The Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) role is an important beginner clerical position with multiple government departments, ministries and public sector organisations. The Junior Secretariat Assistant is the foundation of all offices and will manage important functions such as file management, data entry, correspondence, and support to senior officials. Candidates preparing for government career positions will learn about the Junior Secretariat Assistant role, their job expectations, and the salary, allowances, and job growth opportunities associated with the role, all of which are useful for selecting and preparing for the right opportunity.
Pay Matrix Level & Basic Pay
- Pay Level: Level 2 from the CPC/7th Central Pay committee.
- Basic Pay: Starts at ₹19,900.
- The new pay level method allows for a more transparent, standardized way to evaluate pay and replace the old pay band and grade pay method.
Component | Details |
Pay Level | Level 2 (7th CPC) |
Starting Basic Pay | ₹ 19,900 |
Old Pay Band (Pre-7th CPC) | ₹5,200 – ₹20,200 |
Old Grade Pay | ₹ 1,900 |
Salary Breakdown (Monthly – Approximate)
Component | Estimated Amount (₹) |
Basic Pay | ₹ 19,900 |
Dearness Allowance (50%) | ₹ 9,950 |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹1,592 – ₹4,776 (8%–24% of basic) |
Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350 – ₹3,600 + DA |
Other Allowances | ₹500 – ₹1,000 (medical, office, etc.) |
Gross Salary | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000/month |
Deductions (NPS, Tax) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 approx. |
In-hand Salary | ₹28,000 – ₹34,000/month |
Allowances and Benefits
Government employees, including JSAs, obtain a great variety of allowances which increase their gross salary as well as provide funding for some of their essential needs. These allowances are periodically revised in relation to inflation and cost of living needs.
1. Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Objective: To compensate for the effects of inflation and rising cost of living.
- Rate (2025): Approximately 42 of basic pay (based on the latest revision).
- Revised Biannually: Typically January and July for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Applicable to: Basic pay and other allowances, such as Transport Allowance.
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Purpose: To assist with housing/rent costs if government accommodation is not provided.
- HRA Rates (based on city classification):
City Category | HRA Rate | Example on ₹19,900 Basic Pay |
Metro Cities (X) | 27% | ₹ 5,373 |
Tier-2 Cities (Y) | 18% | ₹ 3,582 |
Rural/Tier-3 (Z) | 9% | ₹ 1,791 |
3. Transport Allowance (TA)
- Purpose: To cover commuting costs between home and workplace.
- Rates:
Posting Location | TA (Fixed) | Plus DA on TA (42%) | Total TA |
Metro Cities | ₹ 3,600 | ₹ 1,512 | ₹5,112/month |
Other Cities/Rural | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 756 | ₹2,556/month |
- For physically disabled employees, higher TA benefits may apply.
4. Medical Allowance & CGHS
- Fixed Medical Allowance: ₹ 1,000/month (if not availing CGHS)
- CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme):
- Provides access to government empanelled hospitals.
- Includes coverage for treatment, hospitalization, medicines and diagnostics.
- Monthly medical insurance premium is deducted from your monthly salary,
- (CGs level range ₹ 150–₹ 650).
5. Pension and Retirement Benefits
- Employees hired post-2004 participate in the National Pension System (NPS):
- 10% employee contribution, and 14% employer (Govt) contribution.
- Gratuity: a one-time lump-sum payment on retirement or resignation (subject to 5 years of service.
- Group insurance: life cover; the monthly deduction provides life coverage; benefits to nominees in case of death in service.
- Leave encashment: payment for unused earned leave (up to 300 days) as an employee is retiring.
6. Other Allowances (if necessary)
- Night Duty/Overtime Allowance (for department with shifts).
- Uniform or Washing Allowance (for job with dress code).
- Cash Handling/Computer Proficiency Allowance (if necessary.
Salary Comparison Table
Location | Basic Pay | DA (42%) | HRA (as per city class) | TA | Gross Salary |
Metro City | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹5,373 (27%) | ₹ 3,600 | ₹ 37,231 |
Non-Metro City | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹3,582 (18%) | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 33,640 |
Rural Area | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹1,791 (9%) | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 31,849 |
A junior secretariat assistant’s (JSA) salary can range significantly based on the actual posting location where that person is being posted. The variation in salary location from posting is largely due to the varying house rent allowances (HRA) and transport allowances (TA). The base pay and dearness allowance (DA) is mostly the same. Overall the highest gross salary would originate from someone posting in a metro area at ₹37,231/month to the lowest gross salary to someone posting in a rural area of around ₹31849/month. It is important for job seekers looking at government job postings to understand how salary variance can inform near decisions made for job preferences, planning for financial advice and career advancement.