Before we analyze SDO salary, it is of utmost importance to know the difference between SDO and SDM. In general,
- SDO means Sub Divisional Officer
- SDM means Sub Divisional Magistrate
SO SDO full form is Sub Divisional Officer. When you look at the full form, difference lies in terms like Magistrate and Officer. But there is more to it. Stay tuned.
SDO vs SDM: Is SDO same as SDM?
Yes, SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) and SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) usually refer to the same position, but they have different titles.
The SDM is focused on law and order as well as administrative duties in a sub-division. The SDO, on the other hand, is more of an administrative role that can be found in specific areas like Revenue, Irrigation, or Public Works.
In the revenue department, both terms generally point to the same person, often a Group A officer who gets hired through UPSC or a State PSC, like BPSC in Bihar. So, in most cases, SDO and SDM mean the same thing. Before moving on to SDO Salary in different states, read in detail BPSC Salary Structure 2025.
Check: SDM Salary in India 2025 with Pay Scale, Perks & Growth Opportunities for Sub-Divisional Magistrates
SDO Salary in Bihar 2025
In Bihar in 2025, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)—also known as SDM or Deputy Collector—makes a Level 9 salary from the 7th Pay Commission. Their basic pay is around ₹53,100, and they also get allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and medical perks. This means their total monthly salary usually falls between ₹61,500 and ₹72,000, depending on the location. So, an SDO in Bihar can expect to take home around ₹7.2 to ₹9.2 lakh a year.
The following are the main work responsibilities of a Bihar SDO:
- The Bihar SDO, or Sub-Divisional Officer, is an important figure in the local government of a district.
- Hired through the Bihar Public Service Commission, the SDO takes care of maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, managing land records, overseeing elections, and coordinating disaster relief efforts.
- They serve as a link between the district administration and local leaders.
- The SDO also has some judicial powers for minor civil and criminal issues.
- It's a well-respected position with a lot of responsibility and plenty of chances to interact with the public.
Do a comprehensive comparison with Kerala Administrative Service Collector Salary and KAS Officer Salary
SDO Salary in MP(Madhya Pradesh)
In Madhya Pradesh, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)—who gets into the job through the MPPSC State Service Exam—starts at Pay Level 10 under the 7th CPC. By 2025, their basic salary is set at ₹56,100. On top of that, they receive a Dearness Allowance (DA) of about 38% (around ₹21,318), and a House Rent Allowance (HRA) that ranges between ₹4,920 to ₹14,760 based on where they're posted. So, when you add it all up, a new SDO can expect to take home between ₹78,000 and ₹85,000 each month.
With allowances and typical entry-pay, gross per month initially grows over time with DA increments, promotions, and state-specific perks.
Senior SDOs can expect the annual pay between ₹10–13 Lakh for experienced SDOs in government departments like PWD and Forest Services.
Compare SDO Salary with Salary of Deputy Collector in MP( Madhya Pradesh) Per Month and In-Hand Salary
SDO Salary in UP(Uttar Pradesh)
In 2025, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Uttar Pradesh usually earns a salary that falls under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, which is between ₹56,100 and ₹1,77,500 each month. Besides the base salary, SDOs also get Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits based on where they work and what department they’re in, like PWD, irrigation, or revenue. All this means their take-home pay can be around ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000 on average each month.
Being an SDO is a Group B Gazetted Officer role with important administrative tasks. In the Revenue department, for example, SDOs serve as executive magistrates for their areas, while in PWD or Energy, they manage projects and public services. Their salary goes up with more years in the job, promotions, and transfers, plus they get a pension and retirement benefits when they leave the service.
If you want to become a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Uttar Pradesh, you need to pass the UPPSC Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Exam, which people often call the PCS exam. It's a tough exam that consists of three parts: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. You also need to have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. If you do well and rank high, you can get placed in different Group B posts, including SDO positions in departments like Revenue, PWD, Irrigation, and Energy.
Read more: UPPSC Salary Structure 2025 with Pay Scale, In-Hand Salary & Allowances
SDO Salary in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) usually falls into Pay Level 7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay scale. Their basic salary ranges from ₹44,900 to about ₹1,42,400 per month.
Right now, with the Dearness Allowance (DA) at 53%, an entry-level SDO (starting at ₹44,900) gets around ₹23,800 in DA. That brings their total salary (basic plus DA) to about ₹68,700, before including other allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Travel Allowance (TA). After deductions like NPS and taxes, the take-home pay generally lands between ₹65,000 and ₹75,000 each month, depending on where they're posted.
If an SDO works in the electricity department, like with Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited, the pay is pretty much the same. Besides the base pay and DA, there might be special duty or risk allowances for fieldwork, which can differ by department. With these extra allowances, the total salary could go up to ₹75,000 to ₹85,000, resulting in take-home pay around ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per month, again depending on the specific job and benefits.
Interesting read: Assistant Development Extension Officer Salary Per Month and Job Profile
SDO Salary in Nagaland
In Nagaland, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) hired through the State Public Service Commission (NPSC) usually start at Pay Level 13 in the 7th Pay Commission pay scale. This means their basic salary falls between ₹15,600 and ₹39,100, plus some Grade Pay. (per older scales)
With the updated pay structure, SDOs are now placed at Pay Level 7, where their basic pay ranges from ₹26,400 to ₹83,600, along with a Dearness Allowance of about 31%.
When you add in other allowances like DA, HRA, TA, and state-specific benefits (like a Special Duty Allowance for working in the North East), the total monthly salary for an SDO in Nagaland generally falls between ₹50,000 and ₹1,20,000, based on their experience, where they work, and other perks they may qualify for.
In Nagaland, getting the job of an SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) means you have to pass the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) exam. This exam includes a preliminary test, a main exam, and an interview. Candidates are hired based on their scores and what they choose, and they can end up working in different departments like Revenue, Engineering, or Administration.
To sum up, it is clear that the salary of a SDO varies depending upon multiple factors such as:
- Posting
- Location
- State(State Public Service Commission)
- Seniority and Experience
- Government regulations
Important: WBCS Officer Salary Structure, Pay Scale & Benefits for West Bengal Civil Service
What is SDO Full Form in Hindi?
In many states like Bihar and Jharkhand, SDOs are called in a traditional and conventional way in Hindi. SDO Full Form in Hindi is उप-विभागीय अधिकारी.
The full form of SDO in Hindi is also उप-मंडल अधिकारी (Up-Mandal Adhikari).
"उप-मंडल अधिकारी (Up-Mandal Adhikari)" and "उप-प्रभागीय अधिकारी (Up-Vibhagiya Adhikari)" — are used, but here’s the difference:
- "उप-मंडल अधिकारी" is the most commonly used and widely accepted Hindi full form of SDO in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and many others.
- "उप-प्रभागीय अधिकारी" (Up-Vibhagiya Adhikari) is also correct and is used in some official documents or regions, especially where "प्रभाग" (Prabhag) is used for "division" instead of "मंडल" (mandal).
SDO Vs. BDO: Salary, Job Profile and Powers
SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) and BDO (Block Development Officer) are different roles in the Indian government, and both have their own responsibilities. An SDO is a gazetted officer in charge of a sub-division, which includes several blocks and is part of a district. Their job is broader, covering things like collecting revenue, maintaining law and order, handling land disputes, and coordinating various government departments at the sub-divisional level. They typically get their position through State PSC exams and rank higher in the administrative structure. Know in detail Sub Registrar Officer Salary Per Month, Post and Qualifications.
On the flip side, a BDO focuses on just one block, which is smaller than the sub-division. The BDO mainly deals with developmental tasks like carrying out rural development schemes, overseeing Panchayati Raj institutions, and keeping an eye on welfare projects. While SDOs oversee multiple blocks, BDOs report to the SDO. So basically, an SDO manages several blocks, while a BDO concentrates on development in a single block.
Read: Block Development Officer Salary 2025, BDO Full form and BDO Officer Salary Per Month
How to Become a SDO?
Below is the detailed guide to become an SDO officer.
- If you want to become a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in India, the first step is to get your degree from a recognized university in any subject.
- After that, you'll need to apply for the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) exam in your state (like BPSC, UPPSC, MPSC, or NPSC).
- The selection process usually has a Preliminary Exam, a Mains Exam, and a Personal Interview.
- Those who score well on the merit list get placed in various administrative roles, including SDO, based on their choices and qualifications.
- After being selected, candidates go through state administrative training before getting assigned as SDOs in departments like Revenue, Land Records, or Rural Development.
- The SDO job is generally considered a Group B gazetted post, though in some states, it might be Group A.
- It’s a respected position that comes with authority and responsibilities, needing a mix of academic knowledge, general awareness, and leadership skills.
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