IAS Salary 2025: Grade Pay, Per Month Salary (After 8th Pay Commission), Promotion of IAS Officers

IAS Salary 2025 starts with a basic pay of Rs. 56,100/– in India. However, this is the entry-level basic pay, in addition to which an IAS Officer is entitled to receive several allowances and perks accorded as per the norms of the 7th Pay Commission. In India, the role of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is not merely a job—it's a profound commitment to public service and nation-building. As the backbone of India's administrative machinery, IAS officers are entrusted with implementing policies, maintaining law and order, and driving developmental initiatives across the country.

As the saying goes, "Leadership is not about power, but about purpose," an IAS Officer’s decisions have a direct impact on the lives of millions of citizens of the country, that makes their position both powerful and purposeful. In effect, they play a significant role in shaping the future of the nation. The IAS Officer’s lucrative salary package is a by-product of the honor and responsibility that the position offers. 

As of 2025, an entry-level IAS officer starts with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month, which can escalate to ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary, the highest-ranking position in the service. In addition to the basic pay, officers receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), enhancing their overall compensation package.

Choosing a career in the Civil Services is not just about the financial rewards; it's about embracing a role that offers immense responsibility, the opportunity to effect meaningful change to a million lives, and the chance to serve the nation at the highest levels.

Also, read IAS Salary in Hindi (IAS Ki Salary) here.

IAS Salary 2025: Highlights

The basic salary of an IAS Officer in India per month is Rs 56,100 excluding any additional allowances. Have a look at the overview of IAS Officer Salary in the table below to understand the basic pay structure.

Overview Of IAS Officer Salary in India
Particulars	Description
IAS Salary Basic Pay	Rs. 56,100
IAS Officer Salary During Training	Approx. ₹33,000–35,000 (Varies as per Deductions)
Maximum Salary of IAS Officer	Rs. 2,50,000
Pay Commission	7th Pay Commission
IAS Officer Allowances	TA, DA, HRA

Also, check out the Duties of an IAS Officer here.

IAS Officer Salary is determined by the norms of the 7th Pay Commission, which recommends the salary structure of central government employees. The basic monthly IAS salary begins at Rs. 56,100 excluding TA, DA, and HRA, and can increase up to Rs. 2,500,00 for a Cabinet Secretary. In the below table, go through the detailed salary structure, salary components and post-wise pay band details to understand the structure of IAS Salary in India – 

Also check - UPSC Post List & Salary

Also read – IAS Full Form

IAS Officer Salary Per Month 2025

The basic IAS Salary is Rs. 56,100/- per month. The IAS Officer Salary Per Month is calculated by summing up several components including – Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks. For entry level IAS Officers, the basic salary per month starts at ₹56,100 per month and goes up to ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary, which is the highest-ranking IAS position. Allowances such as DA, HRA and TA based on the officer's posting location and other factors get added to this basic salary to constitute the IAS Salary per month. 

For instance, in metropolitan cities, HRA can be as high as 24% of the Basic Pay, while DA is adjusted biannually to counter inflation. These allowances add to the in-hand salary of IAS Officers, making it a lucrative career path for several aspirants. Go through the table given below to check the breakdown of the salary components of an IAS Officer’s salary –

Post	Basic Pay (₹)	DA (46%)	HRA (16%)	TA (₹4,000)	Gross Salary (₹)	Deductions (₹)	In-Hand Salary (₹)
ASP/SDM/Assistant Commissioner	56,100	25,806	8,976	4,000	94,882	~10,000	84,000
ADM/Deputy Secretary/Undersecretary	67,700	31,122	10,832	4,000	1,13,654	~12,000	1,01,654
DM/Joint Secretary/Deputy Secretary	78,800	36,288	12,608	4,000	1,31,696	~14,000	1,17,696
DM/Special Secretary cum Director/Director	1,18,500	54,510	18,960	4,000	1,95,970	~20,000	1,75,970
Divisional Commissioner/Secretary cum Commissioner/Joint Secretary	1,44,200	66,152	23,072	4,000	2,37,424	~25,000	2,12,424
Divisional Commissioner/Principal Secretary/Additional Secretary	1,82,200	83,732	29,152	4,000	2,99,084	~30,000	2,69,084
Additional Chief Secretary	2,05,400	94,484	32,864	4,000	3,36,748	~35,000	3,01,748
Chief Secretary	2,25,000	1,03,500	36,000	4,000	3,68,500	~38,000	3,30,500
Cabinet Secretary	2,50,000	1,15,000	40,000	4,000	4,09,000	~40,000	3,69,000

Note: Deductions include Provident Fund, Professional Tax, and Income Tax, which may vary based on individual circumstances.

Highest Salary of an IAS Officer

As of 2025, the highest salary for an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is ₹2,50,000 per month, designated for the post of Cabinet Secretary of India—the apex position in the civil services hierarchy. This role is typically attained after 37+ years of distinguished service and is classified under Pay Level 18 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. In addition to the basic pay, officers at this level receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), which can elevate the total monthly compensation to approximately ₹2.8 lakh. The salary progression for IAS officers is structured across various pay levels, starting from ₹56,100 per month at entry-level positions like Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Pay Level 10), with increments based on years of service and promotions.

IAS Officer Who Takes ₹1 as Salary – Did You Know?   Amit Kataria, a 2004-batch IAS officer from the Chhattisgarh cadre, is renowned for his symbolic gesture of accepting only ₹1 as his IAS salary during a significant phase of his career. An alumnus of IIT Delhi, Kataria secured the 18th rank in the 2003 UPSC examination. Despite his substantial net worth of approximately ₹8.90 crore, primarily derived from his family's real estate ventures in Delhi NCR, he chose to emphasize public service over personal financial gain. His decision to draw a nominal salary underscored his commitment to administrative duties and nation-building. Throughout his career, Kataria has held pivotal roles, including District Collector in various districts and Joint Secretary in the Department of Rural Development. His unique approach to governance and dedication to public service have made him a distinguished figure in the Indian bureaucracy .

IAS Grade Pay

In the IAS Salary structure, the grade pay starts from Rs. 5400 for posts like Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Undersecretary. As per the 7th Pay Commission, the grade pay system has been replaced by a consolidated pay matrix. The grade pay levels for IAS officers are categorized as follows –

• Junior Time Scale: Grade Pay ₹5,400
• Senior Time Scale: Grade Pay ₹6,600
• Junior Administrative Grade: Grade Pay ₹7,600
• Selection Grade: Grade Pay ₹8,700
• Super Time Scale: Grade Pay ₹10,000
• Above Super Time Scale: Grade Pay ₹12,000
• Apex Scale: Fixed Pay ₹2,25,000
• Cabinet Secretary Grade: Fixed Pay ₹2,50,000

These grade pays correspond to specific pay bands in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix and are used to determine the basic pay of IAS officers.

What is the Salary of IAS After 5 Years?

After approximately 05 years of service, an IAS officer attains the Senior Time Scale, which corresponds to Pay Level 11 in the 7th Pay Commission matrix. At this stage, the officer's Basic Pay is ₹67,700 per month.

• Allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA) get added to this basic pay to constitute the IAS Salary after 5 years.
• The in-hand salary, after accounting for deductions like Provident Fund and Income Tax, ranges between ₹65,000 and ₹70,000 per month.

Check the detailed breakdown of IAS Salary after 5 years in the table below –

Post/Experience Level	Basic Pay (₹)	DA (38%)	HRA (16%)	TA (₹4,000)	Gross Salary (₹)	Deductions (₹)	In-Hand Salary (₹)
After 5 Years (Senior Time Scale)	67,700	25,726	10,832	4,000	1,07,258	~12,000	95,000

IAS Salary After 10 Years

Upon reaching the 10-year mark, an IAS officer is usually promoted to the Junior Administrative Grade, corresponding to Pay Level 12.

• The Basic Pay at this level is ₹78,800 per month. With the inclusion of allowances such as DA, HRA, and TA, the gross monthly salary increases significantly.
• The in-hand salary, post-deductions, typically falls between ₹75,000 and ₹80,000 per month.

Check the detailed breakdown of the IAS Officer Salary After 10 years –

Post/Experience Level	Basic Pay (₹)	DA (38%)	HRA (16%)	TA (₹4,000)	Gross Salary (₹)	Deductions (₹)	In-Hand Salary (₹)
After 10 Years (Junior Administrative Grade)	78,800	29,944	12,608	4,000	1,25,352	~15,000	1,10,352

What is Post Wise IAS Officer Salary Structure?

IAS Salary varies post wise, with officers entitled to receive yearly increments as per the norms of the 7th Pay Commission. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) offers a structured career progression with corresponding salary increments at each level. Check the post-wise IAS Officer salary structure in the table below – 

Post-Wise IAS Officer Salary Structure
IAS Rank Wise Post	Pay Level	Basic Pay (Per Month)	Years of Experience
SDM, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary	10	₹56,100	0-4 years
ADM, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary	11	₹67,700	4-9 years
District Magistrate, Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary	12	₹78,800	9-12 years
District Magistrate, Deputy Secretary, and Director	13	₹1,18,500	12-16 years
Divisional Commissioner, Secretary-cum-Commissioner, Joint Secretary	14	₹1,44,200	16-25 years
Divisional Commissioner, Principal Secretary, and Additional Secretary	15	₹2,05,400	25-30 years
Additional Chief Secretary	16	₹2,50,000	30+ years
Chief Secretary and Secretary	17	₹2,25,000	34-36 years
Cabinet Secretary of India	18	₹2,50,000	37+ years

What are the IAS Officer Perks & Allowances?

In addition to the basic salary per month, IAS officers are entitled to various allowances and perks that add to their overall compensation. These allowances are provided to offset living expenses, travel costs, and other work-related expenditures. The following are the allowances included in the IAS salary package –

1. House Rent Allowance (HRA)

HRA is provided to IAS officers who opt not to reside in government accommodation. The allowance varies based on the city of posting:

• Class X (Metro Cities): 24% of Basic Pay
• Class Y (Cities with population above 5 lakhs): 16% of Basic Pay
• Class Z (Rural Areas): 8% of Basic Pay

For example, an officer with a Basic Pay of ₹56,100 would receive:

• Metro Cities: ₹13,464
• Other Cities: ₹8,976
• Rural Areas: ₹4,488

*Note: Officers residing in official accommodations are not eligible for HRA.*

2. Dearness Allowance (DA)

DA is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance paid to government employees. It is calculated as a percentage of Basic Pay and is revised periodically to offset inflation. As of 2025, the DA stands at 46% of the Basic Pay. For a Basic Pay of ₹56,100, the DA would be ₹17,391/–.

3. Travel Allowance (TA)

• TA is provided to cover travel expenses incurred during official duties. It varies based on the officer's posting and is subject to government regulations. 
• Typically, TA includes reimbursement for travel, lodging, and daily allowances. 
• If an IAS officer is provided with a government vehicle, they are not eligible for TA.

 For an officer with a Basic Pay of ₹56,100, the monthly TA could be approximately ₹4,000/–.

4. Other Allowances

Apart from HRA, DA, and TA, IAS officers are eligible for various other allowances, including:

• Medical Allowance:
• Electricity and Water Bills
• Mobile and Internet Bills
• Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)
• Pension and Retirement Benefits

IAS officers and their families are entitled to comprehensive medical coverage. The government bears the expenses for treatments at recognized hospitals.

5. Communication Allowance

Officers receive three BSNL SIM cards with complimentary talk time, SMS, and internet services. Three BSNL SIM cards with free talk time, SMS, and internet are given to officers. Additionally, they have access to a free broadband connection and a BSNL landline at home.

6. Official Accommodation

IAS officers are provided with official residences or service quarters, often spacious bungalows in prime locations, depending on their posting. These accommodations come with minimal or no rent.

7. Other Benefits 

• Security – Depending on the threat perception and posting, IAS officers are provided with security personnel. This can range from home guards and bodyguards to STF commandos in high-risk areas.
• Household Staff – To assist with daily chores, officers are provided with household staff, including cooks, maids, gardeners, and security guards.
• Study Leave – After completing a certain period of service, IAS officers can avail study leave for 2 to 4 years to pursue higher education, including courses at foreign universities. The government bears the cost of education during this period.
• Official Vehicles – Officers are provided with official vehicles along with drivers for official purposes. The number and type of vehicles depend on the officer's rank and posting.
• Accommodation During Trips – During official and unofficial trips, IAS officers can avail subsidized lodging at circuit houses, government bungalows, or rest houses across the country. When visiting New Delhi, they are accommodated in their respective State Bhavans with all necessary amenities.

8. Job Security

IAS officers enjoy robust job security. The process to discharge an IAS officer requires an elaborate investigation as mandated by the constitution, ensuring protection against arbitrary dismissal.

9. Post-Retirement Benefits

After retirement, IAS officers are entitled to a lifetime pension and other benefits. They can also be appointed to commissions, tribunals, and consulting roles, leveraging their administrative experience.

IAS vs IPS Salary

As of 2025, both Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers begin their careers with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. This base salary is supplemented by allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), leading to an in-hand salary ranging between ₹80,000 and ₹1,00,000, contingent on the posting location and applicable deductions.

• The apex salary for an IAS officer, serving as the Cabinet Secretary, reaches ₹2,50,000 per month, while an IPS officer at the Director General of Police (DGP) level earns up to ₹2,25,000 monthly. 
• Although the foundational pay structures are similar, IAS officers often receive higher allowances and perks, reflecting their broader administrative responsibilities and potential for diverse postings. 
• Further, IAS officers may have more opportunities for international assignments and deputations to central ministries, contributing to a slightly higher overall earning potential compared to their IPS counterparts.

What Will Be IAS Salary After 8th Pay Commission?

The 8th Pay Commission for central government employees, including IAS officers, was approved by the Union Cabinet on January 16, 2025. Its recommendations are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, marking a significant revision after the 7th Pay Commission, which was implemented in 2016. The 8th Pay Commission will revise the salary structure, allowances, and pension benefits to align with current economic conditions and inflation rates.

Under the 8th Pay Commission, the fitment factor—a multiplier applied to the basic pay—is anticipated to increase from 2.57 to approximately 2.85. This adjustment would result in a substantial rise in the basic pay across various pay levels.

• For instance, the basic pay for IAS officers in Level 10 is projected to increase from ₹56,100 to ₹67,320, while those in Level 18 could see an increase from ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,00,000.

The following are the projected numbers of level wise IAS Salary after 8th Pay Commission –

Pay Matrix Level	Current Basic Pay (₹)	Projected Basic Pay (₹)
Level 10	56,100	67,320
Level 11	67,700	81,240
Level 12	78,800	94,560
Level 13	1,23,100	1,47,720
Level 13A	1,31,100	1,57,320
Level 14	1,44,200	1,73,040
Level 15	1,82,200	2,18,400
Level 16	2,05,400	2,46,480
Level 17	2,25,000	2,70,000
Level 18	2,50,000	3,00,000

Note: The projected basic pay figures are based on an estimated fitment factor of 2.85 and are subject to official notifications upon the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission.

These adjustments are expected to significantly improve the in-hand salary of IAS officers, considering the inclusion of allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA), which are calculated based on the revised basic pay.

Attempt UPSC CSE Previous Year Papers to boost your exam preparation!

We hope you found this article on Best Optional Subject for UPSC 2025 to be useful for your exam preparation! Download the Testbook App now to get last-minute preparation tips and best-in-class study materials, test series and expert coaching for IAS Preparation!

Related Articles –
IAS vs. IRS	IAS After 12th
List of Best Newspapers for IAS	Types of Civil Services Post
Anna Rajam Malhotra: First Woman IAS Officer	Aishwarya Pradhan: First Transgender IAS Officer
Ansar Shaikh: Youngest IAS Officer	Satyendranath Tagore: First IAS Officer