IAS & IPS Salary 2026 — Level-wise Basic Pay, In-hand & Perks
IAS / IPS pay by scale (7th CPC level)
All-India Services officers move through defined pay scales tied to years of service and posting. The basic pay is the 7th CPC matrix figure for the level; DA, HRA and Transport Allowance are added, and there are substantial non-cash perks (official residence, staff, vehicle, security) that the cash figure does not capture.
| Scale | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Typical stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Scale | Level 10 | 56,100 | Entry (SDM / ASP) |
| Senior Time Scale | Level 11 | 67,700 | After ~4–5 years (DM entry / SP) |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Level 12 | 78,800 | After ~9 years |
| Selection Grade | Level 13 | 1,23,100 | After ~13 years |
| Super Time Scale | Level 14 | 1,44,200 | Secretary/Commissioner (state) |
| Above Super Time Scale | Level 15 | 1,82,200 | Principal Secretary / ADG |
| Apex Scale | Level 17 | 2,25,000 | Chief Secretary / DGP (fixed pay) |
| Cabinet Secretary | Level 18 | 2,50,000 | Cabinet Secretary (fixed pay) |
Basic pay is the fixed 7th CPC entry cell. In-hand = basic + Dearness Allowance (60% from 1 January 2026) + HRA + Transport Allowance (with DA on it) − NPS (10% of basic + DA) − CGHS, before income tax. The lower figure is a Z-class town (HRA 10%), the higher an X-class metro (HRA 30%). Levels 17–18 are fixed pay. Non-cash perks (residence, staff, vehicle, security) are significant and not reflected in these figures.
Beyond the cash salary
- Official residence — a government bungalow/flat, often in prime locations.
- Staff and vehicle — support staff and an official car with driver.
- Security and travel — as warranted by the posting.
- Medical, telephone and utility provisions.
- Dearness Allowance — 60% of basic, on the junior/senior scales.
Career progression
An IAS/IPS officer typically enters at Junior Scale (Level 10), reaches Senior Time Scale in about four to five years, and progresses through Junior Administrative, Selection and Super Time scales with service and empanelment. The very top posts — Chief Secretary and DGP (Apex, Level 17) and Cabinet Secretary (Level 18) — carry fixed pay. Entry is through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary of an IAS officer?
An IAS officer starts on the Junior Scale at pay Level 10 (basic ₹56,100). With DA at 60%, HRA and Transport Allowance, in-hand is about ₹1.08 lakh a month in a metro (about ₹91,500 in a Z-class town) before income tax, and there are substantial non-cash perks such as official residence, staff and a vehicle.
What is the highest salary an IAS officer can reach?
The Cabinet Secretary, the senior-most IAS post, is at pay Level 18 with a fixed basic pay of ₹2,50,000. The Apex Scale (Level 17, ₹2,25,000) applies to Chief Secretaries and equivalent posts.
Is IAS and IPS salary the same?
The pay scales are the same for IAS and IPS at each level (both All-India Services on the 7th CPC matrix). Postings, specific allowances and non-cash provisions can differ with the role and department.
More in Salary & Pay
View all7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix 2026 — All Levels 1 to 18
7th CPC pay matrix 2026: entry basic pay for levels 1 to 18, how DA (60%), HRA and TA build in-hand salary, with a worked Level 6 example.
Police Constable & Sub-Inspector Salary 2026 — Pay Level & In-hand
Police Constable and Sub-Inspector salary 2026: typical 7th CPC levels (Constable Level 3, SI Level 6), DA at 60%, HRA and in-hand across India.
SSC CGL Salary 2026 — Post-wise Pay Level, Basic Pay & In-hand
SSC CGL salary 2026 by post: pay level, basic pay and in-hand at 60% DA for Assistant Audit Officer, Inspector, ASO, Auditor and Tax Assistant.
8th Pay Commission 2026 — Status, Fitment Factor & Expected Date
8th Pay Commission status: constituted in November 2025, report due by about May 2027. Fitment factor, pay matrix and effective date are not yet decided.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026 — Post-wise Pay Level, Basic Pay & In-hand
SSC CHSL salary 2026 by post — pay level, 7th CPC basic pay and approximate in-hand for LDC/JSA, Postal Assistant, Data Entry Operator and DEO Grade A.
SSC MTS Salary 2026 — In-hand Pay, Pay Level & Havaldar
SSC MTS salary 2026 — Multi-Tasking Staff at pay Level 1 (₹18,000) and Havaldar at Level 2 (₹19,900), with DA, HRA and approximate in-hand by city class.