Assam Rifles was established in the year 1835 under Britishers and is one of the oldest paramilitary forces that works under the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. Its duties include counterinsurgency, line security, and controlling sneaking/drug dealing particularly in Assam and other Upper East states. It protects the Indo-Myanmar border. They have been conferred with the title of “ Sentinels of the Northeast”. To join the Assam Rifles one has to take the “Assam Rifles entrance exam”. It has a great job opportunity with a good salary which will be discussed further in this article.
Factors affecting Salary
Some key factors affect the salary are as follows:-
- Rank: There is a substantial difference in salary for different ranks. Ranks range from Sepoy to Subedar major.
- Postings: There is a compensatory allowance for hard areas, Naxal areas, difficult terrains in the Northeast, etc.
- Risk and Danger: Units actively involved in counterinsurgency operations are eligible to receive Special Duty Allowance on a monthly basis.
- Qualification Pay: Personnel who acquire specific domain qualifications like Language proficiency, completing Commando course etc. are entitled to a Qualification Pay based on their expertise level.
- Duty Hours: There is an overtime allowance along with long duty hours.
- Career Progression: Promotions and rank advancement increases salary gradually.
- Government Regulations: Any improvements in the Central Pay Commission recommendations generally reflect in Assam Rifles salaries as well.
Rank-wise Salary packages
- Sepoy: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 20,210; Grade Pay – Rs. 1,800; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 20,000
- Lance Naik: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 20,210; Grade Pay – Rs. 2,000; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 25,000
- Naik: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 20,210; Grade Pay – Rs. 2,400; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 30,000
- Havildar: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 20,210; Grade Pay – Rs. 2,800; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 35,000
- Naib Subedar: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 9,300 to Rs. 34,300; Grade Pay – Rs. 4,200; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 40,000
- Subedar: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 9,300 to Rs. 34,300; Grade Pay – Rs. 4,600; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 45,000
- Subedar Major: Military Service Pay – Rs. 2,000; Pay Band – Rs. 9,300 to Rs. 34,300; Grade Pay – Rs. 4,800; In-Hand Salary – Rs. 60,000
Monthly Salary
Assam rifles salary works on monthly pay terms. Employees receive a salary including in hand money along with benefits and special allowances.
- Basic Pay: Deputed from Indian Army, their salary matches the Army pay scale as per 7th CPC.
- Grade Pay: Depends on the employee grade – Officer, JCO or Sepoy. Higher ranks have higher grade pay.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): DA is revised twice a year and accounts for inflation. Currently DA is 31% of basic pay.
- Special Duty Allowance: Around 25% of basic pay per month for combat units. To compensate for risks and hardships.
- Special Compensatory Allowance: For those posted in difficult areas like high altitude, disturbances areas etc. Can be 25% of basic pay.
Other Allowances and Facilities:
- Housing/ Rent: All personnel are provided free accommodation or rent allowance as per eligibility.
- Education concessions: Allowance for school/college tuition fee of children. Also includes schools run exclusively for paramilitary wards.
- Home/ Personal Loan
- Leave Travel Concession and Leave Fare Concession: concession for travelling within India and home town every year along with families.
- Transport allowance
- Canteen stores
- Ration allowance
- Outfit allowance
- Qualification pay
- Pension post retirement
- Bonuses
- Rewards
- Accommodation and Medical facilities
Conclusion
As one of India’s oldest and largest paramilitary forces guarding the sensitive Northeast borders, Assam Rifles offers an attractive compensation package for its troops across ranks.
The monthly salary comprises a fixed basic pay as per 7th CPC matrix determined by rank and years of service. Additionally, various allowances are admissible including Dearness Allowance, Special Duty Allowance, Special Compensatory Allowance among others depending on risks, hardships and qualifications. These allowances can account for 30-40% of the in-hand salary. Together, the Assam Rifles Sepoy starts with around Rs 30,000 per month which can reach over Rs 1 lakh for Subedar Major coupled with faster promotions.
Beyond the monthly payouts, personnel are offered additional benefits across housing, healthcare, education, loans and insurance for better financial security and lifestyle. Other incentives include access to subsidised retail stores, club facilities, free Air/Rail tickets. After retirement, attractive pension plans provide a safety net. Thus, considering both monetary and non-monetary benefits as well as job security, Assam Rifles offers a lucrative career option for youths interested to join India’s armed forces.
In 199 words, I have highlighted the key aspects of compensation offered to Assam Rifles covering the monthly salary structure, allowances, promotions and the extensive benefits and perks entitled across categories.
FAQ’s on Assam Rifles Salary
Q 1. Are there schooling facilities for children of personnel?
Ans. Yes, regimental schools, Sainik Schools, scholarship schemes are offered for wards.
Q 2. How much leave can personnel take annually?
Ans. 60 days of annual leave and 30 days of casual leave is permitted apart from emergency leaves.
Q. What loans & advances can personnel avail?
Ans. Home loans, vehicle loans, education loans etc are offered at subsidised interest rates through schemes like ECHS.
Q 3. Are there special provisions for disabilities/deaths during duty?
Ans. Yes, separate insurance schemes provide additional compensation in case of disabilities or deaths suffered on duty.
Q 4. What is the salary for an Assam Rifles Sepoy and Subedar major?
Ans. The starting salary for sepoy is around Rs 21,700 per month plus allowances, in-hand income is approx Rs 30,000 per month while a Subedar Major can earn over Rs 1 lakh per month with long service benefits.
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