Indian Army: Neeraj Chopra becomes Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army, how much salary will he get?

Neeraj Chopra, Territorial Army, Indian Army Naib Subedar salary: India's star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra not only brought glory to the country on the sports field, but now he has also become a part of the Indian Army. Now he has been honored with the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. It will be considered effective from 16 April 2025. In this regard, a notification has been issued in the Gazette of India on 9 May 2025.

Territorial Army: What is the Territorial Army?

The Territorial Army (TA) is a voluntary, part-time auxiliary organization of the Indian Army. It was established on 9 October 1949. It is known as the second line of defense of India. This organization supports the army during war, natural disasters, and national crises. The purpose of its establishment is to assist the regular army. The Territorial Army (TA) includes infantry, engineers, signal, medical, and other units. It includes regular soldiers as well as volunteers, who participate in training and service for a few months in a year. Any Indian citizen aged 18 to 42 years who is physically and mentally fit can be recruited in the Territorial Army. Recruitment in it is done based on a written examination, a fitness test, and an interview. The Territorial Army has contributed to the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil War. Lieutenant Colonel Neeraj Chopra: What has Neeraj Chopra been appointed to?
Neeraj Chopra has been given the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. His appointment has been made under Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations 1948. This information has been given in the Gazette of India by Major General GS Chaudhary, Joint Secretary, Department of the Ministry of Defense.
Honorary rank refers to a formal honor, which is given to exceptional citizens for their achievements and national contributions. Honorary rank holders usually do not participate in active military service, but they receive honors commensurate with the rank in military ceremonies and protocols.

Neeraj Chopra in the Indian Army: Neeraj is a Naib Subedar in the Army

Now he has been designated as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Now he will get an honor equivalent to a commissioned officer. Apart from Neeraj, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2011), Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra (2011), and Sachin Tendulkar (Honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force) have also received this honor.

Will Neeraj Chopra have to undergo training?

Since Neeraj has been given an honorary rank, he does not need to undergo active military training in the Territorial Army. This rank is symbolic, and he is free from active military duties. Therefore, Neeraj will not be required to participate in military operations, training camps, or regular TA duty.

If Neeraj wants to join an active unit of the Territorial Army in the future, he may have to undergo training prescribed for TA, such as a 2-4 week annual training camp and special military training, but it is not mandatory for his current honorary role.

Will Neeraj Chopra get a salary?

As an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Neeraj Chopra will not get any regular salary from the Territorial Army, as this rank is ceremonial. Those who receive honorary ranks are not in active military service, so they do not get a monthly salary, allowances or pension. Neeraj is already serving in the Indian Army as Subedar Major at JCO rank and he gets salary and benefits according to that rank.

How much salary does Neeraj Chopra get?

Neeraj Chopra is a Subedar Major in the Indian Army, so he gets a salary of Pay Level 8 according to the 7th Pay Commission. His basic salary is ₹ 47,600-₹ 1,51,400 per month. Apart from this, he also gets ₹ 5,200 per month Military Service Pay (MSP). In this way, with all the allowances, he gets a total salary of ₹ 70,000-₹ 1,20,000 per month. Subedar Major gets 50% dearness allowance (DA) of the basic salary. Similarly, up to 8-24% house rent allowance is available. ₹ 3,600-₹ 7,200 is received as transport allowance. In this way, after deduction of tax and PF, Naib Subedar gets a salary of ₹ 60,000-₹ 1,00,000 per month.

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