Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most sought-after career choices in India. Individuals who qualify for the IAS exam get an opportunity to serve in top administrative positions in the government. One of the key aspects that aspirants consider when preparing for the exam is the salary and benefits of an IAS officer. We’ll break down the IAS salary structure, in-hand salary, and other benefits provided to IAS officers.

IAS Salary Structure in India

Salary of an IAS officer is determined by the Pay Commission, which revises the salary scales periodically. Currently, the salary structure is governed by the 7th Pay Commission. The pay scales differ based on the officer’s rank, experience, and position. Here’s an overview of the salary at different stages of an IAS officer’s career:

IAS Salary Junior Scale (Entry-Level):

• Grade: Junior Time Scale (JTS)
• Basic Pay: ₹56,100
  At the beginning of their career, IAS officers are placed in the Junior Time Scale (JTS), where the pay scale starts at ₹56,000 per month, with the possibility of increments based on promotions and experience.

IAS Salary Senior Time Scale (After 5 Years):

• Grade: Senior Time Scale (STS)
• Basic Pay: ₹67,700 per month
  After a few years of service, IAS officers are promoted to the Senior Time Scale, resulting in a salary increase and additional responsibilities.

IAS Salary Junior Administrative Grade (After 9 Years):

• Grade: Junior Administrative Grade (JAG)
• Pay Scale: ₹78,800 to ₹1,18,500
• Basic Pay: ₹78,800 per month
  After 9 to 12 years of service, officers are placed in the Junior Administrative Grade, with a further increase in their pay scale and grade pay.

Selection Grade:

• Pay Scale: ₹1,18,500
• Grade Pay: ₹8,700
  After a certain number of years in service, IAS officers are placed in the Selection Grade, which offers a higher pay scale, reflecting their experience and responsibilities.

IAS Salary Highest Grade Level:

• Grade: Cabinet Secretary (Highest Grade)
• Pay Scale: ₹2,50,000
  At the highest level, the Cabinet Secretary of India receives a fixed salary of ₹2,50,000 per month.

The IAS salary structure ensures that officers are compensated according to their experience and responsibilities, with opportunities for significant salary growth as they move up the ranks.

Salary Structure of IAS Officer:

IAS Officer In-Hand Salary

The in-hand salary is the actual amount that an IAS officer receives after deductions, including taxes, provident fund, and other allowances. The in-hand salary varies depending on the officer’s rank, the location of posting, and additional allowances.

1. IAS Salary Probationary (Starting):

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100
• Allowances: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000
• Total Salary (Approx.): ₹80,000 – ₹90,000
• Deductions: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
• In-Hand Salary: ₹75,000 – ₹85,000
  As a probationary employee, your starting salary will be approximately ₹80,000 to ₹90,000, depending on allowances. After deductions for things like taxes, provident fund, and insurance (typically around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000), your final in-hand salary will range from ₹75,000 to ₹85,000 per month.

2. IAS Salary After 3 Years (JAG):

• Basic Pay: ₹78,800
• Allowances: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000
• Total Salary (Approx.): ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,20,000
• Deductions: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000
• In-Hand Salary: ₹1,03,000 – ₹1,13,000
  After three years, when you reach the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG), your basic pay increases to ₹78,800. Your total salary (basic pay + allowances) will range from ₹1,10,000 to ₹1,20,000. Deductions will also rise to ₹7,000 to ₹10,000, leaving you with an in-hand salary of ₹1,03,000 to ₹1,13,000.

3. IAS Salary Selection Grade:

• Basic Pay: ₹1,18,500
• Allowances: ₹30,000 – ₹35,000
• Total Salary (Approx.): ₹1,55,000 – ₹1,65,000
• Deductions: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
• In-Hand Salary: ₹1,45,000 – ₹1,55,000
  At the Selection Grade level, your basic pay increases significantly to ₹1,18,500. The total salary (including allowances) will range from ₹1,55,000 to ₹1,65,000. With deductions typically between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, your in-hand salary will be approximately ₹1,45,000 to ₹1,55,000 per month.

In-Hand Salary Structure of IAS Officer:

The in-hand salary at each stage reflects the progression in both basic pay and allowances, with an increasing in-hand income as you advance in your career.

IAS Officers Allowances and Benefits

In addition to the basic salary, IAS officers are entitled to various allowances and perks. Some of the key allowances include:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): This is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance that is revised every six months.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Officers are entitled to house rent allowances, especially if they are posted in cities with high living costs.
• Transport Allowance: This allowance covers transportation costs for the officer.
• Medical Allowance: IAS officers and their families are provided medical benefits and allowances.
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): This allowance covers the travel expenses of the officer and their family during official leave.

In addition to these allowances, IAS officers also enjoy several other perks, such as:

• Official Accommodation: IAS officers are often allotted government accommodations, depending on their rank.
• Vehicle: Higher-ranked IAS officers are provided with official vehicles for their travel.
• Security: Due to their high-ranking positions, IAS officers are often provided with government security.
• Pension: As civil servants, IAS officers are entitled to a pension after retirement.

IAS Salary FAQs