Joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the dream of many candidates. But do you know which are the most prestigious postings for IAS officers and how much salary they get? Let’s know about this in detail.
Cabinet Secretary: The Highest Posting in IAS
The post of Cabinet Secretary in the Government of India is considered the highest and most prestigious post for IAS officers. It is the top administrative post in the Indian bureaucratic system, the officer holding this post acts as the head of all IAS officers.
The Cabinet Secretary is responsible for coordinating between all secretaries and administrative officers across the country. This role includes working closely with the Prime Minister’s Office and overseeing cabinet meetings chaired by the Prime Minister.
Salary and Perks of Cabinet Secretary
The salary and perks of a Cabinet Secretary are as follows:
- Basic Salary: Approximately ₹2.5 lakh per month
- Dearness Allowance: 28% of the basic salary (around ₹70,000)
- House Rent Allowance: Government accommodation in Delhi (Type-8 bungalow)
- Vehicle Facility: Official vehicle with a chauffeur
- Other Perks & Benefits: Medical, travel, telephone, and other allowances
Overall, the monthly salary package of a Cabinet Secretary ranges between Rs 3.5 to Rs 4 lakh, along with several additional benefits and privileges associated with the position.
Eligibility to Become Cabinet Secretary
To get the post of Cabinet Secretary, an IAS officer has to complete at least 30-35 years of service. This prestigious role is usually given to the most senior and experienced IAS officers. The appointment is made by the Cabinet Appointments Committee headed by the Prime Minister.
The tenure of the Cabinet Secretary is normally two years, but it can be extended if necessary.
Other Prestigious IAS Postings
Apart from the Cabinet Secretary, some other prestigious IAS postings include:
- Chief Secretary – The highest administrative post at the state level.
- Department Secretary – A key position in central government ministries.
- District Magistrate/Collector – The top administrative officer of a district.
IAS Officers’ Salary Structure
The salary of IAS officers is determined as per the 7th Pay Commission:
- Trainee IAS: Starting from ₹56,100
- Junior Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Senior Scale: ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
- Super Time Scale: ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100
- Apex Scale (Secretary Level): ₹2,25,000
- Cabinet Secretary: ₹2,50,000
In addition to the basic salary, IAS officers receive various allowances and benefits, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance.
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