Lakhs of youngsters in the country aspire to become IAS officers. IAS officers are in a different league when compared to other professionals (public and private) considering the benefits enjoyed by them. Most of the aspirants might be curious as to which facilities are provided to IAS officers in India? After the 7th Pay Commission, they get salaries almost equal to the pay scale in the private sector. Also if the question is “Apart from the Salary, What are the perks of an IAS Officer?”, they are granted a number of perks which a private-firm professional can never dream of having. Most importantly, IAS officers enjoy huge power bestowed on them by the government. They have the power to change lives for the better (preferably people’s lives and not just their own)! This article talks about the IAS officer facilities and salary, and the benefits of becoming an IAS officer. Read on to know more about IAS officer salary and other facilities and life of an IAS officer in general.
Explore The Ultimate Guide to IAS Exam Preparation
Salary of an IAS officer
The following table gives the salary of an IAS officer (6th Pay Commission). It also gives you the IAS grade pay in India.
| Grade | Pay Scale | Grade Pay | Years of service required | Post |
| Junior Time Scale | 50000 – 150000 | 16500 | NA | Sub-divisional Magistrate/Sub-collector |
| Senior Time Scale | 50000 – 150001 | 20000 | 5 years | District Magistrate/Collector/Joint Secretary of a govt. ministry |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 50000 – 150001 | 23000 | 9 years | Special Secretary/Head of Govt. departments |
| Selection Grade | 100000 – 200000 | 26000 | 12 – 15 years | Secretary to a Minister |
| Super Time Scale | 100000 – 200000 | 30000 | 17 – 20 years | Principal Secretary of an important Govt. department |
| Above Super Time Scale | 100000 – 200000 | 30000 | Varies | Varies |
| Apex Scale | 225000 (fixed) | NA | Varies | Chief Secretary of States/Union Secretaries in charge of various Central Govt. ministries |
| Cabinet Secretary Grade | 250000 (fixed) | NA | Varies | Cabinet Secretary of India |
As you can see from the pay of IAS officers in India, the salaries of IAS officers are quite handsome and comparable to private sector jobs. What trump the private sector jobs are the perks given to the IAS officers.
Read about the latest details of IAS Salary – 7th Pay Commission in the linked article.
Facilities of an IAS officer
What facilities are given to an IAS officer?
Under this section, we discuss the facilities of IAS officer given by the government.
IAS Powers and Facilities are unmatched to that in the Private sector. Here is a list of facilities of an IAS officer:
Residence: IAS officers generally get huge houses as residences on very low or no rent. They also can avail of the services of maids, cooks, gardeners, security guards, etc.
Transport: They are allotted one or more vehicles with chauffeurs for official purposes.
Security: Due to the high profile and sometimes dangerous nature of the job, IAS officers are provided with security guards for themselves and even their family. In case of a life threat, they can even get STF commandoes for their protection.
Bills: They generally get free or highly subsidised electricity, water, gas and phone connections.
Trips: IAS officers enjoy subsidised accommodation in government guest houses or bungalows when on official or non-official trips. When visiting Delhi, they can avail of accommodation in their State Bhavans.
Study Leaves: IAS officers can also go for study leaves for 2 years. They can even undergo courses at reputed foreign universities. The cost of such courses will be undertaken by the government. Of course, there are restrictions on this facility. Only officers who have completed 7 years of service (6 years for North-East Cadres) are allowed this facility. They should also sign a bond that they would serve the government in their capacity as IAS officers for a certain number of years after they return.
Job Security: IAS officers have enviable job security. It is not easy to fire an officer and the process requires extensive investigations and inquiries.
Lifetime Pension: IAS officers enjoy lifetime pension and other retirement benefits.
Post-retirement: Officers can also be appointed to commissions or tribunals. Their services can also be availed off in other departments of the government. Many IAS officers are also sought-after by private companies for their talents.
As you can see from the above, the salary and facilities of an IAS officer are indeed attractive.
Powers of an IAS officer
Even if the facilities given to an IAS officer can be matched by other professions, the power that an IAS officer gets and commands is unique. IAS officers usually have the charge of the administration of an entire district/state/department/ministry. This is a huge responsibility and a lot of people depend on them to function effectively and efficiently. They have the power to bring about positive changes in the lives of people. They can influence policies on social initiatives, education, health and economy. This power to serve the people and the country is unmatched. Only the Indian Administrative Service gives the opportunity to take a direct and active part in the progress of the country. The IASÂ officer salary and facilities combined with the power that he/she wields is quite overwhelming. It also presents an opportunity to serve the country by using one’s talents and abilities.
To read more about the life of an IAS officer, aspirants can check the linked article.
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