IAS Officer Salary 2026 starts from a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month at the entry level and can reach up to ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary of India, excluding allowances like DA, HRA and TA.
Becoming an IAS officer is one of the most prestigious careers in India, drawing thousands of aspirants each year due to the combination of attractive salary, immense authority, social impact, and lifelong perks.
The salary figures are governed by the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, with no major structural changes reported up to 2026. This article provides a detailed overview of the IAS salary structure 2026, in-hand pay, allowances, training stipend, promotion hierarchy, and more to help aspirants understand the financial aspects.
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IAS Officer Salary 2026 – Overview
The IAS officer salary 2026 follows the 7th Pay Commission framework, where entry-level officers receive a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month at Pay Level 10. This rises progressively with experience, annual increments, and promotions, culminating in ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary at Pay Level 18.
Key Highlights of IAS Salary 2026
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Entry-level IAS basic pay: ₹56,100 (Pay Level 10).
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Highest IAS salary: ₹2,50,000 (Cabinet Secretary).
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Additional DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances that significantly boost total compensation.
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Steady annual increments and promotion-based salary growth over a career spanning 30+ years.
IAS Pay Level and Basic Salary
IAS Rank-wise Pay Level and Basic Pay
|
IAS Rank / Post |
Pay Level |
Basic Pay (₹ per month) |
|---|---|---|
|
SDM / Under Secretary / Assistant Secretary |
10 |
56,100 |
|
ADM / Deputy Secretary / Under Secretary |
11 |
67,700 |
|
District Magistrate / Joint Secretary / Deputy Secretary |
12 |
78,800 |
|
DM / Director |
13 |
1,18,500 |
|
Divisional Commissioner / Secretary-cum-Commissioner / Joint Secretary |
14 |
1,44,200 |
|
Divisional Commissioner / Principal Secretary / Additional Secretary |
15 |
2,05,400 |
|
Additional Chief Secretary |
16 |
2,25,000 (approx. fixed in some scales) |
|
Chief Secretary / Secretary |
17 |
2,25,000 |
|
Cabinet Secretary of India |
18 |
2,50,000 |
IAS Salary Growth Over the Years
IAS officers receive annual increments within their pay level. After about 4–5 years, they move to higher levels through time-bound promotions or selection grades. A significant jump often occurs around 9–12 years (reaching Pay Level 12–13), and by 16+ years, many reach Pay Level 14 with basic pay around ₹1,44,200 or higher, plus enhanced allowances.
IAS Salary 2026 after 7th Pay Commission – Post-wise
The following table shows approximate basic pay progression based on service years and typical postings:
|
Basic Pay (₹) |
Service Years |
|---|---|
|
56,100 |
1–4 |
|
67,700 |
5–8 |
|
78,800 |
9–12 |
|
1,18,500 |
13–16 |
|
1,44,200 |
16–24 |
|
1,82,200 |
25–30 |
|
2,05,400 |
30–33 |
|
2,25,000 |
34–36 |
|
2,50,000 |
37+ |
IAS Officer In-Hand Salary 2026
Components of In-Hand IAS Salary
In-hand salary = Basic Pay + DA + HRA + TA + other allowances – deductions (like PF, income tax, etc.). DA is revised periodically to offset inflation and forms a major portion.
Entry-Level IAS In-Hand Salary (Approximate)
For a basic pay of ₹56,100 at Pay Level 10, in-hand salary typically ranges higher (often ₹70,000–₹1,00,000+ depending on city classification for HRA, current DA rates, and posting). Exact figures vary by location (e.g., higher HRA in metro cities) and current allowances.
In-Hand Salary at Senior Levels
At senior Pay Levels (14–18), higher basic pay combined with similar allowance percentages results in substantially greater in-hand amounts, often exceeding ₹2,00,000–₹3,00,000+ after additions.
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IAS Allowances and Perks in 2026
Dearness Allowance (DA)
DA is a percentage of basic pay, revised biannually based on inflation. It significantly increases total pay (recent trends show rates around 50–60% or higher, subject to government announcements).
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
HRA varies by city category (typically 8%–24% of basic pay, or government-provided accommodation in lieu).
Transport Allowance (TA) and Other Key Allowances
TA covers official travel, while other perks include medical facilities, leave travel concession, and reimbursements.
Other Facilities Provided to IAS Officers
These include official residence, domestic help, security (as needed), official vehicle (especially at senior levels), access to government guest houses, and comprehensive post-retirement pension benefits.
Facilities Provided to IAS Officers
Official Residence and Accommodation
IAS officers usually get government bungalows or quarters, often well-maintained and in prime locations.
Staff, Vehicle and Office Facilities
Support staff, official vehicles with drivers, and office infrastructure are standard, scaling up with seniority.
Medical, Leave and Pension Benefits
Access to CGHS medical facilities, generous leave entitlements, and assured pension under applicable rules.
IAS Promotion Hierarchy and Salary Growth
|
Stage / Designation |
Typical Role Highlights |
|---|---|
|
Probationary Officer |
Training and initial field exposure |
|
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) |
Sub-division administration |
|
District Magistrate / Collector |
District-level governance |
|
Divisional Commissioner |
Division-level supervision |
|
Secretary / Principal Secretary (State) |
Policy and department head |
|
Additional / Joint Secretary (Centre) |
Central ministry leadership |
|
Chief Secretary / Cabinet Secretary |
Apex state/central positions |
Salary Growth at Each Career Stage
Promotions tie to pay level upgrades, with basic pay rising accordingly (e.g., from Level 10 to 14+ over 15–20 years).
IAS Highest Post and Salary
Cabinet Secretary of India – Apex Salary
The highest post carries a basic pay of ₹2,50,000 per month at Pay Level 18.
Chief Secretary and Other Top-Level Posts
Chief Secretary roles typically feature around ₹2,25,000 per month.
