IAS Salary 2025, Pay Scale, Perks, Allowances & Career Growth

Last Updated: [21 / 04 / 2025]

If you’re aspiring to become an IAS officer, understanding the salary structure, perks, and career growth is crucial. The IAS salary is one of the most attractive in India, with high pay, allowances, and job security.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ IAS Salary 2025 (7th Pay Commission)
✔ Basic Pay, DA, HRA & Other Allowances
✔ In-Hand Salary at Each Rank
✔ IAS vs IPS vs IFS Salary Comparison
✔ Perks & Benefits (Lifetime Facilities)
✔ Career Growth & Promotions

Let’s dive in!

IAS Salary Structure 2025 (7th Pay Commission)

The IAS salary is revised as per the 7th Pay Commission. The pay scale is divided into 8 levels, starting from Junior Scale to Apex Scale (Cabinet Secretary).

Rank	Pay Level	Basic Pay (₹)	Total Salary (Approx.)
Junior Scale (SDM)	Level 10	56,100	₹80,000 - ₹1,00,000
Senior Scale (ADM)	Level 11	67,700	₹1,00,000 -₹1,30,000
Junior Administrative Grade (Deputy Secretary)	Level 12	78,800	₹1,30,000 - ₹1,50,000
Selection Grade (Director)	Level 13	1,18,500	₹1,50,000 - ₹1,80,000
Super Time Scale (Joint Secretary)	Level 14	1,44,200	₹1,80,000 - ₹2,20,000
Above Super Time Scale (Additional Secretary)	Level 15	1,82,200	₹2,20,000 - ₹2,50,000
Apex Scale (Secretary)	Level 17	2,25,000	₹2,50,000+
Cabinet Secretary	Level 18	2,50,000	₹2,80,000+

*(Note: Total salary includes Basic Pay + DA + HRA + TA + other allowances.)*

IAS Officer In-Hand Salary (After Deductions)

The actual in-hand salary of an IAS officer includes:
✅ Basic Pay
✅ Dearness Allowance (DA) – 46% of basic pay (2025)
✅ House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 8-24% (depends on city)
✅ Travel Allowance (TA) – ₹3,000 - ₹10,000
✅ Medical Allowance – Fully covered
✅ Other Benefits – PF, Gratuity, Pension

Example: IAS Salary Calculation (Junior Scale - SDM)

· Basic Pay: ₹56,100

· DA (46%): ₹25,806

· HRA (16% for Delhi): ₹8,976

· TA: ₹4,000

· Gross Salary: ₹56,100 + ₹25,806 + ₹8,976 + ₹4,000 = ₹94,882

· Deductions (NPS, Tax): ~₹10,000

· In-Hand Salary: ₹84,000 - ₹90,000

*(Note: Higher ranks (Joint Secretary & above) get ₹1.8L - ₹2.8L in-hand.)*

IAS vs IPS vs IFS Salary Comparison

Service	Starting Salary (Approx.)	Highest Salary (Cabinet Rank)	Key Perks
IAS	₹80,000 - ₹1,00,000	₹2,80,000+	Best promotions, policy-making power
IPS	₹70,000 - ₹90,000	₹2,50,000+	Police perks, govt security
IFS	₹80,000 - ₹1,00,000	₹2,50,000+	Foreign postings, diplomatic benefits

(IAS has the highest career growth and influence.)

IAS Perks & Benefits (Beyond Salary)

✔ Government Accommodation (Bungalow in premium areas)
✔ Free Electricity, Water, & Security
✔ Domestic Help & Official Vehicle
✔ Subsidized Healthcare (AIIMS-level treatment)
✔ Study Leaves (Abroad for higher studies)
✔ Lifetime Pension & Post-Retirement Benefits

*(No other job in India offers such power + perks!)*

IAS Career Growth & Promotions

1. SDM (2-4 years) → DM (5-8 years)

2. DM → Joint Secretary (14-16 years)

3. Additional Secretary → Chief Secretary (25+ years)

4. Cabinet Secretary (Highest Post)

Fastest Promotion?

· Top-rankers (Rank 1-10) get faster promotions.

· Average time to become DM: 5-6 years.

FAQs on IAS Salary

1. What is the starting salary of an IAS officer?

➡️ ₹80,000 - ₹1,00,000 (including allowances).

2. Do IAS officers get a salary during training?

➡️ Yes! ₹45,000/month (stipend during LBSNAA training).

3. What is the highest IAS salary?

➡️ ₹2,80,000+ (Cabinet Secretary level).

4. Do IAS officers pay income tax?

➡️ Yes, but they get HRA, TA, and other tax benefits.

5. Can an IAS officer earn extra income?

➡️ No, private earnings are restricted (govt approval needed).

Conclusion: Is IAS Salary Worth It?

The IAS salary is just one part of the benefits—power, job security, and societal respect make it India’s most prestigious career.

If you’re preparing for UPSC, focus on rank improvement—top rankers get better postings & faster promotions!

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