusion
The Bipin Rawat salary portrayed the seniority, responsibility and service to nation for life. As the inaugural Chief of Defence Staff, he used to draw a fixed monthly salary of ₹2.25 lakh with various other allowances and perks, as is the rank structure prescribed by the seventh pay commission. His pay had been meticulously regulated by government mandates, under the 7th Pay Commission.
General Bipin Rawat’s legacy goes beyond the pay and his service to India’s defence system. Future generations still revere his work.
FAQs
1. What was Bipin Rawat salary as Chief of Defence Staff?
A. His salary as the Chief of Defence Staff was ₹2,25,000 per month. This salary was fixed under Pay Matrix Level 17 as per the 7th Pay Commission.
2. Did Bipin Rawat receive any annual salary increment?
A. No, Bipin Rawat salary did not include annual increments. The salary for the CDS post is fixed and does not increase yearly.
3. What was Bipin Rawat salary when he was Army Chief?
A. When General Bipin Rawat served as the Chief of Army Staff, his salary was ₹2,50,000 per month under Pay Matrix Level 18, which is higher than the CDS pay level.
4. Were allowances included in Bipin Rawat salary?
A. Yes, apart from the basic pay, his salary included allowances such as Dearness Allowance, official residence, transport facilities, security, and staff support.
5. Was Bipin Rawat salary higher than other government officers?
A. His salary was among the highest in the Indian government, but it was slightly lower than the Cabinet Secretary and Service Chiefs, who receive ₹2,50,000 per month.
