.webp)
The NDRF was formed in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act. NDRF is involved in the discharge of a crucial role in disaster preparedness, rescue, relief and rehabilitating victims from across the country. NDRF is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and is functioning under National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The NDRF has become the lifeline of disaster management in India.
NDRF Salary Overview
The National Disaster Response Force has a salary package that reflects the rank, experience, and duties of the personnel which is done in accordance with the pay bands for paramilitary forces set by the government.
Payment Structure of the National Disaster Response Force
The NDRF follows the pay bands and grade pay scales as laid down in the government of India. Below is a comprehensive pay matrix showing various ranks:
Rank | Pay Band & Grade Pay | Basic Pay (₹) | Approximate Monthly Salary (₹) |
Director General | Level 11 Pay Matrix (67,700-2,08,700) | ₹67,000 – ₹79,000 | ₹67,000 – ₹79,000 |
Inspector General | PB-4 (37,400-67,000) + Grade Pay 10,000 | approx. ₹53,000 | ₹53,000 |
Deputy Inspector General | PB-4 (37,400-67,000) + Grade Pay 8,900 | approx. ₹49,100 | ₹49,100 |
Commandant | PB-4 (37,400-67,000) + Grade Pay 8,700 | approx. ₹46,100 | ₹46,100 |
Second-in-Command | PB-3 (15,600-39,100) + Grade Pay 7,600 | approx. ₹29,500 | ₹29,500 |
Deputy Commandant | PB-3 (15,600-39,100) + Grade Pay 6,600 | approx. ₹25,350 | ₹25,350 |
Assistant Commandant | PB-3 (15,600-39,100) + Grade Pay 5,400 | approx. ₹21,000 | ₹21,000 |
Subedar Major | PB-2 (9,300-34,800) + Grade Pay 4,800 | approx. ₹17,340 | ₹17,340 |
Inspector | PB-2 (9,300-34,800) + Grade Pay 4,600 | approx. ₹17,140 | ₹17,140 |
Sub-Inspector | PB-2 (9,300-34,800) + Grade Pay 4,200 | approx. ₹13,500 | ₹13,500 |
Assistant Sub-Inspector | PB-1 (5,200-20,200) + Grade Pay 2,800 | approx. ₹11,360 | ₹11,360 |
Head Constable | PB-1 (5,200-20,200) + Grade Pay 2,400 | approx. ₹9,910 | ₹9,910 |
Constable | PB-1 (5,200-20,200) + Grade Pay 2,000 | approx. ₹8,460 | ₹8,460 |
NDRF Personnel Salary Increments and Promotions
- NDRF personnel salaries are evaluated on, and increase with promotions as well as experience. Sustained and focused career progression means;
- Assessment of performance and the respective seniority paid rank.
- Completion of professional training for additional accountability.
- Favorable consideration of participation in significant disaster operations.
- Strategic permanent assignments to other government departments with higher remuneration.
NDRF Personnel Average and Median Salary In 2025
- An NDRF employee’s average yearly salary is roughly estimated at ₹12.3 lakhs.
- As with every other organization, the salary structure of NDRF has a large disparity based on rank. NDRF top tier officers can take home close to ₹79,000 per month.
- The median salary strengthens the average, meaning the organization has a holistic salary structure.
Allowances and Benefits In Addition to NDRF Basic Pay
NDRF not only pays basic pay, they also pay allowances as follows:
- Risk and hardship allowances when deployed for disasters.
- Travel and daily allowances while on operations.
- Medical facilities and housing and transport facilities.
- Pension and retirement benefits in accordance with government policies.
Each of these are outlined to ensure a full compensation system to know that NDRF members have these resources while they continue to conduct the work that is very challenging and often dangerous.
Read more : CDS Salary 2025: Complete Guide to Pay,Allowance &Benefits for Indian Army, Navy & Air Force Officers
What Is the Full form of (NDRF)?
NDRF fullform is National Disaster Response Force which is India's specialist disaster management and emergency response force.In its broadest sense, the NDRF was constituted to provide expert assistance in times of disaster, whether natural disasters or man-made disasters, ranging from earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, chemical and biological calamities, and Terrorist attacks, consisting of 12 battalions located strategically across all of India, drawn from different paramilitary forces such as CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, multi-skilled trained to expertise in search and rescue, medical assistance, evacuation, disaster risk reduction.
Composition and Deployment
- 16 battalions located throughout India, with each having 18 SAR (Search and Rescue) teams.
- Each SAR team consists of engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads, and the medical team.
- Battalions are stationed in 68 locations, including major response centers and tactical forward pre-positioning sites.
- Strength; approximately 18,556 personnel on temporary duty from forces such as CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
Mandate and Operations
- The NDRF deals with all natural and anthropogenic disasters excluding fire incidents.
- Has conducted over 12,000 operations, rescuing over 1,58,000 individuals and evacuated 8.5 lakh individuals.
- Conducted major community awareness and school safety programs benefitting millions.
- Key recent operations have included flood rescues, landslide recoveries, cyclone responses, and train accident rescues.
Essential Functions and Roles of NDRF
NDRF encompasses a broad construct of operational aspects. The organization has a number of responsibilities that involve the following functions:
- Search and Rescue (SAR): Specialist teams work in situations where victims are located in collapsed buildings or disaster debris, locating and saving them
- Medical First Response: Whereby the team administers medical treatment upon locating, evacuates injured persons.
- Flood Water Rescue: Whereby the team must handle drowning emergencies and boat capsizing. Whenever there is drowning and disaster, the NDRF team must respond.
- CBRN Contingency Response: Contingency response (Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear). NDRF adopts responses to hazardous Chemicals, Biological Radiological and Nuclear incidents with additional equipment and protocols.
- Disaster Preparedness and Training: Whereby mock drills, community awareness programs and school safety programs are conducted to enhance the capacities of the community and states' responses in disaster situations.
- Animal Rescue: A relatively new function with dedicated teams dealing with the forest and animal rescue aspects.
- International Humanitarian Missions: NDRF has and continues to partner with, in international missions globally in catastrophes, such as Japan (2011); Nepal (2015); and in Turkey (2023).
NDRF Pay Grade 2025
NDRF pay will mostly be based on central armed police forces, depending on rank, experience, and deputation terms. The pay scale reflects the significant skills, risks, and responsibility of these personnel.
Check more: Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) Officer Salary 2025 | Pay Scale, Allowances & Career Growth
Additional Benefits:
- Government allowances (hazards, travel, housing, medical).
- Incentives in respect of disaster deployments.
- Annual increments and pension benefits as applicable in accordance with Government rules.
The salary package can be between ₹6 lakh and ₹12.3 lakh/year, depending on post and experience level. The salary structure ensures motivation and security during the difficult conditions on deployment.
Read more: Subedar Salary in Indian Army 2025 | Pay Scale, Allowances & Benefits, Territorial Army Salary 2025: Allowances, Job Profiles, Benefits and More
Eligibility and Recruitment process
NDRF officers are ultimately on deputation from central armed police forces and state police units that have been appropriately trained in disaster response. The main details include the following:
- Recruitment is mostly done from the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB and Assam Rifles.
- The recruited candidates will have to fulfil the eligibility of service and physical requirements of the respective parent forces.
- Training in disaster management with NDRF Academy is obligatory.
- There is no direct recruitment to any of NDRF's positions because applicants need to be first recruited into the paramilitary forces.
- Promotional exams, training programs and operational experience will advance your overall career.
Training and Capacity Building
Training is a vital part of NDRF's ability to respond effectively at operational levels. Some aspect of the programs offered with respect to training includes:
NDRF has an academy located at Nagpur is committed to technical rescue training, medical first aid training, training of personnel for CBRN application (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear), and also canine training Conducts frequent mock drills, awareness campaigns in communities, and inter-agency coordination exercises.The year 2025, is declared the "Year of Training" to further enhance skills.NDRF also trains State Disaster Response Teams and volunteers.
Know more about : Agniveer Salary 2025: Complete Pay Structure, Allowances & Seva Nidhi Package Guide, Salary of Lieutenant in Indian Army 2025: Pay Scale, Allowances & Benefits
NDRF Growth and Achievements (Since 2006)
The NDRF has grown massively and accomplished incredible achievements in disaster response and public education, safety and welfare since its establishment in 2006.
Parameter | Figures / Notes |
Year Established | 2006 |
Number of Battalions | 16 |
Total Personnel Strength | Around 18,556 |
Operations Conducted | 12,000 |
Lives Saved | 1,58,000 |
People Evacuated | Over 8,64,000 |
Community Awareness Programs | 13,000 |
School Safety Programs | 8,000 |
Conclusion
The National Disaster Response Force is a well-trained, adaptable, and an absolute necessity serving as India’s frontline defense against natural and man-made disasters. Their specialized training, rapid mobilization, and rescue focus make them an essential contributor to the national defense of life. With excellent pay, career prospects, elite training facilities, and a growing mandate, NDRF will be a leading and vital organization that is part of India's disaster management architecture.
