The Special Protection Group (SPG) is India's foremost security force, which was created in 1985 to provide close protection to the Prime Minister of India and, in certain cases, former Prime Ministers and their immediate families. The SPG was established in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, with the goal of maintaining the highest level of personal security available for the most senior leaders in the country. The SPG is responsible to the Cabinet Secretariat. The SPG is an elite unit, extensively trained, armed with some of the latest weapons technology along with surveillance measures, and specialist counter-assault capability. The SPG represents the high-water mark of VIP protection capability in India, and has a critical role in protecting our leaders from threats from actors both domestic and international.
Salary Structure of SPG Commando(2025)
The Special Protection Group (SPG) is known to be one of the elite security forces of India. SPG commandos are selected from top performing members serving in the various central forces namely CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and police. Due to their elite status, they receive a very lucrative salary structure and other perks and allowances as their job is high risk.
SPG Commando Salary Breakdown (Monthly)
Rank/Position | Monthly Salary Range (₹) |
Constable / Head Constable | ₹84,236 – ₹1,12,000 |
Assistant Commandant / SI | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
Deputy Commandant / Inspector | ₹1,60,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Senior Officers (DIG & above) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,39,457 |
Note: Figures include basic pay, grade pay, allowances, and risk allowances.
In-Hand Salary (After Deductions)
Range | Amount (₹) |
Minimum In-Hand Pay | ₹97,601 |
Maximum In-Hand Pay | ₹1,00,245 or higher |
Includes salary after deduction of NPS, income tax, and other statutory contributions.
Annual Salary Package
Salary Type | Amount (₹) |
Starting Annual CTC | ₹13.2 lakh – ₹14 lakh |
Experienced Officers | ₹18 lakh – ₹24 lakh+ per annum |
Rank-Wise Salary Structure of SPG Personnel (2025)
Rank | Monthly Salary Range (₹) | In-Hand Salary (₹) | Remarks |
Entry-Level (Constable) | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 | Entry-level SPG personnel; receive basic training, allowances start to apply |
SPG Commando | ₹85,000 – ₹2,50,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000+ | Includes DA, risk, uniform, and special duty allowances |
Inspector | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,75,000 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000+ | Responsible for tactical operations and ground-level planning |
Assistant Commandant | ₹1,25,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,40,000 | Mid-level leadership, leads SPG units, manages logistics and operations |
Commandant | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,75,000+ | Senior officer; strategic command, coordination with PMO and agencies |
Allowances and Benefits for SPG Personnel (2025)
SPG Commandos and Officers receive special allowances and benefits from the Central Government (CG) on top of their base salary. These allowances are designed to provide financial motivation, well-being, and operational preparedness.
Risk Allowance
- Purpose: To compensate for taking risks that involve life-threatening situations while being assigned to protect high-value individuals (HVIPs).
- Amount: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per month (dependent on rank and nature of duty).
- Applicability: All SPG personnel (operatives) who are deployed in frontline situations for close protection and designated high-risk duties.
Special Duty Allowance*(only available to SPG)
- Purpose/Justification: To identify and compensate the special nature of SPG duties such as proximate protection, surveillance, or moving a convoy of VIPs.
- Amount: ₹7,500 – ₹20,000 per month (over and above salary).
- Noteworthy: This allowance is direct from the SPG only, and is not directly provided in other Sister CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces).
Hardship Allowance
- Purpose: Investigation, documentation, and confirmation purposes—this benefit is paid as part of service in severe and adverse conditions i.e. outdoor deployment, hours of duty, and constantly being on alert.
- Amount: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000/month (based on duty location and the environment).
- Example: Long deployments, winter protection, working in environments and areas abroad that create potential threat, safety, or security challenges.
Other Government Benefits and Perks
Benefit | Details |
Government Accommodation | Free or subsidized housing in secured SPG residential complexes |
Medical Facilities | Full coverage underCGHS or empaneled hospitals for self and family |
Travel & Transport | Free travel on duty, transport allowance (₹1,800–₹3,600), official vehicles for seniors |
Uniform & Kit Allowance | ₹750 – ₹1,500 per year for uniform maintenance and equipment upkeep |
Leave & Holiday Benefits | Earned leave, casual leave, and leave encashment available |
Canteen Benefits | Access toCPC Canteen (Central Police Canteen) with subsidized goods |
Education for Children | Quota and fee relaxation inKendriya Vidyalayas and other government schools |
Insurance Cover | Group insurance and accidental cover (up to ₹30 lakh for active-duty deaths) |
Serving as one of the SPG Commandos is among the most prestigious and demanding appointments in India security. The Special Protection Group expects its personnel to be physically fit, mentally agile, disciplined, and honorable. Recruitment is done through deputation from existing paramilitary and police forces, and therefore, to become an SPG Commando, candidates must establish a performance and fitness record with their parent organization.
The attrition rate is significant, as only the most physically capable and mentally prepared will endure the selection process, including screening medical tests, testing physical endurance, thorough background checks, interviews, and physical tests. The few who are successful, will then go through a rigorous physical, psychological and tactical training course in strength and conditioning, offensive and defensive combat searching techniques, surveillance training, and VIP protection and response to crisis events, preparing them to defend the most important leaders of this nation, regardless of circumstances.
