Rural Development Officer Salary in India 2025

Each state in India has a different pay scale for RDO Officers. The RDO officer who is just starting out receives a salary around Rs. 25,000 per month. A senior Rural Development Officer receives a salary between Rs 40,000 - 65,000 per month. The most senior level RDO can get a salary between Rs 75,000 - 90,000 per month depending upon seniority and experience. Check the salary details for different states for RDO officers and how to become one.

Who is a Rural Development Officer (RDO)?

A Rural Development Officer (RDO) is a government worker who helps carry out programs that aim to improve life in the countryside. They focus on areas like farming, sanitation, creating jobs, health, and education. RDOs connect the government with rural communities to make sure that help reaches those who need it most. They usually work under departments related to Rural Development or local government agencies.

RDOs are often hired through State Public Service Commissions, such as BPSC, UPPSC, or MPSC, or through national exams done by organizations like UPSC or NABARD. For instance, NABARD brings in Grade A officers for rural tasks, while State PSCs have exams for jobs like Block Development Officer or Assistant Commissioner for Rural Development. The hiring process usually consists of a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview. To apply, you typically need a degree in any field, but having a degree in rural development, agriculture, or social sciences can help.

In several Indian states like Bihar, the Block Development Officer (BDO) takes on the job of a Rural Development Officer (RDO) at the block level. Even though the titles are different, the BDO is the main person in charge of rural development activities in that block, which is part of a district.

BDO stands for Block Development Officer, but their main job is to roll out and keep an eye on rural development programs. This includes stuff like MGNREGA, housing, sanitation, agriculture help, and social welfare.

Block Development Officer(BDO) = Functional RDO(Rural Development Officer) at Block Level

Read: Block Development Officer Salary 2025

RDO Salary in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the salary for a Rural Development Officer (RDO), also known as a Block Development Officer (BDO), is set based on the 7th Pay Commission.

They earn between ₹56,100 and ₹1,77,500 a month, depending on their experience and how long they’ve been in the job. This pay includes the basic salary along with allowances for things like the cost of living and housing.

If you want to become an RDO or BDO in Tamil Nadu, you’ll need to go through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). The selection process involves passing a competitive exam that has a preliminary round, a main exam, and an interview. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Check TNPSC Group 1 Posts, Salary, Work Profile and Promotions for more clarity.

If you are interested to know about VAO(Village Administrative Officer) Salary 2025 in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, you can also check that.

Rural Development Officer (RDO) in Bihar

In Bihar, the hiring is conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) through the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). The salary is as follows:

A Rural Development Officer (RDO) in Bihar gets paid according to the 7th Pay Commission's salary scale. They fall under Level 7, earning a basic salary between ₹44,900 and ₹1,42,400 each month. On top of that, RDOs receive several allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), which add to their overall pay.

Read in detail: Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Salary

Rural Development Officer Salary in Jharkhand and Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the RDO role is like that of a Village Development Officer (VDO). The pay is set according to the 7th Pay Commission, ranging from ₹5,200 to ₹20,200, plus a Grade Pay of ₹2,400. Starting Basic Pay is ₹20,800. You also get extra allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA) of ₹2,496, House Rent Allowance (HRA) of ₹1,600, and a Hard Duty Allowance of ₹1,500. This brings the total Gross Salary to about ₹26,400. After taking out the National Pension Scheme (NPS) deduction of ₹2,080, the take-home salary comes to around ₹24,380 a month.

Component	Jharkhand RDO (₹)	Rajasthan RDO (₹)
Pay Scale	-	5,200 – 20,200
Basic Pay	-	20,800
Grade Pay	-	2,400
Dearness Allowance (DA)	-	2,496
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	-	1,600
Hard Duty Allowance	-	1,500
Gross Salary	-	26,400
NPS Deduction	-	2,080
In-Hand Salary	Approx. 25,000	24,380

As per the sources, Rural Development Officer Salary in Jharkhand is around 25,000 per month.

Check: RPSC RAS Salary 2025

Rural Development Officer Salary in Uttar Pradesh

The state has the Provincial Development Service (PDS), which takes care of rural development programs. In Uttar Pradesh, the Block Development Officer (BDO) usually handles rural development at the block level. This position is part of the Provincial Development Service (PDS). Here's a look at the salary structure for BDOs:

Grade/Level on Pay Matrix	Base Salary (₹ per month)	Typical Positions	Years of Service
Junior Time Scale (Pay Level 10)	56,100 – 1,32,000	Block Development Officer, Assistant Commissioner in Commissionerate of Rural Development	Initial year
Senior Time Scale (Pay Level 11)	67,700 – 1,60,000	District Development Officer, Project Director of District Rural Development Agency, Deputy Commissioner	19th year
Junior Administrative Grade (Pay Level 12)	78,800 – 1,91,500	Chief Development Officer, Joint Development Commissioner, Joint Commissioner in Commissionerate of Rural Development	26th year

The title Rural Development Officer isn't really used much in the government setup in Uttar Pradesh. Usually, the duties related to rural development are handled by Block Development Officers (BDOs) under the Provincial Development Service (PDS).

Also read in detail: UPPSC Salary Structure 2025

Rural Development Officer Salary in Karnataka

In Karnataka, the role similar to a Rural Development Officer (RDO) is the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO). PDOs manage rural development projects in their local areas.

As of 2025, here’s how the pay looks for PDOs:

Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) - ₹37,900 – ₹70,850

This pay scale follows what the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) has put out for PDO jobs. Besides the base salary, PDOs also get a few allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA) that help boost their overall earnings.

Check More: Panchayat Secretary Salary 2025 in Bihar, UP, Telangana, Kerala

Rural Development Officer Salary in Kerala

In Kerala, the role linked to rural development is usually the Assistant Development Commissioner in the Rural Development Department. The salary for this job ranges from ₹45,800 to ₹89,000 a month.

KAS officers, who might serve as Deputy Collectors, Revenue Divisional Officers, or Assistant Development Commissioners, earn between ₹77,200 and ₹1,40,500 per month. They handle different administrative tasks, including those related to rural development projects. You must check Kerala Administrative Service Salary | KAS Officer Salary for better understanding.

Insights on: Salary of Deputy Collector in MP and MPSC Post List

Rural Development Officer Salary in Odisha

In Odisha, the job that's similar to a Rural Development Officer is the Block Development Officer (BDO). The BDO oversees rural development programs at the block level. How much a BDO makes can vary depending on their experience and pay scale.

From what we know, BDOs in Odisha earn around ₹7.2 Lakhs to ₹9.2 Lakhs a year if they have under a year of experience. This amount includes the basic pay and other allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).

How Can You Become a Rural Development Officer?

In order to become a Rural Development Officer, you must take the state PCS exam such as BPSC, TNPSC, KPSC amongst others. Before appearing for state PCS, you must check eligibility and requirements for the state. After clearing the exam, you can be appointed as Rural Development Officer. The exam involves:

Prelims
Mains
Interview

If you have a Bachelor's degree in Rural Development, it would be most beneficial and increases your chances. In general, the following skills are required.

Knowledge of Rural Development Policies
Financial Management
Environmental Sustainability
Agriculture and Livelihood Development
Infrastructure Planning.

You can also pursue certificates and diplomas.

Diploma in Rural Development
Certification in Agriculture and Livelihood Development
Environmental Sustainability Certification
Project Management Certification

Different Roles of Rural Development Officer

Rural Development Officers are known by different names in different states. Many of them are project officers.

Type of Officer	What They Do
Programme Officer	Makes rules and guidelines for schemes like MGNREGA; works on agriculture and forestry projects.
Agriculture Officer	Checks that farming methods follow rules; tests crops and products for safety.
Block Development Officer (BDO)	Manages rural work in a block; connects people with the government; ensures services reach people.
District Rural Development Officer (DRDO)	Plans and checks rural schemes in a district; works with many departments.
Project Officer	Works on specific projects; helps complete rural schemes under senior officers.

Do Rural Development Officers Get Promoted?

Yes, Rural Development Officers get promoted because of their performance. He can be promoted to the following positions:

Block Development Officer (BDO) -  Based on seniority, experience & departmental exams
District Rural Development Officer (DRDO)-  After years of service and good performance
Joint Director (Rural Development)-  Senior-level promotion; administrative leadership
Director (Rural Development)-  Highest rank in rural development administration. Director of rural development is the senior most post.

Promotions depend on your service record, performance reviews, and sometimes tests for your department.

If you have solid experience and qualifications, RDOs can also get placed in state planning commissions or rural development ministries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rural development a good career?

Yes, career as RDO gives you the opportunity to develop rural areas. This job is prestigious as one gets appointed through the SPSC.

What does a rural development officer do?

A rural development officer advises local government on how to improve the area. They work with community groups and consultants on things like building projects and other development efforts.

What is the qualification of RD officer?

The requirements to be a Rural Development Officer can vary depending on the SPSC and job specifics. Usually, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field like Rural Development, Community Development, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agriculture, or something similar.

Is Revenue Division Officer same as Rural Development Officer?

No, a Revenue Division Officer (RDO) and a Rural Development Officer are not the same. An RDO handles land revenue, law and order, and administrative functions under the revenue department. A Rural Development Officer works on rural welfare schemes, development planning, and implementation in villages.

Is VAO and VDO same as Rural Development Officer?

No, VAO (Village Administrative Officer) and VDO (Village Development Officer) are not exactly the same as Rural Development Officer (RDO). VAO handles administrative duties like land records and taxes, while VDO focuses on implementing rural development schemes at the village level. RDO is a broader role, usually at block or district level, overseeing multiple schemes and officers including VDOs.