CSD facility is one of the useful benefits available for the defence forces of the country. It not only provides the facility of buying a car at a price below the price in the market but also comes with tax benefits. If you are eligible, you can check the CSD car price list for the most decent brands and find a good car within your budget.
In this blog, we will cover all aspects of buying a car through the CSD including eligibility criteria, the latest price list, and a step-by-step guide.
Who Can Buy a Car from CSD?
The criteria for purchasing a car under the CSD scheme differs from individual and her/his ranks, Pay Level and service in the army. In most cases, active military persons, former soldiers, and their dependants enjoy the CSD Canteen goods buying privilege. Nevertheless, there are specific conditions that must be met to qualify for the CSD car purchase scheme.
Standards of Eligibility for CSD Vehicle Purchase
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) has uniform eligibility criteria based on the pay bands which are applicable to military pensioners and their widows as well as ex-servants. There is a pay band, a limit within which excluding taxes one can buy a vehicle, how many vehicles can be bought and how frequently etc.
CSD Car Purchase Eligibility According to Pay Band
| Pay Level | Max Car Price (Approx.) | Total Car Limit | Eligibility Criteria | First Purchase Timing | Next Purchase Frequency | Electric Vehicle (EV) Bonus | Corresponding Ranks |
| Level 3 to 5 | ₹8 lakh | 4 cars during service | Can buy anytime during the service period | Any time | No restrictions | EV option not specified for this level | Level 3: Havildar, Naik, Lance Naik (Army)
Level 4: JCOs (Subedar, Naib Subedar) Level 5: Lieutenant (Army), equivalent in Navy and Air Force |
| Level 6 to 9 | ₹10 lakh | 5 cars throughout the lifetime | First car only after 5 years of service; aimed at junior officers and civilian levels | After 5 years | Every 8 years | Additional ₹5 lakh on EVs, raising limit to ₹15 lakh | Level 6: Captain, Flight Lieutenant
Level 7: Major, Squadron Leader Level 8: Lt Colonel, Wing Commander Level 9: Colonel, Group Captain |
| Level 10 to 18 | ₹20 lakh | No lifetime limit | Senior officers eligible with a higher budget limit | After 6 years of service | Once every 8 years | Increased limit for EVs up to ₹25 lakh | Level 10: Brigadier
Level 11: Major General Level 12: Lt. General Level 13 to 18: General, Air Marshal, Vice Admiral |
Documentation Needed to Buy a Car from CSD
For buying a vehicle from the Canteen Stores Department (CSD), one has to produce a few documents as proof of eligibility and identity. The particular documents that are needed to be presented may depend on the category of the individual, the period of service, and others, among many others. However, the following documents are mostly required in purchasing a vehicle from CSD in general:
- Availability Certificate from CSD Car Dealer
- PPO (Pension Payment Order) /Discharge Book/Release Order (For ESM)
- Last Pension slip (For ESM only)
It is advisable to check recent Circulars or Orders with respect to CSD car purchases and arrange these papers so as not to have dissatisfaction during the buying business.
CSD Car price list
Kia CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Kia Sonet | HTK Plus | ₹8.8 Lakh |
| Kia Seltos | HTK G | ₹11.2 Lakh |
| Kia Carens | Prestige | ₹13.0 Lakh |
| Kia EV6 | GT Line | ₹50.0 Lakh |
| Kia Carnival | Limousine | ₹30.0 Lakh |
Maruti Suzuki CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Maruti Alto | LXI | ₹4.2 Lakh |
| Maruti Wagon R | VXI | ₹5.1 Lakh |
| Maruti Swift | ZXI | ₹6.9 Lakh |
| Maruti Ciaz | Delta | ₹8.4 Lakh |
| Maruti Ertiga | VXI | ₹9.3 Lakh |
Tata CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Tata Tiago | XT CNG | ₹6.5 Lakh |
| Tata Altroz | XE+ | ₹6.1 Lakh |
| Tata Nexon | Creative Plus | ₹10.5 Lakh |
| Tata Punch | Adventure | ₹6.3 Lakh |
| Tata Safari | Adventure Plus | ₹21.0 Lakh |
Hyundai CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Hyundai Grand i10 | Sportz | ₹6.7 Lakh |
| Hyundai Venue | 1.2 S Option | ₹8.5 Lakh |
| Hyundai Creta | E Petrol | ₹9.9 Lakh |
| Hyundai Verna | SX IVT | ₹11.0 Lakh |
| Hyundai Alcazar | Prestige | ₹15.8 Lakh |
Mahindra CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Mahindra Thar | AX Diesel | ₹10.5 Lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | Z2 | ₹12.9 Lakh |
| Mahindra Bolero | B4 | ₹8.7 Lakh |
| Mahindra XUV300 | W6 | ₹10.0 Lakh |
| Mahindra XUV700 | MX Diesel | ₹14.8 Lakh |
Honda CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Honda Amaze | S | ₹7.0 Lakh |
| Honda City | V | ₹10.5 Lakh |
| Honda WR-V | SV Diesel | ₹9.8 Lakh |
| Honda Jazz | VX | ₹8.3 Lakh |
| Honda City Hybrid | ZX HEV | ₹16.5 Lakh |
Toyota CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Toyota Glanza | G | ₹7.3 Lakh |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | GX Diesel | ₹20.5 Lakh |
| Toyota Fortuner | 4×2 Diesel | ₹32.0 Lakh |
| Toyota Camry | Hybrid | ₹45.0 Lakh |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | Mid | ₹9.5 Lakh |
Renault CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Approx.) |
| Renault Kwid | RXL | ₹5.0 Lakh |
| Renault Kiger | RXT Turbo | ₹7.9 Lakh |
| Renault Triber | RXZ | ₹6.7 Lakh |
| Renault Duster | RXZ Turbo | ₹10.2 Lakh |
| Renault Captur | RXT | ₹11.5 Lakh |
Skoda CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Approx.) |
| Skoda Slavia | Active | ₹11.0 Lakh |
| Skoda Kushaq | Ambition | ₹13.0 Lakh |
| Skoda Octavia | Style | ₹25.0 Lakh |
| Skoda Superb | Sportline | ₹30.0 Lakh |
| Skoda Kodiaq | Style | ₹35.0 Lakh |
Volkswagen CSD Car price list
| Model | Variant | CSD Price (Approx.) |
| Volkswagen Polo | Comfortline | ₹7.5 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Vento | Highline | ₹10.0 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Taigun | Comfortline | ₹12.0 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Virtus | Highline Plus | ₹15.5 Lakh |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Allspace | ₹35.0 Lakh |
A detailed procedure for purchasing a car through the CSD canteen facilities.
Before acquiring a car through the CSD route, it is important to ensure that one is eligible. If all the conditions are met, the procedure on how to procure the CSD subsidised rates becomes easy. All you need to do is follow the steps below:
1) Open the CSD AFD website and provide your profile registration as well as contact information to create an account.
2) Upon verifying the details in your account, the CSD authorities will send you an email and SMS for account approval to your registered email address and mobile number respectively.
3) Call an authorized CSD dealer in your town to find out about the vehicle model availability and obtain an availability certificate as well. Have the necessary documents to make an online order for a vehicle.
4) Enter your Username and Password to log in to the CSD AFD portal.
5) Use the CSD car price list in the portal and pick any car model (for which you have taken a car availability certificate) and brand of your choice.
6) Find other available options and select your State, CSD depot and CSD dealer in your area.
7) Provide the information required and double check the already filled personnel details including personal details, contact information and eligibility documents which include the PAN card, Aadhaar card, Pension Payment Order (PPO) and the pension slip.
8) Make the payment via the CSD AFD portal using its secured payment gateway.
9) After payment has been made centre received order shall verify the details and thereafter send out an LS order via the CSD AFD online portal. This should take one week or less.
10) Once the LS order is in, you can go to your authorised dealer and collect your vehicle.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Car through CSD
| Pros | Cons |
| Discounted Prices | Limited Car Options |
| Tax Benefits | Complicated Process |
| Easy Financing | Limited Availability |
| No Hidden Costs | Restricted to Eligible Personnel: Only armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and certain defence civilians are eligible to purchase cars through CSD. |
| Car Purchase Entitlements: CSD provides special entitlements like extra price limits for electric vehicles, making them more accessible. | Ownership Restrictions: Minimum holding period of 5 years, before selling or transferring the car. |
| Bulk Purchase Discounts | Delayed Deliveries |
| No Hidden Fees | Additional Paperwork |
Check out – Cars & Motorcycles used by the Indian Armed Forces
How to Get the Most out of CSD Car Purchase
CSD car price list is an essential tool for defence personnel and their families in ensuring access to quality vehicles at affordable prices. Considering the tax waivers and special incentives available through CSD, one can take a new car and spend very little. Keep in mind however that rules and procedures on eligibility differ and thus it is important to check if you qualify before proceeding with the application process.
Also Read- Cars that Served the Nation| Independence Day Special
FAQ’s
Q1-Who can buy a car from the CSD canteen?
ANS- In general, the CSD canteen sells cars to the serving personnel, retired personnel, their widows and such other persons as may be permitted under the rules.
Q2- How do you find out the CSD car price list?
ANS-To find out the prices of the CSD canteen cars, you can go to the CSD AFD online portal, or the CSD canteen itself.
Q3- Is it possible to transfer my CSD vehicle to someone else?
ANS-Yes, transfer of ownership of a CSD car to a new possessor is permissible however after ownership for at least five years.
Q4- Is the BMW car available in the CSD canteen?
ANS- Luxury car brands such as BMW are not on the CSD list.
Q5- Who can get a CSD Card?
ANS-Serving and retired Defence personnel are entitled to get a CSD card.
Q6- Can Army Officers Buy Fortuner From CSD?
ANS- Yes models of Toyota Fortuner are available in CSD Canteen.
Q7- How is the pricing of CSD vehicles adjusted?
The prices of CSD cars are generally determined by several factors, such as the make and model of a car, taxes and duties, and any other charges applicable.
Q8- Are CSD cars available for purchase over the Internet?
Yes, a CSD car can also be bought over the Internet by visiting the portal CSD AFD. This portal allows you to make a purchase of cars from CSD canteens with ease and without any difficulty.
Q9- Is it possible for me to apply for a car loan in order to buy a car from the CSD canteen?
Of course. You can also apply for a car loan to buy a car from the CSD canteen.
Q10-Can CSD be availed only by the army?
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) of India is not for the army only. It is for all the branches of the Indian Armed Forces – The Navy, The Air Force, and The Coast Guard.