An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer starts with a base pay of about ₹56,100 a month at the Junior Time Scale level. This doesn't include extras like DA, HRA, and TA, which can boost take-home pay quite a bit. These newcomers often work as Assistant Collectors or Sub-Divisional Magistrates. After 5 years, IAS officers might move up to Senior Time Scale or Junior Administrative Grade earning between ₹67,700 and ₹78,800 as base pay. Around the 10-year mark, many become Deputy Secretaries or District Collectors pulling in ₹1,18,500 or more. With 20 years under their belt, IAS officers hold high-ranking jobs like Divisional Commissioner or Principal Secretary. Their pay tops ₹1,44,200 and can hit ₹2,18,200 in the Higher Administrative Grade. After 30 years, those at the top of the ladder such as Chief Secretaries or Union Secretaries, get the highest government salary of ₹2,25,000 a month (fixed). They also enjoy perks like government housing, an official car, staff help, and a pension for life. This pay scale shows how much power and sway these roles have in running the country.
For the majority of IAS officers, the highest salary possible is ₹2,25,000, which is called the Apex Scale. However, there is a special exception for one officer—the Cabinet Secretary of India—who receives a salary of ₹2,50,000. This amount is the top salary in the IAS rank.
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IAS Starting Salary Per Month
The starting pay for an IAS Officer in India each month is ₹56,100, and it can go up to ₹132,000 . As officers move up the ranks and spend more time in service, their monthly income goes up quite a bit. At the top of the career ladder, the Cabinet Secretary of India makes about ₹250,000 a month, which you can reach after working for years of service. The monthly salary for IAS officers also has a 9% Dearness Allowance (DA) added to it, which leads to a 32.7% increase per year.
Important Note:
- HRA differs by city category (24%, 16%, or 8%).
- Salary increase happens when officers get promotions, annual increments, and revised DA rates.
- Officers also get the benefit of government accommodation, security, and other perks.
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IAS Salary After 5 Years
After working for 5 years, an IAS officer typically receives a promotion. They might advance to the Senior Time Scale or attain the Junior Administrative Grade. This advancement depends on their performance and the specific rules of their cadre. At this stage, they often hold the position of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) or Deputy Secretary in a government department. With this promotion, both their basic pay and allowances increase, leading to a much higher monthly salary compared to when they started. Below is more information about the IAS salary after 5 years.
Important Note: There will be differences in exact figures. It may vary depending on posting location (HRA slab), applicable allowances, and individual deductions.
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IAS Salary After 10 Years
After 10 years in service, an IAS officer often reaches a high position known as the Selection Grade or sometimes the Super Time Scale. In these roles, they hold important jobs, such as District Collector, Deputy Secretary, or Director at the central level. Over the years, they get several raises and promotions. This leads to a big increase in their salary. Below is a detailed table that shows the approximate IAS salary after working for 10 years.
Important Note:
- The actual salary depends on location, designation, and pay matrix level.
- Officers may also receive additional perks such as government vehicles, residence, and staff.
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IAS Salary After 20 Years
After 20 years of service, an IAS officer typically holds significant positions like Divisional Commissioner, Principal Secretary, or other top roles in the state or central government. At this stage, the officer reaches the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) or Above Super Time Scale, depending on performance, promotions, and cadre regulations. The salary and benefits at this level reflect the officer's extensive experience and major decision-making and leadership roles. The following table shows the IAS salary details after 20 years:
Note: The salary you earn at this stage can change based on the job you have, the place where you work, and how much experience you have. At this level, officers get many great benefits. They can live in bungalows, use official cars for transport, have staff to help them personally, and receive security services. In addition to all these perks, they also enjoy a lifetime pension and benefits after they retire, which help keep their financial situation strong and stable.
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IAS Salary After 30 Years
After 30 years in service, an IAS officer usually reaches the highest levels in Indian government jobs, known as the Apex Scale or Cabinet Secretary Grade. At this point, they might hold important roles like Chief Secretary of a state or Union Secretary in the Government of India. Their salary becomes steady, and they enjoy many benefits. These benefits include living in large official residences, having full staff support, traveling at a diplomatic level, and receiving a lifetime pension. Below is a detailed table showing the IAS salary after 30 years of service.
Note: There are very few Apex and Cabinet Secretary positions, and having one of these jobs is highly prestigious. These positions come with excellent pay. They also give the individuals significant power to make important administrative and decision-making choices.
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IAS Salary with Designations and Pay Scale
IAS Salary increases with promotions and pay level also changes.
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What is the highest salary of an IAS Officer?
An IAS officer can earn up to ₹2.5 lakh per month or even more, depending on their rank and years of service. Promotions to higher ranks lead to increased salaries. At the top levels, like Secretary or Principal Secretary, officers receive the highest pay.
Pay Matrix & Levels and Factors Influencing IAS Salary
The salary system for an IAS officer is guided by the 7th Pay Commission's Pay Matrix. This new system uses Pay Levels from 10 to 18, replacing the old grade pay system.
Each Pay Level corresponds to a specific rank or promotion within the IAS. It starts at Level 10, called the Junior Time Scale, where the basic pay is ₹56,100. It progresses up to Level 17, known as the Apex Scale, with a fixed salary of ₹2,25,000. The Cabinet Secretary, who is the top-ranking IAS officer, is placed in a special level called the Cabinet Secretary Grade, or Level 18, with a fixed basic pay of ₹2,50,000. These structured levels provide IAS officers with a clear path for career advancement.
An IAS officer's total salary is made up of several components besides the basic pay. Seniority and promotions are crucial in determining the Pay Level of an officer. In addition to the basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), which is adjusted twice a year to counteract the effects of inflation. They are also given House Rent Allowance (HRA), which depends on the city where they are posted, and Travel Allowance (TA) for their official travel needs. These additional benefits can significantly raise the total monthly income. As officers advance in their careers, moving from positions like SDM to Collector and eventually to Secretary, their salaries and perks increase. Along with this, their responsibilities and influence also grow.
IAS Beyond Salary
Salary is just one component for IAS officers. IAS officers are well regarded for their contribution and executing government policies.
