When we talk about elite forces in India, one name that commands instant respect is the MARCOS—short for Marine Commandos. These are the Indian Navy’s special forces, trained to operate in sea, air, and land.
Often called the “Dadiwala fauj” (the bearded force) by militants due to their trademark beards during operations in Kashmir, MARCOS commandos are among the toughest soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Given the intensity of their training, their secretive operations, and the sheer physical and mental toughness required, a common question that often pops up is: “What is the salary of a MARCOS commando in India?” Let’s break it down.
Basic Salary Structure
MARCOS is a part of the Indian Navy, so their base salary depends on their rank, just like in other branches of the armed forces.
Here’s a general overview of monthly basic pay for Indian Navy personnel (approximate values as per the 7th Pay Commission):
| Rank | Basic Pay (₹) |
|---|---|
| Sub-Lieutenant | ₹56,100 |
| Lieutenant | ₹61,300 |
| Lieutenant Commander | ₹69,400 |
| Commander | ₹1,21,200 |
| Captain | ₹1,30,600 |
MARCOS-Specific Allowances
MARCOS commandos receive several special allowances due to the risky and classified nature of their work:
៙ Marine Commando Allowance: This is a special allowance granted to Navy personnel who are part of the MARCOS unit. As of the latest updates, this can range between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month, depending on rank and operational status.
៙ Risk and Hardship Allowances: Depending on their deployment (especially in high-risk zones like Kashmir or the Northeast), MARCOS commandos can earn extra hardship allowances, which can go up to ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 monthly.
៙ High Altitude Allowance: If deployed in areas like Leh or Siachen, this can fetch another ₹16,000 to ₹25,000, depending on conditions.
៙ Uniform Allowance, Kit Maintenance, and Other Perks: MARCOS also get benefits like free ration, subsidized housing, uniform allowance, and transport concessions.
Total Estimated Monthly Salary
So, if we add up the components, a MARCOS commando’s monthly take-home can look like this (rough average for a junior officer):
៙Basic Pay (Lieutenant rank): ₹61,300
៙MARCOS Allowance: ₹25,000
៙Risk & Hardship Allowance: ₹20,000
Additional Benefits
Apart from salary, being a MARCOS commando also means:
៙Free medical for the family
៙Pension and retirement benefits
៙Canteen facilities (CSD)
៙Life insurance cover under AGIF (Armed Forces Group Insurance Fund)
៙Opportunities for foreign training
Some also transition into private security or consulting roles after retirement, earning hefty salaries based on their expertise.
Is It All About the Money?
It’s important to note: no one joins the MARCOS for money alone. The training is one of the toughest in the world, on par with Navy SEALs and British SAS.
The dropout rate is extremely high, and only the best of the best earn the MARCOS badge.
Those who wear it do so for honour, courage, and country. The salary is a bonus—a recognition of the dangers they face and the dedication they bring.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the salary of a MARCOS commando in India? It’s competitive, well-deserved, and reflects the intense challenges of their role.
While exact figures may vary based on rank, location, and experience, the average monthly pay ranges from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh, plus unbeatable perks and lifelong honour.
But at the end of the day, MARCOS commandos aren’t driven by numbers. They’re driven by duty.