In this article, we have discussed in-depth the IAS salary in India and also the pay scale/salary structure of IAS officers after the 7th Pay Commission recommendation.
The basic per month salary of an IAS officer starts at Rs.56,100 (TA, DA, and HRA are extra) and can go on to reach Rs. 2,50,000 for a Cabinet Secretary.
A career in the Indian Administrative Service is one of the most sought-after professions in India. Every year, lakhs of people take the UPSC Civil Services Exam but only a handful clear the exam, and an even smaller number cut Indian Administrative Service officers.
There are a lot of things that attract youngsters in the country towards a life in the civil service. Apart from the pride and honour that comes with being a career civil servant or diplomat, the IAS salary and benefits that come along with the responsibilities and powers are also a factor.
Intrigued by the idea of becoming an IAS officer and serving your country? Download the complete book list for IAS preparation.
IAS Books List PDF: –Download PDF Here
Candidates can check the Salary pages of other competitive exams in the pages linked in the table below:
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IAS Officer Salary – 7th Pay Commission
The new pay structure has dispensed with the system of ‘Pay Grades for Civil Services’ and introduced ‘Consolidated Pay Levels’ in the 7th Central Pay Commission. Now the IAS pay scale is decided only on the ‘Basic Pay’ along with TA, DA, and HRA.
IAS Salary in India:
| Salary of IAS Officer | |||||
| Pay Level | Basic Pay(INR) | Number of years required in service | Post | ||
| District Administration | State Secretariat | Central Secretariat | |||
| 10 | 56100 | 1-4 | Sub-Divisional Magistrate | Undersecretary | Assistant Secretary |
| 11 | 67,700 | 5-8 | Additional District Magistrate | Deputy Secretary | Undersecretary |
| 12 | 78,800 | 9-12 | District Magistrate | Joint Secretary | Deputy Secretary |
| 13 | 1,18,500 | 13-16 | District Magistrate | Special Secretary-cum-Director | Director |
| 14 | 1,44,200 | 16-24 | Divisional Commissioner | Secretary-cum-Commissioner | Joint Secretary |
| 15 | 1,82,200 | 25-30 | Divisional Commissioner | Principal Secretary | Additional Secretary |
| 16 | 2,05,400 | 30-33 | No Equivalent Rank | Additional Chief Secretary | No Equivalent Rank |
| 17 | 2,25,000 | 34-36 | No Equivalent Rank | Chief Secretary | Secretary |
| 18 | 2,50,000 | 37+ years | No Equivalent Rank | No Equivalent Rank | Cabinet Secretary of India |
One of the key factors that attract candidates to apply for the UPSC Exam is the pay scale offered for the various posts. The salaries of all IAS officers start at the same level and then increase with their tenure and promotions.
The next table answers the question that what is the salary of an IAS officer per month at the entry-level and the monthly salary of an IAS officer at the apex level:
| Level | Basic Pay | Total IAS Salary |
| Entry-level (starting salary) | 56100 | 56100 – 132000 |
| Maximum Pay (cabinet secretary level) | 250000 | 250000 |
The old pay structure according to the 6th Central Pay Commission was as follows:
| Grade | Pay Scale | Grade Pay of IAS officer | Number of years required in service | Post |
| Junior or Lower Time Scale | 15600 – 39100 | 5400 | — | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), SDO, or Sub-Collector (after 2 years of probation) |
| Senior Time Scale | 15600 – 39100 | 6600 | 5 | District Magistrate (DM) or Collector or a Joint Secretary of a Government Ministry |
| Junior Administrative | 15600 – 39100 | 7600 | 9 | Special Secretary or the Head of Various Government Departments |
| Selection Grade | 37400 – 67000 | 8700 | 12 – 15 | Secretary to a Ministry |
| Super Time Scale | 37400 – 67000 | 8700 | 17 – 20 | Principal Secretary of a Very Important Department of the Government |
| Above Super Time Scale | 37400 – 67000 | 12000 | Varies | Varies |
| Apex Scale | 80000 (Fixed) | NA | Varies | Chief Secretary of States, Union Secretaries in charge of various ministries of Government of India |
| Cabinet Secretary Grade | 90000 (Fixed) | NA | Varies | Cabinet Secretary of India |
There is a difference in the grade of pay of IAS officers from junior grade to above super time scale. At the Cabinet Secretary level, it is fixed. The Dearness Allowance (DA) for IAS officers is revised on a half-yearly basis depending on the inflation index. DA for IAS officers increases each year.
IAS Salary – Perks & Other Benefits
As discussed above, the IAS Salary is divided into different grades, the final salary is based on the grade in which the Officer is employed. This salary includes basic pay, grade pay and other perks and allowances which an IAS Officer can enjoy. Few of which have been discussed in brief below:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) – It is an extremely important part of the salary of an IAS officer as it is increased by the Government at regular intervals. It has even increased up to 103% of the basic pay. Thus, DA can directly increase the IAS Salary
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) – It ranges from city to city. HRA is given based on the city where the IAS Officer is posted. It generally ranges between 8% to 24% of the basic pay
- Medical Allowance – The IAS Salary also includes medical allowance which an employee can get reimbursed in case of a medical treatment
Other benefits and allowances include transport allowance, house help benefits, mobile bills, travel expenses, pension and retirement benefits.
Youngsters should remember that the IAS pay scale in India should not be the only criterion for them to join the services. The civil service is an opportunity to serve the nation and make a positive impact on the lives of the people of the country. Your chief motivation should be the desire to work for the country and make life better for many people.
Now that you know the details about the IAS officer salary per month, it is time to gear up and start your UPSC Exam Preparation. Download the IAS Syllabus from the linked article now to drive your preparation in the right direction. For more, check the links below:
Frequently Asked Questions on IAS Salary
What is the salary of an IAS officer?
What is IAS take home salary?
Is IAS exam difficult?
Do IAS officers get a salary during training?
Yes, IAS officers get a stipend/salary during their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA)
⇒ Check: IAS Training and Bharat Darshan
During the training period at the Academy, they get paid around Rs. 55,000/-. This is further reduced due to the mess bills, payments for LBSNAA apparels and uniforms, and other activities. After deducting all the expenditures, IAS trainee salary is around Rs. 40,000 per month.
What are the powers of an IAS officer?
An Indian Administrative Service officer can be a part of the State Cadre or even the Centre Deputation. At the state level, the district administrative machinery is under the control of the IAS officer in the early years of his/her career. With time and good performance, IAS officers can represent India abroad, become head of PSUs, and become the Cabinet Secretary.
To know more about the powers of an IAS officer, read the linked article: Facilities Provided to an IAS Officer – Salary, Benefits and Powers
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Nice job. I trust your department.?
For IAS Main exam: do we have to write 9 papers?
Yes. You can know more about UPSC Mains in the linked article.
What must we do after 9th for being an IAS
Hi Kanika
It is good to know about your interest in UPSC IAS Exam. Since, UPSC requires a Bachelor’s Degree in any course, you are advised to get a good score in high school and undergraduate degree. For your interest, you can get information on UPSC Exam from the below links:
1. IAS Exam
2. UPSC Syllabus
If a student is studying final year in degree is he eliglibe for writing upsc exam
Hi Susmitha
Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their graduation degree, can sit for the examination. You can check the UPSC Eligibility Criteria in the linked article.
How many times can we attempt for UPSC examination
Hi Sampath
For a general category aspirant, the numbers of attempts are 6. You can read the detailed UPSC Eligibility Criteria in the linked article.
which course chosse after 12th to become ias officer
Hi
You may Read how to prepare for IAS after 12th
Can bsc graduate crack UPSC??
Hi
Yes, you can.
Hello,
I wanted to know if one can make it through the UPSC prelims exam with only 8 months of preparation, along with a Full Time job??
Yes, one can. Read the strategy for working professionals for IAS Exam here.
Hi,
Iam an 8th standard student and I want to be a IAS officer. How can I prepare for the exam now?
Hi Sivani
It is good to hear about your aspirations. You need to focus on school NCERTs for UPSC too. Hence, focus on NCERT notes preparation. You have ample amount of time to sit for UPSC hence, train yourself gradually with current affairs and NCERTs.
Hello,
I have completed 12th now, and my dream is to become an IAS officer. How can I crack the examination ?
1. Understand UPSC Syllabus
2. Start with NCERTs and complement with daily newspaper.
3. Refer to UPSC previous years’ question papers.
4. Read Rajiv Ahir’s Brief of Modern History, M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity for GS 1 and 2 respectively.
5. Revise often.
6. Take mock tests periodically.
Can i take my optional paper as electrical engineering even if i am a BA graduate??
Yes, you can.
Check the success rate of optional subjects for UPSC.
Hi,
I am currently studying in class 12, I want to be an IAS officer. How can I prepare for the UPSC exam? please suggest me something .
1. Understand UPSC Syllabus
2. Start with NCERTs and complement with daily newspaper.
3. Refer to UPSC previous years’ question papers.
4. Read Rajiv Ahir’s Brief of Modern History, M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity for GS 1 and 2 respectively.
5. Revise often.
6. Take mock tests periodically.
can bachelors of arts student apply for ias exam
Yes
BA student from a govt-recognized college/institution can sit for UPSC CSE exam. A candidate must meet UPSC Eligibility Criteria to take IAS Exam.
What are the most preferred courses or degree to do after 12th if one wants to become an IAS officer later?
The IAS Toppers have come from different fields. One can go for BA (English, Sociology, Political Science, Geography) or can also go for B.Tech.