UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) Salary 2026
The Civil Services Exam recruits IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group A officers, all entering at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 basic). The ladder climbs to the apex Level 18 (₹2,50,000) held by the Cabinet Secretary. Pay follows the 7th CPC Pay Matrix; in-hand pay across posts ranges from ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 per month depending on the post, pay level and city.
UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) post-wise salary
Entry basic pay and approximate in-hand salary for each UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) post. In-hand figures include typical allowances and assume a metro / higher-HRA city; smaller-city pay is a little lower.
| Post | Pay level | Basic pay | In-hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry — Junior Scale (SDM / Assistant Secretary / Assistant Commissioner)0–4 years; gazetted Group A | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹80,000–1,00,000 |
| Senior Scale (ADM / Deputy Secretary / Under Secretary GoI)around 4–9 years of service | Level 11 | ₹67,700 | ₹1,00,000–1,15,000 |
| Junior Administrative Grade (District Magistrate)around 9–12 years of service | Level 12 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,15,000–1,30,000 |
| Selection / Super Time Scale (Divisional Commissioner / Secretary-rank)around 16–25 years of service | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹2,00,000+ |
| Apex Scale (Chief Secretary / Secretary to GoI)fixed pay; 34+ years of service | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 | ₹2,25,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary (apex-most)senior-most civil servant in India | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 | ₹2,50,000 |
Allowances & benefits
The in-hand salary is basic pay plus these allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical / CGHS coverage
Career growth & perks
- Government accommodation / officer bungalow
- official vehicle with driver
- domestic staff support
- subsidised utilities
- pension and retirement benefits
- study leave / deputation opportunities
UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) salary — FAQs
What is the in-hand salary for UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) 2026?
The in-hand salary for UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) ranges from ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 per month depending on the post, pay level and city (which sets the HRA slab). The Civil Services Exam recruits IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other Group A officers, all entering at Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 basic). The ladder climbs to the apex Level 18 (₹2,50,000) held by the Cabinet Secretary.
What is the pay scale / pay level for UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims)?
UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) posts are paid under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The post-wise pay levels and entry basic pay are listed in the table above.
What allowances are paid in UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) jobs?
On top of basic pay, UPSC CSE (Civil Services Exam — Prelims) employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Medical / CGHS coverage. These allowances are what make the in-hand salary higher than the basic pay.
Indicative; confirm on the official UPSC notification / DoPT pay rules. In-hand figures vary with city tier and the current DA rate.
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