IAS Officer Salary 2026 — 7th CPC Pay Level 10
IAS officers start as SDM/Assistant Collector at Pay Level 10 (Junior Time Scale). IPS and other All India Services follow similar entry levels with minor variation. Salary rises with seniority to Level 14+ for Secretary rank.
Pay commission / scale
7th CPC — All India Services
Post-wise salary (indicative)
| Post | Pay level | Basic pay | In-hand (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDM / Assistant Collector (entry — Level 10) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹75,000–₹95,000 |
| District Magistrate (senior — Level 12+) | Level 12+ | ₹78,800+ | ₹1,10,000+ |
| Secretary / Chief Secretary (top — Level 17–18) | Level 17–18 | ₹2,25,000+ | ₹2,50,000+ |
Allowances & components
- DA
- HRA (often government accommodation instead)
- TA
- Special duty allowances in field postings
Notes
- Government bungalow or HRA depending on posting.
- Career span of 30+ years with predictable pay progression.
FAQs
Do IAS officers get free housing?
Many postings include government accommodation; otherwise HRA is paid as per rules.