| The most senior and distinguished IAS officer gets the opportunity to become the Cabinet Secretary in India. In the Indian order of precedence, he is ranked 11 and considered the most senior civil executive. The Prime Minister of India coordinates and manages the Cabinet Secretary in India. Cabinet Secretary reports to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India. He has national level jurisdiction as he is appointed by the central government. He enjoys the apex scale when it comes to the pay level. His basic salary is ₹2,50,000/month. |
T. V. Somanathan is the current Cabinet Secretary. He was appointed on 30 August 2024 and is currently serving. He previously worked as the Finance Secretary as well. Earlier, Rajiv Gauba was the Cabinet Secretary, appointed on 30 August 2019 and served till 30 August 2024. After that, T. V. Somanathan took over the office. Interestingly, Rajiv Gauba was the longest-serving cabinet secretary and he also previously served as Home Secretary.
The maxmimum salary that an IAS officer can get is INR 250,000 per month. This salary is enjoyed only by the Cabinet Secretary. In the Indian Administrative Service, it is the highest post. Cabinet Secretary is:
- Civil Services Board- Ex-officio head
- Cabinet Secretariat- Ex-officio head
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)- Ex-officio head
and all Civil Services of India work under the rules of business of the government.
Read: IAS Starting Salary, Salary After 5 Years, 10 Years, 20 Years, 30 Years
Cabinet Secretary Salary 2025
The Cabinet Secretary is the main official who coordinates all the official work of the central government. The Cabinet Secretary's salary package shows the important and prestige of the post. It also ascertains the responsibilities of the role ascertaining that the post holder is well-rewarded to perform duties positively and effectively.
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Other Perquisites
- He holds the eligibility for diplomatic passport.
- As his pay level is 18 which is equivalent to Chief of the Army Staff, he is considered senior to all government officers and senior to armed force officers also.
- But, warrant of precedence is not a manifestation of functional or inter-se seniority. It's just used for seating at official events and doesn't really matter in the everyday work of the government.
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Cabinet Secretary Post Highlights
The important details related to this highest IAS post is tabulated below:
Short Form | CSI |
Status | Head of Permanent Executive |
Cabinet Secretary( Membership) |
|
Seat | Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi |
Appointed by | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Government of India |
Term of office | 4 years. However, he term may be extended for 1 year |
Know More: How Much is the President of India Salary?
What are the Powers and Functions of Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)?
The highest IAS post (Cabinet Secretary of India) enjoys immense powers. He is the head of the Cabinet Secretariat and the main official for administration. He is the official head of administration and coordinates with the Council of Ministers. More details are mentioned below;
- He works as the principal coordinator and administrative manager of the central government.
- Working as the chairman of the Civil Services Board, he gives suggestion for the posts of secretary, additional secretary and joint secretary (except officers under the Ministry of External Affairs),
- He also acts as the chairman of the Committee of Secretaries on Administration.
- He also acts as the chairman of the Conference of Chief Secretaries of States.
- To the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, he sends his suggestions and recommendations for the postings of of officers (except officers under the Ministry of External Affairs) of the rank of secretary and additional Secretary.
- As the chairman of the Senior Selection Board, which gives suggestions for postings of officers of the rank of joint secretary in the Union Government to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- He also has advisory powers. He gives advice to the PM of India.
- He support Council of Ministers so that it can perform its duties efficiently.
- He prepares the main highlights of the cabinet meetings and decides its agenda.
- During crises, he is the balancing wheel who provides stable leadership support.
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Tenure of the Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)
- The First Administrative Reforms Commission, which was active from 1966 to 1970, noted that the average time a Cabinet Secretary stayed in their role was only two years and eight months.
- They thought that wasn't long enough and suggested a term of three to four years instead.
- They also recommended that the Cabinet Secretary should serve as the main staff officer for the prime minister, the cabinet, and the cabinet committees when dealing with important issues.
Evolution and Role of Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)
The Cabinet Secretariat mainly deals with official events and isn't really involved in daily government work. According to the Government of India Allocation of Business Rules from 1961, the Cabinet Secretariat is listed in the First Schedule of these rules. Its main jobs are to help the Cabinet and its Committees and manage how the rules are followed.
The Cabinet Secretariat takes care of the Transaction of Business Rules and the Allocation of Business Rules from 1961. It helps things run smoothly in different ministries by making sure everyone sticks to these rules. The Secretariat plays a role in decision-making by helping different ministries work together, settling any disputes, and building agreement through various committees. This also helps push new policies forward.
Cabinet Secretariat has 3 wings;
Wings | Details |
Civil | The Civil wing is the main part of the setup, helping out with advice and assistance to the Union Cabinet. |
Military | The Military wing exists to improve coordination in intelligence and to support the Defence Committee and the National Defence Council. It has an officer, usually a major general or someone of equivalent rank from the Indian Armed Forces, who serves as a joint secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. |
Intelligence | The Intelligence wing focuses on the Joint Intelligence Committee within the Cabinet. The head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) reports to the Cabinet Secretary and is known as Secretary (R) in the Cabinet Secretariat. |
How to Become a Cabinet Secretary in India?
You must note that one cannot become a Cabinet Secretary directly in India. Candidates need to clear the UPSC with great rank and join IAS. After exceptional performance and years of service, a candidate is promoted to for the post of Cabinet Secretary. Same is presented below:
How Much Salary Do Other Cabinet Secretaries Get?
There are other secretaries, officials and chairperson as well. Their salary details are tabulated below:
Official | Pay Level | Salary(INR) |
Chairperson | 17 | 225000 |
Secretary ( Security ) | 17 | 225000 |
Additional Secretary | 15 | 217600- 224100 |
Joint Secretary | 14 | 157600- 218200 |
In addition, there are directors, deputy secretaries, advisor, joint directors, under secretary, principal private secretaries and other officers. They also receive competitive pay.
