IAS Salary - Perks, Salary of an IAS Officer Per Month in India

The basic IAS Salary starts from INR 56,100 per month. It increases on the basis of the level of seniority and designation. The highest IAS Officer Salary can go up to INR 2,50,000 per month for the post of Cabinet Secretary of India. In addition to the monthly IAS salary, officers are entitled to various allowances and perks, which can include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and more, depending on their posting location and other factors.

Several factors draw young individuals towards a civil service career in the country. Besides the sense of pride and honour associated with being a civil servant or diplomat, the attractive IAS salary, benefits, responsibilities, and authority also play a significant role in influencing their decision.

IAS Salary Per Month

The entry-level IAS Officer Salary per month in India begins at ₹56,100, with a potential growth range of ₹56,100 – ₹132,000 per month. With each promotion and years of service, the IAS salary per month increases significantly. At the pinnacle of the career ladder, the Cabinet Secretary of India earns approximately ₹250,000 per month, achievable after 37+ years of dedicated service.

The IAS Salary per month also includes a 9% Dearness Allowance (DA), which leads to 32.7% per annum.

Salary of IAS Officer after 7th Pay Commission

In the 7th Central Pay Commission, the previous system of 'Pay Grades for Civil Services' has been replaced by 'Consolidated Pay Levels' in the new pay structure. Under this system, the IAS Officer pay scale is determined solely based on the 'Basic Pay,' along with additional allowances like TA (Travel Allowance), DA (Dearness Allowance), and HRA (Housing and Rent Allowance). The uniformity in the initial salary of all IAS officers, which increases with tenure and promotions, serves as a significant attraction for candidates applying for the UPSC Exam.

Highest Salary of an IAS Officer

The highest salary of an IAS Officer, as per the latest 7th Pay Commission, reaches an impressive figure of ₹2,50,000 per month. This prestigious position of Cabinet Secretary of India is attainable after more than 37 years of dedicated service in civil services.

IAS Grade Pay

In the IAS Salary structure, the Grade Pay begins at Rs. 5400 for positions like Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Undersecretary. It then progresses based on the pay matrix, which incorporates various levels introduced in the 7th Pay Commission. The details are given in the table below:

IAS Officer Career Growth

Probationary Officer (Entry Level): Trainee IAS officers undergo a probationary period during which they receive foundational training in various aspects of administration, governance, and policy-making.

• Learn about the functioning of the government and various departments.
• Understand the legal framework and procedures.
• Acquire skills related to public administration.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM): SDMs are responsible for the administration of a sub-division within a district.

• Maintenance of law and order.
• Implementing government schemes and programs.
• Revenue collection and administration.
• Overseeing development projects.

District Magistrate (DM) / Collector / Deputy Commissioner: DMs are in charge of the overall administration of a district.

• Maintaining law and order.
• Revenue administration.
• Implementation of government policies and programs.
• Coordination with various departments.

Divisional Commissioner: Divisional Commissioners oversee a division which comprises multiple districts.

• Coordinating activities between different districts.
• Resolving inter-district issues.
• Monitoring development projects and schemes.

Secretary/Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary in State Government: These positions involve policy formulation, implementation, and administrative responsibilities at the state level.

• Formulating policies.
• Implementing government programs.
• Advising ministers on various issues.

Director/Additional Director in State Departments: Directors are responsible for specific departments within the state government.

• Overseeing the functioning of the department.
• Implementing policies related to the department's area of responsibility.

Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary/Chief Secretary: These are top bureaucratic positions in the state government.

• Providing administrative support and advice to ministers.
• Formulating policies.
• Coordinating between different departments.

Central Government Positions: At various stages of their career, IAS officers may be deputed to central government positions, which include roles in ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies.

• Working on national policies and programs.
• Implementing central government initiatives.

Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary/Secretary in Central Ministries/Departments: These are high-ranking positions in the central government.

• Formulating and implementing policies at the national level.

Cabinet Secretary (Apex Position): The highest-ranking civil servant in India, responsible for coordinating and leading the administrative machinery.

• Providing leadership to the civil services.
• Coordinating policy formulation and implementation.
• Coordination among different Ministries/Departments.

IAS Salary after 10 Years

The salary of an IAS officer increases with time due to annual increments, promotions, and other benefits. After 10 years of service, an IAS officer can expect a substantial increase in salary depending on their level and designation. The basic pay for an IAS officer is determined based on the Pay Matrix set by the Government of India. At the start of the 10th year of service, an IAS officer typically falls in Pay Level 14, where the basic pay is around Rs. 1,44,200 per month. 

Here are some examples of the salary of an IAS officer after 10 years of service, based on their level and designation:

• Level 12 (District Magistrate): ₹78,800 per month
• Level 13 (Joint Secretary): ₹1,18,500 per month
• Level 14 (Additional Secretary): ₹1,44,200 per month
• Level 15 (Principal Secretary): ₹1,82,200 per month

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual salary of an IAS officer may vary depending on their individual circumstances.

UPSC IAS Salary - Perks and Allowances

The salary of an IAS Officer is categorised into various grades, and the final amount is determined by the grade in which the officer serves. This salary comprises basic pay, grade pay, and additional perks and allowances that an IAS Officer is entitled to receive. Some of these benefits are outlined below:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): This is a crucial component of an IAS officer's salary, subject to periodic increments by the government. It can reach up to 103% of the basic pay, directly impacting the overall IAS Salary.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA varies according to the city of the officer's posting. Typically ranging from 8% to 24% of the basic pay, it aids in covering housing expenses.
• Medical Allowance: The salary of an IAS includes a medical allowance, which can be claimed for reimbursement during medical treatments.
• Other Benefits and Allowances: Various other benefits include transport allowance, house help benefits, mobile bills, travel expenses, as well as pension and retirement benefits.

It is essential for aspiring candidates to remember that the pay scale offered to an IAS Officer should not be the sole determinant for joining the services. The civil service offers an opportunity to serve the nation and positively impact the lives of its people. The chief motivation should be the desire to contribute to the country's development and enhance the well-being of its citizens.

IPS vs IAS Salary

Are you curious about the salary structure of IAS and IPS officers? Both IAS and IPS officers start with a competitive salary of Rs 56,100 (excluding TA, DA, and HRA). However, the highest monthly salary for an IAS officer can reach an impressive Rs 2,50,000 as a Cabinet Secretary, while the highest IPS salary can reach Rs 2,25,000 for a DGP. There is no difference between the Salary of an IAS Officer and that of an IPS Officer. The only difference is the rank under both categories.

FAQs on IAS Salary

What is the starting salary of an IAS Officer?

According to the 7th Pay Commission, the initial basic salary of an IAS officer is Rs. 56,100. Along with this, they receive various allowances such as Travel Allowance and Dearness Allowance. As an IAS officer progresses in their career, the monthly salary can go up significantly, with the Cabinet Secretary having a basic salary that may reach Rs. 2,50,000 per month.

Who pays the salary to an IAS Officer?

The salary of IAS officers is paid by the state government and not the Central Government. The officers appointed for central deputation are paid salaries by the Central government.

What is the Highest IAS Salary?

The highest IAS Salary is Rs. 2,50,000 per month. It is given to the Cabinet Secretary of India by following the 7th Pay Commission.

Whose salary is higher, IAS or IPS?

The salary of an IAS Officer is higher than that of an IPS Officer, the reason being that the position of an IAS Officer is above that of an IPS Officer in terms of power and position.

What are the perks of becoming an IAS Officer?

Becoming an IAS officer offers attractive perks, including job security, competitive salary, allowances, accommodation, medical benefits, study leaves, pension, and a prestigious career with social impact and influence.

Are IAS Officers paid Salary at the time of training?

Yes, the IAS Officers are paid a salary of Rs 56,100 every month for 2 years during their time of training at LBSNAA.