Every year, lakhs of students appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Most of them dream of becoming an IAS officer. It is one of the most powerful and respected posts in India.
An IAS officer earns a starting salary of Rs 56,100 per month, and the highest salary goes up to Rs 2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary.
Apart from salary, IAS officers enjoy many perks, allowances, and benefits. Here is everything you need to know about the IAS salary in 2026.
How much does an IAS Officer earn per month?
An IAS officer gets Rs 56,100 per month at the entry level. As the officer gains experience and gets promoted, the salary increases step by step. The highest-paid IAS officer is the Cabinet Secretary of India, who earns Rs 2,50,000 per month. On top of basic pay, officers also get Dearness Allowance (DA), which is currently 9% of basic pay.
How much salary does an IAS Officer get during training?
Before joining duty, a selected IAS candidate goes through a training programme. During training, the officer receives around Rs 30,000 to Rs 36,000 per month. This is lower than the actual salary because deductions like mess fees, hostel fees, and other charges are cut from it.
IAS Officer grade pay as per 7th Pay Commission
Under the 7th Pay Commission, IAS salary is divided into eight grades. Each grade has a different pay scale and grade pay based on years of service.
| Post | Pay Scale | Grade Pay | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Scale | Rs 50,000 - 1,50,000 | Rs 16,500 | Entry Level |
| Senior Time Scale | Rs 50,000 - 1,50,000 | Rs 20,000 | 5 Years |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Rs 50,000 - 1,50,000 | Rs 23,000 | 9 Years |
IAS Officer rank-wise salary
| Rank and Post | Basic Pay | Pay Level | Years of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDM, Under Secretary | Rs 56,100 | Level 10 | 1-4 Years |
| ADM, Deputy Secretary | Rs 67,700 | Level 11 | 5-8 Years |
| District Magistrate, Joint Secretary | Rs 78,800 | Level 12 | 9-12 Years |
| District Magistrate, Director | Rs 1,18,500 | Level 13 | 13-16 Years |
| Divisional Commissioner, Joint Secretary | Rs 1,44,200 | Level 14 | 16-24 Years |
| Divisional Commissioner, Additional Secretary | Rs 1,82,200 | Level 15 | 25-30 Years |
| Additional Chief Secretary | Rs 2,05,400 | Level 16 | 30-33 Years |
| Chief Secretary | Rs 2,25,000 | Level 17 | 34-36 Years |
| Cabinet Secretary of India | Rs 2,50,000 | Level 18 | 37+ Years |
What allowances and perks do IAS Officers get?
Apart from basic pay, IAS officers receive many extra benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently 9% of basic pay. It adjusts salary with inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Ranges from 8% to 24% of basic pay depending on the city of posting.
- Medical Allowance: Covers medical expenses of the officer and family.
- Other Benefits: Pension, retirement benefits, travel expenses, housekeeping, mobile bills, and transportation allowance.