Government jobs all around the globe and especially in India hold a special place for people. The main reason for that is the perks and the advantages that people get with government jobs. Especially if you are in a high post as the IAS or the Indian Administrative Service. In this blog, we’ll break down the complete IAS salary structure, including pay scales, grade pay, allowances, and other benefits that are included with the service.
IAS Salary At Entry Level
There is no fixed salary of an IAS in India as the salary will increase with the promotion of the individual. But if you want a basic idea, then there salary begins at INR 56,100 per month. This will increase with the increase in the level of seniority and as the individual would get to a higher designation.
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100
- DA (Dearness Allowance): ~42% (as of latest rate) = ₹23,562
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): Varies (24%, 16%, or 8%) depending on city. For a metro city: ₹13,464
- TA (Transport Allowance): ₹7,200 + DA on TA = ~₹10,224
- Gross Salary: ~ ₹1,03,000 – ₹1,10,000/month
- Deductions (NPS, Income Tax, etc.): ₹10,000 – ₹12,000
- Net In-Hand Salary: ₹90,000 – ₹98,000/month approx.
IAS Salary On Different Designation
Now let’s take a look at the salary of an IAS on different designations and the year of service required to reach that level:
| Basic Pay (₹) | Years of Service | District Administration | State Secretariat | Central Secretariat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹56,100 | 1–4 years | Sub-Divisional Magistrate | Undersecretary | Assistant Secretary |
| ₹67,700 | 5–8 years | Additional District Magistrate | Deputy Secretary | Undersecretary |
| ₹78,800 | 9–12 years | District Magistrate | Joint Secretary | Deputy Secretary |
| ₹1,18,500 | 13–16 years | District Magistrate | Special Secretary-cum-Director | Director |
| ₹1,44,200 | 16–24 years | Divisional Commissioner | Secretary-cum-Commissioner | Joint Secretary |
| ₹1,82,200 | 25–30 years | Divisional Commissioner | Principal Secretary | Additional Secretary |
| ₹2,05,400 | 30–33 years | No Equivalent Rank | Additional Chief Secretary | No Equivalent Rank |
| ₹2,25,000 | 34–36 years | No Equivalent Rank | Chief Secretary | Secretary |
| ₹2,50,000 | 37+ years | No Equivalent Rank | No Equivalent Rank | Cabinet Secretary of India |
Allowances In IAS Salary
IAS also receive a variety of allowances along with their salary which covers a variety of aspects of their everyday life. Here is a detailed breakdown of the allowances which are included along with the IAS salary:
- DA (Dearness Allowance): DA is an important part of the salary of the IAS. This is a percentage of the salary of the IAS and currency stands at 42 %. DA is changed every year as it is based on the rate of inflation.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): HRA is based on the city in which the officer is posted in as different places have different rates of rent. According to the latest changes, the HRA stands between 8 to 24% of the basic pay of the IAS.
- Medical Allowance: You never know when you might face a medical emergency in your life. This is why the government provides an IAS officer with a medical allowance which can be used during any medical situation that they might face.
Perks and Benefits Included Apart From The IAS Salary
One of the biggest reasons why many people choose to become the IAS is the perks and benefits included with it. Here is a list of the perks which you get if you become an IAS:
- Government-provided accommodation (bungalows in prime areas)
- Official vehicles with drivers
- Household staff (cooks, gardeners, security)
- Subsidized utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
- Lifetime pension and post-retirement benefits
- Access to government guest houses, clubs, and health facilities
- Study leaves for higher education (including foreign institutions)
IAS Salary VS IPS Salary
Many people think that there is a huge difference between the salary of an IAS and an IPS. But they should know that the difference is not that huge. The only major difference between the two is the position under which they are. The highest IPS salary can go up to 2,25,000 whereas an IAS salary can go as high as 2,50,000.
Conclusion
IAS is a career that many people give their whole life to become. But with the increasing competition in the field has made it quite difficult to become one. But if you work hard and keep yourself dedicated you never know that you might become the next IAS. We hope that through this blog you were able to fully understand what the average IAS salary in India is and also understood the basic breakdown of their salary.
F.A.Q.
The starting basic pay of an IAS officer is ₹56,100 per month, excluding allowances like DA, HRA, and TA. With all benefits included, the in-hand salary ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹98,000 per month.
DA is calculated as a percentage of the basic pay and is revised every 6 months based on inflation. As of now, it stands at approximately 42% of the basic pay.
Yes, IAS officers receive a lifetime pension along with other retirement benefits such as gratuity and access to government health schemes.
The pay structure is quite similar for both IAS and IPS officers, especially at the entry and mid levels. However, the IAS officer can reach the Cabinet Secretary position with a salary of ₹2,50,000, which is slightly higher than the ₹2,25,000 maximum for IPS officers.
Yes, IAS officers are provided with spacious, often well-furnished government housing, typically located in prime areas of the city where they are posted.
Yes, IAS officers are eligible for study leave and can pursue higher education abroad at reputed institutions, often with government sponsorship or support.
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